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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

What owners actually said

454 reports
Mileage unknown · Sep 3, 2014
SteeringCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CIVIC COUPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE POWER STEERING FAILED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO THE SIDE RAIL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AUTO SERVICE REPAIR SHOP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAIL…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CIVIC COUPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE POWER STEERING FAILED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO THE SIDE RAIL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AUTO SERVICE REPAIR SHOP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10630452

23,000 miles · Aug 20, 2014
Air Bags

PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF LIGHT COME ON AND OFF. IT STAYED ON FOR A COUPLE OF MILES AND THEN SHUT OFF AGAIN. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED. I DON'T EVEN KNOW HOW TO TURN OFF MY AIRBAG TO BEGIN WITH. OF COURSE I WANT PASSENGER AIRBAG IS ALWAYS ON. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10626556

43,000 miles · Aug 18, 2014
Air BagsSeat Belts

WHILE DECELERATING (SUDDEN), MY SEATBELT TENSIONER AND AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITH NO COLLISION OR CONTACT WITH ANYTHING. INITIALLY, THE HONDA DEALER SAID THAT THE AIRBAG ONLY DEPLOYS WHEN THERE IS CONTACT. BOTH HONDA DEALER AND AAA (MY INSURANCE) EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND NO SIGN OF COLLISION OR DAMAGE. HONDA HAS NOW SAID THAT IN…

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WHILE DECELERATING (SUDDEN), MY SEATBELT TENSIONER AND AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITH NO COLLISION OR CONTACT WITH ANYTHING. INITIALLY, THE HONDA DEALER SAID THAT THE AIRBAG ONLY DEPLOYS WHEN THERE IS CONTACT. BOTH HONDA DEALER AND AAA (MY INSURANCE) EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND NO SIGN OF COLLISION OR DAMAGE. HONDA HAS NOW SAID THAT IN A SUDDEN DECELERATION, THE AIRBAG IS DESIGNED TO DEPLOY WITHOUT ANY CONTACT. THE UNNEEDED DEPLOYMENT OF THE SYSTEMS COULD HAVE LED TO AN IMPACT AND WORSE DAMAGE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10626065

42,000 miles · Jul 26, 2014
Air BagsCrash

I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT WHEN ANOTHER DRIVER PULLED OUT AND T-BONED MY 2012 HONDA CIVIC. THE CAR WAS HIT ON THE DRIVER SIDE RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE WHERE THE FRONT DRIVER AND BACK PASSENGER DOOR MEET, NONE OF THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE CAR NOW HAS EXTENSIVE FRAME DAMAGE... THE LUMBAR SUPPORT IN THIS CAR IS THE AB…

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I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT WHEN ANOTHER DRIVER PULLED OUT AND T-BONED MY 2012 HONDA CIVIC. THE CAR WAS HIT ON THE DRIVER SIDE RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE WHERE THE FRONT DRIVER AND BACK PASSENGER DOOR MEET, NONE OF THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. THE CAR NOW HAS EXTENSIVE FRAME DAMAGE... THE LUMBAR SUPPORT IN THIS CAR IS THE ABSOLUTE WORST!! THE CAR ALSO GETS TERRIBLE GAS MILEAGE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10616520

25,083 miles · Jul 20, 2014
Air BagsEquipment Adaptive/mobilityStructureCrash

WHILE DRIVING ON I5 HEADED SOUTH TO MEDFORD, OR ON JUNE 6, 2014, AT AROUND 9:30 PM I STRUCK WHAT APPEARED TO BE A SMALL REFRIGERATOR WHICH WAS LAYING ON THE HIGHWAY. THERE WAS WHAT APPEARED TO BE MINOR DAMAGE TO THE BUMPER OF THE 2012 HONDA CIVIC THAT I WAS DRIVING. THE SENSORS FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM WERE TRIGGERED, BUT THE AIR…

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WHILE DRIVING ON I5 HEADED SOUTH TO MEDFORD, OR ON JUNE 6, 2014, AT AROUND 9:30 PM I STRUCK WHAT APPEARED TO BE A SMALL REFRIGERATOR WHICH WAS LAYING ON THE HIGHWAY. THERE WAS WHAT APPEARED TO BE MINOR DAMAGE TO THE BUMPER OF THE 2012 HONDA CIVIC THAT I WAS DRIVING. THE SENSORS FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM WERE TRIGGERED, BUT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. UPON TAKING THE VEHICLE TO THE HONDA DEALERSHIP TO GET REPAIRS, WE LEARNED THAT THE HARNESS FOR THE AIR BAG SYSTEM HAD BEEN SEVERED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10614856

19,000 miles · Jul 10, 2014
TiresInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPARE TIRE WAS CAUSING A STRONG SMELL OF RUBBER TO BE EMITTED THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE SMELL INCREASED DURING HOTTER WEATHER. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS EXPERIENCING SHORTNESS OF BREATH AND NAUSEA. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CIVIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPARE TIRE WAS CAUSING A STRONG SMELL OF RUBBER TO BE EMITTED THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE SMELL INCREASED DURING HOTTER WEATHER. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS EXPERIENCING SHORTNESS OF BREATH AND NAUSEA. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT PROVIDE A REMEDY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DECIDED TO WASH THE TIRE AND SPARE TIRE HOUSING WITH SOAP AND WATER. THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000 AND THE 35,357.

NHTSA ODI #10609538

20,000 miles · Jul 9, 2014
Air BagsCrashInjury

THE DRIVER AIR BAG DEPLOYED HITTING ME IN THE FACE. IT FRACTURED MY ORBITAL BONE, PUT A HOLE IN MY EYELID, AND FORCED MY CATARACT LENS TO RUPTURE FALLING BACK INTO THE VITREOUS TOWARDS MY RETINA. I NEEDED IMMEDIATE EYE SURGERY. I ALSO NEEDED STITCHES IN MY FOREHEAD AND HAND. I ALSO HAD A POSSIBLE CONCUSSION. I HAVE SINCE HA…

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THE DRIVER AIR BAG DEPLOYED HITTING ME IN THE FACE. IT FRACTURED MY ORBITAL BONE, PUT A HOLE IN MY EYELID, AND FORCED MY CATARACT LENS TO RUPTURE FALLING BACK INTO THE VITREOUS TOWARDS MY RETINA. I NEEDED IMMEDIATE EYE SURGERY. I ALSO NEEDED STITCHES IN MY FOREHEAD AND HAND. I ALSO HAD A POSSIBLE CONCUSSION. I HAVE SINCE HAD 2 MORE EYE SURGERIES. I LOST MY PERIPHERAL VISION AND OVERALL VISION IS BLURRY. MY EYE IS LOWER AND SUNKEN BACK IN THE SOCKET BECAUSE OF THE FRACTURE. I STILL FACE ANOTHER SURGERY TO CORRECT MY APPEARANCE. ...UPDATED 07/15/14 *BF *TR UPDATED 08/23/2017*CT

NHTSA ODI #10609303

40,000 miles · Jul 1, 2014
Seats

I COMMUTE ALMOST 2 HOURS TO WORK AND THEN 2 HOURS BACK EACH DAY. THEREFORE, I TRADED MY SILVERADO FOR A 2012 CIVIC FOR THE GAS MILEAGE. I BOUGHT THE CAR USED IN MAY OF 2014. IT WAS THE SECOND CIVIC ON THE LOT THAT I TEST DROVE. I DID NOT NOTICE ANYTHING AMISS ABOUT EITHER CAR DURING THE TEST DRIVES. HOWEVER, ON MY FIRST TRIP HOM…

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I COMMUTE ALMOST 2 HOURS TO WORK AND THEN 2 HOURS BACK EACH DAY. THEREFORE, I TRADED MY SILVERADO FOR A 2012 CIVIC FOR THE GAS MILEAGE. I BOUGHT THE CAR USED IN MAY OF 2014. IT WAS THE SECOND CIVIC ON THE LOT THAT I TEST DROVE. I DID NOT NOTICE ANYTHING AMISS ABOUT EITHER CAR DURING THE TEST DRIVES. HOWEVER, ON MY FIRST TRIP HOME FROM WORK I NOTICED THAT I FELT LIKE MY BUTT WAS SINKING FURTHER INTO THE SEAT AND MY LEGS BEGAN TO ACHE REALLY BAD. ALSO, THE LUMBAR SUPPORT IS FAR LESS THAN DESIRABLE. SO FAR THE ONLY FIX I HAVE COME UP WITH IS TO LAY FOLDED TOWEL DOWN IN THE SEAT. BUT SOMETIMES THE TOWEL MOVES OR BECOMES UNFOLDED. I AM STILL SEARCHING FOR A MORE PERMANENT SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. HONDA NEEDS TO FIX THE UNCOMFORTABLE SEATS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10607455

2,730 miles · Jun 1, 2014
Fuel System, GasolineFire

CAR WAS DRIVEN APPROX 3 MILES THEN WAS PARKED FOR APPROX. 10 MINUTES. WHEN RETURNING TO THE CAR FIRE TRUCKS WERE AT THE CAR PUTTING OUT THE FIRE. THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT ON FIRE. CAR WAS DESTROYED. KEARNY, NJ POLICE REPORT #[XXX] STATED THAT THEY (TOW TRUCK OPERATOR AND THE POLICE OFFICER) OBSERVED A BROKEN FUEL…

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CAR WAS DRIVEN APPROX 3 MILES THEN WAS PARKED FOR APPROX. 10 MINUTES. WHEN RETURNING TO THE CAR FIRE TRUCKS WERE AT THE CAR PUTTING OUT THE FIRE. THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAUGHT ON FIRE. CAR WAS DESTROYED. KEARNY, NJ POLICE REPORT #[XXX] STATED THAT THEY (TOW TRUCK OPERATOR AND THE POLICE OFFICER) OBSERVED A BROKEN FUEL LINE. I FOUND OUT ABOUT THE RECALL FOR FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM AFTER THE FIRE. MY FRIEND AND I WENT TO THE DEALER, GARDEN STATE HONDA ON RIVER ROAD IN PASSAIC AND SAW THE MANAGER. HE STATED THAT HE WOULD NOT TALK TO US IF EITHER ONE OF US WAS AN ATTORNEY. WE GAVE HIM A BINDER WITH A SERIES OF 8.5 X 11 PHOTOS OF THE CAR AND COPIES OF THE RECALL FOUND ON THE INTERNET. A REP CALLED TO TELL ME THAT THE MATTER WAS BETWEEN THE INSURANCE COMPANY (ALLSTATE) AND HONDA USA. MY FRIEND CALLED THE MANAGER WHO WHEN ASKED ABOUT THE SITUATION GOT ANGRY AND REFUSED TO TALK ANYMORE ABOUT IT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10595431

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

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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