The transmission plug pops out while driving and can cause fluid to spray everywhere. A known issue of vehicles of this types
2015 Honda Civic
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Civic years
Owner complaints for the 2015 Honda Civic are substantially higher than the model-year median of 183.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Civic years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
200 reports with mileage · 180 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.
- Power Train. Review the 176 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 58 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 31 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
31 reportsI recently went in for an oil change and was told my transmission cap was missing. I have not had any work done on my car since the last oil change and no one touched the transmission fluid. The cap isn't even placed somewhere on the engine- it's just gone! I've driven hundreds of miles with no cap and there is no telling what …
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I recently went in for an oil change and was told my transmission cap was missing. I have not had any work done on my car since the last oil change and no one touched the transmission fluid. The cap isn't even placed somewhere on the engine- it's just gone! I've driven hundreds of miles with no cap and there is no telling what debris has gone into the transmission fluid now. I will have to do a complete transmission fluid flush and replacement plus buy a new cap. I have seen others having the same issues as me and was told to report this to the NHTSA. This is my daily driver and I take children back and forth to school on the interstate daily. If my transmission had gone while I was driving I don't know what could have happened.
Transmission fill plug frequently pops out due to pressure, causing debris enter the engine, resulting in damaging it. It appears it's a known issue but Honda mechanic failed to check the plug when we brought the car for service.
When I cold start my car it’s making this horrible metal cutting blade kind of sound sometimes, That goes away 5 seconds after cold starting the problem is the vtc actuator, many dealers took a look to not only mine but also my friends 2014 civic si, they said it was the vtc actuator and that they nor anyone else will fix the …
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When I cold start my car it’s making this horrible metal cutting blade kind of sound sometimes, That goes away 5 seconds after cold starting the problem is the vtc actuator, many dealers took a look to not only mine but also my friends 2014 civic si, they said it was the vtc actuator and that they nor anyone else will fix the issue. This has also happened to handfuls of others.
My 2015 Honda Civic has 69070 miles on it. My car will straight out just stop in the middle of the road. The breaks and gas will stop engaging. This has been happening since late March of 2021, and continues to happen at least once a week.There’s still power as the outside lights, radio, dash lights are all still on and function…
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My 2015 Honda Civic has 69070 miles on it. My car will straight out just stop in the middle of the road. The breaks and gas will stop engaging. This has been happening since late March of 2021, and continues to happen at least once a week.There’s still power as the outside lights, radio, dash lights are all still on and functioning. I took the car to a Honda dealership and they said it was the REC VSA modulator. So I have had to replace the REC VSA modulator. The car ran beautifully for a whole week, then it started again. I took it to another auto shop and had them diagnose the car and they changed the MAP sensor, and the main engine bay fuse. I’ve had the alternator and started checked and they’re both fine. The 9th gen honda civics have electrical and computer issues and Honda should be held responsible because they’re a safety issue. I am so afraid of what could happen I only take my car to work and home. Something needs to be done about these issues.
TODAY I WENT UNDER THE HOOD BECAUSE MY CAR BROKE DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION ON THE WAY TO THE HONDA DEALERSHIP AS MY CAR WAS ACTING STRANGE. IT WASNT ACCELERATING AS NORMAL AND DIDNT FEEL LIKE IT WAS SWITCHING GEARS. UNDER THE HOOD I DISCOVERED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID FILL CAP WAS COMPLETELY MISSING. IVE READ ONLINE OT…
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TODAY I WENT UNDER THE HOOD BECAUSE MY CAR BROKE DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION ON THE WAY TO THE HONDA DEALERSHIP AS MY CAR WAS ACTING STRANGE. IT WASNT ACCELERATING AS NORMAL AND DIDNT FEEL LIKE IT WAS SWITCHING GEARS. UNDER THE HOOD I DISCOVERED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID FILL CAP WAS COMPLETELY MISSING. IVE READ ONLINE OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE AND IT WAS ADVISED TO FILE THIS REPORT.
ON 5/14/2020 IN THE AFTERNOON, I PARKED MY 2015 HONDA CIVIC EX L IN MY DRIVEWAY AND TOOK GROCERIES IN THE HOUSE. I CAME BACK OUT WITHIN A FEW MINUTES AND THERE WAS A FIRE STARTING IN THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE (BATTERY AREA). THE BATTERY WAS INSTALLED LESS THAN 9 MONTHS AGO AT A HONDA DEALERSHIP. I NOW FIND OUT ACCORDS WERE REC…
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ON 5/14/2020 IN THE AFTERNOON, I PARKED MY 2015 HONDA CIVIC EX L IN MY DRIVEWAY AND TOOK GROCERIES IN THE HOUSE. I CAME BACK OUT WITHIN A FEW MINUTES AND THERE WAS A FIRE STARTING IN THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE (BATTERY AREA). THE BATTERY WAS INSTALLED LESS THAN 9 MONTHS AGO AT A HONDA DEALERSHIP. I NOW FIND OUT ACCORDS WERE RECALLED FOR BATTERY FIRES, WHY NOT CIVICS ? *TR
MY CAR WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT LAST NIGHT AFTER BEING STOPPED ON THE FREEWAY. WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY I NOTICED MY CAR DRIVING STRANGE( SOUNDING AND FEELING LIKE IT WAS IN THE WRONG GEAR) MOMENTS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND 2 WARNINGS IN THE DASHBOARD ABOUT MY ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS. MY CAR BEGIN…
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MY CAR WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT LAST NIGHT AFTER BEING STOPPED ON THE FREEWAY. WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY I NOTICED MY CAR DRIVING STRANGE( SOUNDING AND FEELING LIKE IT WAS IN THE WRONG GEAR) MOMENTS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND 2 WARNINGS IN THE DASHBOARD ABOUT MY ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION SYSTEMS. MY CAR BEGIN TO DECELERATE, COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY AND BEING HIT IN THE REAR BY ANOTHER DRIVER. I FOUND THIS VERY STRANGE AND DANGEROUS DUE TO MY CAR BEING A 2015 AND PROPERLY MAINTAINED. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED.
THE CAR SLOWED DOWN WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS, AND THEN STOPPED COMPLETELY. ALSO WHEN I STOPPED OR WAS SLOWING DOWN, MADE A TURN OR BRAKING THE SAME THING OCCURRED. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES ON INDIVIDUAL DAYS. I PUT ON MY FLASHING HAZARD LIGHTS TO PREVENT BEING HIT FROM BEHIND ON BUSY STREETS. I HAVE READ ABOUT HIS HAPPEN…
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THE CAR SLOWED DOWN WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS, AND THEN STOPPED COMPLETELY. ALSO WHEN I STOPPED OR WAS SLOWING DOWN, MADE A TURN OR BRAKING THE SAME THING OCCURRED. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES ON INDIVIDUAL DAYS. I PUT ON MY FLASHING HAZARD LIGHTS TO PREVENT BEING HIT FROM BEHIND ON BUSY STREETS. I HAVE READ ABOUT HIS HAPPENING TO SEVERAL OTHER DRIVERS WHEN I WAS RESEARCHING IT ONLINE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING HIS CAR, IT'S LIKE RUSSIAN ROULETTE. I AM HAVING IT CHECKED OUT TOMORROW AT A HONDA DEALER.IT MAY TAKE A WHILE FOR DIAGNOSIS OF THE CAUSE. I WAS SURPRISED THAT THIS WAS NOT LISTED AS A RECALLED VEHICLE. SINCE HIS HAS HAPPENED ON DIFFERENT DATES I WILL JUST LIST THE LATEST DATE BELOW.
THE TRANSMISSION DRIVE PULLEY SHAFT IS DAMAGED, I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND THE CAR LOCKED UP AND BRAKED AND THE FRONT WHEELS LOCKED UP. THIS IS BAD LUCKILY I WAS ON A DESERTED FREEWAY AND NO ONE WAS BEHIND ME. THIS IS DANGEROUS.
Official recalls
115V574000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Sep 15, 2015
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Civic vehicles manufactured January 16, 2014, to November 6, 2014 and 2015 Fit vehicles manufactured March 12, 2014, to May 12, 2015. The software settings that control the transmission operation may result in damage to the transmission drive pulley shaft.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the transmission drive pulley shaft is damaged, it may break, and the vehicle may lose acceleration or the front wheels may lock up while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will update the software for the transmission, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 30, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JU2 (Civic) and JU3(Fit).
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
2EA21002 · 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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