Honda Motor Co is adding 437,000 vehicles to its 15-month old global recall for faulty airbags in the latest quality problem to hit a Japanese carmaker.

The company will replace the driver's side air bag inflator on the cars because they can deploy with too much pressure, causing the inflator to rupture and injure or kill the driver.

Japan's number two car manufacturer originally announced the recall to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in November 2008 and the total of number vehicles recalled since then is approaching one million.

The latest expansion of the airbag recall includes 378,000 cars in the US, some 41,000 cars in Canada and 17,000 cars in Japan, Australia and elsewhere in Asia.

The North American recall was announced and then followed by the recall in Asia.

Honda's announcement comes at a time of increased attention on car recalls. Though the problems are unrelated, rival Toyota Motor Corp is in the process of recalling more than eight million cars and trucks due to faulty pedals.

Yesterday, Toyota said it would recall more than 440,000 of its flagship 2010 Prius and other hybrids due to a braking glitch.

"There is a heightened sensitivity right now to anything to do with recalls," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda.

Honda's latest US recall airbag affects certain 2001 and 2002 Accord sedans, Civic compacts, Odyssey minivans, CR-V small sport utility vehicles and some 2002 Acura TL sedans.

The recall now affects 952,118 vehicles, including certain 2001 and 2002 Accord sedans, Civic compacts, Odyssey minivans, CR-V small sport utility vehicles and some 2002 Acura TL sedans.

In Japan, the recall covers three models, including the 2001 sedan Inspire.

Honda said it is aware of 12 incidents linked to the problem - one death in May 2009 and 11 injuries. The company said it is not aware of any problems happening after July 2009.