NHTSA Complaint #11699122 — 2011 HONDA CIVIC

On August 9 while grandson was in route on I20 toward Birmingham, Al. to attend grandparent funeral, driver air bag exploded. He struggled to take a close next exit. He pulled car to side of road and ran away from car. He said it was full of smoke and small pieces. He feared the car was going to catch fire. His phone was dead and there was nothing off the exit so after smoke cleared and he felt safer, he drove car to my home and parked under carport. I called Sunny King Honda on Monday and they said that I had to contact American Honda. I was told they would send someone to inspect, but after many times calling, they said insurance needed to inspect. On October 1, Insurance looked at car and did car fax and found no reason for air bag to explode. They had already given me case number but finally a case manager, named Ilene, answered and said to take to dealership on October 24 for inspection and test. I spoke with guy at dealership and he said because car does not need to be driven, I could leave there and they would lock up. I have called again many times trying to find out when car will be fixed and she is not returning my calls. It has been 3 more weeks since dropping off at dealership. It is going on 4 months without car. This could have been a death complaint instead of needing repair. He was fortunate that his left arm was really red and no other harm. There was not a recall on his vin but common sense is air bag is for safety when hitting something to protect individual. Looking on line, there are other complaints with 2011 Civic. The car has been a great car but I am concerned about safety. I hoped American Honda would just repair car and make safe, but at this point, I am questioning.