SUN VISOR ON PASSENGER SIDE KEEPS GOING DOWN BLOCKING VIEW, THAT HAPPENED 3 WEEKS AGO AND LAST THURSDAY THE ONE ON THE DRIVER SIDE BEGAN TO ACT THE SAME WAY... BLOCKING DRIVERS VISION, I AM 6-02 AND REALLY GETS REAL HAZARD WHEN A BUMPY ROAD IS AHEAD OR WHILE DRIVING ENVIER 35 MILES PER HOUR.... *J'S
2013 Honda Accord
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Accord years
Owner complaints for the 2013 Honda Accord are substantially higher than the model-year median of 356.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Accord years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
882 reports with mileage · 538 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.
- Steering. Review the 499 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 414 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 179 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,420 reportsWITH THE KEYLESS ENTRY I WAS ABLE TO LEAVE THE CAR IN GEAR, TURN THE CAR OFF AND START TO LEAVE THE CAR WHEN IT STARTED ROLLING DOWNHILL. I HAVE DONE THIS SEVERAL TIMES WHEN EXITING THE CAR QUICKLY. THE CAR DOES GIVE A SLIGHT BEEP, BUT NOT ENOUGH NOTIFICATION FOR ME TO REALIZE THAT I AM NOT IN PARK. OUR PREVIOUS CAR HAD A KEY …
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WITH THE KEYLESS ENTRY I WAS ABLE TO LEAVE THE CAR IN GEAR, TURN THE CAR OFF AND START TO LEAVE THE CAR WHEN IT STARTED ROLLING DOWNHILL. I HAVE DONE THIS SEVERAL TIMES WHEN EXITING THE CAR QUICKLY. THE CAR DOES GIVE A SLIGHT BEEP, BUT NOT ENOUGH NOTIFICATION FOR ME TO REALIZE THAT I AM NOT IN PARK. OUR PREVIOUS CAR HAD A KEY AND IF I FORGOT TO PUT IT IN PARK, THE CAR COULD NOT BE TURNED OFF LETTING ME KNOW RIGHT AWAY WHAT I HAD DONE. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS HAS CERTAINLY HAPPENED TO OTHER PEOPLE AND SHOULD BE LOOKED AT AS A MAJOR FLAW TO THE KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEMS. *TR
WHILE COMING TO A STOP IN MY PARKING SPOT, I APPLIED THE BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, WITH ENGINE SURGE /LOUD NOISE AND THERE WERE NO BRAKES...... CAR PLOWED OVER PARKING SPOT BARRIER, INTO SHRUBS, BALCONY BEAM AND NEIGHBOR'S SCREENED PATIO. THERE IS CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE , SHRUBS, NEIGHBOR'S PAT…
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WHILE COMING TO A STOP IN MY PARKING SPOT, I APPLIED THE BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, WITH ENGINE SURGE /LOUD NOISE AND THERE WERE NO BRAKES...... CAR PLOWED OVER PARKING SPOT BARRIER, INTO SHRUBS, BALCONY BEAM AND NEIGHBOR'S SCREENED PATIO. THERE IS CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE , SHRUBS, NEIGHBOR'S PATIO AND MY BALCONY. THIS WAS A TERRIFYING EVENT. INVESTIGATIONS BY INSURANCE CO AND MECHANIC ARE PENDING AT THIS TIME. *TR
FRONT DRIVERS SEAT CAUSES NECK AND BACK ISSUES. NO ADJUSTMENT SEEMS TO ALLEVIATE THE PROBLEM. TRY ADDING SEAT AND BACK CUSHION WITH NO RELIEF. THERE SEEMS TO BE NO RESOLUTION OFFERED BY HONDA. I BELIEVE THIS IS A DESIGN ISSUE AND COULD CAUSE A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
AFTER STOPPING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT OR SIGN, ACCELERATING FROM THE STOP RESULTS IN A SUDDEN JOLT (JERK) FORWARD. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNS GREEN OR IT'S YOUR TURN TO GO, SLOWLY PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR DOES NOT CAUSE THE CAR TO MOVE. INSTINCTIVELY YOU PRESS A LITTLE MORE. AS THIS IS OCCURRING, THE RPM WILL STEADILY INCREASE, BUT …
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AFTER STOPPING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT OR SIGN, ACCELERATING FROM THE STOP RESULTS IN A SUDDEN JOLT (JERK) FORWARD. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNS GREEN OR IT'S YOUR TURN TO GO, SLOWLY PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATOR DOES NOT CAUSE THE CAR TO MOVE. INSTINCTIVELY YOU PRESS A LITTLE MORE. AS THIS IS OCCURRING, THE RPM WILL STEADILY INCREASE, BUT AGAIN NO FORWARD MOVEMENT OCCURS. AT SOME POINT, TYPICALLY AROUND 2500-3000 RPM'S, THE TRANSMISSION GRABS (KICKS-IN) AND SUDDENLY HURLS YOU FORWARD. THE JOLT CAN BE SO SEVERE THAT YOU TEMPORARILY LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR. I OWNED THE CAR 8 MONTHS BEFORE THIS PROBLEM STARTED OCCURRING. NOW IT OCCURS ONCE OR TWICE A DAY. THE HONDA DEALER SAYS THAT THIS IS NORMAL. THIS CANNOT BE NORMAL - IT IS UNSAFE. *TR
THE SEATS IN MY ACCORD ARE TERRIBLE. IT PUTS YOU IN AN AWKWARD POSITION AND MAKES YOU SLUMP AS YOUR DRIVING. I HAVE HAD SEVERE NECK, LOWER BACK AND SHOULDER PAIN FROM THE DISCOMFORT. I AM FORCED TO LOSE MONEY ON THIS CAR AND TRADE IT IN BECAUSE IT IS VERY DISTRACTING TO TRY TO CHANGE THE SEATS AS I DRIVE. SOME NIGHTS AFTER D…
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THE SEATS IN MY ACCORD ARE TERRIBLE. IT PUTS YOU IN AN AWKWARD POSITION AND MAKES YOU SLUMP AS YOUR DRIVING. I HAVE HAD SEVERE NECK, LOWER BACK AND SHOULDER PAIN FROM THE DISCOMFORT. I AM FORCED TO LOSE MONEY ON THIS CAR AND TRADE IT IN BECAUSE IT IS VERY DISTRACTING TO TRY TO CHANGE THE SEATS AS I DRIVE. SOME NIGHTS AFTER DRIVING I AM UNABLE TO WALK MY BACK HURTS SO BAD. PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE SEATS! *TR
TWO MONTHS AFTER THE PURCHASE, THE NAVI WENT OUT ON THE VEHICLE. THE NAVI WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, MARCH 3RD, THE BACK-UP CAMERA WENT DARK ON THE SCREEN; AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS IT WORKED AGAIN. MAR 8-10TH, I DROVE THE VEHICLE WITH NO PROBLEMS. MAR 11TH, I WORKED FROM HOME; THE VEHICLE WAS NOT MOVED DURING THE ENTIRE TIME. THE…
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TWO MONTHS AFTER THE PURCHASE, THE NAVI WENT OUT ON THE VEHICLE. THE NAVI WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, MARCH 3RD, THE BACK-UP CAMERA WENT DARK ON THE SCREEN; AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS IT WORKED AGAIN. MAR 8-10TH, I DROVE THE VEHICLE WITH NO PROBLEMS. MAR 11TH, I WORKED FROM HOME; THE VEHICLE WAS NOT MOVED DURING THE ENTIRE TIME. THE VEHICLE KEYS REMAINED ON THE KITCHEN TABLE. TUESDAY, MAR 11TH, AT 3:00A.M. (SPOUSE MOVED HIS VEHICLE TO THE STREET) THE VEHICLE WINDOWS WERE ALL CLOSED. I REITERATE, THE KEYS WERE ON THE TABLE AND THE WINDOWS TO THE VEHICLE WERE ALL CLOSED. MAR 12TH, 7:00, ON MY WAY TO WORK, I NOTICED FIRST THAT THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WAS COMPLETELY ROLLED DOWN AND RAIN HAD POURED IN. WHEN I OPENED THE CAR DOOR, I WAS AMAZED TO SEE THAT ALL OF THE WINDOWS WERE DOWN AND THE SUN ROOF COMPLETELY OPEN. I'VE NEVER EVEN OPENED ALL THE WINDOWS AT THE SAME TIME SINCE OWNING THE VEHICLE. SHORTLY AFTER DRIVING THE CAR, ALL THE SYSTEM LIGHTS CAME ON AND FDS FAILED WAS DISPLAYED ON THE DASHBOARD INDICATOR. I CALLED HONDA, INFORMED THEM OF THE PROBLEM AND THEN DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP. I WAS LATER INFORMED BY THE SERVICE ASSISTANT THAT BOTH BOXES (I'M GUESSING ELECTRICAL BOXES) HAD A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF WATER IN THEM, SHORTING OUT THE SYSTEM. HONDA IS SEEMINGLY COMFORTABLE WITH SHIFTING THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM, E.G., THAT I PROBABLY...LEFT THE WINDOWS OPEN, PRESSED ALL THREE BUTTONS ON THE AUTOMATIC KEY (DIDN'T EVEN KNOW YOU COULD DO THIS) OR MAYBE HAD THE KEYS IN MY PURSE AND SOMETHING PUSHED ALL THREE BUTTONS SIMULTANEOUSLY. IN SHORT, THE WINDOW AS WELL AS WHO KNOWS OTHER PARTS WERE AFFECTED BY A MALFUNCTION IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. *TR
AFTER ACCORD EX-L WITH 2.4L ENGINE & CVT SITS OVERNIGHT IN GARAGE IT DOES NOT BACK OUT NORMALLY. MUST PRESS ACCELERATOR TO GET MOVEMENT. NORMAL JUST TAKING FOOT OFF BRAKE & VEHICLE TO ROLL OUT ON OWN. PRESS ACCELERATOR TO GET CAR TO GO, RPM'S INCREASE & TRANSMISSION FEELS LIKE SLIPPING WHEN BACKING INTO THE STREET. SHIFT TO DRIV…
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AFTER ACCORD EX-L WITH 2.4L ENGINE & CVT SITS OVERNIGHT IN GARAGE IT DOES NOT BACK OUT NORMALLY. MUST PRESS ACCELERATOR TO GET MOVEMENT. NORMAL JUST TAKING FOOT OFF BRAKE & VEHICLE TO ROLL OUT ON OWN. PRESS ACCELERATOR TO GET CAR TO GO, RPM'S INCREASE & TRANSMISSION FEELS LIKE SLIPPING WHEN BACKING INTO THE STREET. SHIFT TO DRIVE & CVT SLIPS UNTIL TRAVEL ~100 FEET. THEN CVT SEEMS TO RESPOND NORMALLY TO ACCELERATOR. WE HAVE TO BACK INTO STREET WITH BLIND HILL SO THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE. TOOK CAR TO HONDA DEALER FOR THIS SPORADIC, RECURRING PROBLEM ON 4/16/13, ON 11/12/13 & LEFT W/ DEALER FOR FEW DAYS & ON 02/10/14 & LEFT W/ DEALER 9 DAYS. CAR WAS DRIVEN BY SERVICE PERSONNEL & SERVICE MGR. THEY COULD NOT GET CAR TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM. I OPENED CASE W/ HONDA IN CA ON 02/07/2014 AND DISCUSSED W/ THEIR REP, [XXX] OPENED CASE NO. [XXX]. AS DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM, [XXX] CLOSED CASE &SAID HONDA WOULD KEEP ON FILE & REOPEN IF NECESSARY. [XXX] SAID HE HAD CHECKED WITH THEIR ENGINEERS & CLAIMED THEY HAVE NO RECORD OF THIS ISSUE WITH ACCORD. IF ALL OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WERE CLOSED WHEN THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE PROBLEM IT MAKES SENSE THEY HAVE "NO RECORD" OF PROBLEM. ALSO SEEMS VERY CONVENIENT TO FALL BACK ON "NO RECORD" AND "COULDN'T DUPLICATE" EXCUSES TO RELIEVE HONDA OF ANY LIABILITY FOR WHAT COULD CAUSE ACCIDENT. MY WIFE ALSO HAD SAME PROBLEM. INTERNET SEARCH YIELDS SITES THAT REFERENCE SAME PROBLEM IN 2013 ACCORDS. CARCOMPLAINTS.COM 5 COMPLAINTS LISTED FOR CVT SLIPPING. EDMUNDS.COM FORUM SECTION ON ACCORD HAS A REPORT OF OWNER OF 2013 ACCORD WHO GOT CVT TO "SLIP" W/ THE SVC MGR WITH HIM. OWNER SAID HE & MGR TOOK A BRAND NEW ACCORD OFF LOT & DUPLICATED PROBLEM. YET WHEN SVC DEPT PUT HIS ACCORD ON COMPUTER IT WOULD NOT SHOW A CODE SO SVC MGR TOLD HIM IT WAS "NORMAL". SAME AS I WAS TOLD. MOST IMPORTANTLY THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
AT SLOW SPEEDS THE HONDA WOULD STALL. ALSO HAPPENED WHEN INITIALLY SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE. RPMS WOULD JUST CUT OUT. HAPPENED 5-6 TIMES. STALLED OUT WHILE MOVING THROUGH INTERSECTION. CALLED TOW COMPANY AND HAD THEM TOW TO DEALER. DEALER REPLACED COMPUTER SENSORS. I'M NOT REALLY SURE WHAT IT WAS. VEHICLE HAS NOT HAD PROBLEM …
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AT SLOW SPEEDS THE HONDA WOULD STALL. ALSO HAPPENED WHEN INITIALLY SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE. RPMS WOULD JUST CUT OUT. HAPPENED 5-6 TIMES. STALLED OUT WHILE MOVING THROUGH INTERSECTION. CALLED TOW COMPANY AND HAD THEM TOW TO DEALER. DEALER REPLACED COMPUTER SENSORS. I'M NOT REALLY SURE WHAT IT WAS. VEHICLE HAS NOT HAD PROBLEM SINCE HOWEVER GAS MILEAGE IS DOWN SIGNIFICANTLY SINCE FIX. NOT HAPPY WITH MILEAGE. WAS GETTING 35 MPGS ON MY COMMUTE. NOW GETTING 31 MPGS. OVER 10% REDUCTION. *TR
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROX. 10MPH, I PRESSED THE ENGINE START/STOP SWITCH AND IT SHUT THE ENGINE DOWN COMPLETELY. AFTER APPLYING MY BRAKES AND COMING TO A FULL STOP, I PUT THE TRANSMISSION BACK INTO PARK AND IT STARTED AUTOMATICALLY BACK UP. THIS EVENT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED BY HONDA AND A SAFETY INTERFACE DESIGNED AND INSTALLED …
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WHILE DRIVING AT APPROX. 10MPH, I PRESSED THE ENGINE START/STOP SWITCH AND IT SHUT THE ENGINE DOWN COMPLETELY. AFTER APPLYING MY BRAKES AND COMING TO A FULL STOP, I PUT THE TRANSMISSION BACK INTO PARK AND IT STARTED AUTOMATICALLY BACK UP. THIS EVENT SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED BY HONDA AND A SAFETY INTERFACE DESIGNED AND INSTALLED TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING AT FULL HIGHWAY SPEEDS POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A SERIOUS AND DEADLY ACCIDENT ASAP. THE ENGINE START/STOP SWITCH IS LOCATED APPROXIMATELY 2 INCHES AWAY FROM THE AIR CONDITIONING TEMPERATURE CONTROL UP AND DOWN BUTTON SWITCHES. THE DEPRESSION OF THE START/STOP SWITCH COULD OCCUR WHILE DRIVING ATTEMPTING TO CONTROL THE TEMPERATURE OF THE AIR CONDITIONING.
Official recalls
525V422000 · Power Train:driveline:driveshaft
Jun 19, 2025
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013 Honda Accord vehicles equipped with a 4-cylinder engine and a continuously-variable transmission. The affected vehicles were originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The driveshaft may corrode and break, due to damage from road salt or other contaminants.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A broken driveshaft can result in a loss of drive power, or a vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake applied. Both scenarios can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driveshaft assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2025. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is OM2. This recall expands previous recall number 20V769.
23V858000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
Dec 18, 2023
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.
20V769000 · Power Train:driveline:driveshaft
Dec 10, 2020
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Accord vehicles equipped with a 4-cylinder engine and a continuously-variable transmission that were originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The drive shafts were assembled with a lubricant that may have degraded the drive shafts' protective coating, making it more susceptible to damage from road salt or other contaminants, and potentially cause it to break.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A broken drive shaft may cause a sudden loss of drive power. The vehicle could also roll away if the parking brake has not been applied before the vehicle has been exited. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the drive shafts, replacing both the left and right drive shafts, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138.
17V418000 · Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery
Jun 29, 2017
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Honda Accord vehicles. The case for the battery sensor, part of the battery management system, may allow water to get in, potentially causing an electrical short.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sensor, free of charge. Dealers will perform an interim remedy of applying adhesive to the case to prevent water intrusion. The recall began November 8, 2017. Owners may contact American Honda Customer Support Center at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KG0.
13V297000 · Fuel System, Gasoline
Jul 8, 2013
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2013 Accord vehicles that are Low-Emission Vehicle (LEV) II rated that were manufactured January 15, 2013, through April 5, 2013. The fuel tank neck may be out of specification causing the fuel pump to not properly seal to the fuel tank.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An insufficent seal may led to a fuel leak which increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, nut and O-ring gasket free of charge. The recall began during August 2013. Honda's recall number is JA9. Owners may contact Honda at 1-310-783-2000.
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
5EA21002 · 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.
EA21001 · Loss Of Direction Control
Opened May 6, 2021 · Closed Aug 25, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
On May 6, 2021, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Engineering Analysis (EA21-001) to assess a sudden loss of steering control, in Model Year (MY) 2013-2015 Honda Accord vehicles. Consumers alleged while driving the steering wheel would pull to the left or the right independently. Steering pull may pose a risk of loss of directional control. Honda stated that they believed the inadvertent steering input was caused by a loose magnet located within the electronic power steering (EPS) system. Due to poor formulation of the adhesive, this magnet can become loose and move up to 2 degrees around the steering column. When the magnet moves, the torque sensor generates a signal that results in unwanted steering in either direction. Honda stated the steering force required to maintain directional control with a loose magnet is a maximum of 3-pound feet. The maximum force of the unwanted steering input can be overcome by the driver and is similar to driving on grooved pavement.The Vehicle Research Test Center (VRTC) sent over 4,000 questionnaires to 2013-2015 Honda Accord vehicle owners. Of the 637 responses, 58 consumers experienced unwanted steering. Consumers experiencing unwanted steering did not report difficulties maintaining directional control. There were no crashes or injuries reported to VRTC. Testing done by VRTC was not able to reproduce the allegations. Analysis of all relevant data indicates that the subject condition has a relatively low failure rate. The poor adhesive formulation was addressed by the supplier with three (3) counter measures in the manufacturing process.There has been a declining trend in consumer complaints to NHTSA which indicates possible exhaustion of parts prone to failure. In view of the low rate, declining complaint trend, the nature of failure, and resolution of the adhesive formulation, this Engineering Analysis is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.NHTSA.gov under the following ODI identification numbers: 11538714, 11528538, 11528008, 11522953, 11496557, 11495837, 11494328, 11478680, 11477167, 11476758, 11476263, 11471198, 11470001, 11467026, 11466561, 11466016, 11465626, 11464143, 11463558, 11462759, 11461500, 11460777, 11460191, 11455540, 11454334, 11452198, 11448114, 11447666, 11444888, 11444823, 11444172, 11443324, 11443243, 11443105, 11441374, 11439520, 11438345, 11437261, 11436824, 11436350, 11435994, 11435079, 11434969, 11434545, 11434442, 11434381, 11433824, 11433745, 11433555, 11433368, 11433176, 11431206, 11430465, 11430253, 11430009, 11429253, 11428301, 11427449, 11426841, 11426340, 11425928, 11425261, 11425230, 11423611, 11423245, 11422445, 11422395, 11422351, 11422220, 11422138, 11422069, 11421683, 11421589, 11421540, 11420573, 11419338, 11419270, 11418147, 11418143, 11417768, 11417742, 11417570, 11417437, 11416804, 11416699, 11416401, 11416378, 11416375, 11416155, 11416117, 11416084, 11416051, 11416032, 11416028, 11416024, 11416000, 11415933, 11415915, 11414105, 11406220, 11398736 ,11387075, 11387049, 11375580, 11364698, 11361125, 11351660, 11349961, 11327909, 11327170, 11301957, 11289067, 11282525, 11277659, 11258017, 11256914, 11218752, 11208077, 11196050, 11194358, 11189901, 11165075, 11163481, 11154891
DP20005 · Loss Of Direction Control
Opened Nov 23, 2020 · Closed May 7, 2021
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition dated October 19, 2020 requesting an investigation of an alleged defect in the steering system in Model Year (MY) 2013 Honda Accord vehicles. The petitioner alleges that MY2013 Honda accord vehicles are experiencing a sudden loss of steering control as the vehicle veers from its intended path of travel. The petitioner further alleges that this deviation from the intended path of travel occurs without warning or driver input while operating the vehicle under normal driving conditions. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11349961.On November 23, 2020, ODI opened a Defect Petition (DP20-005) to evaluate whether to grant or deny the petition. ODI sent two Information Request (IR) letters to Honda requesting information on steering anomalies in MY2013 Honda Accord vehicles and later MY2014-2015 Honda Accord vehicles.ODI performed extensive analysis on the information obtained from Honda as well as information in NHTSA's database.Based on ODI's review of the applicable materials, including responses to the IR letters sent to Honda, Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ) and Early Warning Reporting data, NHTSA has decided to grant the petition. ODI has opened an Engineering Analysis (EA21-001) to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety related consequences of the alleged defect, a sudden loss of steering control.The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.NHTSA.gov under the following ODI identification numbers:11414105, 11406220, 11398736, 11387462 ,11387075, 11387049, 11375580, 11364698 ,11361125, 11351660, 11349961, 11327909, 11327170, 11324181, 11306112, 11301957, 11289067, 11282525, 11278511, 11277659, 11258017, 11256914, 11218752, 11208077, 11196050, 11194358, 11189901, 11165075, 11163481, 11156378, 11154891, 11131050
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.
PE14033 · Electric Power Steering Failure
Opened Nov 4, 2014 · Closed Oct 6, 2015
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:electric Power Assist System
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-033 to investigate 24 complaints alleging loss of power steering while driving in model year (MY) 2013 Honda Accord vehicles equipped with electric power steering (EPS).Analysis of service data for the original 24 complaints and 33 additional complaints received after PE14-033 was opened found that 85 percent of the vehicles with diagnostic trouble codes available to identify the faulty component had a code indicating torque sensor failure (DTC 53).In its response to ODI's information request letter for PE14-033, Honda identified two manufacturing process conditions that may have affected the quality of some early production torque sensors.Analysis of warranty returns and manufacturing processes determined that a relatively small number of torque sensors were potentially affected by the conditions, which were corrected by the supplier (Bourns) relatively early in production.Analysis of warranty data indicates that both conditions were early-life failure concerns and most of the affected sensors have already failed, resulting in a cumulative failure rate of less than 0.2 percent.Of the 20 VOQ's that appear to be related to torque sensor failure, 6 reported failure dates in 2013, 12 in 2014, and just 2 to date in 2015.ODI's analysis identified 2 minor crashes with no injuries that may have been related to torque sensor failure in the subject vehicles.This investigation is closed because the low failure rate and a declining trend indicate that failures are rare.The closing of this preliminary evaluation does not constitute a determination that no defect exists or that power steering failures do not present an unreasonable risk to safety. The VOQ's referenced in this resume are:10515618, 10515696, 10537336, 10542360, 10545177, 10563724, 10588425, 10595068, 10605909, 10627926, 10629629, 10630852, 10644762, 10654768, 10661240, 10664234, 10667364, 10672452, 10676256, and 10695191
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