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2009 Honda Civic Hybrid

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 20.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

21 reports with mileage · 7 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 6 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 5 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

0 crash reports0 fire reports1 injury reports

What owners actually said

28 reports
66,245 miles · Oct 13, 2012
Power Train

NOTICED ABOUT A WEEK AGO THAT THERE WAS A WHINING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE WHILE IN GEAR. IT DOESN'T MAKE THE NOISE IN PARK OR NEUTRAL OR WHEN AT A STOP AND THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF. TOOK IT TO DCH HONDA IN TEMECULA,CA AND AFTER AN HOUR THEY CALLED ME AND TOLD ME MY TRANSMISSION IS BAD AND IT WILL COST ME $5250 TO GET A NEW ON…

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NOTICED ABOUT A WEEK AGO THAT THERE WAS A WHINING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE WHILE IN GEAR. IT DOESN'T MAKE THE NOISE IN PARK OR NEUTRAL OR WHEN AT A STOP AND THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF. TOOK IT TO DCH HONDA IN TEMECULA,CA AND AFTER AN HOUR THEY CALLED ME AND TOLD ME MY TRANSMISSION IS BAD AND IT WILL COST ME $5250 TO GET A NEW ONE INSTALLED. I HAD THE IMA BATTERY REPLACED LAST YEAR WITH LESS THAN 40K MILES ON THE CAR. STILL ONLY GET 38 MPG AVG. ON HIGHWAY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10479998

22,023 miles · Sep 25, 2012
Electrical System

IMA BATTERY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON AFTER DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON SEPTEMBER 24TH 2012 @ 4:15P CST. OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS 74 DEGREES AND PARTLY SUNNY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10476969

20,000 miles · Sep 8, 2012
Electrical SystemPower Train

THE CAR HAS A PROPENSITY TO LURCH FORWARD AT LOW SPEEDS. WHEN MAKING A TURN OR STOPPING AT A LIGHT THE ENGINE INTERMITTENTLY WILL REV AND THRUST THE VEHICLE FORWARD. IF THE DRIVER IS NOT KNOWLEDGEABLE OR PREPARED FOR THIS TENDENCY, THE VEHICLE CAN THRUST FORWARD AND STRIKE WHATEVER IS IN ITS PATH. THE SECOND PROBLEM THAT I HA…

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THE CAR HAS A PROPENSITY TO LURCH FORWARD AT LOW SPEEDS. WHEN MAKING A TURN OR STOPPING AT A LIGHT THE ENGINE INTERMITTENTLY WILL REV AND THRUST THE VEHICLE FORWARD. IF THE DRIVER IS NOT KNOWLEDGEABLE OR PREPARED FOR THIS TENDENCY, THE VEHICLE CAN THRUST FORWARD AND STRIKE WHATEVER IS IN ITS PATH. THE SECOND PROBLEM THAT I HAVE ENCOUNTERED IS THAT THE VEHICLE USES A MALFUNCTIONING INTEGRATED MOTOR ASSIST (IMA) FEATURE THAT IS SUPPOSED TO GIVE THE VEHICLE EXTRA POWER TO ENTER A HIGHWAY AND SAFELY MERGE WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC. UNFORTUNATELY, THIS FEATURE IS UNRELIABLE AND CAN LEAVE THE VEHICLE AND DRIVER IN A POSITION OF NOT HAVING ENOUGH POWER TO SAFELY MERGE WITH HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC. THIS DIFFERENTIAL IN SPEED IS VERY UNSAFE. IN 2011 I HAD THE LI BATTERY FOR MY HYBRID VEHICLE REPLACED. THIS BATTERY FAILED IN LESS THAN A YEAR. I WAS TOLD BY THE SENIOR MECHANIC AT THE HONDA DEALERSHIP THAT HONDA CORPORATION WAS AWARE OF THIS DEFECT. AND THAT HONDA KNOWINGLY REPLACED THE LI BATTERIES LAST YEAR WITH KNOWN DEFECTIVE BATTERIES AS A QUICK FIX TO APPEASE CUSTOMERS. THERE IS SOMETHING SERIOUSLY WRONG WITH THIS TECHNOLOGY, AND I BELIEVE THAT HONDA IS INTENTIONALLY NOT DISCLOSING THE TRUE NATURE OF THE PROBLEM WITH THESE HYBRID VEHICLES. I WOULD BE INTERESTED IN KNOWING IF THE HONDA CIVIC HYBRIDS ARE EXPERIENCING A HIGHER THAN NORMAL ACCIDENT RATE DUE TO ENGINE SURGING AT LOW SPEEDS AND INABILITY TO SAFELY MERGE WITH HIGHWAY TRAFFIC BECAUSE OF LOSS OF POWER DUE TO THE IMA SYSTEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10474295

67,100 miles · Jul 1, 2012
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkagesVehicle Speed Control

1) VISORS CRACKED - DRIVER'S SIDE DOES NOT STAY UP. 2) HYBRID BATTERY LIGHT SHOWED IT FAILED - DEALERSHIP REPROGRAMMED THE CAR FALL 2011 AND SINCE THEN THE CAR DOES NOT ACCELERATE AS WELL. I HAVE NOTICED LESSENED ABILITY TO ACCELERATE WHEN MERGING. 3) TWO OF THE DOORS FAIL TO LOCK WHEN THE CAR REACHES LOCKING SPEE…

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1) VISORS CRACKED - DRIVER'S SIDE DOES NOT STAY UP. 2) HYBRID BATTERY LIGHT SHOWED IT FAILED - DEALERSHIP REPROGRAMMED THE CAR FALL 2011 AND SINCE THEN THE CAR DOES NOT ACCELERATE AS WELL. I HAVE NOTICED LESSENED ABILITY TO ACCELERATE WHEN MERGING. 3) TWO OF THE DOORS FAIL TO LOCK WHEN THE CAR REACHES LOCKING SPEED. ONE OF THESE IS A BACK SEAT PASSENGER DOOR WHERE A CHILD SITS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10463870

16,301 miles · Jun 1, 2012
Suspension

WHILE DRIVING, NOISY REAR TIRES WERE HEARD. I ALSO OBSERVED UNEVEN AND RAPID REAR TIRE WEAR. THIS PROMPTED ME TO GET IT CHECKED AT RUSSEL & SMITH HONDA AT 2900 SOUTH LOOP WEST HOUSTON, TX 77054 ON 02/23/2011. FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS DONE AFTER 2 REAR TIRES WERE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE. ON 08/02/2011, I OBSERVED THAT THE REAR TIR…

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WHILE DRIVING, NOISY REAR TIRES WERE HEARD. I ALSO OBSERVED UNEVEN AND RAPID REAR TIRE WEAR. THIS PROMPTED ME TO GET IT CHECKED AT RUSSEL & SMITH HONDA AT 2900 SOUTH LOOP WEST HOUSTON, TX 77054 ON 02/23/2011. FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS DONE AFTER 2 REAR TIRES WERE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE. ON 08/02/2011, I OBSERVED THAT THE REAR TIRES CONTINUE TO HAVE ABNORMAL WEAR (22780 MILES), PROMPTING ME AGAIN TO GET IT INSPECTED AGAIN AT SAME DEALERSHIP. THE 19 POINT INSPECTION DONE FOUND THAT TIRES WERE OKAY, EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS OBVIOUS UNEVEN WEAR. I TOOK A PHOTO OF THE TIRES FOR PROOF OF THIS. I TOOK THE CAR BACK ON 05/31/2012 TO THEM (33346 MILES) DUE TO THE SAME PROBLEM, FEELING THAT IT IS NOT SAFE TO KEEP DRIVING THIS CAR. I WAS ADVISED TO REPLACE THE TWO REAR TIRES, BUT I BELIEVE THAT UNLESS SOMETHING IS DONE TO CORRECT THIS, IT WILL BE USELESS TO KEEP REPLACING THE TIRES. THIS IS THE REASON FOR FILING THIS COMPLAINT THAT HONDA HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10460246

18,000 miles · May 4, 2012
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR TIRES WERE WEARING PREMATURELY AS A RESULT OF A DEFECTIVE REAR SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO PERFORMED A WHEEL ALIGNMENT AS A TEMPORARY REMEDY. THE REPAIR HOWEVER FAILED TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE O…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 HONDA CIVIC HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR TIRES WERE WEARING PREMATURELY AS A RESULT OF A DEFECTIVE REAR SUSPENSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO PERFORMED A WHEEL ALIGNMENT AS A TEMPORARY REMEDY. THE REPAIR HOWEVER FAILED TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 23,406.

NHTSA ODI #10457481

12,000 miles · Feb 29, 2012
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train

HONDA CIVIC HYBRID HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BATTERY THAT THE SYSTEM USES TO RUN THE INTEGRATED MOTOR ASSIST BETWEEN THE TRANSMISSION AND THE ENGINE TO ASSIST THE GAS ENGINE WHEN ACCELERATING. AS THE BATTERY DETERIORATES, IT DOES NOT CHARGE AS WELL, HOLD A CHARGE AND THEREFORE DOES NOT ASSIST AS WELL TO ACCELERATE, CAUSING A DANGE…

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HONDA CIVIC HYBRID HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BATTERY THAT THE SYSTEM USES TO RUN THE INTEGRATED MOTOR ASSIST BETWEEN THE TRANSMISSION AND THE ENGINE TO ASSIST THE GAS ENGINE WHEN ACCELERATING. AS THE BATTERY DETERIORATES, IT DOES NOT CHARGE AS WELL, HOLD A CHARGE AND THEREFORE DOES NOT ASSIST AS WELL TO ACCELERATE, CAUSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION AT TIMES TO MERGE WITH TRAFFIC OR ACCELERATE FROM A STAND STILL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10449772

Mileage unknown · Feb 12, 2012
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train

IMA BATTERY IS DEFECTIVE, WEARS OUT EARLIER THAN DESIGNED, CAUSES DANGEROUSLY SLOW EPISODES OF BEING ABLE TO ACCELERATE FROM A STAND STILL AND ACCELERATE TO MERGE WITH HIGHWAY SPEED TRAFFIC. GETS HORRIBLE FUEL MILEAGE, NO WHERE AS ADVERTISED, ESPECIALLY IN VERY HOT WEATHER. **03/01/2012 UPDATED BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE IMA …

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IMA BATTERY IS DEFECTIVE, WEARS OUT EARLIER THAN DESIGNED, CAUSES DANGEROUSLY SLOW EPISODES OF BEING ABLE TO ACCELERATE FROM A STAND STILL AND ACCELERATE TO MERGE WITH HIGHWAY SPEED TRAFFIC. GETS HORRIBLE FUEL MILEAGE, NO WHERE AS ADVERTISED, ESPECIALLY IN VERY HOT WEATHER. **03/01/2012 UPDATED BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE IMA BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER SUGGESTED A SOFTWARE UPGRADE UPDATE. WHEN THE CONSUMER TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, AND BACK ON AGAIN, THE LIGHT DID NOT ILLUMINATE. UPDATED 03/16/12 *TR

NHTSA ODI #10447704

Official recalls

5

19V502000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jun 27, 2019

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2014 TSX Sport Wagon, 2010-2013 ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic and Civic Hybrid, 2008-2010 Civic GX NGV, 2012-2015 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2014 Fit EV, 2010-2014 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with passenger frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are F5F and Q5E.

19V378000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

May 16, 2019

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Acura TSX, 2011-2013 TSX Sport Wagon, and 2010-2012 ZDX and 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, 2012-2014 Crosstour, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2009-2013 Fit, 2010-2013 Insight, and 2009-2015 Pilot vehicles. The front passenger air bag inflator may have been installed incorrectly during replacement.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An incorrectly installed air bag inflator may not properly deploy the passenger frontal air bag in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the inflator installation and, if necessary, replace the passenger frontal air bag module assembly, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are M4O, P4R, T4Q, and W4P.

18V042000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 9, 2018

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Acura TSX, ZDX, Honda Accord Crosstour, Fit, Insight and Pilot vehicles, 2011-13 Acura TSX Sportswagon, 2010-2012 Honda Accord,, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V vehicles and 2013 Honda FCX Clarity and Fit EV vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Honda is recalling certain 2010-2012 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Accord Crosstour, Fit and Pilot, 2010-2011 Honda Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid and CR-V, and 2010 Acura ZDX and Honda Insight vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Unless included in Zones A or B above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Accord, Civic, Civic NGV, Civic Hybrid, CR-V, Fit, and Pilot vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are B0K and L0J.

17V030000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 10, 2017

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Acura TSX, 2011-2012 Acura TSX Wagon, 2010-2012 Acura ZDX, 2008-2012 Honda Accord, 2010-2012 Honda Accord Crosstour and Honda Insight, 2009-2012 Honda Fit, 2009-2012 Pilot, 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2012 Honda FCX Clarity and 2006-2011 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid, Civic NGV vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura TSX, Honda Fit and Pilot, 2008-2009 Honda Accord, 2006-2009 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV, and 2007-2009 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, if not included in "Zone B" above, Honda is recalling certain 2008 Honda Accord, 2006-2008 Honda Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic NGV and 2007-2008 Honda CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger side air bag inflator, free of charge. The manufacturer has mailed an interim notification, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KE1 and KE2.

16V346000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

May 24, 2016

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Acura TSX, 2011 TSX Wagon, 2010-2011 Acura ZDX, 2008-2011 Honda Accord, 2010-2011 Accord Crosstour, 2006-2011 Civic, Civic Hybrid, and Civic GX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2010-2011 FCX Clarity and Insight, and 2009-2011 Fit, and Pilot vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless already included in "Zone A" above, Honda is recalling certain model year 2008 Honda Accord, 2006-2008 Civic, Civic Hybrid and Civic GX, and 2007-2008 CR-V vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall is KA4, KA5, KA6, and KA7.

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

1

DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds

Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.