Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
3560–25K
7225–50K
2650–75K
1775–100K
13100–150K
7150K+
491 reports with mileage · 179 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 243 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 148 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 83 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
38 crash reports4 fire reports18 injury reports
What owners actually said
670 reports
18,000 miles · Aug 6, 2016
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesUnknown Or OtherCrash
LAST YEAR WE LEASED A NEW 2015 HONDA CRV EXPECTING THE SAME QUALITY EXPERIENCE OF OUR PREVIOUS CARS. THE VIBRATION ISSUE THAT EVERYONE IS REPORTING WAS NOTICEABLE THE FIRST DAY OF DRIVING THE CAR AND IT IS HORRIBLE, BUT IT IS ALSO THE LEAST OF MY WORRIES AT THE MOMENT. I HAD THE FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE OF PULLING INTO A PARKING…
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LAST YEAR WE LEASED A NEW 2015 HONDA CRV EXPECTING THE SAME QUALITY EXPERIENCE OF OUR PREVIOUS CARS. THE VIBRATION ISSUE THAT EVERYONE IS REPORTING WAS NOTICEABLE THE FIRST DAY OF DRIVING THE CAR AND IT IS HORRIBLE, BUT IT IS ALSO THE LEAST OF MY WORRIES AT THE MOMENT. I HAD THE FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE OF PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT A VERY LOW SPEED, BRAKING, AND THE CAR SUDDENLY GOING FORWARD SEVERAL MONTHS AGO. I RAN OVER A SIGN AND HIT A COWORKERS CAR WHILE TRYING TO STOP THE CAR (AS I CIRCLED TO THE LEFT). THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED WHEN I LIFTED MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND BRAKED AGAIN. HAD THE CAR IMMEDIATELY TOWED TO THE HONDA DEALERSHIP WHERE I GOT IT. ALMOST A MONTH LATER THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO ME AND HONDA REPORTED THEY ALLEGEDLY FOUND NOTHING WRONG. I HAD TO ASSUME THEY WERE RIGHT AND IT MUST HAVE BEEN SOMETHING I DID WRONG BECAUSE I HAD NO PROOF OTHERWISE. RELUCTANTLY I STARTED DRIVING THE CAR AGAIN. WELL THIS PAST WEEK MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE CAR IN VERY SLOW TRAFFIC ON A BACK ROAD AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO HER. SHE STOPPED THE CAR AND THE CAR PROCEEDED TO GO FORWARD EVEN THOUGH HER FOOT WAS FULLY ON THE BRAKE. THIS TIME SHE HIT THE TRAILER HITCH OF THE LARGE CAR IN FRONT OF HER IN LINE. WE CALLED AMERICAN HONDA AGAIN AND STATED WE DO NOT WANT THIS CAR ANY LONGER. WE WOULD EVEN BE WILLING TO TRADE IT FOR ANOTHER MODEL AND YEAR. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT UNLESS WE HAVE "PROOF" THAT THIS IS HAPPENING, THERE IS NOTHING THEY ARE WILLING TO DO. THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE TO US! WHAT IF THE NEXT TIME THIS HAPPENS, THE DRIVER IS STOPPED FOR PEDESTRIANS IN A CROSS WALK AND THE CAR LURCHES AHEAD AND HITS AND SERIOUSLY INJURES OR KILLS A PEDESTRIAN?? CURRENTLY FEELING BETRAYED BY THE BRAND THAT WE HAVE STOOD BY FOR YEARS, BECAUSE THEY ARE UNWILLING TO REMOVE A POTENTIALLY UNSAFE CAR FROM THE STREETS.
NHTSA ODI #10893704
7,200 miles · Jul 26, 2016
Power TrainService BrakesVehicle Speed ControlCrash
I WENT ALONE TO KOHLS ON ARIZONA AVE. I WAS ALMOST READY TO PARK AND ALMOST AT A STANDSTILL AND READY TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK. I REMEMBER PUTTING MY FOOT ON THE BREAK AND IT SEEMED STUCK AND A FEW SECONDS LATER I RECALL A SURGE OF ACCELERATION AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP EVEN AS I ATTEMPTED DESPERATELY TO PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRA…
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I WENT ALONE TO KOHLS ON ARIZONA AVE. I WAS ALMOST READY TO PARK AND ALMOST AT A STANDSTILL AND READY TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK. I REMEMBER PUTTING MY FOOT ON THE BREAK AND IT SEEMED STUCK AND A FEW SECONDS LATER I RECALL A SURGE OF ACCELERATION AND THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP EVEN AS I ATTEMPTED DESPERATELY TO PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO STOP THE CAR. THE SURGE OF ENERGY SEEMED TO PULL-STEER MY CAR TO THE RIGHT AND IT HIT A PARKED CAR THAT WAS 3 SPOTS TO THE RIGHT AS THERE WERE NO CARS IN THE EMPTY PARKING SPOTS NEXT TO THIS CAR. MY CAR ALMOST WENT SIDEWAYS AND HIT THE CAR'S FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE AREA AND DAMAGED IT PRETTY BADLY. I WAS NOT ABLE TO CONTROL THE CAR DURING THIS ACCIDENT. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS WAS A MALFUNCTION OF THE BRAKE OR SOME OTHER OPERATING SYSTEM. I REVIEWED WITH MY INSURANCE CLAIMS AGENT RE: MY CONCERNS RE: A MALFUNCTION OF THE CAR BREAKS OR SOME OTHER SYSTEM; THEY TOOK CARE OF THE CLAIM BUT DIDN'T PROVIDE ANY GUIDANCE RE: HOW TO PURSUE MY CONCERNS RE; MALFUNCTION: I CALLED AMERICAN HONDA COMPANY ON JUNE 13TH AND FILED A COMPLAINT RE; THE ACCIDENT TO INFORM MY CONCERNS RE: A MALFUNCTION THAT I FEEL CAUSED THIS ACCIDENT. I WAS GIVEN A CASE # 04758407 AND TOLD THAT I WOULD BE ASSIGNED A CASE MANAGER WHO WILL CALL ME WITHIN 24HRS. I WAS CALLED BY STEVEN 310/783-2863 ON 6/14 AND LET ME KNOW HE WAS MY CASE MANAGER. IN SPITE OF MANY CALL TO SET UP AN APT TO HAVE MY CAR EVALUATED, I HAVE NOT YET RECEIVED A CALL BACK TO COORDINATE A TIME TO GET MY CAR EVALUATED TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY MALFUNCTION DURING THIS ACCIDENT AND EXPLAIN TO ME HOW THIS COULD HAVE HAPPENED W/O A MALFUNCTION AS THE ACCIDENT IS QUITE BIZARRE. I GOOGLED TO SEE IF HONDA CR-V 2015S HAVE HAD ANY BREAK MALFUNCTIONS'I SAW A REPORT THAT HAD SEVERAL INCIDENTS ALMOST IDENTICAL TO MINE IN A PARKING LOT OR NEAR PARKED POSITION.
NHTSA ODI #10888853
25,000 miles · Jul 18, 2016
Electrical SystemFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HONDA CR-V. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, SMOKE AND FLAMES APPEARED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HONDA CR-V. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, SMOKE AND FLAMES APPEARED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 25,000.
NHTSA ODI #10885648
22,000 miles · Jul 1, 2016
Steering
I USED MY 2015 HONDA CR-V AWD TOURING TO TOW A TRAILER WITH TWO SCOOTERS LOADED. THE TOURING TRIM HAS THE LANE KEEPING ASSIST SYSTEM (LKAS) WHICH USES A CAMERA TO READ THE ROAD MARKINGS AND WILL BUMP THE STEERING WHEEL IF THE DRIVER IS GETTING TOO CLOSE TO THE CENTER OR SIDES OF THE ROAD. I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT THE…
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I USED MY 2015 HONDA CR-V AWD TOURING TO TOW A TRAILER WITH TWO SCOOTERS LOADED. THE TOURING TRIM HAS THE LANE KEEPING ASSIST SYSTEM (LKAS) WHICH USES A CAMERA TO READ THE ROAD MARKINGS AND WILL BUMP THE STEERING WHEEL IF THE DRIVER IS GETTING TOO CLOSE TO THE CENTER OR SIDES OF THE ROAD. I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT THE SPEED LIMIT ON A DAY WITH CLEAR WEATHER. WITH LKAS ON, WHEN THE TRAILER WOULD HIT A BUMP THE CRV WOULD OVER-CORRECT THE STEERING BACK AND FORTH CAUSING THE TRAILER TO SWAY AND MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO GET UNDER CONTROL. AT 70 MPH, IT WAS DANGEROUS. I HAD TO KEEP THE LKAS TURNED OFF TO KEEP THE VEHICLE SAFE. WITH LKAS OFF, THE TRAILER PULLED GREAT AND NEVER SWAYED. IT SURPRISED ME THE DRIVING EXPERIENCE WOULD BE VASTLY DIFFERENT WITH THE LKAS SAFETY FEATURE ACTIVATED. THE OWNER'S MANUAL HAS NO WARNINGS ABOUT USING THE LKAS WHILE TOWING IN EITHER THE LKAS SECTION OR THE TOWING SECTION. THE CLOSEST APPLICABLE WARNING IS IF THE CAR IS OVERLOADED THE CAMERA MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SEE THE ROAD MARKINGS. MY TRAILER IS IN GOOD WORKING ORDER. IT WAS WELL BALANCED SIDE TO SIDE AND FRONT TO BACK. IT WAS NOT OVERLOADING THE HITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS RIDING LEVEL. THE TRAILER AND BIKES WEIGH ABOUT 1,100 LBS. THE VEHICLE IS RATED TO TOW 1,500 LBS. I HAD PREVIOUSLY TOWED A SMALL UTILITY TRAILER WITH SIMILAR RESULTS. IF THE TRAILER OR HOW IT WAS LOADED WAS TO BLAME, I WOULD HAVE EXPECTED TO EXPERIENCE CONTROL ISSUES WHETHER THE LKAS WAS ON OR OFF. I ONLY EXPERIENCED ISSUES WHEN LKAS WAS ON. I HAVE CONTACTED AMERICAN HONDA AND OPENED CASE #04800645.
NHTSA ODI #10882023
6,000 miles · Jun 29, 2016
Engine
ENGINE STALLS OCCASIONALLY DURING THE PERIOD OF FIRST TEN MINUTES AFTER IT IS TURNED ON.
NHTSA ODI #10881627
12,000 miles · Jun 10, 2016
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HONDA CR-V. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE M…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HONDA CR-V. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.
NHTSA ODI #10873711
19,000 miles · Jun 9, 2016
Seats
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SEAT HEIGHT ADJUSTER FAILED. THE SEAT HAD TO BE READJUSTED TO CORRECT THE HEIGHT EACH TIME WHEN ENTERING THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SEAT HEIGHT ADJUSTER FAILED. THE SEAT HAD TO BE READJUSTED TO CORRECT THE HEIGHT EACH TIME WHEN ENTERING THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 07/12/16*LJ *CN
NHTSA ODI #10873421
9,519 miles · May 30, 2016
Power Train
WHEN THIS KEYLESS ENTRY VEHICLE IS STATIONARY, ENGINE CAN BE TURNED OFF AND DRIVER CAN EXIT WITHOUT SHIFTING TO PARK. THE VEHICLE WILL SOUND AN ALARM AND DISPLAY "SHIFT TO PARK" ON ONE OF IT'S SCREENS. HOWEVER, THIS DOES NOT PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING ON ANY FORM OF INCLINE. WE HAVE ALMOST LOST THE CAR THREE TIMES IN PEO…
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WHEN THIS KEYLESS ENTRY VEHICLE IS STATIONARY, ENGINE CAN BE TURNED OFF AND DRIVER CAN EXIT WITHOUT SHIFTING TO PARK. THE VEHICLE WILL SOUND AN ALARM AND DISPLAY "SHIFT TO PARK" ON ONE OF IT'S SCREENS. HOWEVER, THIS DOES NOT PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING ON ANY FORM OF INCLINE. WE HAVE ALMOST LOST THE CAR THREE TIMES IN PEOPLE'S DRIVEWAYS WITH THIS PROBLEM. YES, THE PREFERRED SOLUTION IS TO APPLY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE BEFORE EXITING BUT THAT IS NOT A REAL-WORLD SOLUTION FOR FLAT-LANDERS (THIS SOLUTION IS ONLY USED ON STEEP INCLINES). OUR PREVIOUS IGNITION KEY CAR WOULD NOT LET US REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY UNTIL THE TRANSMISSION WAS PLACED IN PARK. THIS DEFICIENCY COULD EASILY RESULT IN AN OUT-OF-CONTROL RUNAWAY CAR.
NHTSA ODI #10871484
100 miles · May 23, 2016
Electrical SystemTires
MAY 23RD, 2016 AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO. INC. DEAR SIRS: I WOULD LIKE TO CALL YOUR ATTENTION TO A CHRONIC PROBLEM I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING WITH MY VEHICLE. ONE THAT IN SPITE OF INNUMERABLE VISITS TO MY LOCAL DEALER AND WHAT WOULD APPEAR TO BE A SERIOUS CONCERN ON THEIR PART, REMAINS UNSOLVED. THE VEHICLE IS A 2015 H…
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MAY 23RD, 2016 AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO. INC. DEAR SIRS: I WOULD LIKE TO CALL YOUR ATTENTION TO A CHRONIC PROBLEM I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING WITH MY VEHICLE. ONE THAT IN SPITE OF INNUMERABLE VISITS TO MY LOCAL DEALER AND WHAT WOULD APPEAR TO BE A SERIOUS CONCERN ON THEIR PART, REMAINS UNSOLVED. THE VEHICLE IS A 2015 HONDA CRV, VIN # [XXX] PURCHASED FROM GILLMAN HONDA IN RICHMOND, TEXAS, BUT SERVICED LOCALLY BY VICTORY HONDA IN VICTORIA, TEXAS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS THAT OF 9,838 MILES. THE PROBLEM I HAVE ENCOUNTERED IS THAT OF A " CHECK TIRE" MESSAGE THAT DOES NOT CORRESPOND TO REALITY. THE SIGNAL HAS TURNED ON, ABOUT ONCE A WEEK SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR. VICTORY HONDA HAS EXAMINED THE CAR ON AL LEAST TWELVE OCCASIONS, I HAVE TAKEN IT TO MY TIRE DEALER AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH AND THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED. THIS HAS BECOME VERY ANNOYING, ON ONE HAND BECAUSE I NEVER KNOW THE TRUE STATUS OF THE TIRES AND I HAVE EXPENDED A LOT OF TIME AND HAVE BEEN FORCED TO FIND ANOTHER MODE OF TRANSPORTATION EACH TIME THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN KEPT AT THE DEALER. I NEED A SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM, AND I NEED IT NOW! I HAVE DONE SOME INTERNET SEARCH AND I DO NOT SEEM TO BE THE ONLY OWNER WITH SUCH A PROBLEM, YOU HAVE BEEN MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT AND IT NEED THIS RESOLVED. I WOULD EXPECT ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER, THANK YOU, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10870449
3,000 miles · May 20, 2016
EnginePower TrainSeats
VEHICLE STOPPED AND IDLING WHILE IN GEAR, VIBRATION FELT THROUGHOUT THE CABIN. TO THE POINT WHERE IT IS IMMEDIATELY OBSERVABLE, DISTRACTING, AND COULD POSSIBLY GIVE ME A HEADACHE ON LONGER STOP-AND-GO TRIPS. CONTACTED HONDA CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND THEY HAD DEALER PERFORM THE APPLICABLE FIXES BUT ISSUE REMAINS. DEALER CLAIMS THEY…
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VEHICLE STOPPED AND IDLING WHILE IN GEAR, VIBRATION FELT THROUGHOUT THE CABIN. TO THE POINT WHERE IT IS IMMEDIATELY OBSERVABLE, DISTRACTING, AND COULD POSSIBLY GIVE ME A HEADACHE ON LONGER STOP-AND-GO TRIPS. CONTACTED HONDA CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND THEY HAD DEALER PERFORM THE APPLICABLE FIXES BUT ISSUE REMAINS. DEALER CLAIMS THEY CAN'T FEEL THE VIBRATION, HOWEVER, THEY AREN'T IN THE CAR AS LONG AS I AM (OR ARE TRYING TO COVER THE PROBLEM). HONDA CLAIMS THEY CAN DO NOTHING ELSE BUT THEY WILL INFORM ME OF ANY FIXES IN THE FUTURE. ALSO MENTIONED THAT I SHOULD REPORT THIS ISSUE ELSEWHERE AS THEY CAN NO LONGER HELP ME AT THIS TIME. PER THEIR SUGGESTION, I'M REPORTING THIS HERE.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Honda CR-V vehicles that recently received a replacement engine. The replacement engine may have been built with the wrong pistons, potentially affecting the engine's performance.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The reduced performance may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engines and replace the incorrect components, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KF6.
American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Accord L4 vehicles manufactured July 29, 2014, to July 31, 2014, 2015 Accord L4 vehicles manufactured August 14, 2014, to January 30, 2015, and 2015 CR-V vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to February 6, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been assembled with improperly torqued connecting rod bolts, which can cause the engine to lose power or leak oil.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Loss of engine power may result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash. If the engine leaks oil in the proximity of hot engine or exhaust components, there is an increased risk of a fire.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine short block, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is JP2 (for Accord models) and JP3 (for CR-V models).
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2
EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
EA19001 · Electrical Overstress
Opened Apr 19, 2019 · Closed Sep 19, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW. The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mounted in the vehicle and deploys the vehicle air bags and seat belt pretensioners in accordance with manufacturer design specifications. The ECU in the subject vehicles contains a model DS84 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which controls the communication of the crash sensor signal, firing commands (i.e., when to deploy the airbag(s) and/or pretensioners), and fault information (e.g., diagnostic trouble codes). In September 2016, FCA announced recall 16V-668 for certain model year (MY) 2010 to 2014 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep products manufactured with the subject ZF-TRW ACU. In this recall, FCA discussed an EOS condition that resulted in a failure of the subject DS84 ASIC, which caused air bag non-deployment. FCA noted that the defect condition had only been observed in vehicles equipped with sensor harnessing routed across the front of the vehicle. Other FCA vehicles that also used the subject ACU, but were not equipped with cross-car harnessing, had not experienced EOS failures, despite similar time in service. During the course of this investigation, ODI sent two separate Information Request (IR) letters to six vehicle manufactures (including FCA, Hyundai, Honda, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Toyota) and one IR letter to ZF-TRW. These IR letters resulted in ODI receiving comprehensive data from these manufacturers and suppliers. Studies of this data found that the DS84 ASIC does not have sufficient protection against negative electrical transients or electrical overstress (“EOS”) that can be generated in certain severe crashes. An electrical transient occurs when the electrical power supplied to a circuit changes momentarily over a short duration of time. In these severe crash cases, the crash sensors and other powered wiring can be damaged and short circuited so as to create a negative electrical transient of sufficient intensity and duration (that are outside the vehicle manufacturer's specification) to damage the ASIC before the restraint device deployment signal is received by the SRS ECU. This damaged signal can lead to incomplete or nondeployment of the air bags and/or pretensioners. Airbag non-deployment and/or lack of pretensioner operation can increase the risk or severity of injury in a crash.A total of 8 fatalities and 14 injuries were associated with known EOS events. The common element in all investigated manufacturers vehicles is the SRS ECU containing a DS84 ASIC manufactured by ZF-TRW. The risk associated with the ASIC is equally shared among all OEMS involved in the investigation. The actual real-world risk can be mitigated by other factors which were assessed by ODI during this investigation. The first mitigating factor involves protections built into the ACU design which protect the DS84 ASIC from damage. There are multiple strategies and levels of protection employed by different OEMs that provide effective EOS mitigation. The two most common strategies at the ACU level are circuit protection diodes on the remote senor signal lines, and current limiting resistors that protect critical components. The second mitigating factor is found at the vehicle level and involves the location and routing of the wires leading from the crash sensors to the SRS ECU. If the wires are well protected in a crash and are not routed with other power wires carrying large currents, the risk for an EOS event is significantly reduced or eliminated. These design specific factors combine to produce a spectrum of risk for the vehicles equipped with ACUs using the DS84 ASIC. Given the many of years of field exposure, it is possible to divide the subject population into two groups; vehicles which have experienced EOS events, and vehicles which have not experienced EOS field events. Four of the six OEMs involved in this investigation have experienced EOS field events on at least one of their models equipped with a DS84 ASIC. All vehicle models (including the Toyota models identified in the Failure Report Summary of the opening resume for this investigation) with field events have been recalled. In an abundance of caution, ODI kept this investigation open five years to monitor field performance and did not identify any field events on vehicles not included in existing safety recalls. Given the spectrum of risk identified in this investigation and that all vehicles with a demonstrated unreasonable risk have been recalled, ODI is closing this investigation. ODI is closing this investigation with the following manufacturer safety recalls: 16V-668, 18E-043, 18V-137, 18V-363, and 20V-024. With the recall actions taken by the subject vehicle and equipment manufacturers, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exists on other model or model year vehicles outside of the recall scopes. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.