KUALA LUMPUR (July 14): Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd, which is in the midst of recalling about 148,000 vehicles here affected by the Takata airbag fiasco, is experiencing low stock for replacement parts and unable to meet customers' replacement demands.

Though it said it would be able to secure 100% stock availability for the Takata driver front airbag inflators by mid-August, it is uncertain when the replacement parts for the affected Takata passenger front airbag inflators will be fully available, due to the global shortage of the parts since May.

However, it assured it is working to secure an increasing supply of replacement parts from Takata, asking them to improve the supply of replacement parts, and continuing to expand supply from other suppliers, such as Daicel, Autoliv and TRW, to address the situation.

Further, it explained that due to the multiple recalls for Takata front airbag inflators, it would be possible that one vehicle is recalled for both Takata driver and passenger front airbag inflators.

"In this circumstance, however, there is a possibility that both airbag inflators in the vehicle might not be changed at one time due to the low availability of the replacement parts for Takata passenger front airbag inflators," it added.

To increase its capacity to deal with the Takata airbag inflator-related recalls, Honda said it will reduce the Preventive Maintenance Service Schedule intake starting July 20 this year at its dealers to 50%.

"As priority is being given to airbag inflator replacement, there is a possibility that the normal preventive maintenance service might not be met. Honda Malaysia, in such cases, will extend the maintenance period and reflect accordingly in the warranty period of the involved cars," Honda said.

The car maker also said it will open three central hubs — at locations to be announced — that will operate seven days a week to further increase capacity for airbag inflator replacement.

Honda will also open Mobile Hubs nationwide to make it more convenient for customers to reach servicing venues and to ensure faster and easier airbag inflator replacement process. The locations and details of these Mobile Hubs will be announced soon.

For parallel imported Honda vehicles, namely those that were not sold by authorised Honda dealers in Malaysia, owners are advised to contact the company as well for preparation to have their cars repaired.

"Cost of parts and labour for the airbag inflator replacement will be borne by Honda Malaysia," it added.