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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

Engine complaints

32 reports
Clear category filter
30,000 miles · Oct 16, 2014
Engine

ENGINE IS CONSUMING OIL, I CHECK MY OIL EVERY TWO WEEKS AND HAVE TO ADD OIL. GENERALLY 1/2 TO 3/4 A QUART A MONTH. THERE IS NO OIL IS ON THE DRIVE WAY OR ON THE UNDER CARRIAGE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10645004

1,800 miles · Sep 4, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

TURNED KEY TO START AND NOTHING HAPPENED; SOME WARNING LIGHTS WENT OFF, BUT NO SOUND FROM STARTER, SOLENOID OR OTHER ENGINE PARTS. RELEASED KEY AND TURNED KEY TO START AGAIN; ON SECOND TRY, ENGINE STARTED PROPERLY. SOMETIMES, I MAY TURN THE KEY TWICE WITH NOTHING HAPPENING AND ENGINE STARTS ON THIRD TRY. HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY; …

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TURNED KEY TO START AND NOTHING HAPPENED; SOME WARNING LIGHTS WENT OFF, BUT NO SOUND FROM STARTER, SOLENOID OR OTHER ENGINE PARTS. RELEASED KEY AND TURNED KEY TO START AGAIN; ON SECOND TRY, ENGINE STARTED PROPERLY. SOMETIMES, I MAY TURN THE KEY TWICE WITH NOTHING HAPPENING AND ENGINE STARTS ON THIRD TRY. HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY; CAN HAPPEN WHEN ENGINE IS COLD OR HOT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10630879

19,822 miles · May 27, 2014
EnginePower TrainService Brakes

I WAS DRIVING ON AN EXIT RAMP FROM A HIGHWAY, CAR WAS COASTING, AND AS I WAS APPROACHING THE STOP SIGN, I APPLIED THE BRAKES SOFTLY, THE CAR STARTED SLOWING DOWN FURTHER DUE TO BRAKING AND THEN SUDDENLY CAME TO A BRUTAL STOP WITH TIRES SCREECHING. ENGINE WAS STALLED, AUTOMATIC GEAR HAD SHIFTED IN NEUTRAL BY ITSELF, AND THERE WAS…

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I WAS DRIVING ON AN EXIT RAMP FROM A HIGHWAY, CAR WAS COASTING, AND AS I WAS APPROACHING THE STOP SIGN, I APPLIED THE BRAKES SOFTLY, THE CAR STARTED SLOWING DOWN FURTHER DUE TO BRAKING AND THEN SUDDENLY CAME TO A BRUTAL STOP WITH TIRES SCREECHING. ENGINE WAS STALLED, AUTOMATIC GEAR HAD SHIFTED IN NEUTRAL BY ITSELF, AND THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL IN THE CAR. FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO CAR BEHIND ME, OTHERWISE IT WOULD HAVE NOT BEEN POSSIBLE TO PREVENT BEING REAR-ENDED. THE 25 MPH SPEED IS APPROXIMATE AS I WAS DECELERATING. A SIMILAR SITUATION ON A HIGHWAY WHEN TRAFFIC SLOWS DOWN COULD HAVE DRAMATIC CONSEQUENCES, CAUSING A PILE-UP AND POSSIBLY MULTIPLE DEATHS AND INJURIES. I WILL DRIVE THE CAR VERY CAREFULLY TO THE DEALERSHIP TODAY. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED YESTERDAY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10594252

15,200 miles · Dec 16, 2013
EngineService BrakesSuspension

I SEARCH ON THE INTERNET THAT A LOT OF 2012 CIVIC OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME ANNOYING PROBLEMS LIKE CLUNKING NOISE ON THE SUSPENSION OR UNDER THE CAR, LOUD NOISE WHEN SHIFTING TO REVERSE LIKE AXLE SHAFT IS DISENGAGING, LOUD NOISE WHEN PUTTING PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE, CLUNKING OR POPPING NOISE WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT, ROLLING …

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I SEARCH ON THE INTERNET THAT A LOT OF 2012 CIVIC OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME ANNOYING PROBLEMS LIKE CLUNKING NOISE ON THE SUSPENSION OR UNDER THE CAR, LOUD NOISE WHEN SHIFTING TO REVERSE LIKE AXLE SHAFT IS DISENGAGING, LOUD NOISE WHEN PUTTING PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE, CLUNKING OR POPPING NOISE WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT, ROLLING NOISE ON THE SEAT BELTS, CLUNKING LOUD NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING AND RELEASING GAS PEDAL, RATTLING NOISE IN THE MORNING WHILE WARMING UP THE ENGINE AND ALSO WHEN ACCELERATING. ATF LEAKING ON THE TRANSMISSION BECAUSE ONE OF THE BOLTS IS NOT TIGHTENED...ETC. I THINK THIS 2012 HONDA CIVIC MODELS SHOULD BE RECALL BY AMERICAN HONDA MOTORS. YOU CAN CHECK THE INTERNET HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING AND DEALER SAID IT WAS NORMAL!!!?????? IT IS VERY ANNOYING. I AM ONLY CONCERN ABOUT MY SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY. I HOPE THE US GOVERMENT SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10556293

18,559 miles · Sep 5, 2013
EngineVehicle Speed Control

SUDDEN ACCELERATION: I HAVE BEEN OBSERVING THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATES WHILE DRIVING DOWNHILL OR MERGING ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED THAT IT WILL ACCELERATE WHEN YOU TURN OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE SPEED IS UNCONTROLLABLE FOR FEW SECONDS BEFORE THE ENGINE STARTS THE DECELERATION. I HAVE TAKEN A VEHICLE TO THE…

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SUDDEN ACCELERATION: I HAVE BEEN OBSERVING THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATES WHILE DRIVING DOWNHILL OR MERGING ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED THAT IT WILL ACCELERATE WHEN YOU TURN OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE SPEED IS UNCONTROLLABLE FOR FEW SECONDS BEFORE THE ENGINE STARTS THE DECELERATION. I HAVE TAKEN A VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TWICE AND THEY HAVE ASSURED THAT THIS IS NORMAL FUNCTION SINCE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS NOT ON. THE VEHICLE IS 1.5 YEARS OLD AND HAS @15K MILES ON IT. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10542113

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

10,000 miles · Jun 10, 2013
EnginePower Train

FIRST PURCHASE BRAND NEW 2012 HONDA CIVIC IN NOVEMBER 2011, RAN REALLY GREAT FOR FIRST SIX THOUSAND MILES. JUST UNDER TEN THOUSAND I NOTICE GAS MILEAGE GOT A LOT WORSE AND THE CHECK EMISSION LIGHT COMES ON. TAKE IT IN TO SHOP AND THEY SAY OH THERMOSTAT IS BAD. WELL THOUGHT STRANGE AT TIME CAR IS NEW. THEN AT JUST UNDER 1400…

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FIRST PURCHASE BRAND NEW 2012 HONDA CIVIC IN NOVEMBER 2011, RAN REALLY GREAT FOR FIRST SIX THOUSAND MILES. JUST UNDER TEN THOUSAND I NOTICE GAS MILEAGE GOT A LOT WORSE AND THE CHECK EMISSION LIGHT COMES ON. TAKE IT IN TO SHOP AND THEY SAY OH THERMOSTAT IS BAD. WELL THOUGHT STRANGE AT TIME CAR IS NEW. THEN AT JUST UNDER 14000 MILES GAS MILEAGE IS BAD AND ENGINE REVS AT HIGH RPM'S CHECK EMISSION LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN. THIS TIME IT WAS A SOFTWARE UPDATE??? WELL THEN AT UNDER 17000 MILES CHECK EMISSION LIGHT AGAIN AND THIS TIME IN SHOP FOR THREE WEEKS. THERMOSTAT AGAIN. TRY CALLING AMERICAN HONDA AND I GET THE SALES MANAGER WHO NEEDS AN ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT, AND HE SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR. THEN I AM TOLD BY THE SERVICE SHOP THAT THIS IN NO WAY HAS HARMED ANYTHING AND THEY REPLACE THERMO AGAIN RUN SOME TEST AND STILL RUNS HOT SO THEY DO IT AGAIN AND STILL RUNS HOT AND THEN HONDA DECIDES ON A DIFFERENT THERMOSTAT THAT HASN'T BEEN RELEASED YET AND INSTALL IT. WELL THREE WEEKS LATER I GET MY CAR AND ALL I ASKED FOR WAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY AND THEY SEND ME ONE THAT THEY WANT ME TO SIGN TO RELEASE THE OF ANY POWERTRAIN ISSUES AND COOLING ISSUES. COOLING ISSUES I UNDERSTAND BUT POWERTRAIN REALLY I THOUGHT THERE WAS NOTHIN WRONG WITH MY CAR???? ALL THIS TIME I AM DEALING WITH THE RUDEST AMERICAN HONDA COMPANY CUSTOMER SERVICE. REALLY UPSETS SOMEONE SPEND THERE HARD EARNED MONEY EVERY MONTH ON A CAR PAYMENT AND ITS LIKE GOING TO THE STORE AND PAYING FOR MOLDY BREAD. NOT ONE TIME DO THEY THINK ABOUT THE CONSUMER. ALSO INTERESTING WHEN PICKING CAR UP ON FRIDAY THEY HAVE ANOTHER 2012 CIVIC LOW MILES IN SHOP FOR SAME ISSUE. I LIVE IN A TOWN IN WV WITH 28,000 PEOPLE AND 1 HONDA DEALER COINCIDENCE? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10515981

15 miles · Jun 1, 2013
Engine

WHILE TURNING LEFT AT A STOP LIGHT (FROM A STATIONARY POSITION), THE CAR STALLS AFTER 2 OR 3 SECONDS IN ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAYS THEY CAN FIND NO HISTORY OF SUCH SITUATIONS IN THEIR DATABASE AND TOOK NO ACTION. THE PROBLEM OCCURS VERY FREQUENTLY, PARTICULARLY AFT…

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WHILE TURNING LEFT AT A STOP LIGHT (FROM A STATIONARY POSITION), THE CAR STALLS AFTER 2 OR 3 SECONDS IN ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAYS THEY CAN FIND NO HISTORY OF SUCH SITUATIONS IN THEIR DATABASE AND TOOK NO ACTION. THE PROBLEM OCCURS VERY FREQUENTLY, PARTICULARLY AFTER IDLING FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD AT LONG STOP LIGHTS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10514651

2,000 miles · Mar 31, 2013
EngineVehicle Speed Control

WHEN I AM ABOUT TO GO DOWNHILL AND TAKE AN EXIT AT 40 MPH AFTER DRIVING AT CONSTANT SPEED OF 65 MPH FOR SOME TIME I SEE THIS PROBLEM. RPM IS SUDDENLY SPIKING UP FROM 1500 TO 2500 AND STAYS THERE FOR AT LEAST 5 SECONDS. HIT BRAKES OR GAS DOES NOT BRING IT DOWN. GOOD THING IS THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE IS NOT GOING UP. THAT'S THE GO…

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WHEN I AM ABOUT TO GO DOWNHILL AND TAKE AN EXIT AT 40 MPH AFTER DRIVING AT CONSTANT SPEED OF 65 MPH FOR SOME TIME I SEE THIS PROBLEM. RPM IS SUDDENLY SPIKING UP FROM 1500 TO 2500 AND STAYS THERE FOR AT LEAST 5 SECONDS. HIT BRAKES OR GAS DOES NOT BRING IT DOWN. GOOD THING IS THE SPEED OF THE VEHICLE IS NOT GOING UP. THAT'S THE GOOD SIGN BUT WHO KNOWS WHAT HAPPENS. I THOUGHT THIS WAS THE PROBLEM WITH ECON DRIVE BUT I TURNED IT OFF ABOUT 3 MONTHS NOW AND STILL HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10505116

900 miles · Feb 21, 2013
EnginePower Train

I BOUGHT A FULLY LOADED 2012 HONDA CIVIC SI SEDAN, WITH NAVIGATION. CAR WAS WONDERFUL FIRST FEW WEEKS, THEN THE ISSUES STARTED. WHEN I ENGAGED THE CLUTCH INTO 1ST GEAR, ALSO REVERSE, WHEN I WOULD LEVEL THE CLUTCH WITH THE GAS PEDAL, I WOULD HEAR A HIGH PITCH NOISE. KIND OF LIKE A SQUEAL. IN ALL TYPES OF CONDITIONS. IT IS WORSE I…

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I BOUGHT A FULLY LOADED 2012 HONDA CIVIC SI SEDAN, WITH NAVIGATION. CAR WAS WONDERFUL FIRST FEW WEEKS, THEN THE ISSUES STARTED. WHEN I ENGAGED THE CLUTCH INTO 1ST GEAR, ALSO REVERSE, WHEN I WOULD LEVEL THE CLUTCH WITH THE GAS PEDAL, I WOULD HEAR A HIGH PITCH NOISE. KIND OF LIKE A SQUEAL. IN ALL TYPES OF CONDITIONS. IT IS WORSE IN THE SNOW, RAIN, UP A HILL, AND WHAT NOT. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL HONDA DEALERSHIP, THE TECH TESTDROVE IT WITH ME. HE HEARD THE NOISE, HE SAID THAT HE HEARD IT. HE THINKS IT WAS SOMETHING HITTING THE CLUTCH-PLATE. HE SAID OH HONDA IS NOT GONG TO FIX THIS DUE TO YOUR STYLE OF DRIVING I SAID EXCUSE ME? HE SAID WELL THERE IS NO NEED TO HAVE AN INTAKE, AND AN EXHAUST. BY THE MAGNUSON-MOSS WARRANTY ACT OF 1975 IT STATES: IF A VEHICLE IS BOUGHT NEW, AND YOU PUT AFTERMARKET PARTS ON IT, JUST BECAUSE THERE ARE AFTERMARKET PARTS, IT DOES NOT VOID THE WARRANTY. IF THE DEALERSHIP REALIZES THE ISSUE, AND JUST VERBALLY SAYS THEY CAN'T FIX IT DUE TO THE PARTS, WITHOUT EVEN LIFTING THE CAR UP, THAT IS ILLEGAL. THEY HAVE TO FIND THE ISSUE, AND SAY WHY THE AFTERMARKET PARTS ARE AFFECTING THE CLUTCH. I THEN CALLED THE DEALERSHIP OWNERS SON, HE SAID EMAIL ME THE ISSUES, AND THE VIN. I DID, HE FORWARDED IT TO THE CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER. WHEN HE RECEIVED THE EMAIL, THERE WAS A CORPORATE HONDA REPRESENTATIVE THERE. HE READ MY EMAIL, AND SAID THAT THEY NEED TO LOOK AT IT. THE MANAGER CALLED ME, SAID HE RECEIVED THE EMAIL THAT I SENT THE OWNER, HE SAID THEY HAVE TO RE-MAKE THE SOUND AGAIN, EVEN THO THEY HEARD IT, AND PUT ME THREW THE RINGER AGAIN. THERE ARE ALSO ALOT OF PARTS INSIDE THAT NEED TO BE REPLACED. SO I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT NEXT TUESDAY, HOPEFULLY FOR THEM TO SEE THE ISSUES. THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE ON FORUMS FOR THE 12 SI, 9TH GEN, THAT ARE COMPLAINING ALSO. THE HONDA REP SAID THAT IT WAS NORMAL IN MANY CLUTCHES TO HEAR A HIGH PITCHED NOISE? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10499621

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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