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2012 Honda Civic

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Civic years

Owner complaints for the 2012 Honda Civic are substantially higher than the model-year median of 183.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

321 reports with mileage · 133 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.

  • Air Bags. Review the 149 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 74 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 59 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

55 crash reports5 fire reports28 injury reports

Air Bags complaints

149 reports
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Mileage unknown · Nov 6, 2013
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG ERRONEOUSLY DEACTIVATED WHILE THE SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. UPDATED 03/05/14*LJ THE DE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG ERRONEOUSLY DEACTIVATED WHILE THE SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. UPDATED 03/05/14*LJ THE DEALER STATED IT WAS POSSIBLE THE PASSENGER WAS SITTING INCORRECTLY. UPDATED 03/11/14

NHTSA ODI #10551129

Mileage unknown · Jul 28, 2013
Air BagsEngineStructureCrash

AS I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AT 4:30 AM IN HEAVY FOG I HIT A DEER THAT WAS STANDING IN THE ROAD. I NOTICED AS I GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE THE CAR SAID SOMETHING ABOUT THE AIRBAG SENSOR, WELL I DIDN'T THINK NOTHING OF IT AS I WAS WORRIED ABOUT THE CONDITION MY CAR WAS IN AT THE TIME. WELL THE BODY SHOP THAT FIXED MY CAR STATED THE AIRBA…

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AS I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AT 4:30 AM IN HEAVY FOG I HIT A DEER THAT WAS STANDING IN THE ROAD. I NOTICED AS I GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE THE CAR SAID SOMETHING ABOUT THE AIRBAG SENSOR, WELL I DIDN'T THINK NOTHING OF IT AS I WAS WORRIED ABOUT THE CONDITION MY CAR WAS IN AT THE TIME. WELL THE BODY SHOP THAT FIXED MY CAR STATED THE AIRBAG SHOULD HAVE 100% DEPLOYED DUE TO THE FACT THE SENSOR WAS BUSTED AND THE WIRE WAS COMPLETELY INTO. MY CONCERN IS WHY IN THE WORLD DID THE AIRBAG NOT DEPLOY? I AM GLAD IT DIDN'T BUT WHAT IF IT HAD BEEN A COLLISION WITH A CAR. WOULD THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOY AND I TAKE A CHANCE ON DYING BECAUSE OF FAULTY AIRBAGS? I AM REALLY UPSET ABOUT THIS SITUATION. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR NOW...AND I LOVED THIS CAR AND ONE REASON I BOUGHT THIS WAS BECAUSE OF SAFETY..BUT NOW I DO NOT KNOW IF I MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE. NOW THE CAR IS "FIXED" THE CHECK AIRBAG AND EMISSION SYSTEM LIGHT IS ON. I AM TAKING IT TO HONDA AS SOON AS I CAN, BUT I AM DRIVING THIS CAR WITHOUT SEAT BELT WORKING AND THE AIRBAGS NOT WORKING...CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS? THANK YOU... *TR

NHTSA ODI #10532231

15,000 miles · Jul 10, 2013
Air BagsFuel System, Gasoline

PASSENGER AIRBAG WHILE DRIVING, HAD AN 11YR ABOUT 100LBS, IF KID SLIGHTLY MOVED I WOULD GET THE AIRBAG WARNING. BRAKES SOMETIMES IT FEELS LIKE I HAVE TO COMPLETELY "FLOOR" THE BRAKES TO STOP THE CAR, EVEN THO SPEED ITS AT ABOUT 30MPH FUEL WHEN TANK IS ALMOST EMPTY, THE LIGHT, SCREEN AND 'DING' WOULD GO ON NON-STOP UNTIL REFUEL…

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PASSENGER AIRBAG WHILE DRIVING, HAD AN 11YR ABOUT 100LBS, IF KID SLIGHTLY MOVED I WOULD GET THE AIRBAG WARNING. BRAKES SOMETIMES IT FEELS LIKE I HAVE TO COMPLETELY "FLOOR" THE BRAKES TO STOP THE CAR, EVEN THO SPEED ITS AT ABOUT 30MPH FUEL WHEN TANK IS ALMOST EMPTY, THE LIGHT, SCREEN AND 'DING' WOULD GO ON NON-STOP UNTIL REFUELED DISPLAY THE MILEAGE NUMBER WOULD START BLINKING RANDOMLY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10524258

16,500 miles · Jun 28, 2013
Air BagsSeats

THE PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG LIGHT DOESN'T TURN OFF, IT STAYS ON. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SHOULD BE OFF WHEN NO ONE IS SITTING THERE BUT THE LIGHT STAYS ON. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10522185

14,500 miles · May 29, 2013
Air Bags

MOST OF TIMES THE PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT MOVES A LITTLE BIT, THE AIR BAG IS TURNED OFF. AND I GET A BIG NOTICE SAYING THE PASSENGER AIR BAG IS TURNED OFF. THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM AND IS VERY SCARY IN MOST SITUATIONS OF FAILURE OF SAFETY . I CALLED SEVERAL TIMES & TALK TO SERVICE WRITER THEY JUST TOLD ME THAT MY AIR BAG SYST…

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MOST OF TIMES THE PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT MOVES A LITTLE BIT, THE AIR BAG IS TURNED OFF. AND I GET A BIG NOTICE SAYING THE PASSENGER AIR BAG IS TURNED OFF. THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM AND IS VERY SCARY IN MOST SITUATIONS OF FAILURE OF SAFETY . I CALLED SEVERAL TIMES & TALK TO SERVICE WRITER THEY JUST TOLD ME THAT MY AIR BAG SYSTEM IS NORMAL NOTHING WRONG WITH IT . BUT 1 THING THAT I KNOW IF I GOT IN AUTO ACCIDENT AND AIR BAG SYSTEM IS NOT WORKED SOME ONE WILL HAVE PROBLEMS . I NEED HELP TO LET HONDA MANUFACTURER TO AWARE THIS PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG GO OFF EVEN SOME 1 IS SITTING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE . *TR

NHTSA ODI #10514085

3,000 miles · May 1, 2013
Air Bags

WHEN I DRIVE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE THE PASSENGER AND SIDE AIR BAGS TURN OFF AND ON. IT DID THIS AT LEAST 30 TIMES IN A 1 HOUR DRIVE AND HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES. I WEIGH 130 LBS. BUT WHEN MY SON SITS THERE WHO WEIGHS 150 LBS NOTHING HAPPENS. I HAVE READ SEVERAL COMPLAINTS. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAY N…

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WHEN I DRIVE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE THE PASSENGER AND SIDE AIR BAGS TURN OFF AND ON. IT DID THIS AT LEAST 30 TIMES IN A 1 HOUR DRIVE AND HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES. I WEIGH 130 LBS. BUT WHEN MY SON SITS THERE WHO WEIGHS 150 LBS NOTHING HAPPENS. I HAVE READ SEVERAL COMPLAINTS. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAY NOTHING IS WRONG WITH IT. THEY TOLD ME EVERYTHING IS WORKING JUST FINE AND THE SENSORS ARE FINE. I HAVE READ THROUGH SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE VEHICLE WITH THIS PROBLEM, BUT THE DEALERSHIPS AND HONDA SEEM TO THINK IT IS OK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10510241

100 miles · Apr 22, 2013
Air Bags

SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE CAR, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG OFF WARNING HAS HAPPENED ON AN IRREGULAR BASIS. WHEN MY GIRLFRIEND SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT (SHE WEIGHS 110 LBS), THE PASSENGER AIRBAGS WILL TURN OFF AND WE RECEIVE A WARNING AND AFTER A FEW SECONDS OR MINUTES THE WARNING DISAPPEARS. THIS WILL HAPPEN SOMETIMES UP TO 2 DOZEN…

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SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE CAR, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG OFF WARNING HAS HAPPENED ON AN IRREGULAR BASIS. WHEN MY GIRLFRIEND SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT (SHE WEIGHS 110 LBS), THE PASSENGER AIRBAGS WILL TURN OFF AND WE RECEIVE A WARNING AND AFTER A FEW SECONDS OR MINUTES THE WARNING DISAPPEARS. THIS WILL HAPPEN SOMETIMES UP TO 2 DOZEN TIMES IN AN HOUR TRIP - OTHER TIMES WE CAN GO A FEW WEEKS WITH NO WARNING AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG REMAINING ON. WE HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER NUMEROUS TIMES AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THE SYSTEM IS OPERATING NORMALLY - EVEN THOUGH IN MY OWNERS MANUAL TELLS ME TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER IF THE WARNING OCCURS AND THE PERSON IN THE SEAT WEIGHS MORE THAN 29KGS. THE DEALER SAYS THIS PROBLEM IS COMMON WITH "SMALL" PEOPLE (NOTE: WHEN I SIT IN THE SEAT AT 165LBS - NO WARNINGS) AND SUGGESTED THAT MY GIRLFRIEND RIDE IN THE BACK SEAT. MY CONCERN IS THE SIDE AIRBAG WILL BE OFF WHEN NEEDED AND THE RANDOMNESS OF THE PROBLEM INDICATES A FAULT IN THE SYSTEM - WE HAVE TRIED TO DETERMINE IF THERE IS PATTERN TO THE WARNING SUCH IS SHE SITTING IN THE CENTER OF THE SEAT IS SHE MOVING/NOT MOVING ETC. WITH NO HELP. HONDA OF AMERICA STATES THAT THERE IS NO PROBLEM AS PER CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS - I DISAGREE AND NOW I AM DOWN TO SEEKING ARBITRATION THROUGH THE BBB WHERE HONDA WILL WIN BASED ON MY PAST EXPERIENCE WITH BBB. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10509194

15,000 miles · Apr 17, 2013
Air BagsCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT DROVE OVER A POT HOLE THEN THE PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND LOOKED FOR BODY DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT DROVE OVER A POT HOLE THEN THE PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND LOOKED FOR BODY DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE BUT VISIBLE DAMAGE TO THE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.

NHTSA ODI #10508598

17,374 miles · Mar 26, 2013
Air Bags

DURING THE FIRST YEAR OF MY DAUGHTER OWNING THE 2012 CIVIC SHE HAS ENCOUNTERED AIR BAG ISSUES. WHEN SHE RIDES IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, WITH HER HUSBAND DRIVING, THE AIRBAG LIGHT PERIODICALLY COMES ON, INDICATING THE AIRBAG IS TURNED OFF. SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND SHE MAY NOT BE PROTECTED WITH THE AIRBAG DURING AN ACCIDENT,…

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DURING THE FIRST YEAR OF MY DAUGHTER OWNING THE 2012 CIVIC SHE HAS ENCOUNTERED AIR BAG ISSUES. WHEN SHE RIDES IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, WITH HER HUSBAND DRIVING, THE AIRBAG LIGHT PERIODICALLY COMES ON, INDICATING THE AIRBAG IS TURNED OFF. SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND SHE MAY NOT BE PROTECTED WITH THE AIRBAG DURING AN ACCIDENT, THEY TOOK THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE ON THREE DOCUMENTED TIMES OVER A PERIOD OF SEVERAL MONTHS. THIS EXCLUDES THE MULTIPLE TRIPS BACK WHEN PARTS HAVE BEEN ORDERED OR BEING SENT HOME WITHOUT SERVICE DUE TO TIME ISSUES. THE DEALER IS LARGO HONDA IN FLORIDA CITY, FLORIDA. EACH TIME SHE WENT, THEY CHANGED DIFFERENT COMPONENTS AND ON MULTIPLE TIMES ASKED HER TO STAY FOR A TEST DRIVE TO SEE IF THE PROBLEM COULD BE REPRODUCED AND TO DETERMINE IF THE FAILURE OF A MAJOR SAFETY COMPONENT OF THE CAR HAD BEEN FIXED. EACH TIME THE SAFETY PROBLEM SURFACED EITHER ON THE RIDE HOME OR WITHIN A DAY OR TWO OF BEING IN FOR THE REPAIR. IN FACT THE LAST TIME THEY RETURNED THE CAR FOR SERVICE TO LARGO THEY REPLACED THE FULL PASSENGER SEAT WITHOUT RESOLVING THE AIRBAG PROBLEM. WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT ANYONE RIDING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT DUE TO THE QUESTION IF THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS FUNCTIONAL OR NOT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10504649

13,000 miles · Feb 5, 2013
Air BagsElectrical SystemService BrakesCrash

I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND WAS MAKING A TURN FROM COMING OFF A STOP LIGHT AND THE CARS IN FRONT OF ME WERE STOPPED TO MERGE ONTO THE HIGHWAY, I WENT TO PRESS THE BRAKE AND MY FOOT WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE BRAKES NEVER KICKED IN. I SWERVED TO TRY AND MISS THE SUV IN FRONT OF ME BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO MISS THE SUV AND REAR END…

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I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND WAS MAKING A TURN FROM COMING OFF A STOP LIGHT AND THE CARS IN FRONT OF ME WERE STOPPED TO MERGE ONTO THE HIGHWAY, I WENT TO PRESS THE BRAKE AND MY FOOT WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE BRAKES NEVER KICKED IN. I SWERVED TO TRY AND MISS THE SUV IN FRONT OF ME BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO MISS THE SUV AND REAR ENDED HIM. I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND DID NOT NOTICE ANY ICE OR ANY FLUID ON THE ROAD THAT WOULD CAUSE ME TO LOOSE TRACTION. I HIT MOSTLY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WHICH SAVED THE AIR BAGS FROM GOING OFF, HAD I HIT FRONT ON I AM POSITIVE THE AIR BAGS WOULD HAVE GONE OFF AS UPON IMPACT THE SCREENS ON THE INSIDE OF THE CAR TURNED RED AND READ "CHECK AIRBAGS" AND THEN MY CAR SHUT OFF AND HAZARD LIGHTS TURNED ON. THIS ACCIDENT HAPPENED 2/1 AND AM WAITING TO GET AN ESTIMATE FROM MY INSURANCE COMPANY AS TO THE TOTAL DAMAGE AMOUNT IF MY CAR WILL BE TOTALED OUT OR NOT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10496475

Official recalls

3

12V548000 · Steering:column

Nov 21, 2012

Honda is recalling certain model year 2012 Civic passenger vehicles, manufactured from October 26, 2012, through October 30, 2012. These vehicles were assembled with the incorrect steering column assembly.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The steering column may not have proper energy absorbing characteristics, which could increase the risk of injury during a vehicle crash.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the steering column, as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on December 10, 2012. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

12V256000 · Power Train:driveline:driveshaft

Jun 4, 2012

HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 HONDA CIVIC VEHICLES. DURING ASSEMBLY, THE PROCESS REQUIRED TO SEAT THE DRIVER’S SIDE DRIVESHAFT AND SET THE RETAINING CLIP WAS NOT COMPLETED. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVESHAFT MAY SEPARATE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE VEHICLE WILL HAVE A LOSS OF DRIVE POWER AND MAY ROLL AWAY IF THE PARKING BRAKE HAS NOT BEEN SET WHEN THE GEAR SELECTOR HAS BEEN PLACED IN THE “PARK” POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF CRASH OR PEDESTRIAN INJURY.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver's side driveshaft and install a new driveshaft as needed, free of charge. The safety recall began on June 21. 2012. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

11V288000 · Fuel System, Other:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

May 18, 2011

HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CIVIC 2-DOOR AND 4-DOOR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 21, 2011, THROUGH MAY 2, 2011. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT AN O-RING, WHICH SEALS A CONNECTION IN THE FUEL FEED LINE, IS MISALIGNED. IF THE O-RING IS MISALIGNED, A SMALL FUEL LEAK MAY OCCUR.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FEED LINE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

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

2

EA21002 · 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.

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