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
1,800 miles · Jan 20, 2013
Power Train
WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN AT A BUSY AND DANGEROUS INTERSECTION I LOST POWER FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. I MANAGED TO PULL ONTO THE SHOULDER UNTIL THE CAR ACCELERATED AGAIN. I HAD CALLED THE DEALERSHIP PREVIOUSLY ABOUT THIS RECURRING PROBLEM. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF THE DEALERSHIP PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THIS INCIDENT …
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WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN AT A BUSY AND DANGEROUS INTERSECTION I LOST POWER FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. I MANAGED TO PULL ONTO THE SHOULDER UNTIL THE CAR ACCELERATED AGAIN. I HAD CALLED THE DEALERSHIP PREVIOUSLY ABOUT THIS RECURRING PROBLEM. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF THE DEALERSHIP PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THIS INCIDENT AND THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. BECAUSE OF SAFETY CONCERNS I TRADED THE CAR IN WITH MILEAGE AT LESS 2000. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10493581
15 miles · Jan 16, 2013
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE OR COMPLETE A TURN, THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE OR COMPLETE A TURN, THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 15. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 7,000.
NHTSA ODI #10493190
994 miles · Dec 21, 2012
Power TrainSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED AS THE VEHICLE ENTERED THE DRIVEWAY ON AN INCLINE THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MOVE IN REVERSE. THE GEAR SHIFT WAS IN DRIVE WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED THREE TIMES. THERE WAS ALSO A CLANKING NOISE WHEN THE GEARS CHANGED AUTOMATICALLY AND WHENEVER THE CONTACT MADE A LEFT OR RIGHT …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED AS THE VEHICLE ENTERED THE DRIVEWAY ON AN INCLINE THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MOVE IN REVERSE. THE GEAR SHIFT WAS IN DRIVE WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED THREE TIMES. THERE WAS ALSO A CLANKING NOISE WHEN THE GEARS CHANGED AUTOMATICALLY AND WHENEVER THE CONTACT MADE A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN THE STEERING WHEEL DID NOT RETURN TO ITS NORMAL POSITION. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 994.
NHTSA ODI #10489435
Mileage unknown · Sep 18, 2012
Air BagsExterior LightingInterior Lighting
2012 HONDA CIVIC. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE VEHICLE AND CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM GEAR SHIFT. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD LEAVE LINES AND SMEARS ON THE WINDSHIELD. THE WIPERS WERE REPLACED FOUR TIMES. THERE WAS A BUZZING NOISE COMING FROM THE HEATER, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINA…
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2012 HONDA CIVIC. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE VEHICLE AND CLUNKING NOISE COMING FROM GEAR SHIFT. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD LEAVE LINES AND SMEARS ON THE WINDSHIELD. THE WIPERS WERE REPLACED FOUR TIMES. THERE WAS A BUZZING NOISE COMING FROM THE HEATER, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND STAYED ON FOR AN HOUR. THE DIMMER LIGHTS DIDN'T CHANGE FROM HIGH TO LOW, THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT RELEASE WHEN SHE MOVED FORWARD, INSTEAD IT LOCKED UP AND THERE WAS A SMELL OF CARBON MONOXIDE COMING THROUGH THE VENTS. THE RUBBER SLIDES IN EACH WINDOW DID NOT WORK CORRECTLY, BECAUSE OF THE MOISTURE ON THE WINDOWS.
NHTSA ODI #10476163
10 miles · Sep 15, 2012
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED IN A DOWNWARD SLOPE FACING DOWN, AND YOU ENGAGE THE REVERSE GEAR, THE CAR ROLLS FORWARD. THIS IS ESPECIALLY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL IF YOU ARE PARKED IN A TIGHT SPOT AND YOU WILL ROLL AND HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF YOU. WE REPORTED THIS TO HONDA CORPORATION AND THEY SAID THAT THIS IS NORMAL BEHAVIOR. I DO NOT…
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WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED IN A DOWNWARD SLOPE FACING DOWN, AND YOU ENGAGE THE REVERSE GEAR, THE CAR ROLLS FORWARD. THIS IS ESPECIALLY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL IF YOU ARE PARKED IN A TIGHT SPOT AND YOU WILL ROLL AND HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF YOU. WE REPORTED THIS TO HONDA CORPORATION AND THEY SAID THAT THIS IS NORMAL BEHAVIOR. I DO NOT AGREE, SINCE MY OTHER CAR (DIFFERENT MAKE/MODEL) DOES NOT PERFORM THE SAME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10475490
7,700 miles · Aug 29, 2012
Power Train
ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 25TH, WHEN DRIVING ON A HILLY ROADWAY, I ACCELERATED TO P/U SPEED TO GET UP THE HILL. THE TRANSMISSION SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS STRAINING AND RPM WAS OVER 3000. WHEN I REACHED THE TOP OF THE HILL AND STARTED THE DESCENT, I HIT THE BRAKE TO REDUCE MY SPEED, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW DOWN AND THE TRANSMISSION W…
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ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 25TH, WHEN DRIVING ON A HILLY ROADWAY, I ACCELERATED TO P/U SPEED TO GET UP THE HILL. THE TRANSMISSION SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS STRAINING AND RPM WAS OVER 3000. WHEN I REACHED THE TOP OF THE HILL AND STARTED THE DESCENT, I HIT THE BRAKE TO REDUCE MY SPEED, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW DOWN AND THE TRANSMISSION WAS STUCK WITH RPMS STILL OVER 3000. IT TOOK MORE THAN 10 SECONDS FOR THE TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT DOWN. IF THERE WAS A VEHICLE IN THE SAME LANE AS MINE, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10472862
Mileage unknown · Aug 28, 2012
Power Train
2012 HONDA CIVIC. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE AFTER RECALL REPAIRS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER THE RECALL WORK WAS COMPLETED, THE BRAKES STARTED MAKING A LOUD NOISE AND THE SPEEDOMETER INDICATED EIGHT MILES, WHEN IT WAS ACTUALLY AT A STOP. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE DID NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE, UNTIL SH…
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2012 HONDA CIVIC. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE AFTER RECALL REPAIRS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER THE RECALL WORK WAS COMPLETED, THE BRAKES STARTED MAKING A LOUD NOISE AND THE SPEEDOMETER INDICATED EIGHT MILES, WHEN IT WAS ACTUALLY AT A STOP. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE DID NOT HAVE ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE, UNTIL SHE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10473402
Mileage unknown · Aug 16, 2012
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
REV. SUDDENLY GOES ABOUT 3500PRM AND STAY THERE FOR A WHILE WHEN I DRIVE DOWNHILL. AT THAT MOMENT WHEN YOU STEP ON THE GAS PEDAL THE CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE LIKE NORMAL. SOMETIME THERE ARE CAR BEHIND YOU AND THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE YOUR CAR CAN NOT GO AS FAR AS THE CAR BEHIND YOU. PLEASE TEST THE 2012 HONDA CIVIC, TH…
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REV. SUDDENLY GOES ABOUT 3500PRM AND STAY THERE FOR A WHILE WHEN I DRIVE DOWNHILL. AT THAT MOMENT WHEN YOU STEP ON THE GAS PEDAL THE CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE LIKE NORMAL. SOMETIME THERE ARE CAR BEHIND YOU AND THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE YOUR CAR CAN NOT GO AS FAR AS THE CAR BEHIND YOU. PLEASE TEST THE 2012 HONDA CIVIC, THIS CAR HAVE PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10471215
17,500 miles · Jul 26, 2012
Power TrainService BrakesCrash
MY WIFE CAME TO A STOP AT OUR SECURITY GATE, USED THE REMOTE FOR THE GATE BUT IT WOULDN'T OPEN. SHE BACKED UP ABOUT 15 FEET TO TURN AROUND. WHEN SHE PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE, IT LURCHED FORWARD BACK TOWARDS THE GATE AND WOULDN'T STOP WHEN SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES. IT DIDN'T SPEED UP AND IT WOULDN'T STOP. THE CAR WAS MAKING A GRINDING …
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MY WIFE CAME TO A STOP AT OUR SECURITY GATE, USED THE REMOTE FOR THE GATE BUT IT WOULDN'T OPEN. SHE BACKED UP ABOUT 15 FEET TO TURN AROUND. WHEN SHE PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE, IT LURCHED FORWARD BACK TOWARDS THE GATE AND WOULDN'T STOP WHEN SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES. IT DIDN'T SPEED UP AND IT WOULDN'T STOP. THE CAR WAS MAKING A GRINDING NOISE AS IT MOVED ALONG. SHE WAS JAMMING ON THE BRAKES AND IT STILL WENT RIGHT THROUGH THE CLOSED GATE, PUSHING IT OPEN AS IT WENT. IT KEPT GOING FOR ANOTHER 40-50 FEET UNTIL SHE THOUGHT TO PULL ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE. THE CAR STOPPED. SHE TURNED THE CAR OFF AND GOT OUT, BADLY SHAKEN BUT NOT INJURED. AFTER CALMING DOWN, SHE GOT BACK IN THE CAR TO SEE IF IT WOULD START. IT DID. SHE DROVE IT TWO MORE BLOCKS TO OUR HOUSE. SHE HASN'T DRIVEN IT SINCE. SHE'S TERRIFIED IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR
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.
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 HONDA CIVIC VEHICLES. DURING ASSEMBLY, THE PROCESS REQUIRED TO SEAT THE DRIVERS 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.
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.