A rising number of airbag thefts across Baltimore and Howard County in Maryland is being linked to a critical shortage of replacement airbags, with Honda vehicles being the primary target due to high demand, recall issues and black-market resale value.
According to law enforcement data, Baltimore City has recorded 372 airbag thefts since the beginning of 2023 -- 136 in 2024 and 58 already in 2025. In neighboring Howard County, the numbers are even higher, with 566 total cases since 2023, including 296 in 2024 and 64 so far this year. Police say the Southeastern District of Baltimore has seen a notable uptick in incidents.
The theft trend is driven in part by supply constraints on airbag replacement parts, stemming from widespread recalls -- most notably the Takata recall -- and increased collision-related demand. Honda models, such as the CR-V, are among the most frequently targeted.
“The market for airbags is very high due to collisions, combined with the Takata airbag recalls,” Ben Perricone, territory manager for the Approved Auto Repair program at AAA Mid-Atlantic/Club Alliance, told WMAR-2 News in Baltimore. “Airbags on the black market can bring anywhere from $50 to $200.”
Former WMAR-2 News reporter Abby Isaacs experienced this firsthand when the airbag was stolen from her Honda CR-V in Baltimore’s Highlandtown neighborhood. “There were two other Honda CR-Vs that were hit on my block,” she said. “One of them also had their airbag stolen, and the other one was just broken into.”
A manager at the repair shop warned Isaacs that Honda airbag replacements could take weeks, if not longer, to arrive due to ongoing backorders.
The resale of stolen airbags raises serious safety concerns, particularly for unsuspecting consumers who may receive recalled or non-functional components during repairs. “Are you buying a used air bag that is part of that recall?” Perricone asked. “Are you replacing your stolen air bag with a unit that may have a potential problem?”
Perricone stressed the importance of verifying airbag legitimacy through documented invoices. “If it’s a good component, a quality component, a legal component, there will be a paper trail. So ask to see the invoices.”
Consumers are also warned against buying airbags online. Isaacs initially considered sourcing a second-hand unit but was advised against it. “They were like, no, that’s extremely dangerous,” she said.
In one high-profile case, Howard County police recovered 31 stolen airbags -- primarily from Hondas -- during a traffic stop involving a stolen vehicle. Authorities say the popularity of Hondas makes them a prime target for parts thieves and chop shops.
Preventive measures such as steering wheel locks, while not foolproof, may help deter theft. Perricone added that parking in well-lit areas and activating alarms can further reduce risk.
In a response to inquiries about the parts shortage, Honda’s corporate office told WMAR-2 News: “Since each delayed replacement part may face different supply challenges, we recommend working directly with local authorized Acura and Honda dealers... Each customer inquiry will be addressed on a case-by-case basis.”
