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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

Power Train complaints

48 reports
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150,000 miles · Jan 20, 2017
Power Train

VERY LOUD RATTLE/GRINDING AT STARTUP. IT HAPPENS ALWAYS WHEN THE ENGIN COLD AND MORE FREQUENTLY JUST SITTING FOR AN HOUR. HONDA KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM. IT IS CAUSED BY THE VTC ACTUATOR. THEY HAVE A TSB BUT NO RECALL. EVENTUALLY A SERIOUS INJURY WILL HAPPEN. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE 2013 AFTER IT WAS TAKEN TO HONDA. THEY DI…

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VERY LOUD RATTLE/GRINDING AT STARTUP. IT HAPPENS ALWAYS WHEN THE ENGIN COLD AND MORE FREQUENTLY JUST SITTING FOR AN HOUR. HONDA KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM. IT IS CAUSED BY THE VTC ACTUATOR. THEY HAVE A TSB BUT NO RECALL. EVENTUALLY A SERIOUS INJURY WILL HAPPEN. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE 2013 AFTER IT WAS TAKEN TO HONDA. THEY DID NOT REPAIR IT, AFTER THAT THE WARRANTY RAN OUT.

NHTSA ODI #10946645

85,000 miles · Jan 17, 2017
EnginePower Train

THE VEHICLE SHAKES, VIBRATES OR WOBBLES WHEN ACCELERATING IN LOW GEARS. IT STOPS WHEN EASING UP ON THE GAS PEDAL. IT TYPICALLY OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE SHIFTS (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) BETWEEN THE 1ST AND 2ND GEARS. THE WHOLE CAR SHAKES. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP IT IS BY REMOVING FOOT FROM GAS PEDAL OR ACCELERATING CAR QUICKLY TO …

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THE VEHICLE SHAKES, VIBRATES OR WOBBLES WHEN ACCELERATING IN LOW GEARS. IT STOPS WHEN EASING UP ON THE GAS PEDAL. IT TYPICALLY OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE SHIFTS (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) BETWEEN THE 1ST AND 2ND GEARS. THE WHOLE CAR SHAKES. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP IT IS BY REMOVING FOOT FROM GAS PEDAL OR ACCELERATING CAR QUICKLY TO HIGHER SPEED. THE ISSUE AFFECTS THE ABILITY TO SAFELY ACCELERATE TO PROPER SPEED. BEGINS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOPPED POSITION ALL THE WAY UP UNTIL CAR REACHES ABOUT 40-45 MILES PER HOUR. OCCURS ON ALL TYPES OF ROAD CONDITIONS BUT IS VERY PRONOUNCED WHEN DRIVING ON A FLAT SURFACE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10945774

35,000 miles · Jan 3, 2017
Electrical SystemPower Train

REF: NHTSA ID #10084343 SURGE,VIBRATION OR JUDDER MAY BE FELT WHILE DRIVING UNDER LIGHT ACCELERATION. (HONDA SERVICE BULLETIN 15-086 AND A15086) .HONDA CLAIMS MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT ON RECALL LIST.VEHICLE STILL UNDER DRIVE TRAIN WARRANTY. DEALER WILL EVALUATE CONDITION ON JAN 9 2017 TO SEE IF WARRANTY WILL COVER SB 15.086. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10939200

54,000 miles · Dec 16, 2016
Power TrainCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CR-V. WHILE PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO PARK. A FEW MINUTES LATER, THE CONTACT WAS ALTERED BY THE CHILD OCCUPANT THAT THE VEHICLE HAD ROLLED BACK. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO GET INTO THE VEHICLE, BUT THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACK TOO QUICKLY. THE CHILD OCCUPANT JUMPED OUT THE VEH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CR-V. WHILE PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO PARK. A FEW MINUTES LATER, THE CONTACT WAS ALTERED BY THE CHILD OCCUPANT THAT THE VEHICLE HAD ROLLED BACK. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO GET INTO THE VEHICLE, BUT THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACK TOO QUICKLY. THE CHILD OCCUPANT JUMPED OUT THE VEHICLE BEFORE IT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER PARKED VEHICLE ACROSS THE STREET FROM THEIR RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THERE WERE THREE INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT SUFFERED FROM A HAIRLINE FRACTURE ON THE ARM. THE CONTACT ALSO WENT INTO EARLY LABOR DUE TO THE INCIDENT AND HAD AN EMERGENCY C-SECTION TO A CHILD BORN NINE WEEKS EARLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE NEWBORN CHILD SUFFERED FROM DISABILITIES. THE CHILD OCCUPANT SUFFERED FROM A FOOT INJURY. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V143000 (POWER TRAIN) AS A POSSIBLE REASON FOR THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 54,000.

NHTSA ODI #10935914

41,000 miles · Sep 8, 2016
Power TrainInjury

MY WIFE PULLED HER 2012 HONDA CR-V INTO A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY, PUTTING THE CAR IN PARK, LEAVING THE ENGINE RUNNING. SHE EXITED THE CAR BRIEFLY THEN RETURNED, OPENING THE DOOR TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION. STANDING OUTSIDE THE CAR BUT INSIDE THE OPEN DOOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, SHE REACHED IN AND SWITCHED OFF THE IGNITION. THE CAR S…

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MY WIFE PULLED HER 2012 HONDA CR-V INTO A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY, PUTTING THE CAR IN PARK, LEAVING THE ENGINE RUNNING. SHE EXITED THE CAR BRIEFLY THEN RETURNED, OPENING THE DOOR TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION. STANDING OUTSIDE THE CAR BUT INSIDE THE OPEN DOOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE, SHE REACHED IN AND SWITCHED OFF THE IGNITION. THE CAR STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARD, KNOCKING HER TO THE GROUND, AND DRAGGING HER ABOUT 30 FEET DOWN THE DRIVEWAY AND ACROSS THE STREET. CAR CAME TO A STOP WHEN IT HIT THE CURB ACROSS THE STREET. A FIREMAN WHO ARRIVED FIRST ON THE SCENE VERIFIED THE CAR WAS STILL IN PARK. WIFE WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE AND SUFFERED A BROKEN SHOULDER, SEVERE ROAD RASH INJURIES TO HER TORSO, AND OTHER BRUISES. THE CR-V DRIVER SIDE DOOR HAS DAMAGE, NOT BEING ABLE TO CLOSE PROPERLY, AND HAS A PIECE OF BLACK PLASTIC MOLDING TORN AWAY FROM THE LOWER SECTION OF THE FRAME.

NHTSA ODI #10904732

75,000 miles · Aug 13, 2016
Power Train

THE GEAR SHIFT ALLOWS THE CAR TO BE SHIFTED FROM DRIVE MODE TO NEUTRAL OR "2" WITHOUT PRESSING THE GEAR RELEASE BUTTON. THIS CREATED A SAFETY HAZARD WHEN DRIVING AND REMOVING A BOTTLED BEVERAGE AND THE GEAR SHIFT WAS "BUMPED" WHILE DRIVING PUSHING THE HANDLE UP TO THE NEUTRAL POSITION WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT HIGH SPEE…

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THE GEAR SHIFT ALLOWS THE CAR TO BE SHIFTED FROM DRIVE MODE TO NEUTRAL OR "2" WITHOUT PRESSING THE GEAR RELEASE BUTTON. THIS CREATED A SAFETY HAZARD WHEN DRIVING AND REMOVING A BOTTLED BEVERAGE AND THE GEAR SHIFT WAS "BUMPED" WHILE DRIVING PUSHING THE HANDLE UP TO THE NEUTRAL POSITION WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT HIGH SPEEDS.

NHTSA ODI #10895718

33,000 miles · Mar 30, 2016
Power Train

ON COLD STARTUPS THERE IS A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHICH LASTS FOR A FEW SECONDS. THE GRINDING NOISE IS HEARD USUALLY AFTER THE CAR IS LEFT IDLE OVERNIGHT & DOES NOT OCCUR ON AN EVERYDAY BASIS. MY MECHANIC IDENTIFIED IT AS THE VTC ACTUATOR (CAM} & SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF BEFORE IT SHUTS DOWN THE ENGINE…

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ON COLD STARTUPS THERE IS A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHICH LASTS FOR A FEW SECONDS. THE GRINDING NOISE IS HEARD USUALLY AFTER THE CAR IS LEFT IDLE OVERNIGHT & DOES NOT OCCUR ON AN EVERYDAY BASIS. MY MECHANIC IDENTIFIED IT AS THE VTC ACTUATOR (CAM} & SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF BEFORE IT SHUTS DOWN THE ENGINE & THEN IT BECOMES AN EXPENSIVE ENGINE OVERHAUL. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE HONDA SERVICE DEPT.(2 PLACES) & TOLD IT MUST BE VERIFIED TO BE REPLACED. THE TROUBLE IS WHEN I LEAVE THE CAR IT DOESN'T HAPPEN, AS I SAID IT HAPPENS RANDOMLY. HONDA KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM (BULLETIN:09-010) BUT REFUSES TO REPLACE THE PART WITHOUT VERIFICATION. I BELIEVE IT'S UNREASONABLE TO LEAVE MY VEHICLE FOR A LONG LENGTH OF TIME & GO WITHOUT TRANSPORTATION. I EVEN RECORDED THE SOUND & HONDA WON'T ACCEPT THAT. MY WARRANTY IS RUNNING OUT BY THE END OF THIS YEAR & I'M AFRAID THIS WILL NOT BE ADDRESSED. MY VEHICLE HAS 33340 MILES ON IT, WELL BELOW THE 60000 MILE OF ENDING THE WARRANTY BUT THE 5 YEAR MARK IS APPROACHING. I HAVE READ ON THE HONDA CRV OWNERS CLUB (WWW.CRVOWNERSCLUB.COM) SITE THAT THE PROBLEM EXISTS IN MANY VEHICLES WITH THE 2.4L ENGINE. THERE IS ALSO A BULLETIN WITH AN IMPROVED PART TO CORRECT THIS BUT VERIFICATION OF EACH VEHICLE IS NECESSARY. PLEASE HELP, I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY CONDITION AS THE CAR CAN SHUT DOWN EVEN WHILE DRIVING AND THE DRIVER THEN HAS NO CONTROL WHATSOEVER OF THE VEHICLE. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=KR20BAOXBO8

NHTSA ODI #10852390

34,000 miles · Nov 12, 2015
Power Train

I BOUGHT A 2012 "HONDA CERTIFIED" CR-V EX WITH 34,000 MILES ON LABOR DAY. THE NEXT MORNING AND A FEW MORNINGS AFTER THAT, THE CAR MADE A LOUD GRINDING/RATTLING SOUND FOR A FEW SECONDS AFTER THE ENGINE STARTED. AS THE DAYS HAVE GOTTEN COLDER, THE NOISE OCCURS ALMOST EVERY TIME THE CAR STARTS. I THOUGHT THE CAR HAD A FAILING ST…

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I BOUGHT A 2012 "HONDA CERTIFIED" CR-V EX WITH 34,000 MILES ON LABOR DAY. THE NEXT MORNING AND A FEW MORNINGS AFTER THAT, THE CAR MADE A LOUD GRINDING/RATTLING SOUND FOR A FEW SECONDS AFTER THE ENGINE STARTED. AS THE DAYS HAVE GOTTEN COLDER, THE NOISE OCCURS ALMOST EVERY TIME THE CAR STARTS. I THOUGHT THE CAR HAD A FAILING STARTER AND BROUGHT IT IN FOR SERVICE. THE DEALER TOLD ME IT ISN'T A STARTER ISSUE BUT IS CAUSED BY A VTC ACTUATOR IN THE ENGINE. THE DEVICE CONTROLS VALVE TIMING AS THE ENGINE RUNS. THE DEALER TECH REP EVEN HAD A VTC (A SMALL GEAR) ON HIS DESK WHICH HE SHOWED ME AS WE SPOKE. HE ASSURED ME HONDA IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND "IS WORKING ON IT". WELL, IT TURNS OUT HONDA HAS BEEN "WORKING ON IT" SINCE 2008. THEY ISSUED SERVICE BULLETIN # 09-010 ON OCTOBER 21, 2011. THE INTERNET IS FILLED WITH HONDA OWNERS OF VARIOUS YEARS AND MODELS AFTER 2011 COMPLAINING ABOUT HONDA'S LACKADAISICAL ATTITUDE TO THIS ISSUE. MANY HAVE HAD REPLACEMENT CVT'S INSTALLED AT THEIR OWN EXPENSE ONLY TO HAVE THE PROBLEM RETURN. THE NOISE IS CAUSED WHEN COLD OIL DOESN'T FLOW TO THE GEAR AT START. THE GRINDING IS THE SOUND OF DRY METAL ON METAL. I AM NEITHER A MECHANIC NOR ENGINEER BUT I KNOW A LITTLE ABOUT CARS AND ENGINES. IF A DEVICE THAT CONTROLS VALVE TIMING FAILS THE ENGINE CAN SUDDENLY LOSE POWER OR EVEN SEIZE UP. I THINK THIS IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN AS THESE GEARS GO THROUGH MORE STARTS WITHOUT PROPER LUBRICATION. I CALLED HONDA OF AMERICA AND FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THEM. I ALSO ASKED FOR A LETTER VERIFYING THAT THEY KNOW OF THE PROBLEM AND WOULD COVER ANY ENGINE REPAIR CAUSED BY THIS ISSUE UNDER WARRANTY. SO FAR, THERE HAS BEEN NO RESPONSE. I BELIEVE THAT HONDA SHOULD RECALL THE AFFECTED CARS AND MAKE THE REPAIR BEFORE THERE IS A SERIOUS REAR END COLLISION OR OTHER ACCIDENT AS A RESULT OF ENGINE POWER FAILING AT A CRITICAL TIME.

NHTSA ODI #10790038

36,306 miles · Jul 3, 2015
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

LOUD METALLIC RATTLE NOISE ON COLD START-UP. HONDA DEALER FOUND HONDA SERVICE BULLETIN 09-010 ISSUED, BUT NO FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN ISSUED TO DATE.

NHTSA ODI #10731929

500 miles · Feb 12, 2015
EnginePower Train

THIS HAS OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. I WAS DRIVING, CAME TO A STOP AND WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE TO 25 MPH. THE CAR HESITATED UPON ACCELERATION AND THEN SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. NORMALLY WHEN IT OCCURS IT HAS HAPPENED AFTER A STOP AT A LIGHT, STOP SIGN OR CORNER. HOWEVER, IT HAS ALSO HAPPENED WHILE I'VE BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY, LET …

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THIS HAS OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. I WAS DRIVING, CAME TO A STOP AND WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE TO 25 MPH. THE CAR HESITATED UPON ACCELERATION AND THEN SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. NORMALLY WHEN IT OCCURS IT HAS HAPPENED AFTER A STOP AT A LIGHT, STOP SIGN OR CORNER. HOWEVER, IT HAS ALSO HAPPENED WHILE I'VE BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY, LET OFF THE GAS AND THEN ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE. I BROUGHT IT TO MY HONDA DEALER FOR REPAIR AND THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE CIRCUMSTANCES. I REPORTED IT TO HONDA HEADQUARTERS AND THEY CAN DO NOTHING IF THE DEALER THE CAN NOT FIND THE PROBLEM AND HAD NO OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WHICH SEEMS UNLIKELY. THIS IS VERY SCARY AND COULD LEAD TO A COLLISION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10683001

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.

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