The problem is down to the inflators which deploy the driver's airbag. There's been reports of these inflators releasing too much pressure, causing plastic and metal shrapnel to be blasted into the occupants. Honda said in a recent statement,

"Affected driver's airbag inflators may deploy with too much pressure, which can cause the inflator casing to rupture and could result in injury or fatality."

Up to 90 per cent of the vehicles affected by the recall were sold in North America, where two deaths and 20 injuries have resulted from the defect in various models. Honda Australia's Melissa Cross explained the recall affects approximately 300 Australian customers:

"In Australia, this is an extension of a recall announced in May 2011 (total of 787 Accords from 2001 to 2002). The additional vehicles required for inspection are around 300 units."

Cars are affected by the global recall include the 2001-2002 Honda Accord, 2001-2003 Honda Civic sedan, 2001-2003 Honda Odyssey, and 2002-2003 Honda CR-V.