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2012 Honda CR-V

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2012 Honda CR-V do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 400.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

279 reports with mileage · 124 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.

  • Engine. Review the 89 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 68 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 48 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

27 crash reports4 fire reports19 injury reports

Engine complaints

89 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jan 31, 2022
Engine

VTC actuator causing car to make grinding sound upon startup. I have determined that this is a KNOWN ISSUE with this make/model/year of Honda with litigation in California and Illinois. Left unfixed, my mechanic said this could lead to MUCH larger repairs down the road. This will directly affect the life of the car and can leave…

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VTC actuator causing car to make grinding sound upon startup. I have determined that this is a KNOWN ISSUE with this make/model/year of Honda with litigation in California and Illinois. Left unfixed, my mechanic said this could lead to MUCH larger repairs down the road. This will directly affect the life of the car and can leave the driver stranded should the actuator fail completely due to the KNOWN faulty part.

NHTSA ODI #11449638

Mileage unknown · Dec 17, 2021
EngineFuel/propulsion System

2012 CR-V was purchased on 4/9/16 with 36,000 miles. During the first winter a startup problem became obvious that was covered and repaired by Honda due to a recall for the faulty Variable Timing Actuator. VTA was replaced on 3/2/17 with 41,000 miles (5000 miles later). During the winter of 2019 symptoms started to sporadicall…

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2012 CR-V was purchased on 4/9/16 with 36,000 miles. During the first winter a startup problem became obvious that was covered and repaired by Honda due to a recall for the faulty Variable Timing Actuator. VTA was replaced on 3/2/17 with 41,000 miles (5000 miles later). During the winter of 2019 symptoms started to sporadically reappear. The same part is failing. A newer upgraded part was supposed to replace the original faulty part the first time. I am now told that Honda will charge me $1000 to replace this part again. Due to Covid the car was barely driven and repair was secondary to other life circumstances. It has become noticeable once again this winter.. the same part should not be failing if it were remedied the first time. Am I to understand that I will have to replace this part every two years on my own dime because Honda is replacing the same faulty part? I would like Honda to replace the faulty part with one that is not guaranteed to fail again. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI #11444130

120,000 miles · May 5, 2021
EngineStructureSuspensionCrash

ON APRIL 25, 2021 I WAS GENTLY PULLING INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE CAR ACCELERATED. I CONTINUE TO APPLY THE BRAKE AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. I CRASHED INTO MY FRONT PORCH. THE FRONT WHEELS WENT OVER THE EDGE OF THE PORCH AND THE CAR STOPPED. THERE IS ABOUT A 7 FOOT DROP OFF, THANKFULLY THE WHOLE CAR DIDN…

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ON APRIL 25, 2021 I WAS GENTLY PULLING INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE CAR ACCELERATED. I CONTINUE TO APPLY THE BRAKE AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. I CRASHED INTO MY FRONT PORCH. THE FRONT WHEELS WENT OVER THE EDGE OF THE PORCH AND THE CAR STOPPED. THERE IS ABOUT A 7 FOOT DROP OFF, THANKFULLY THE WHOLE CAR DIDN'T GO OFF THE PORCH. I KNOCKED ALL THE SUPPORTS FOR THE PORCH AND THE ROOF WAS ON THE TOP OF MY CAR. I DO BELIEVE IF I WERE PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR BY MISTAKE THE CAR WOULD'VE CONTINUED OFF THE PORCH. BOUGHT THE CAR IN DECEMBER 2020 ONLY HAD IT SIX MONTHS. I WAS CERTAIN I HAD STEPPED ON THE BRAKES SO I GOOGLED AND FOUND OTHER PEOPLE WITH 2012S IN 2011'S HAD EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE NO POLICE REPORT BUT THE POLICE DID COME OUT BECAUSE ONE OF THE NEIGHBORS HAD CALLED THEM. THEY MAY HAVE AN INCIDENT REPORT. THANKFULLY THE CAR STOPPED BEFORE WENT OFF THE PORCH OR I COULD HAVE BEEN SEVERELY HURT.

NHTSA ODI #11415288

20,125 miles · Mar 25, 2021
Engine

GRINDING NOISE AT STARTUP. TOLD WAS VCT ISSUE BUT HUNDREDS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS FOR SAME ISSUE ON INTERNET.

NHTSA ODI #11404927

103,000 miles · Feb 12, 2021
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE MADE A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE MADE A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, THERE WOULD BE NO ASSISTANCE PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 103,000.

NHTSA ODI #11395937

98,000 miles · Jun 19, 2020
Engine

REPORTED VTC ACTUATOR PROBLEM UNDER WARRANTY. HONDA REFUSED TO FIX. THEY ISSUED A TSB STATING IT WAS A NON-ISSUE. NOW, THE TIMING CHAIN IS STRETCHED, MECHANIC REPORTS THAT THE ENGINE IS DAMAGED BEYOND. METAL SHAVINGS ARE IN THE OIL FILTER, MAIN BEARINGS ARE WORN. ALL THIS BECAUSE OF A KNOWN DESIGN FLAW THAT THE MFG WAS UNWILLING…

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REPORTED VTC ACTUATOR PROBLEM UNDER WARRANTY. HONDA REFUSED TO FIX. THEY ISSUED A TSB STATING IT WAS A NON-ISSUE. NOW, THE TIMING CHAIN IS STRETCHED, MECHANIC REPORTS THAT THE ENGINE IS DAMAGED BEYOND. METAL SHAVINGS ARE IN THE OIL FILTER, MAIN BEARINGS ARE WORN. ALL THIS BECAUSE OF A KNOWN DESIGN FLAW THAT THE MFG WAS UNWILLING TO REPAIR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11329705

60,000 miles · Jun 12, 2020
EnginePower Train

VTC ACTUATOR MAKES AN EXTREMELY LOUD NOISE AND VIBRATES WHEN STARTING VEHICLE. THIS IS CAUSING THE TIMING CHAIN TO SLIP AND CHIP\LOOSE TEETH. ALSO CAUSES LOW OR LACK OF OIL PRESSURE WHICH CAUSES THE DAMAGE TO THE TIMING CHAIN. LOSE OF OIL PRESSURE HAS CAUSED CRACKS IN THE OIL GASKET AS WELL. HONDA HAS ADMITTED THAT THE VTC ACTUA…

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VTC ACTUATOR MAKES AN EXTREMELY LOUD NOISE AND VIBRATES WHEN STARTING VEHICLE. THIS IS CAUSING THE TIMING CHAIN TO SLIP AND CHIP\LOOSE TEETH. ALSO CAUSES LOW OR LACK OF OIL PRESSURE WHICH CAUSES THE DAMAGE TO THE TIMING CHAIN. LOSE OF OIL PRESSURE HAS CAUSED CRACKS IN THE OIL GASKET AS WELL. HONDA HAS ADMITTED THAT THE VTC ACTUATOR IS A DEFECTIVE PART. HOWEVER, HONDA WILL NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBLY FOR REPLACEMENT OR REPAIR OF THE VTC ACTUATOR OR FOR ANY DAMAGE CAUSED DUE TO THE DEFECTIVE PART. THIS PROBLEM IS WIDE SPREAD AND BEGAN WITH MY VEHICLE IN 2016. REPAIRS WERE MADE WHICH ONLY ELIMINATED THE NOISE AND VIBRATION. OIL PRESSURE WAS RESTORED FOR A VERY LIMITED TIME AND THE OIL GASKET BEGAN TO CRACK. WITH EACH OIL CHANGE (COMPLETED AT THE APPROPRIATE RECOMMENDED TIMES) THE OIL WAS NOTICEABLY LOW. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11328600

122,000 miles · Dec 17, 2019
Engine

VTC ACTUATOR GRINDING ON COLD START. REPORTED TO HONDA. PAID TO HAVE IT REPLACED OUT OF POCKET AT A COST OF $1443.83 ON 9/24/18 AT 111,863 MILES. AT 122,000 MILES STARTED HAVING HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION. AFTER SEVERAL MISDIAGNOSIS BY HARE HONDA, DETERMINED SAME ISSUE AS 2011 TSB A12-089 PROBLEM WITH STICKING PISTON RINGS. REQUIR…

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VTC ACTUATOR GRINDING ON COLD START. REPORTED TO HONDA. PAID TO HAVE IT REPLACED OUT OF POCKET AT A COST OF $1443.83 ON 9/24/18 AT 111,863 MILES. AT 122,000 MILES STARTED HAVING HIGH OIL CONSUMPTION. AFTER SEVERAL MISDIAGNOSIS BY HARE HONDA, DETERMINED SAME ISSUE AS 2011 TSB A12-089 PROBLEM WITH STICKING PISTON RINGS. REQUIRES FULL ENGINE REBUILD QUOTED AT $2000. IF NOT FIXED CAN CAUSE ENGINE FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI #11289643

51,000 miles · Oct 23, 2019
Engine

2012 HONDA CR-V. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED, AN ABNORMAL LOUD RATTLING NOISE IS HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THERE ARE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HONDA CITY DEALER LOCATED IN LEVITOWN NY WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VTC ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT A COST OF $7…

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2012 HONDA CR-V. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED, AN ABNORMAL LOUD RATTLING NOISE IS HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THERE ARE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HONDA CITY DEALER LOCATED IN LEVITOWN NY WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VTC ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT A COST OF $750 TO THE OWNER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED TO REPAIR THE DEFECTIVE PART. THE NOISE APPEARED WHEN THE CAR WAS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD AND THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE BUT SAID THERE WAS NO PERMANENT FIX YET AND TO CALL BACK WHEN THE NOISE GOT LOUDER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 51,000 WHICH WAS LESS THAN THE WARRANTY MILAGE OF 60,000. HONDA IS AWARE OF THIS DEFECTIVE PART THAT CAN CAUSE FURTHER ENGINE DAMAGE OR FAILURE BUT NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED. POOR RESPONSE BY HONDA.

NHTSA ODI #11270439

76,000 miles · Sep 4, 2019
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CR-V. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GWINNETT PLACE HONDA (3325 SATELLITE BLVD, DULUTH, GA 30096, (678) 274-6206) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VTC ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE RE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CR-V. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GWINNETT PLACE HONDA (3325 SATELLITE BLVD, DULUTH, GA 30096, (678) 274-6206) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VTC ACTUATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 76,000.

NHTSA ODI #11253201

Official recalls

3

13V143000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Apr 15, 2013

Honda is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 CR-V, Odyssey, and model year 2013 Acura RDX vehicles. During sub-freezing temperatures, the brake-shift interlock blocking mechanism may become slow and allow the gear selector to be moved from the Park position without pressing the brake pedal. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the gear selector is moved from the park position without pressing the brake pedal it can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated brake shift interlock blocking mechanism free of charge. The recall began on May 13, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Honda's campaign recall numbers are S96, S97, and S98.

12V501000 · Equipment:other:labels

Oct 16, 2012

Honda is recalling certain model year 2012 CR-V, equipped with the LX trim level and manufactured from August 30, 2012, to August 31, 2012. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification." The incorrect values for Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, Gross Axle Weight Rating front and rear, tire size, and rim size were specified on the safety certification label.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A misprinted label could lead to improper vehicle loading. Improper loading could result in a tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will apply the corrective label free of charge. The safety recall began on November 14, 2012. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

12V338000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

Jul 19, 2012

Honda is recalling certain model year 2012 Honda CR-V and model year 2013 Acura ILX vehicles. If the manual or power door lock is activated while an interior front door handle is being operated by an occupant, the cable connecting the interior door handle to the door latch mechanism may become loose and move out of position. There is a possibility that the cable can move far enough out of position to prevent the door from properly latching.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the door is not fully latched, the door may open while driving or in a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the vehicle occupants.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front door latch assemblies in the affected vehicles, free of charge. Additionally, the interior front door handles in certain Honda CR-Vs will also be replaced, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on, or about, August 16, 2012. Owners may contact Honda customer service 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

3

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.

EQ12002 · Autoliv Air Bag Propellant Mixture

Opened Feb 14, 2012 · Closed May 8, 2012

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:side/window

The summary for this investigation, labeled EQ12-002 Autoliv Closing Resume, can be found attached separately to this resume.This EQ is closed.

Go deeper into Honda CR-V problems