When we posted Latest NHTSA Safety Recalls: February Edition, we didn’t realize how many recalls to expect this month. So here’s part 2 of our roundup of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recalls, fresh from the inbox.

Honda recalls 2008 and 2009 Odyssey EX-L and Touring minivans over unreliable tailgates

Blows to the head from a falling tailgate might be funny on TV, but not in real life. Unfortunately, some Honda owners could be in for just such a nasty surprise. So far, only a couple people have been injured, but the possibility for more has prompted Honda to recall nearly 46,000 Odyssey EX-L and Touring minivans.

The threat of injury stems from the gas-filled struts that hold up the minivans’ tailgate. Because of a manufacturing error, gas can leak from the struts, lessening their ability to hold up the heavy gates. Thankfully, the electric motor that assists in opening the gate will kick in to slow the gate’s fall after the first couple inches — but that probably won’t do much to console you should your head happen to be within those first few inches.

Honda plans to begin sending recall letters in mid-March. Owners of the affected vans will be directed to a dealership to have the struts inspected and, if necessary, replaced. If you think your vehicle might be on the list, give Honda a call at 1-800-999-1009.

Side curtain air bags mar 2012 Nissan Altima and Versa models

Japanese automaker Nissan is recalling certain 2012 Altima and Versa models due to an issue with the side curtain air bags in both models. Some 976 vehicles shipped with an incorrect mixture of propellants that could cause the air bags to fail to deploy in a crash, increasing the risk of passenger injury.

Nissan dealers will replace one or both side air bags as necessary free of charge. If you own an affected vehicle, feel free to call Nissan at 615-725-1000.

Fuel line fractures prompt Ducati motorcycle recall

Italian motorcycle manufacturer Ducati has discovered the potential for minute cracks to develop in the fuel lines of 913 Hypermotard and Monster motorcycles. Apparently, the raw materials composing the fuel lines were insufficiently dried before being extruded into their final forms. Obviously, cracked fuel lines could mean leaking fuel, a clear danger.

Manufactured between June 25, 2011, and November 30, 2011, the affected vehicles include:

• 2012 Hypermotard 1100 EVO
• 2011 Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP
• 2012 Hypermotard 796
• 2012 Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP C
• 2012 Monster 1100 EVO
• 2012 Monster 696
• 2012 Monster 796

Though Ducati hasn’t declared a recall date just yet, they will replace the faulty fuel lines for free. You can contact them at 1-800-231-6696 or through their website.

Air bag troubles again — this time plaguing Honda

On January 31 of this year, Honda issued a recall on some 2012 Acura MDX and Civic models due to side curtain air bag troubles. This month sees Honda adding the Accord and Crosstour models to the mix, bringing the number of affected vehicles to 974. The problem? According to the manufacturer, the air bag inflators simply weren’t built to specifications, creating the potential for deployment failure.

Honda will replace the driver’s or passenger’s side curtain airbag as needed free of charge. Notices should have begun going out on or around February 10, 2012. Owners may contact Honda’s customer service team at 1-800-999-1009.

Additional recalls:

Related links

How to get notifications and stay on top of recalls
What to do if your car is recalled