← New search

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 →

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.

55 crash reports5 fire reports28 injury reports

What owners actually said

454 reports
47,700 miles · May 21, 2014
Equipment Adaptive/mobility

FLOOR MAT BROKE LOOSE WITH GROMMET COMING OUT OF FLOOR MAT. THIS CAUSED ENTRAPMENT OF THE GAS PEDAL UNDER THE FLOOR MAT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10593296

Mileage unknown · May 18, 2014
Air BagsSeat BeltsService BrakesCrashInjury

I CAME UPON STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AND CAME TO MY STOP BEHIND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE DRIVER BEHIND ME FAILED TO STOP AND HIT THE REAR OF MY CAR. MY BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AS ALL THE ELECTRICAL PARTS TURNED OFF AND ON. THIS INCLUDED MY MOTOR, GAUGES, AND RADIO. THIS PUSHED ME INTO THE DRIVER IN FRONT OF ME. I…

Read full complaint

I CAME UPON STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AND CAME TO MY STOP BEHIND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THE DRIVER BEHIND ME FAILED TO STOP AND HIT THE REAR OF MY CAR. MY BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AS ALL THE ELECTRICAL PARTS TURNED OFF AND ON. THIS INCLUDED MY MOTOR, GAUGES, AND RADIO. THIS PUSHED ME INTO THE DRIVER IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS SHOCKED TO SEE MY AIRBAG DIDN'T DEPLOY AND THAT MY CARS I-MID DISPLAY SHOWED TO CHECK MY AIRBAG SYSTEM. ALSO MY SEATBELT DIDN'T LOCK UP FAST ENOUGH TO KEEP MY HEAD FROM HITTING MY STEERING WHEEL. THIS CAUSED ME TO HAVE A STRAIN IN MY UPPER LUMBAR OF THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY BACK. UPDATED 11/24/2014 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10592245

21,280 miles · May 6, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)SteeringSuspensionCrash

FIRST TIME DRIVING THIS CAR IN LIGHT SNOW. AT THE TOP OF A HILL, I TURNED LEFT TO TRAVERSE THE HILL TO TAKE A SIDE STREET, FOLLOWING MY CO-WORKERS. THE CIVIC SLIPPED - JUST A BIT- AND THE VSA LIGHT LIT. I IMMEDIATELY LOST ALL THROTTLE CONTROL, BRAKES WERE WILDLY ACTIVATING (SEEMINGLY 1 AT A TIME), AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS JER…

Read full complaint

FIRST TIME DRIVING THIS CAR IN LIGHT SNOW. AT THE TOP OF A HILL, I TURNED LEFT TO TRAVERSE THE HILL TO TAKE A SIDE STREET, FOLLOWING MY CO-WORKERS. THE CIVIC SLIPPED - JUST A BIT- AND THE VSA LIGHT LIT. I IMMEDIATELY LOST ALL THROTTLE CONTROL, BRAKES WERE WILDLY ACTIVATING (SEEMINGLY 1 AT A TIME), AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS JERKING. I WAS GOING VERY SLOW WHEN THE CIVIC TOOK ALL CONTROL AWAY FROM ME. I COULD NOT APPLY ANY THROTTLE TO PULL OUT OF A VERY MINOR SLIP AND MY CAR ACCELERATED SIDEWAYS DOWN THE SLOPE INTO A CURB WHICH DESTROYED THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL AND SUSPENSION. I HAVE SPENT $1125 SO FAR TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE AND HAVE NOT REPLACED THE TIRE & WHEEL YET (ANOTHER APPROX. $600). I TOLD THE 2 FORD DEALERS WHO PERFORMED THE REPAIRS ABOUT THIS INCIDENT AND NEITHER GAVE IT ANY THOUGHT. I REQUESTED THEY TURN OFF THE VSA SYSTEM, BOTH REFUSED. I CAN NOT THINK OF ANY REASON, IN THE REAL WORLD, ANY CAR SHOULD TAKE COMPLETE CONTROL AWAY FROM THE DRIVER LIKE THIS, ESPECIALLY FOR SUCH A MINOR OCCURRENCE AS A SLIPPING WHEEL. IF A SEMI WAS BEHIND ME, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN NO WAY FOR ME TO GET OUT OF IT'S WAY. IT WAS JUST DUMB LUCK I HIT THE CURB WHERE I DID VS. TOBOGGANING INTO OPPOSING TRAFFIC OR PICKING UP EVEN MORE SPEED BY CONTINUING FURTHER DOWN THAT HILL BEFORE THE CAR CRASHED. I HAVE THIS INCIDENT ON DASH CAM. IT IS AT NIGHT, AND NOT GREAT, BUT IT DOES PLAINLY SHOW WHAT HAPPENED. OUT OF ALL THE CARS THAT DROVE THAT ROUTE, MINE WAS THE ONLY ONE TO CRASH AND IT WAS ABSOLUTELY DUE TO THE VSA TAKING CONTROL AWAY FROM ME AND NOT ALLOWING ME TO DRIVE MY CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10586883

Mileage unknown · Apr 30, 2014
Structure

I RECENTLY HAD MY HONDA CIVIC DETAILED AND THE GENTLEMAN POINTED OUT SMALL LINES IN MY PAINT THAT LOOKED LIKE PINE NEEDLES OR A BIRD HAD LANDED ON THE CAR WHILE IT WAS WET. THIS PAINT ISSUE WAS NOT PRESENT WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR, BUT THE ISSUE IS UNDER THE CLEAR-COAT SO THERE WAS NOTHING THE DETAILER COULD DO. AS PREVIOUSLY PO…

Read full complaint

I RECENTLY HAD MY HONDA CIVIC DETAILED AND THE GENTLEMAN POINTED OUT SMALL LINES IN MY PAINT THAT LOOKED LIKE PINE NEEDLES OR A BIRD HAD LANDED ON THE CAR WHILE IT WAS WET. THIS PAINT ISSUE WAS NOT PRESENT WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR, BUT THE ISSUE IS UNDER THE CLEAR-COAT SO THERE WAS NOTHING THE DETAILER COULD DO. AS PREVIOUSLY POINTED OUT BY ANOTHER COMPLAINT, THESE MARKS ARE GROWING LARGER AND WILL HURT THE FUTURE RESELL VALUE OF THE CAR AS WELL AS POSSIBLY DAMAGE THE HOOD IF NOT FIXED PROPERLY. THIS OCCURRED THROUGH NO FAULT OF MY OWN (DRIVER). MY VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, BUT AM UNSURE WHAT TO DO. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10585614

13,000 miles · Apr 9, 2014
Air Bags

PURCHASED VEHICLE PRE-OWNED WITH 12K MILES. SINCE PURCHASE, THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG SENSOR ILLUMINATES AND DE-LUMINATES WHEN SOMEONE IS SITTING (RIDING) THERE (OVER 100 LBS). TO DATE, THERE ARE NO RECALLS. I CALLED HONDA CUST SVC TODAY. HONDA SVC SAID TO TAKE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND IF NOT HAPPY WITH THE…

Read full complaint

PURCHASED VEHICLE PRE-OWNED WITH 12K MILES. SINCE PURCHASE, THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG SENSOR ILLUMINATES AND DE-LUMINATES WHEN SOMEONE IS SITTING (RIDING) THERE (OVER 100 LBS). TO DATE, THERE ARE NO RECALLS. I CALLED HONDA CUST SVC TODAY. HONDA SVC SAID TO TAKE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND IF NOT HAPPY WITH THEM, GO TO ANOTHER HONDA DEALER, IE, SECOND OPINION. HONDA DOES NOT ACCEPT THE FACT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE SENSOR FOR THE AIRBAG. IF ANYONE ELSE HAS THIS PROBLEM PLEASE WRITE A LETTER TO WHOMEVER YOU THINK MAY BE ABLE TO HELP SO THAT HONDA WILL REPAIR THE SENSOR BEFORE SOMEONE IS INJURED DUE TO THIS SENSOR NOT WORKING PROPERLY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10578636

1,100 miles · Mar 27, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)

SINCE I HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE I BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY TPMS LIGHT AND HONDA HAVE FAILED ON FIXING IT AND WILL NOT FIX IT. WHEN I START TO GO FROM A STOP THERE IS A TIME DELAY WHEN I STEP ON THE GAS PEDAL AND THE CAR SENSOR RECEIVING INFORMATION TO INCREASE GAS. I BEEN IN A LOT OF CLOSE CALLS IN BEING IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT, I…

Read full complaint

SINCE I HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE I BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH MY TPMS LIGHT AND HONDA HAVE FAILED ON FIXING IT AND WILL NOT FIX IT. WHEN I START TO GO FROM A STOP THERE IS A TIME DELAY WHEN I STEP ON THE GAS PEDAL AND THE CAR SENSOR RECEIVING INFORMATION TO INCREASE GAS. I BEEN IN A LOT OF CLOSE CALLS IN BEING IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT, I ALSO HAVE 2 CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 3 WITH ME AT ALL TIME PUTTING THEIR LIFE IN DANGER AS WELL. NOW THERE IS A COMPLETE ELECTRICAL FAILURE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10575265

1,000 miles · Mar 27, 2014
Power Train

I HAVE A HONDA CIVIC SI 2012, 6 GEARS MANUAL TRANSMISSION, I WAS AT A STOP SIGN WHEN I STARTED MOVING FORWARD, SHIFTED TO FIRST GEAR FINE THEN SECOND GEAR, BUT WHEN I TRIED SHIFTING TO THIRD GEAR IT LOCK ME OUT FROM SHIFTING INTO IT AND MY FRIEND AND I STARTED TO SMELL BURN CLUTCH I TRIED TO SHIFT BACK TO SECOND GEAR AND IT WOUL…

Read full complaint

I HAVE A HONDA CIVIC SI 2012, 6 GEARS MANUAL TRANSMISSION, I WAS AT A STOP SIGN WHEN I STARTED MOVING FORWARD, SHIFTED TO FIRST GEAR FINE THEN SECOND GEAR, BUT WHEN I TRIED SHIFTING TO THIRD GEAR IT LOCK ME OUT FROM SHIFTING INTO IT AND MY FRIEND AND I STARTED TO SMELL BURN CLUTCH I TRIED TO SHIFT BACK TO SECOND GEAR AND IT WOULDN'T LET ME. I HAD TO PULL OVER UNTIL THE VEHICLE LET ME SHIFT INTO FIRST GEAR. THIS TYPE OF INCIDENTS KEEP ON HAPPENING SO I CALLED HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR THEM TO FIX IT AND I ALSO GAVE THEM THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V256000, HONDA SAID THEY COULDN'T FIND A RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE AND I NEED TO TAKE IT UP WITH MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP. NOW MY VEHICLE HAS 29,000 AND IT DOES NOT MOVE DUE TO THE POWER TRAIN JUST DOES NOT ENGAGE. CAN I GET HELP SO I MAY DRIVE MY VEHICLE PLEASE HELP I AM JUST GETTING HARASS BY HONDA. I DO NOT HAVE A PHONE CAN I BE CONTACTED BY EMAIL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10575264

19,000 miles · Mar 26, 2014
Structure

HONDA RELEASED A NOTICE ACKNOWLEDGING CRACKS OR "CROW'S FEET" THAT DEVELOP ON THE PAINT OF OLDER MODEL HONDA CIVIC'S ('06-'11). I RECENTLY BEGAN SEEING THESE PAINT DEFECTS ON THE HOOD AND ROOF OF MY 2012 HONDA CIVIC COUPE EX THAT IS BLACK IN COLOR (CRYSTAL BLACK PEARL). I WAS TOLD THAT THIS CRACKING WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE EARLIE…

Read full complaint

HONDA RELEASED A NOTICE ACKNOWLEDGING CRACKS OR "CROW'S FEET" THAT DEVELOP ON THE PAINT OF OLDER MODEL HONDA CIVIC'S ('06-'11). I RECENTLY BEGAN SEEING THESE PAINT DEFECTS ON THE HOOD AND ROOF OF MY 2012 HONDA CIVIC COUPE EX THAT IS BLACK IN COLOR (CRYSTAL BLACK PEARL). I WAS TOLD THAT THIS CRACKING WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE EARLIER, CANADIAN-BUILT, BLUE, BLACK, AND GREY CIVIC'S, BUT BECAUSE THE 2012'S+ ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE STATEMENT, IT WILL NOT BE COVERED. BEING MY VEHICLE ONLY HAS AROUND 20,000 MILES, IT GENUINELY WORRIES ME HOW WELL THE PAINT WILL HOLD UP OVER TIME. THE HONDA FACTORY WARRANTY, AS WELL AS THE EXTENDED WARRANTY I PURCHASED, WILL ALSO NOT COVER THIS DEFECT. FROM MY RESEARCH, THESE CRACKS ARE CAUSED BY AN IMPROPER PAINTING PROCESS AT THE FACTORY AND WILL GROW WORSE OVER TIME. I ASK THAT HONDA LOOK INTO THIS AND EXPAND THE RECALL TO INCLUDE CERTAIN 2012+ HONDA CIVIC MODELS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10575022

78,750 miles · Mar 25, 2014
Air Bags

I PURCHASED MY 2012 HONDA CIVIC ON MAY 14, 2011 FROM A DEALERSHIP. IT ONLY HAD 18 MILES ON IT, SO NATURALLY I THOUGHT THIS CAR WOULD LAST ME SOME YEARS BEFORE IT NEEDED ANY KIND OF REPAIRS. I WISH THAT WAS TRUE. WELL, ON MARCH 22, 2014 I WAS TAKING A FRIEND HOME AND NOTICED THAT MY HORN/AIRBAG AREA FELT WEIRD. I PULLED OVER TO…

Read full complaint

I PURCHASED MY 2012 HONDA CIVIC ON MAY 14, 2011 FROM A DEALERSHIP. IT ONLY HAD 18 MILES ON IT, SO NATURALLY I THOUGHT THIS CAR WOULD LAST ME SOME YEARS BEFORE IT NEEDED ANY KIND OF REPAIRS. I WISH THAT WAS TRUE. WELL, ON MARCH 22, 2014 I WAS TAKING A FRIEND HOME AND NOTICED THAT MY HORN/AIRBAG AREA FELT WEIRD. I PULLED OVER TO LOOK AT IT AND SURE ENOUGH THERE WAS A CRACK/SLIT RIGHT WHERE THE SRS AIRBAG WRITING IS LOCATED. SO I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID SINCE I HAVE MORE THAN 36,000 MILES ON IT AND DON'T HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON IT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $683.00 FOR THE PART AND ANOTHER $280.00 SOMETHING FOR LABOR. I SAID HOW CAN YOU POSSIBLY ASKING ME TO PAY FOR SOMETHING THAT IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT? WHY WOULD IT CRACK OR SPLIT AND I WAS NOT IN ANY KIND OF ACCIDENT? I DON'T FEEL THAT I SHOULD PAY FOR IT. I ONLY HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR ALMOST 3 YEARS AND THIS HAPPENED... SAY I FIX IT FOR ROUGHLY $1000.00, IN ANOTHER 3 YEARS I WOULD PROBABLY HAVE TO FIX IT AGAIN. THIS DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE TO ME. WELL, THE TECHNICIAN SUGGEST YOU FIX IT BECAUSE IT'S DANGEROUS. WOW, REALLY??? I REALLY FEEL LIKE THIS CAR WAS A BAD BUY SINCE DAY ONE AND I TRULY BELIEVE THE HORN/AIRBAG IS A DEFECT. I HOPE THAT YOU LOOK INTO THIS MATTER AND HELP ME AND OTHERS OUT, SO THAT WE DON'T HAVE TO FIGHT WITH THE DEALERSHIPS FOR SOMETHING WE DIDN'T HAVE ANY CONTROL OVER! THANK YOU *TR

NHTSA ODI #10574793

2,363 miles · Mar 24, 2014
Vehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

CONTACT OWNED A 2012 HONDA CIVIC WITH 2363 MILES AT TIME OF INCIDENT. BEFORE REACHING A DOWNTOWN INTERSECTION IN THE EARLY EVENING ONE DAY LAST MONTH, CONTACT WAS GOING TO TURN RIGHT SOUTHBOUND TOWARDS HOME NEARBY. THE CAR SUDDENLY MADE A LOUD REVVING NOISE AND SHOT STRAIGHT FORWARD AT TERRIFYING SPEED. CONTACT STEPPED ON THE…

Read full complaint

CONTACT OWNED A 2012 HONDA CIVIC WITH 2363 MILES AT TIME OF INCIDENT. BEFORE REACHING A DOWNTOWN INTERSECTION IN THE EARLY EVENING ONE DAY LAST MONTH, CONTACT WAS GOING TO TURN RIGHT SOUTHBOUND TOWARDS HOME NEARBY. THE CAR SUDDENLY MADE A LOUD REVVING NOISE AND SHOT STRAIGHT FORWARD AT TERRIFYING SPEED. CONTACT STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AND STEERED TO THE RIGHT. THE CAR DID NOT STOP AND SEEMED TO HAVE A MIND OF ITS OWN. CONTACT COULD NOT SEE WHERE IT WENT BUT HEARD IT HITTING HARD AT OBJECTS UNTIL IT FINALLY STOPPED. CONTACT DID NOT KNOW HOW LONG HAD ELAPSED BEFORE SHE SAW THROUGH A HAZE WISPS OF SMOKE COMING OUT IN FRONT OF THE CAR AND NOTICED THE AIRBAG WAS DEPLOYED. FEARING THE CAR MIGHT CATCH FIRE, CONTACT PUSHED OPEN THE DOOR AND FOUND THE CAR HAD STOPPED IN THE SOUTHBOUND LANE RIGHT NEXT TO THE RAISED CONCRETE MEDIUM THAT SEPARATED NORTH AND SOUTHBOUND LANES. CONTACT SAW A BLACK CAR ON THE NORTHBOUND LANE NEXT TO THE RAISED MEDIUM WITH WHITE SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. POLICE OFFICERS AND PARAMEDICS WERE AT THE SCENE. CONTACT AND THE OTHER DRIVER BOTH SUSTAINED INJURIES. CONTACT'S CAR WAS LATER DECLARED "A TOTAL LOSS" BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. CONTACT WAS PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY SOUND BEFORE AND AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT AND HAD A TOTALLY UNBLEMISHED DRIVING RECORD IN OVER 50 YEARS. CONTACT IS UNWAVERING IN THE BELIEF THAT THE INCIDENT WAS DUE TO THE VEHICLE'S SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. CONTACT HAD STRESSED THIS MALFUNCTION TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND ALSO REPORTED THE INCIDENT TO THE AMERICAN HONDA MOTORS. WHICH CONTACT BELIEVED HAD SENT REPRESENTATIVES TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AT THE COLLISION SHOP.. *TR *TR

NHTSA ODI #10574318

Official recalls

3

12V548000 · 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 DRIVER’S 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

2

EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

EA19001 · Electrical Overstress

Opened Apr 19, 2019 · Closed Sep 19, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect.  During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mounted in the vehicle and deploys the vehicle air bags and seat belt pretensioners in accordance with manufacturer design specifications.  The ECU in the subject vehicles contains a model DS84 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which controls the communication of the crash sensor signal, firing commands (i.e., when to deploy the airbag(s) and/or pretensioners), and fault information (e.g., diagnostic trouble codes). In September 2016, FCA announced recall 16V-668 for certain model year (MY) 2010 to 2014 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep products manufactured with the subject ZF-TRW ACU.  In this recall, FCA discussed an EOS condition that resulted in a failure of the subject DS84 ASIC, which caused air bag non-deployment.  FCA noted that the defect condition had only been observed in vehicles equipped with sensor harnessing routed across the front of the vehicle.  Other FCA vehicles that also used the subject ACU, but were not equipped with cross-car harnessing, had not experienced EOS failures, despite similar time in service. During the course of this investigation, ODI sent two separate Information Request (IR) letters to six vehicle manufactures (including FCA, Hyundai, Honda, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Toyota) and one IR letter to ZF-TRW.  These IR letters resulted in ODI receiving comprehensive data from these manufacturers and suppliers. Studies of this data found that the DS84 ASIC does not have sufficient protection against negative electrical transients or electrical overstress (“EOS”) that can be generated in certain severe crashes.  An electrical transient occurs when the electrical power supplied to a circuit changes momentarily over a short duration of time.   In these severe crash cases, the crash sensors and other powered wiring can be damaged and short circuited so as to create a negative electrical transient of sufficient intensity and duration (that are outside the vehicle manufacturer's specification) to damage the ASIC before the restraint device deployment signal is received by the SRS ECU.  This damaged signal can lead to incomplete or nondeployment of the air bags and/or pretensioners.  Airbag non-deployment and/or lack of pretensioner operation can increase the risk or severity of injury in a crash.A total of 8 fatalities and 14 injuries were associated with known EOS events. The common element in all investigated manufacturers vehicles is the SRS ECU containing a DS84 ASIC manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The risk associated with the ASIC is equally shared among all OEMS involved in the investigation.  The actual real-world risk can be mitigated by other factors which were assessed by ODI during this investigation. The first mitigating factor involves protections built into the ACU design which protect the DS84 ASIC from damage.  There are multiple strategies and levels of protection employed by different OEMs that provide effective EOS mitigation.  The two most common strategies at the ACU level are circuit protection diodes on the remote senor signal lines, and current limiting resistors that protect critical components. The second mitigating factor is found at the vehicle level and involves the location and routing of the wires leading from the crash sensors to the SRS ECU.  If the wires are well protected in a crash and are not routed with other power wires carrying large currents, the risk for an EOS event is significantly reduced or eliminated. These design specific factors combine to produce a spectrum of risk for the vehicles equipped with ACUs using the DS84 ASIC.  Given the many of years of field exposure, it is possible to divide the subject population into two groups; vehicles which have experienced EOS events, and vehicles which have not experienced EOS field events. Four of the six OEMs involved in this investigation have experienced EOS field events on at least one of their models equipped with a DS84 ASIC.  All vehicle models (including the Toyota models identified in the Failure Report Summary of the opening resume for this investigation) with field events have been recalled.  In an abundance of caution, ODI kept this investigation open five years to monitor field performance and did not identify any field events on vehicles not included in existing safety recalls. Given the spectrum of risk identified in this investigation and that all vehicles with a demonstrated unreasonable risk have been recalled, ODI is closing this investigation. ODI is closing this investigation with the following manufacturer safety recalls: 16V-668, 18E-043, 18V-137, 18V-363, and 20V-024.  With the recall actions taken by the subject vehicle and equipment manufacturers, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exists on other model or model year vehicles outside of the recall scopes. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

Go deeper into Honda Civic problems