NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
84 reportsMileage unknown · Oct 7, 2015
Visibility/wiper
THE AUTO-DIMMING REAR-VIEW MIRROR INSIDE THE CAR DOES NOT PROPERLY DIM OR DOES NOT DIM AT ALL RESULTING IN HEADLIGHTS REFLECTING ON THE DRIVER AND CAUSING A CONSTANT DISTRACTION THAT'S POTENTIALLY A DRIVING HAZARD. THERE'S NO MANUAL OPTION TO FORCE IT TO DIM, AND THERE'S NO OPTION TO REPLACE THE AUTO-DIMMING MIRROR WITH A MANUA…
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THE AUTO-DIMMING REAR-VIEW MIRROR INSIDE THE CAR DOES NOT PROPERLY DIM OR DOES NOT DIM AT ALL RESULTING IN HEADLIGHTS REFLECTING ON THE DRIVER AND CAUSING A CONSTANT DISTRACTION THAT'S POTENTIALLY A DRIVING HAZARD. THERE'S NO MANUAL OPTION TO FORCE IT TO DIM, AND THERE'S NO OPTION TO REPLACE THE AUTO-DIMMING MIRROR WITH A MANUAL ONE. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED OCCURRENCE AS IT HAPPENS EXTREMELY REGULARLY; ONLY RARELY DOES IT DIM EFFECTIVELY.
NHTSA ODI #10780551
13,400 miles · Feb 23, 2015
Air BagsExterior LightingSeat Belts
I'VE OWNED THIS VEHICLE OR ACTUALLY IS LEASING IT AND I'VE HAD IT FOR ABOUT 20 MONTHS AND HAVE EXPERIENCED 3 RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE AND THIS IS SUPPOSE TO BE ACURA'S FLAGSHIP VEHICLE AND I'M TOTALLY NOT PLEASED WITH THESE RECALLS THAT I FEEL ACURA PROBABLY KNEW ABOUT BEFORE RELEASING THE VEHICLE FOR SALE TO THE PUBLIC, IN THE L…
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I'VE OWNED THIS VEHICLE OR ACTUALLY IS LEASING IT AND I'VE HAD IT FOR ABOUT 20 MONTHS AND HAVE EXPERIENCED 3 RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE AND THIS IS SUPPOSE TO BE ACURA'S FLAGSHIP VEHICLE AND I'M TOTALLY NOT PLEASED WITH THESE RECALLS THAT I FEEL ACURA PROBABLY KNEW ABOUT BEFORE RELEASING THE VEHICLE FOR SALE TO THE PUBLIC, IN THE LATEST RECALL WAS FOR MY HEADLIGHTS AND I WAS TOLD BY LETTER AND THEN BY PERSON VIA THE PHONE NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE HEADLIGHTS COULD MALFUNCTION OR FALL OUT AND TO GET IT FIXED AT NO CHARGE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BUT ACURA DEALERS DIDN'T HAVE THE PARTS ON HAND AND HAD TO BE ORDERED AND MY VEHICLE HAD TO STAY PUT IN MY GARAGE FOR ABOUT 4 WEEKS BEFORE SOMEONE FROM CERRITOS ACURA CALLED ME WITH AN SCHEDULE APPT., NOW I FELT THAT ACURA SHOULD'VE GIVEN ME AN RENTAL CAR TO DRIVE WHILE THEY WAITED ON THESE PARTS, I CONTACT ACURA CLIENT RELATIONS DEPT. AND WAS DIRECTED TO SPEAK TO AN LADY MANAGER BY THE NAME OF [XXX] (PHONE # 1-800-382-2238 EXT. [XXX]) AND THIS WAS THE WORST CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE THAT I EVER OCCURRED, HER PHONE ALWAYS WENT STRAIGHT TO HER VOICE MAIL AND WHEN SHE DID CONTACT ME BACK SHE CALLED ME ON MY HOME NUMBER/ CELL PHONE NUMBER INSTEAD OF THE NUMBER I PROVIDED HER WITH (JOB #) SHE OBVIOUSLY DIDN'T LISTEN TO MY MESSAGE AND JUST INSTEAD WAS MONITORING HER CALLS AND CALLED ME BACK ON THE NUMBER SHE HAD ON FILE, I CALLED HER AT LEAST 6 TIMES AND NEVER EVER SPOKE TO HER, ACURA BRAGGED ABOUT THIS CAR GETTING ALL OF THESE ACCOLADES FOR SAFETY AND WAS ACTUALLY ON THE LIST FOR BEST SAFETY VEHICLE IN 2014 AND TO HAVE 3 RECALLS IS AN INCONVENIENCE TO MYSELF AND HAVE GIVEN ME SERIOUS DOUBTS ABOUT PURCHASING FROM THEM EVER AGAIN, I WISH I COULD'VE GOTTEN SOME BETTER CUSTOMER SERVICE VIA THE CLIENT RELATIONS DEPT. AS FOR THE DEALER AND THE SERVICE AND CORRECTING THIS PROBLEM, I WAS VERY PLEASED AND THIS IS MY REASON FOR COMPLAINING. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10689883
1,000 miles · Jan 8, 2015
Service Brakes
AT LESS THAN 1000 MILES, THE CAR STARTED TO INTERMITTENTLY ALERT ME TO BRAKE WHEN THERE IS NOTHING IN FRONT OF THE CAR AND THERE IS A CAR IN THE BLINDSPOT WHEN NONE THERE. THESE ISSUES HAVE CONTINUED FOR THE TWO YEARS I HAVE OWNED THE CAR. THE DEALER HAS HAD THE CAR FOR WEEKS AT THE TIME AND CANNOT RECREATE THE PROBLEM. I HAD…
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AT LESS THAN 1000 MILES, THE CAR STARTED TO INTERMITTENTLY ALERT ME TO BRAKE WHEN THERE IS NOTHING IN FRONT OF THE CAR AND THERE IS A CAR IN THE BLINDSPOT WHEN NONE THERE. THESE ISSUES HAVE CONTINUED FOR THE TWO YEARS I HAVE OWNED THE CAR. THE DEALER HAS HAD THE CAR FOR WEEKS AT THE TIME AND CANNOT RECREATE THE PROBLEM. I HAD A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE STEERING WHEEL MAKING A LOUD SQUEAL BUT WAS TOLD BY DEALERSHIP THIS WAS NORMAL. AFTER SEVERAL COMPLAINTS, THEY REALIZE THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. ONE OF THE COMPUTER SCREEN FREEZES AND DOESN'T SHOW DATA. KEYFOB OFTEN DOESN'T RECOGNIZE THE KEY AND I HAVE TO TAKE IT OUT TO OPEN THE CAR. THE CAR HAS HAD RECALLS ON NAVIGATION SYSTEM, HEADLIGHTS, SEATBELTS AND BOLTS YET HONDA USA CONTINUES NOT TO NOT SEE AN ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE BEING A LEMON. I AM NEAR THE END OF THE WARRANTY AND CONCERNED WITH THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10671155
500 miles · Sep 21, 2014
Electrical System
WHILE DRIVING SOUTH ON U.S. 1, A SIX LANE ROAD, I PLACED A TELEPHONE CALL USING THE BUTTONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL. SHORTLY AFTER THE CALL WAS CONNECTED, THE CAR'S WARNING ALARM SOUNDED AND AN "I" APPEARED IN THE INFORMATION DISPLAY. FRANTICALLY TRYING TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, I USED THE CONTROL …
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WHILE DRIVING SOUTH ON U.S. 1, A SIX LANE ROAD, I PLACED A TELEPHONE CALL USING THE BUTTONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL. SHORTLY AFTER THE CALL WAS CONNECTED, THE CAR'S WARNING ALARM SOUNDED AND AN "I" APPEARED IN THE INFORMATION DISPLAY. FRANTICALLY TRYING TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, I USED THE CONTROL ON THE STEERING WHEEL TO SCROLL DOWN THE INFORMATION LIST AND FOUND A RED DISPLAY SAYING "12 VOLT BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM PROBLEM". BECAUSE TRAFFIC WAS SO THICK, I DECIDED NOT TO TRY TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WHEN I GOT TO A RED LIGHT, I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND RESTARTED IT. THE MESSAGE DID NOT REAPPEAR. BECAUSE THIS PROBLEM DID NOT REOCCUR FOR A MONTH, I ASSUMED THAT ACURA USED ITS LINK SYSTEM TO REMOTELY CORRECT THE SOFTWARE ERROR. THE ASSUMPTION WAS INCORRECT. OVER THE NEXT 5 MONTHS, THE SAME THING HAPPENED 3 MORE TIMES. ON SEPTEMBER 19 I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS AN ACURA BULLETIN ON THIS SOFTWARE ISSUE DATED APRIL 16, 2014. IN MY OPINION, THIS SOFTWARE ISSUE THAT ISSUES A FALSE ALARM THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAS FAILED SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE SUBJECT OF A NOISY RECALL, OR AT LEAST A QUIET RECALL. MY CAR WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP ON 2 OCCASIONS BETWEEN MAY 15 AND SEPTEMBER 19, AND THE SOFTWARE ERROR WAS NOT CORRECTED. IF ACURA COULD SEND AN E-MAIL TO ALL OWNERS ON SEPTEMBER 16 ADVISING OF A SOFTWARE INCOMPATIBILITY FOR STATIONARY VEHICLES WITH THE IOS 8 FOR IPHONES, WHY COULDN'T ACURA SEND AN E-MAIL REGARDING AN ERROR IN ACURA SOFTWARE THAT AFFECTS MOVING VEHICLES? I RAISED THIS ISSUE WITH ACURA CLIENT RELATIONS AND WAS UNABLE TO ESCALATE THE ISSUE. MY REQUESTS FOR CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE EXECUTIVE OFFICES OF AMERICAN HONDA AND AMERICAN HONDA'S CHIEF SAFETY OFFICER WERE DENIED. I DID NOT EVEN SUCCEED IN SPEAKING WITH A SUPERVISOR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10637812
12,800 miles · Aug 20, 2014
Steering
THE RLX HAS ALL WHEEL STEERING. THE REAR STEERING WHEEL ACTUATORS MAKE A GROANING SOUND, WHICH ACURA HAS NOT EVALUATED FOR POTENTIAL SAFETY CONCERNS. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE PART IS DEFECTIVE AND COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IF IT FAILS. ACURA KNOWS OF THE PROBLEM AND HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX IT DUE TO THE UNA…
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THE RLX HAS ALL WHEEL STEERING. THE REAR STEERING WHEEL ACTUATORS MAKE A GROANING SOUND, WHICH ACURA HAS NOT EVALUATED FOR POTENTIAL SAFETY CONCERNS. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE PART IS DEFECTIVE AND COULD LEAD TO LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IF IT FAILS. ACURA KNOWS OF THE PROBLEM AND HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX IT DUE TO THE UNAVAILABILITY OF CORRECTED PARTS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10626646
1,500 miles · Jul 16, 2014
Suspension
CAR HAS NUMEROUS RATTLES AND HAS HAD A RECALL FOR REAR SUSPENSION BOLTS. RATTLE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN SOLVED OVER 5 ATTEMPTS. BOTH FRONT STRUT ASSEMBLIES HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND STILL RATTLES. I HAVE READ THERE ARE ISSUES WITH BOLTS COMING LOOSE AND TIE RODS SHEARING FROM THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE WHEEL(S) TO COME OFF. HAVE TOLD TH…
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CAR HAS NUMEROUS RATTLES AND HAS HAD A RECALL FOR REAR SUSPENSION BOLTS. RATTLE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN SOLVED OVER 5 ATTEMPTS. BOTH FRONT STRUT ASSEMBLIES HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND STILL RATTLES. I HAVE READ THERE ARE ISSUES WITH BOLTS COMING LOOSE AND TIE RODS SHEARING FROM THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE WHEEL(S) TO COME OFF. HAVE TOLD THE MANUFACTURER ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS BUT THEY INSIST THERE IS NO SAFETY ISSUE WITH VEHICLE. I DO NOT DRIVE CAR ON HIGHWAYS AS I AM AFRAID THAT ALL THIS RATTLING WILL LOOSEN THESE BOLTS AN ACCIDENT JUST WAITING TO HAPPEN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10610902
1,500 miles · Jul 16, 2014
Suspension
SINCE TAKING DELIVERY OF THE CAR, IT HAS MADE LOUD CLUNKING AND RATTLING NOISES AND VIBRATION FROM ALL FOUR WHEELS, PARTICULARLY NOTICEABLE WHILE DRIVING AT SLOWER SPEEDS (15-45 MPH). THE DEALER MADE AN ATTEMPT TO FIX THIS BY REPLACING THE DAMPERS ON ALL FOUR STRUTS AT THE DIRECTION OF ACURA. THIS DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. SI…
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SINCE TAKING DELIVERY OF THE CAR, IT HAS MADE LOUD CLUNKING AND RATTLING NOISES AND VIBRATION FROM ALL FOUR WHEELS, PARTICULARLY NOTICEABLE WHILE DRIVING AT SLOWER SPEEDS (15-45 MPH). THE DEALER MADE AN ATTEMPT TO FIX THIS BY REPLACING THE DAMPERS ON ALL FOUR STRUTS AT THE DIRECTION OF ACURA. THIS DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. SINCE THEN, THE DEALER HAS BEEN AWAITING DIRECTION FROM ACURA AS TO HOW TO REPAIR THIS DEFECT. DURING AN ARBITRATION HEARING, ACURA INFORMED THE ARBITRATOR AND ME THAT ALL 2014 RLXS HAVE THIS DEFECT. THEY SAID REDESIGNED PARTS ARE BEING TESTED NOW. AS OF 7/15/14 NO FURTHER REPORT HAS BEEN RECEIVED REGARDING THE RESULTS OF THIS TESTING, AND NEITHER ACURA NOR THE DEALER HAS CONTACTED ME TO ADVISE WHAT CORRECTIVE ACTION(S) WILL BE TAKEN AND WHEN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10610879
4,620 miles · Jul 8, 2014
Fuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or OtherVehicle Speed ControlCrash
AS I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN A SHOPPING PLAZA, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED CAUSING ME TO HIT A PARKED VEHICLE ABOUT 10 FT TO MY LEFT. UPDATED 3/17/2015 *JS
NHTSA ODI #10608957
5,100 miles · Apr 22, 2014
Suspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 ACURA RLX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH AND DECELERATING, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT. UPON COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE PASSENGER REAR TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE REAR CONTROL ARM BOLT FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 ACURA RLX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH AND DECELERATING, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT. UPON COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE PASSENGER REAR TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS FOUND THAT THE REAR CONTROL ARM BOLT FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT WOULD BE SENDING OUT AN ENGINEER TO EVALUATE THE WORK DONE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V622000 (SUSPENSION). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,100....UPDATED 06/04/2014 *BF UPDATED 06/06/2014 *JS
NHTSA ODI #10584264
9,601 miles · Feb 27, 2014
Tires
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 ACURA RLX EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN RADIAL X TUBELESS TIRES, SIZE 245/40R19, AND DOT NUMBER HN1C00LX4312. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE DEFECTIVE AND EXHIBITED BUBBLING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THE TIRES. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 ACURA RLX EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN RADIAL X TUBELESS TIRES, SIZE 245/40R19, AND DOT NUMBER HN1C00LX4312. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE DEFECTIVE AND EXHIBITED BUBBLING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THE TIRES. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE TIRES WAS 6,376. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,601. UPDATED 3/21/14*CN *TR
NHTSA ODI #10566282
Official recalls
5Dec 18, 2023
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
May 20, 2015
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX 2WD and AWD, RLX and 2014 Acura RLX Hybrid vehicles. In certain driving conditions, the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) may incorrectly interpret certain roadside objects such as metal fences or metal guardrails as obstacles and unexpectedly apply the brakes.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the CMBS unexpectedly applies emergency braking force while driving, there is an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the CMBS software, free of charge. The recall began on July 6, 2015. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Honda's numbers for this recall is JQ4, JQ5 and JQ6.
Dec 16, 2014
American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured November 22, 2012, to January 30, 2014, 2015 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured June 4, 2014, to November 18, 2014, and 2014 Acura RLX Hybrid vehicles manufactured November 5, 2013, to July 25, 2014. An aluminum film applied to the inner reflector of the headlight may experience adhesion issues causing the film to delaminate. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Delamination of the aluminum film may diminish output of the headlight, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace both of the headlights, free of charge. The recall began February 2, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-310-783-2000. Honda's number for this recall is JN2.
Oct 10, 2014
American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Acura MDX vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, to August 25, 2014, and 2014 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured November 5, 2012, to November 25, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the driver and front passenger seat belt may not extend or retract in low temperatures.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A seatbelt that does not function increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Honda has notified owners, and dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belts, free of charge. The recall began in November 2014. Owners may contact Acura customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Honda's number for this recall is JK7 for the MKX, and JK8 for the RLX.
Dec 16, 2013
American Honda Motor Company (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Acura RLX vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, through November 5, 2013. The bolts that attach the rear lower control arms to the sub-frame of the vehicle may have loosened during transport to dealerships.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Loose rear lower control arm bolts may reduce steering ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension lower control arm bolts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in early January 2014. Customers may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Honda's number for this recall is JD0.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
EA19001 · Electrical Overstress
Opened Apr 19, 2019 · Closed Sep 19, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW. The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mounted in the vehicle and deploys the vehicle air bags and seat belt pretensioners in accordance with manufacturer design specifications. The ECU in the subject vehicles contains a model DS84 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which controls the communication of the crash sensor signal, firing commands (i.e., when to deploy the airbag(s) and/or pretensioners), and fault information (e.g., diagnostic trouble codes). In September 2016, FCA announced recall 16V-668 for certain model year (MY) 2010 to 2014 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep products manufactured with the subject ZF-TRW ACU. In this recall, FCA discussed an EOS condition that resulted in a failure of the subject DS84 ASIC, which caused air bag non-deployment. FCA noted that the defect condition had only been observed in vehicles equipped with sensor harnessing routed across the front of the vehicle. Other FCA vehicles that also used the subject ACU, but were not equipped with cross-car harnessing, had not experienced EOS failures, despite similar time in service. During the course of this investigation, ODI sent two separate Information Request (IR) letters to six vehicle manufactures (including FCA, Hyundai, Honda, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Toyota) and one IR letter to ZF-TRW. These IR letters resulted in ODI receiving comprehensive data from these manufacturers and suppliers. Studies of this data found that the DS84 ASIC does not have sufficient protection against negative electrical transients or electrical overstress (“EOS”) that can be generated in certain severe crashes. An electrical transient occurs when the electrical power supplied to a circuit changes momentarily over a short duration of time. In these severe crash cases, the crash sensors and other powered wiring can be damaged and short circuited so as to create a negative electrical transient of sufficient intensity and duration (that are outside the vehicle manufacturer's specification) to damage the ASIC before the restraint device deployment signal is received by the SRS ECU. This damaged signal can lead to incomplete or nondeployment of the air bags and/or pretensioners. Airbag non-deployment and/or lack of pretensioner operation can increase the risk or severity of injury in a crash.A total of 8 fatalities and 14 injuries were associated with known EOS events. The common element in all investigated manufacturers vehicles is the SRS ECU containing a DS84 ASIC manufactured by ZF-TRW. The risk associated with the ASIC is equally shared among all OEMS involved in the investigation. The actual real-world risk can be mitigated by other factors which were assessed by ODI during this investigation. The first mitigating factor involves protections built into the ACU design which protect the DS84 ASIC from damage. There are multiple strategies and levels of protection employed by different OEMs that provide effective EOS mitigation. The two most common strategies at the ACU level are circuit protection diodes on the remote senor signal lines, and current limiting resistors that protect critical components. The second mitigating factor is found at the vehicle level and involves the location and routing of the wires leading from the crash sensors to the SRS ECU. If the wires are well protected in a crash and are not routed with other power wires carrying large currents, the risk for an EOS event is significantly reduced or eliminated. These design specific factors combine to produce a spectrum of risk for the vehicles equipped with ACUs using the DS84 ASIC. Given the many of years of field exposure, it is possible to divide the subject population into two groups; vehicles which have experienced EOS events, and vehicles which have not experienced EOS field events. Four of the six OEMs involved in this investigation have experienced EOS field events on at least one of their models equipped with a DS84 ASIC. All vehicle models (including the Toyota models identified in the Failure Report Summary of the opening resume for this investigation) with field events have been recalled. In an abundance of caution, ODI kept this investigation open five years to monitor field performance and did not identify any field events on vehicles not included in existing safety recalls. Given the spectrum of risk identified in this investigation and that all vehicles with a demonstrated unreasonable risk have been recalled, ODI is closing this investigation. ODI is closing this investigation with the following manufacturer safety recalls: 16V-668, 18E-043, 18V-137, 18V-363, and 20V-024. With the recall actions taken by the subject vehicle and equipment manufacturers, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exists on other model or model year vehicles outside of the recall scopes. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.