NHTSA investigating Honda over airbag recall

September 3, 2009 The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is trying to determine whether Honda delayed last year's recall of more than 400,000 vehicles for an airbag defect.

The problem could allow pieces of metal to hit the driver during a collision.

The original recall last November included 3,900 2001 model Honda Accords and Civics. Eight months later the recall was expanded to cover about 440,000 vehicles, including 2002 Accords and Acura TL models.

The safety agency is now asking Honda for a detailed explanation about the delay.