The headlights on this vehicle are so dim it is unsafe to drive at night. Was told by the dealership that it’s a common problem with this vehicle where the inner film oxidizes and degrades the coating. This issue happened on another model and was recalled and fixed. It is terrifying to drive at night, especially with my child …
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The headlights on this vehicle are so dim it is unsafe to drive at night. Was told by the dealership that it’s a common problem with this vehicle where the inner film oxidizes and degrades the coating. This issue happened on another model and was recalled and fixed. It is terrifying to drive at night, especially with my child in the car. I live in an area with deer and the lights are so dim you cannot even see in front of you. Someone is going to die due to this issue. If you Google this issue EVERYONE is complaining about it. According to Acura it would require me to pay approx $2500 for them to fix this issue. Again, not having working headlights is an extreme safety issue. This not only affects the one driving, but others can’t even see me on the road. Especially now that street lights are not really common anymore, it is impossible to see at night. Please issue a recall for the headlights to be replaced before someone gets hurt. Especially children who ride in this vehicle. This issue makes this vehicle dangerous, unsafe, and impossible to drive at night.
NHTSA ODI #11511130
Mileage unknown · Mar 9, 2023
Exterior Lighting
Both low beam headlights are very dim. Replacing the bulb does not increase brightness. Reports from internet are saying it’s because the reflective material oxidizes and no longer reflects. Extremely dangerous to drive at night.
NHTSA ODI #11511041
Mileage unknown · Mar 9, 2023
Exterior Lighting
The vehicle headlights are dangerously low for night driving regardless of how new the bulbs are.
NHTSA ODI #11511021
Mileage unknown · Mar 9, 2023
Exterior Lighting
I had taken my vehicle to the dealer because I was having a very difficult time at night seeing with my headlights. The dealer determined that both of my font headlights assemblies were extremely dim and needed to be replaced. I found the dealer to be very irresponsible and i informed them that this was a major accident waitin…
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I had taken my vehicle to the dealer because I was having a very difficult time at night seeing with my headlights. The dealer determined that both of my font headlights assemblies were extremely dim and needed to be replaced. I found the dealer to be very irresponsible and i informed them that this was a major accident waiting to happen since my driving was impaired by the dim headlights.
NHTSA ODI #11511006
Mileage unknown · Mar 9, 2023
Exterior Lighting
Headlights malfunctioned - they would turn on but lighting was very dim. The headlights were so dim while driving that driving in the evening became dangerous because they did not sufficiently illuminate the road so I could not see well. There was almost no difference in terms of improving visibility at night while driving betwe…
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Headlights malfunctioned - they would turn on but lighting was very dim. The headlights were so dim while driving that driving in the evening became dangerous because they did not sufficiently illuminate the road so I could not see well. There was almost no difference in terms of improving visibility at night while driving between having the headlights on or off. That’s obviously a hazard for me and other drivers. When I brought the car to the dealership for inspection and repair, the Acura dealership mechanic ran diagnostics but prior to running them said he knew the problem was most likely due to deterioration of the reflective coating not an electrical issue. He said he sees many Acuras like mine coming in after 5 years with the same headlight problem and advised us to have the headlights replaced elsewhere to save money because the dealership charges $4,000 minimum for this repair. Diagnostics were fine, mechanic’s assessment was correct that the problem was premature deterioration of the silver reflective coating used in the headlights. This defect doesn’t cause warning lights to come on, the car can’t tell if the reflective coating in it’s headlights wears out. I noticed for a short while that the headlights were a bit dim and thought the exterior of the lights needed cleaning, but then it suddenly seemed like they weren’t working at all one evening. I actually got out of the car in my driveway one night to check if the lights had turned on - standing outside the car they appeared on but when I tried to drive that night it was so dark I had great difficulty.
NHTSA ODI #11510990
Mileage unknown · Mar 7, 2023
Exterior Lighting
My headlights have become dangerously dim once my car hit 100K miles. Despite cleaning the lens and changing the bulbs, I still can hardly see at night time. I regularly have to use my brights to be able to see the lines or curbs. Dealership wants to charge close to $3,000 for repairs and cannot seem to provide a plausible reaso…
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My headlights have become dangerously dim once my car hit 100K miles. Despite cleaning the lens and changing the bulbs, I still can hardly see at night time. I regularly have to use my brights to be able to see the lines or curbs. Dealership wants to charge close to $3,000 for repairs and cannot seem to provide a plausible reason why my car after having no accidents and is well kept and maintained is having this headlight problem. It is a significant safety concern. I drive home from baseball practices with my 2 young sons at night and need to be able to see the road!
NHTSA ODI #11510647
Mileage unknown · Mar 5, 2023
Exterior Lighting
From initial purchase, the headlights never seemed bright enough and often at night it appeared as though they were not turned on at all. Nearly 3 years after owning the vehicle, research online revealed a systemic issue with the headlights. Local dealership quoted replacement cost at over $3,000. Safety impact was reduced visi…
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From initial purchase, the headlights never seemed bright enough and often at night it appeared as though they were not turned on at all. Nearly 3 years after owning the vehicle, research online revealed a systemic issue with the headlights. Local dealership quoted replacement cost at over $3,000. Safety impact was reduced visibility in low light situations, and pedestrians/other drivers were unable to clearly see the vehicle approaching in low light situations. Other owners indicate the same issue: https://www.carproblemzoo.com/acura/rdx/2015/headlights-problems.php Manufacturer issued a very limited recall for this issue which did not include my model: https://hondanews.com/en-US/releases/statement-by-acura-regarding-headlight-recall-2014-2015-acura-rlx A class-action suit is pending regarding this issue: https://chimicles.com/acura-rdx-dim-headlight-class-action-investigation/ There were no warning lamps nor messages in the vehicle to indicate the malfunction.
NHTSA ODI #11510217
Mileage unknown · Mar 4, 2023
Exterior Lighting
The headlights on my vehicle became extremely dim. I kept changing the bulbs and there was no improvement. It was very dangerous at night and my wife wouldn't drive the vehicle because she was unable to see the road as the lighting was so dim. I scrubbed the exterior lenses with clarifying kits. I changed the bulbs again and aga…
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The headlights on my vehicle became extremely dim. I kept changing the bulbs and there was no improvement. It was very dangerous at night and my wife wouldn't drive the vehicle because she was unable to see the road as the lighting was so dim. I scrubbed the exterior lenses with clarifying kits. I changed the bulbs again and again. Finally I went online and found a forum that said this was a common problem due to age of the headlight components. I still don't understand the science behind what happened but when I bought and installed two new headlights for $483 (purchased on Amazon) it was literally like night became day. Serious to God, I'd say my headlights are now 10x-20x brighter. WHAT I BOUGHT -Evan-Fischer EVA1350809140651 Features: Pair, Halogen, With bulb(s), Clear Lens, Driver Side and Passenger Side -Direct Replacement Headlight Compatible with 2013-2016 Acura RDX -Replaces OE Number: 33100TX4A11, 33150TX4A11 & Replaces Partslink Number: AC2503123, AC2502123
NHTSA ODI #11510112
Mileage unknown · Mar 3, 2023
Exterior Lighting
Low beam headlights do not supply enough light to see the road. Have tried many headlight bulbs and no change in visibility. Brought vehicle to Prime Acura and was told that the housing needed to be replaced, was told i would be responsible for this. This occurred when automobile had 75-80k miles. I am forced to drive with h…
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Low beam headlights do not supply enough light to see the road. Have tried many headlight bulbs and no change in visibility. Brought vehicle to Prime Acura and was told that the housing needed to be replaced, was told i would be responsible for this. This occurred when automobile had 75-80k miles. I am forced to drive with high beams at all times in order to see the road.
NHTSA ODI #11510084
Mileage unknown · Mar 3, 2023
Exterior Lighting
Headlights are so dim that it is unsafe to drive at night. I filed a complaint with Acura and then, per their instructions, I had the dealer do a "discovery". They charged me for the evaluation and then declined covering the reparation. They want to charge $2300 to replace the entre headlight housings.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013 Acura ILX, 2015 RDX, 2005-2010 and 2012 RL, 2009-2014 TL, 2010 and 2012 ZDX, 2007-2011 CR-V, 2011-2013 and 2015 CR-Z, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013 Fit EV, 2010-2011 and 2013 Insight and 2007-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are S5B and W59.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura's number for this recall is U40.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 Honda CR-V, 2011-2015 CR-Z, 2010-2014 FCX, and Insight, 2009-2013 Fit, 2013-2014 Fit EV, 2007-2014 Ridgeline, 2013-2016 Acura ILX, 2013-2014 Acura ILX Hybrid, 2007-2016 RDX, 2005-2012 Acura RL, 2009-2014 Acura TL, and 2010-2013 Acura ZDX vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are JY0, JY1, and JY2.
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
1
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.
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