Honda running ad campaign to boost recall repairs

DETROIT (AP) — Honda is launching an unprecedented U.S. ad campaign urging owners to get vehicles that have been recalled for safety problems repaired.

The Japanese automaker will spend several million dollars on ads in 120 newspapers and 30-second radio spots in 110 markets. It's also sponsoring customized Facebook posts that will appear in owners' timelines. The ads — in English and Spanish — will begin running next week.

Honda has recalled more than 5 million cars in the U.S. since 2008 because their air bags that can inflate with too much force, sending shrapnel into the vehicle. Six deaths have been blamed on the defective air bags, which were made by Japanese supplier Takata Corp.

Spokesman Chris Martin said it's the first time Honda has reached out to owners through a media campaign. The ad makes clear that recalls are free, and promises loaners if there is a delay in getting the cars repaired.