NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
403 reports46,000 miles · Apr 9, 2016
Unknown Or OtherVisibility/wiper
IT IS WELL DOCUMENTED BY HONDA THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH HEATER CORES ON THESE CARS. HEATER WILL EVENTUALLY BECOME PLUGGED AND NOT WORK. HEAT IS SIGNIFICANTLY COOLER ON DRIVERS SIDE VENTS THAN PASSENGER SIDE. MY COMPLAINT IS WITHOUT HEAT TO DEFROST WINDSHIELD IN WINTER CONDITIONS IT WILL BECOME A VISIBILITY ISSUE DUE TO NOT…
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IT IS WELL DOCUMENTED BY HONDA THAT THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH HEATER CORES ON THESE CARS. HEATER WILL EVENTUALLY BECOME PLUGGED AND NOT WORK. HEAT IS SIGNIFICANTLY COOLER ON DRIVERS SIDE VENTS THAN PASSENGER SIDE. MY COMPLAINT IS WITHOUT HEAT TO DEFROST WINDSHIELD IN WINTER CONDITIONS IT WILL BECOME A VISIBILITY ISSUE DUE TO NOT HAVING THE ABILITY TO DEFROST THE WINDSHIELD. AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE A CRASH. HONDA IS VERY MUCH AWARE OF THIS ISSUE, YET IS CHARGING CUSTOMERS THAT ARE OUT OF WARRANTY TO RECTIFY THE ISSUE. I HAVE 46K MILES ON MY CAR AND AM HAVING HEATER CORE ISSUES? I NOTICED THE ISSUE EARLY ON AND IT HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. HAD I OF KNOWN WHAT IT WAS I WOULD HAVE HAD IT FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. HONDA TSB NUMBER IS 14-063. TEMPERATURE DIFFERENTIAL FROM PASSENGER SIDE TO DRIVER SIDE IN MY CAR IS 40+ DEGREES.
NHTSA ODI #10854534
18,000 miles · Apr 6, 2016
Engine
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 BUT HAPPENS TO A LESSER EXTENT WHILE THE CAR IS BEING USED. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER. THEIR MECHANIC IDENTIFIED IT AS THE VTC ACTUATOR. THEY SAI…
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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 BUT HAPPENS TO A LESSER EXTENT WHILE THE CAR IS BEING USED. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER. THEIR MECHANIC IDENTIFIED IT AS THE VTC ACTUATOR. THEY SAID THAT THIS IS COMMON AND THAT HONDA HAS ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN AND WILL BE ISSUING A RECALL SOON. HONDA KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM (BULLETIN:09-010). THEY SAID THAT IT CAN WAIT FOR THE RECALL TO BE ISSUED. MY PROBLEM IS THAT MY WARRINTY MAY NOW EXPIRE AND A RECALL COULD NOT EVER BE ISSUED.
NHTSA ODI #10853887
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
30,000 miles · Mar 24, 2016
Electrical System
I HAVE A 2012 HONDA CRV. I RECENTLY HAD MY BATTERY CHANGED WHEN THE CAR WOULD NOT TURN OVER. LUCKILY THIS HAPPENED WHILE PARKED IN FRONT OF MY HOME. I DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT BECAUSE THE BATTERY JUST TURNED 4 YEARS OLD. THE MECHANIC ALSO TESTED THE CHARGING SYSTEM JUST TO BE SURE EVERYTHING WAS ALRIGHT. THE MECHANIC …
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I HAVE A 2012 HONDA CRV. I RECENTLY HAD MY BATTERY CHANGED WHEN THE CAR WOULD NOT TURN OVER. LUCKILY THIS HAPPENED WHILE PARKED IN FRONT OF MY HOME. I DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT BECAUSE THE BATTERY JUST TURNED 4 YEARS OLD. THE MECHANIC ALSO TESTED THE CHARGING SYSTEM JUST TO BE SURE EVERYTHING WAS ALRIGHT. THE MECHANIC FOUND LOW READINGS FOR BOTH THE STARTER AND ALTERNATOR. THE CAR IS 4 YEARS OLD WITH ONLY 30,000 MILES ON IT. I WAS CONCERNED WHEN FIRST TOLD ABOUT THIS. HOWEVER, NOW I AM READING MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS SAME ISSUE. WITH SO MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, WHY ISN'T HONDA FORCED TO DO SOMETHING SUCH AS A MANDATORY RECALL??
NHTSA ODI #10851340
Mileage unknown · Mar 23, 2016
Air Bags
ON FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 2016, I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL LETTER FROM HONDA AUTOMOBILE DIVISION, AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. REGARDING A DEFECT PERTAINING TO MY 2011 HONDA CR-V. ON MONDAY, MARCH 21, 2016, I INITIALLY CONTACTED MY LOCAL HONDA DEALER (HONDA OF NANUET) WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THE MANAGER, DOMINICK INFORM…
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ON FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 2016, I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL LETTER FROM HONDA AUTOMOBILE DIVISION, AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. REGARDING A DEFECT PERTAINING TO MY 2011 HONDA CR-V. ON MONDAY, MARCH 21, 2016, I INITIALLY CONTACTED MY LOCAL HONDA DEALER (HONDA OF NANUET) WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THE MANAGER, DOMINICK INFORMED ME THAT THE PART TO CORRECT THE DEFECT WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE FOR REPLACEMENT UNTIL LATE SUMMER 2016. HE OFFERED ME THE OPTION OF EITHER BRINGING MY CAR TO BE STORED AT THE DEALERSHIP OR STORING IT AT MY HOME UNTIL THE PART BECOMES AVAILABLE. HE FURTHER INFORMED ME THAT HONDA OF NANUET WOULD ACCOMMODATE ME WITH A RENTAL FROM AVIS IN NANUET, NEW YORK. I WOULD ONLY BE ABLE TO CHOSE FROM THE AVAILABLE COMPACT VEHICLES ON THE LOT AT THE TIME THEY ARRANGE FOR THE RENTAL. I ADVISED DOMINICK THAT I HAVE A TEMPORARY HANDICAPPED PARKING PERMIT DUE TO KNEE PROBLEMS I HAVE. I INQUIRED ABOUT RENTING A VEHICLE SIMILAR TO THE CR-V HOWEVER DOMINICK INFORMED ME THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY AN ADDITIONAL $15 PER DAY. I THEN CONTACTED MY INSURANCE COMPANY WHO ADVISED ME THAT MY POLICY WILL NOT COVER THIS LONG TERM RENTAL, THAT IT IS THE DEALERSHIPS RESPONSIBILITY. I THEN CONTACTED DOMINICK TO DISCUSS THE INSURANCE ISSUE AND HE ADVISED ME THAT HONDA WOULD NOT BE COVERING THE COST OF INSURANCE AND FURTHERMORE, I SHOULD LEAVE MY CAR AT HOME AS OPPOSED TO BRINGING IT TO THE DEALER TO STORE. I AM UNCLEAR WHY A RECALL ISSUED BY HONDA WOULD COST ME MONEY AND INCONVENIENCE. I WOULD LIKE KNOW MY RIGHTS WITH REGARD TO SUCH A RECALL.
NHTSA ODI #10851255
51,000 miles · Mar 22, 2016
Service Brakes
MY WIFE TOOK VEHICLE (2012 CRV EX 2 WD) TO APOSTLAKIS HONDA IN HERMITAGE PA FOR ANNUAL STATE INSPECTION. SERVICE PERSONNEL STATED THAT VEHICLE REQUIRED NEW REAR ROTORS/ BRAKE PADS. SERVICE REP STATED THAT DUE TO INSUFFICIENT BRAKE FLUID REACHING THE LEFT REAR BRAKES, THE PADS HAD NOT FUNCTIONED PROPERLY, RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO …
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MY WIFE TOOK VEHICLE (2012 CRV EX 2 WD) TO APOSTLAKIS HONDA IN HERMITAGE PA FOR ANNUAL STATE INSPECTION. SERVICE PERSONNEL STATED THAT VEHICLE REQUIRED NEW REAR ROTORS/ BRAKE PADS. SERVICE REP STATED THAT DUE TO INSUFFICIENT BRAKE FLUID REACHING THE LEFT REAR BRAKES, THE PADS HAD NOT FUNCTIONED PROPERLY, RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE ROTOR. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE NEEDED NEW ROTORS/PADS ON REAR OF VEHICLE TO PASS STATE INSPECTION AT A COST OF NEARLY $400. FROM THE EXPLANATION OF THE SERVICE REP, IT APPEARS THAT A POSSIBLE MANUFACTURING DEFECT WAS THE CAUSE OF THE PREMATURE DISINTEGRATION OF THE LEFT REAR BRAKE COMPONENTS. CONSIDERING THE SAFETY ISSUES INVOLVED WITH DEFECTIVE AND COMPROMISED BRAKING SYSTEM, I BELIEVE THIS CONCERN NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY. I BELIEVE HONDA MOTORS NEEDS TO COMPENSATE INDIVIDUALS SUCH AS MYSELF WHO HAVE BEEN REQUIRED TO ADDRESS AND REPAIR THIS PROBLEM
NHTSA ODI #10851013
Mileage unknown · Mar 14, 2016
Unknown Or Other
WHEN I USE THE HANDS FREE BLUETOOTH ON MY VEHICLE, THE PERSON ON THE OTHER END STATE THEY HEAR A LOUD BUZZING NOISE AND CAN'T HEAR ME SPEAK. I TRIED SWITCHING TO MY WORK'S IPHONE AND THE BUZZING NOISE IS STILL THERE. IT'S SOUNDS CLEAR ON MY END BUT NOT ON THE OTHER END. AT THIS POINT, I CAN'T USE MY HANDS FREE DEVICE ON MY VE…
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WHEN I USE THE HANDS FREE BLUETOOTH ON MY VEHICLE, THE PERSON ON THE OTHER END STATE THEY HEAR A LOUD BUZZING NOISE AND CAN'T HEAR ME SPEAK. I TRIED SWITCHING TO MY WORK'S IPHONE AND THE BUZZING NOISE IS STILL THERE. IT'S SOUNDS CLEAR ON MY END BUT NOT ON THE OTHER END. AT THIS POINT, I CAN'T USE MY HANDS FREE DEVICE ON MY VEHICLE WHICH IS NOW A LAW IN MY STATE THAT WE ARE NOT ALLOWED TO USE OUR PHONES WHEN DRIVING UNLESS IT'S CONNECTED TO HANDS FREE.
NHTSA ODI #10849639
17,000 miles · Mar 2, 2016
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CR-V. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STARTER ACTUATOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFAC…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CR-V. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STARTER ACTUATOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000.
NHTSA ODI #10839561
60,000 miles · Feb 16, 2016
Service Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CR-V. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED BUT THERE WERE NO BRAKE FAILURES. THE LIGHT ILLUMINATED RANDOMLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000.
NHTSA ODI #10836369
34,000 miles · Feb 4, 2016
EngineUnknown Or Other
WE HAVE A PROBLEM WITH NOISE WHEN STARTING IN COLD WEATHER. THERE IS A HESITATION SOMETIMES WHEN DRIVING LIKE NOT GETTING FUEL.
NHTSA ODI #10824153
Official recalls
3Apr 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.
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.
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
3EA21002 · 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.