FADING PAINT ON HOOD, ROOF, AND TRUCK OF THE VEHICLE. NOT ONLY HAVE I SEEN THE FADING OF PAINT ON MY CAR, BUT ON MANY MANY OTHER VEHICLES THE SAME ISSUE. I BELIEVE HONDA DID A VERY POOR PAINT JOB ON THESE VEHICLES.
2012 Honda Civic
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Civic years
Owner complaints for the 2012 Honda Civic are substantially higher than the model-year median of 183.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Civic 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
321 reports with mileage · 133 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.
- Air Bags. Review the 149 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Steering. Review the 74 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 59 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
454 reportsMANUAL TRANSMISSION-WHEN PULLING OUT FROM A STOP ON AN INCLINE, THE CLUTCH MAKES A GRINDING/VIBRATING SOUND. I TOOK TO THE DEALER 3X PRIOR TO THE WARRANTY EXPIRING AND THEY 'COULDN'T DUPLICATE IT' IT'S SO LOUD, A PEDESTRIAN STANDING ON THE SIDEWALK NEXT TO A ROAD CAN HEAR IT. IT STARTED PRIOR TO 30K MILES, STILL HAPPENING AT …
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MANUAL TRANSMISSION-WHEN PULLING OUT FROM A STOP ON AN INCLINE, THE CLUTCH MAKES A GRINDING/VIBRATING SOUND. I TOOK TO THE DEALER 3X PRIOR TO THE WARRANTY EXPIRING AND THEY 'COULDN'T DUPLICATE IT' IT'S SO LOUD, A PEDESTRIAN STANDING ON THE SIDEWALK NEXT TO A ROAD CAN HEAR IT. IT STARTED PRIOR TO 30K MILES, STILL HAPPENING AT 100,000.
ON 3/15/2019 I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET WHEN MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED (CHECK ENGINE, BRAKE MALFUNCTION, IMA BATTERY, CHARGING MALFUNCTION). THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. ONCE THERE, THEY DETERMINE THAT THE PROBLEM WAS RELATED TO RODENTS CHEWING FROM WIRES WHICH DAMAGED THE FUEL LINE AND IMA SYSTEM. AFTER TH…
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ON 3/15/2019 I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET WHEN MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED (CHECK ENGINE, BRAKE MALFUNCTION, IMA BATTERY, CHARGING MALFUNCTION). THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. ONCE THERE, THEY DETERMINE THAT THE PROBLEM WAS RELATED TO RODENTS CHEWING FROM WIRES WHICH DAMAGED THE FUEL LINE AND IMA SYSTEM. AFTER THIS WAS REPAIRED, THE CAR STILL HAD FAILURE CODES DUE TO MECHANICAL ISSUES WITH THE CAR'S SYSTEM. TROUBLESHOOTING LED THE TECHNICIAN TO DETERMINE THAT THE MOTOR POWER INVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS REQUIRED THEM TO ALSO HAVE TO REPLACE THE JUNCTION BOARD. AFTER THEY WERE INSTALLED, THE IMA LIGHT STAYED ON, THE BATTERY WOULD NOT CHARGE, AND THE CAR CONTINUED TO RECODE. THEY HAD TO PUT IN A TEST MCM AND A SECOND MPI (SINCE THE FIRST ONE MALFUNCTIONED AS WELL). THIS OCCURRED OVER THE COURSE OF ALMOST TWO MONTHS. THEY COULD NOT DETERMINE A SPECIFIC CAUSE THAT LED TO THE SYSTEM MALFUNCTION, SO IT APPEARED TO BE A MANUFACTURING ISSUE. I WAS CHARGED FOR THE REPAIRS AS WELL AS ALMOST TWO MONTHS OF RENTAL CAR FEES. *TR
I HAVE HAD TO TAKE MY CAR IN FOR TWO REPAIRS RELATED TO RODENTS CHEWING THROUGH ELECTRICAL WIRING. ONE WAS FOR CHEWING THROUGH FUEL HARNESS AND FUEL PUMP WIRES RESULTING IN REPAIRS THAT COST $915 AND OCCURRED ON 9/5/2018. I WAS DRIVING ON A MAJOR ROAD WHEN MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. I MADE IT HOME THEN TOOK IT TO THE …
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I HAVE HAD TO TAKE MY CAR IN FOR TWO REPAIRS RELATED TO RODENTS CHEWING THROUGH ELECTRICAL WIRING. ONE WAS FOR CHEWING THROUGH FUEL HARNESS AND FUEL PUMP WIRES RESULTING IN REPAIRS THAT COST $915 AND OCCURRED ON 9/5/2018. I WAS DRIVING ON A MAJOR ROAD WHEN MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. I MADE IT HOME THEN TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE SECOND INCIDENT WAS FROM CHEWING THROUGH GAS LINE AND IMA INVERTER THAT COST $1701 AND OCCURRED ON 3/15/19. I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET WHEN MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED (CHECK ENGINE, BRAKE MALFUNCTION, IMA BATTERY, CHARGING MALFUNCTION). I DROVE HOME AND DECIDED TO TAKE IT TO THE HONDA DEALERSHIP. WHEN I WENT TO TAKE IT TO HONDA, THE LIGHTS WERE NO LONGER ILLUMINATED. I DROVE ABOUT 2 MILES AND GOT ONTO A MAJOR HIGHWAY WHEN I STARTED TO SMELL A STRONG ODOR AND THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AGAIN. I GOT OFF ON THE NEXT EXIT WHEN I LOST POWER STEERING AND THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. I BEGAN TO PULL OVER BUT THEN REGAINED THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE AND LUCKILY MADE IT HOME. FUEL WAS POURING FROM UNDER THE CAR SO I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY DETERMINED I NEEDED A NEW FUEL LINE, NEW IMA SYSTEM AS WELL AS JUNCTION BOX. MY CAR WAS IN THE SHOP FOR ALMOST TWO MONTHS, DURING WHICH I HAD TO PAY FOR A RENTAL CAR. THE HONDA DEALERSHIP TOLD ME IT IS COMMON FOR CHEWING THROUGH WIRING OF THIS SPECIFIC YEAR AND MODEL HONDA BECAUSE THE MATERIAL WRAPPING AROUND THE WIRES WAS MADE FROM A SOYBEAN PRODUCT, WHICH RODENTS ARE ATTRACTED TO. *TR
STARTED CAR AND CHECK POWER STEERING WARNING CAME UP. THERE WAS A SLIGHT SHUTTER THEN STEERING WAS HARD. SHUT CAR AND RESTARTED AND WARNING WERE GONE AND STEERING OK. 1 WEEK LATER SAME PROBLEM, BUT WILL NOT CLEAR AND NO POWER STEERING. SHUT CAR AND RESTARTED, WARNING STILL ON, BUT POWER STEERING WORKING, BUT THERE IS A SLIG…
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STARTED CAR AND CHECK POWER STEERING WARNING CAME UP. THERE WAS A SLIGHT SHUTTER THEN STEERING WAS HARD. SHUT CAR AND RESTARTED AND WARNING WERE GONE AND STEERING OK. 1 WEEK LATER SAME PROBLEM, BUT WILL NOT CLEAR AND NO POWER STEERING. SHUT CAR AND RESTARTED, WARNING STILL ON, BUT POWER STEERING WORKING, BUT THERE IS A SLIGHT NOISE ON AND OFF. SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING.
EVERY SINCE I GOT THIS CAR (ABOUT 3 OR 4 YEARS AGO) DRIVING THE CAR ANYTIME IF I EVEN JUST PLACED MY PURSE ON THE SEAT I WOULD GET MULTIPLE AIR BAG WARNINGS THAT MY PASSENGER AIR BAG WOULD BE TURNED OFF. IF ANYONE WOULD SIT ON THE SEAT IT WOULD GIVE ME EVEN MORE WARNINGS AND TURN OFF THE AIR BAGS. WHEN I WOULD GO GET IT CHECKED…
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EVERY SINCE I GOT THIS CAR (ABOUT 3 OR 4 YEARS AGO) DRIVING THE CAR ANYTIME IF I EVEN JUST PLACED MY PURSE ON THE SEAT I WOULD GET MULTIPLE AIR BAG WARNINGS THAT MY PASSENGER AIR BAG WOULD BE TURNED OFF. IF ANYONE WOULD SIT ON THE SEAT IT WOULD GIVE ME EVEN MORE WARNINGS AND TURN OFF THE AIR BAGS. WHEN I WOULD GO GET IT CHECKED EVERYONE WOULD TELL ME THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO SINCE THEY SAW NO WARNING SINCE IT WOULD DISAPPEAR ONCE NO ONE WAS IN MY PASSENGER SEAT. MY CAR NOW CONSTANTLY HAS THE AIR BAG WARNING SIGN ON
EMISSIONS RECALL THAT AFFECTS ME PASSING A SMOG CHECK
PAINT COMING OFF OF CAR. WAS TOLD I WAS NOTIFIED BY A LETTER IN MAIL. NEVER WAS. ASKED FOR WHEN IT WAS MAILED, ASKED RIP WHAT ADDRESS IT WAS SENT AND ALSO ASKED FOR A COPY OF THIS SUPPOSED NOTIFICATION TO BE EMAILED TO ME. WAS TOLD BY MULTIPLE HONDA PEOPLE THEY DON'T HAVE THAT INFORMATION.... IT'S BECAUSE THEY DID NOT SEN…
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PAINT COMING OFF OF CAR. WAS TOLD I WAS NOTIFIED BY A LETTER IN MAIL. NEVER WAS. ASKED FOR WHEN IT WAS MAILED, ASKED RIP WHAT ADDRESS IT WAS SENT AND ALSO ASKED FOR A COPY OF THIS SUPPOSED NOTIFICATION TO BE EMAILED TO ME. WAS TOLD BY MULTIPLE HONDA PEOPLE THEY DON'T HAVE THAT INFORMATION.... IT'S BECAUSE THEY DID NOT SEND IT. I WAS NEVER TOLD THAT THIS WOULD HAPPEN BY ANYONE !
THE POWER STEERING LIGHT WILL COME ON AND THE CARS POWER STEERING COLUMN WILL LOCK UP. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH AND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON. I COULD BARELY TURN THE STEERING WHEEL . I WAS ABLE TO SLOW DOWN AND PEOPLE HELPED ME GET IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP…
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THE POWER STEERING LIGHT WILL COME ON AND THE CARS POWER STEERING COLUMN WILL LOCK UP. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH AND THE POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON. I COULD BARELY TURN THE STEERING WHEEL . I WAS ABLE TO SLOW DOWN AND PEOPLE HELPED ME GET IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND I WAS INFORMED I NEEDED TO UPDATE THE EPS. IT COST $70 AND MY SYSTEM SOFTWARE WAS UPDATED. A MONTH LATER I WAS DRIVING AGAIN AND THE LIGHT CAME ON. THE POWER STEERING IMMEDIATELY LOCKED U AGAIN. THIS IS SO DANGEROUS. I WAS ABLE TO GET STOPPED, TURN THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON. IT RESET IT I GUESS CAUSE IT STARTED WORKING. I DROVE IT TO THE DEALER VERY SLOW AND WAS TOLD I NEED AN EPS CONTROL UNIT SYSTEM AND IT WOULD BE AROUND $867 WITH LABOR. I'VE NOTICED TONS OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THIS SAME COMPLAINT AND IT SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE AND FIXED. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS AND SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET KILLED.
I LEASED A HONDA CIVIC 2012-2015 , IN 2015 I BOUGHT THE CIVIC THAT I HAD LEASED FOR 3 YEARS. IN 2018 I STARTED TO NOTICE THE PAINT WAS LOOKING DULL IN CERTAIN SPOTS AND STARTING TO SHOW A WHITE RING LIKE I DUMPED SALT FOR MELTING ICE ALL OVER IT. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD I MISSED THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ON GETTING…
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I LEASED A HONDA CIVIC 2012-2015 , IN 2015 I BOUGHT THE CIVIC THAT I HAD LEASED FOR 3 YEARS. IN 2018 I STARTED TO NOTICE THE PAINT WAS LOOKING DULL IN CERTAIN SPOTS AND STARTING TO SHOW A WHITE RING LIKE I DUMPED SALT FOR MELTING ICE ALL OVER IT. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD I MISSED THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ON GETTING MY CIVIC PAINTED AND THAT I WAS NOTIFIED BY MAIL ABOUT THE PAINT ISSUE. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTICE FROM ANYONE REGARDING THE PAINT COMING OFF OF MY CAR. I ASKED THE DEALER AND HONDA SEVERAL TIMES NOW TO TELL ME WHEN AND TO WHAT ADDRESS THE NOTICE WAS SENT AND TO EMAIL THE SUPPOSED NOTICE THAT WAS MAILED. NOBODY CAN ANSWER ME. SUPPOSEDLY IT'S THROUGH A 3RD PARTY WHICH THEY COULDN'T TELL ME THE NAME OF. I JUST PAID OFF MY 30,000 $ CAR THAT NOW IS WORTH MARBLES BECAUSE IT LOOKS LIKE GARBAGE. I CAN'T TRADE IT IN OR SELL IT BECAUSE IT LOOKS HORRIBLE AND NOBODY WANTS A CAR THAT'S MISSING PAINT EVERYWHERE. IT'S NOW 2020, I WENT ONLINE TO INVESTIGATE AND TURNS OUT HONDA HAS BEEN SELLING THIS DEFECTIVE PAINT/CLEARCOAT TO PEOPLE FOR DECADES, SAYS THEY NOTIFIED THEIR CUSTOMERS, EVEN THOUGH THEY DID NOT, AND TRIES TO MAKE A DEAL WITH YOU TO PAY MORE MONEY TO THEM ON A CAR THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE NEVER SOLD YOU TO BEGIN WITH. MY OFFER, FROM HONDA, WAS TO PAINT MY CAR, MINUS THE HOOD, FOR 600.00$ THEY NEED IT FOR 7-8 BUSINESS DAYS AND I HAVE TO GET AND PAY FOR MY OWN RENTAL. WHEN THEY GAVE ME THIS NONSENSE OFFER, THEY THEN TOLD ME I ONLY HAVE 30 DAYS TO SCHEDULE OR THEIR OFFER WAS OFF THE TABLE AND I PAY FULL PRICE MYSELF WITH NO ASSISTANCE FROM THEM. I WANT TO KNOW WHO , WHEN AND TO WHAT ADDRESS THIS SUPPOSED NOTICE ABOUT MY CAR LOOKING LIKE JUNK IN THE FUTURE WAS SENT. I WANT HONDA TO FIX THE ISSUE IN FULL BECAUSE IT'S THEIR FAULT. I ALSO WANT TO JOIN A CLASS ACTION SUIT WITH OTHERS GETTING SCREWED BY HONDA.
Official recalls
312V548000 · Steering:column
Nov 21, 2012
Honda is recalling certain model year 2012 Civic passenger vehicles, manufactured from October 26, 2012, through October 30, 2012. These vehicles were assembled with the incorrect steering column assembly.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The steering column may not have proper energy absorbing characteristics, which could increase the risk of injury during a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the steering column, as necessary, free of charge. The safety recall began on December 10, 2012. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.
12V256000 · Power Train:driveline:driveshaft
Jun 4, 2012
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 HONDA CIVIC VEHICLES. DURING ASSEMBLY, THE PROCESS REQUIRED TO SEAT THE DRIVERS SIDE DRIVESHAFT AND SET THE RETAINING CLIP WAS NOT COMPLETED. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVESHAFT MAY SEPARATE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE VEHICLE WILL HAVE A LOSS OF DRIVE POWER AND MAY ROLL AWAY IF THE PARKING BRAKE HAS NOT BEEN SET WHEN THE GEAR SELECTOR HAS BEEN PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF CRASH OR PEDESTRIAN INJURY.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driver's side driveshaft and install a new driveshaft as needed, free of charge. The safety recall began on June 21. 2012. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
11V288000 · Fuel System, Other:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
May 18, 2011
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CIVIC 2-DOOR AND 4-DOOR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM APRIL 21, 2011, THROUGH MAY 2, 2011. THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT AN O-RING, WHICH SEALS A CONNECTION IN THE FUEL FEED LINE, IS MISALIGNED. IF THE O-RING IS MISALIGNED, A SMALL FUEL LEAK MAY OCCUR.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FEED LINE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2EA21002 · 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.
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