NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
454 reports1,500 miles · Jun 2, 2012
Steering
MY 2012 HONDA CIVIC LX COUPE HAS EXTREMELY VAGUE STEERING FEEL AT SPEEDS GREATER THAN 55 MPH, CAUSING EXCESSIVE AND REPEATED CORRECTION TO MAINTAIN PROPER COURSE. THE CAR ALSO VEERS TO THE RIGHT ON A REGULAR BASIS CAUSING ME TO DIRECT THE STEERING WHEEL TOWARDS THE LEFT TO CONTINUE DRIVING STRAIGHT. THE DEALER HAS PERFORMED A 4 …
Read full complaint
MY 2012 HONDA CIVIC LX COUPE HAS EXTREMELY VAGUE STEERING FEEL AT SPEEDS GREATER THAN 55 MPH, CAUSING EXCESSIVE AND REPEATED CORRECTION TO MAINTAIN PROPER COURSE. THE CAR ALSO VEERS TO THE RIGHT ON A REGULAR BASIS CAUSING ME TO DIRECT THE STEERING WHEEL TOWARDS THE LEFT TO CONTINUE DRIVING STRAIGHT. THE DEALER HAS PERFORMED A 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT TWICE WITHOUT RESOLUTION. THEY HAVE ALSO INSPECTED THE STEERING AND SUSPENSION COMPONENTS, AS WELL AS DONE A ROAD TEST. NO PROBLEMS ARE REPORTED, THUS NO REPAIRS COULD BE DONE. PREVIOUS HONDAS DO NOT EVIDENCE THIS PROBLEM. THE ISSUE REMAINS AND IS PERSISTENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10460340
1,000 miles · Apr 8, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingStructure
WE BOUGHT THE HONDA CIVIC IN FEB 2012. DROVE ABOUT 1000 MILES. ONE DAY I FEEL LITTLE HESITATION IN THIRD GEAR. I OPEN THE HOOD TO JUST CHECK, AND FOUND THE WATER ALL OVER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND HOOD LINER WAS WET AND SOGGY. I WAS SURPRIZE AND WORRYED THOUGHT COOLING SYSTEM BUSTED OR LOOSE HOSE CLAMP. BUT AFTER THAROUGH CHECK…
Read full complaint
WE BOUGHT THE HONDA CIVIC IN FEB 2012. DROVE ABOUT 1000 MILES. ONE DAY I FEEL LITTLE HESITATION IN THIRD GEAR. I OPEN THE HOOD TO JUST CHECK, AND FOUND THE WATER ALL OVER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND HOOD LINER WAS WET AND SOGGY. I WAS SURPRIZE AND WORRYED THOUGHT COOLING SYSTEM BUSTED OR LOOSE HOSE CLAMP. BUT AFTER THAROUGH CHECKUP FOUND THAT RAIN WATER SEEP THRU BETWEEN FRONT HOOD LIP AND GRILL. I TOLD MY WIFE NOT TO DRIVE THE CAR, IT'S NOT SAFE, BECAUSE WATER CAN DAMAGE THE ELECTRIC COMPONENT AND MAY CAUSE FIRE. SO I DRY THE ENGINE AREA AS MUCH AS I COULD. SETUP THE APPOINTMENT WITH HONDA DEALER. FIRST OF ALL THE SERVICE SUPPERVISOR DID NOT BELIVE, AND THEN SHE CHECK COUPLE OF OTHER CARS SAME MODEL AND YEAR,AND FOUND THAT ALL THE CARS ARE THE SAME DESIGN NOTHING MISSING. SHE SUGGEST TO CALL THE HONDA MANUFACTURE. I ASKED FOR THE WORK ORDER, SHE SAID THERE IS NO PROBLEM SO NO WORK ORDER NEED TO FILLUP. I TALK TO SALE PERSON ABOUT ALL THIS; HE SAID THE SAME. I WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED. I ASK FOR THE SERVICE MANAGER; AND SHOW HIM THE CAR AND PROBLEM; HE SAID THE SAME TO CALL MANUFACTURE. BUT ATLEAST HE AGREED TO WRITE THE WORK ORDER. THAT CONSUMER COMPLAINT THIS, AND WE COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEM. AS PER CONSUMER THE RAIN WATER GET IN TO ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND WET THE HOOD LINER AND OTHER ELECTRIC EQUIPMENT AND PLUGS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10454444
14,700 miles · Mar 26, 2012
Exterior Lighting
I WAS DRIVING HOME AT NIGHT. I HAD MY HEADLIGHTS TURNED TO AUTO LIKE I ALWAYS DO. AS I WAS DRIVING HOME IT SEEMED DARKER THAN USUAL. WHEN I PULLED UP IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE, MY HUSBAND, WHO I HAD FOLLOWED HOME, TOLD ME MY DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WERE ON, NOT MY HEADLIGHTS. HE CAME TO MY DOOR BEFORE I TURNED OFF THE CAR. I POINTED T…
Read full complaint
I WAS DRIVING HOME AT NIGHT. I HAD MY HEADLIGHTS TURNED TO AUTO LIKE I ALWAYS DO. AS I WAS DRIVING HOME IT SEEMED DARKER THAN USUAL. WHEN I PULLED UP IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE, MY HUSBAND, WHO I HAD FOLLOWED HOME, TOLD ME MY DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WERE ON, NOT MY HEADLIGHTS. HE CAME TO MY DOOR BEFORE I TURNED OFF THE CAR. I POINTED TO THE INDICATOR LIGHT ON THE DASH TO SHOW HIM THAT THE HEADLIGHT SYMBOL WAS ON AND THAT MY DASH WAS LIT. I THEN GOT OUT OF MY CAR AND SAW THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE IN FACT NOT ON. I TURNED MY HEADLIGHTS TO MANUAL AND THEY CAME ON. AFTER THIS INCIDENT I BEGAN USING THE MANUAL SETTING FOR HEADLIGHTS UNTIL I HAD TIME TO TAKE MY CAR TO THE DEALER. I ALSO AVOIDED DRIVING AT NIGHT WHEN POSSIBLE. ABOUT TWO WEEKS LATER, I WAS DRIVING HOME AT NIGHT WITH MY HEADLIGHTS ON MANUAL WHEN I NOTICED THAT IT SEEMED VERY DARK ON THE ROAD, THOUGH MY DASH WAS LIT AND THE INDICATOR LIGHT WAS ON. I TURNED MY HEADLIGHTS TO AUTO TO SEE IF ANYTHING WOULD CHANGE AND MY HEADLIGHTS TURNED ON. I TURNED BACK TO MANUAL AND THEY TURNED OFF AND THEN TO AUTO AND THEY CAME ON AGAIN. WHEN I ARRIVED AT HOME, I LEFT THE CAR RUNNING AND CHECKED MY HEADLIGHTS. THEY WERE ON IN THE AUTO MODE BUT CHANGED TO MY DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WHEN TURNED TO MANUAL.
NHTSA ODI #10454089
3,000 miles · Mar 12, 2012
Air Bags
HI, I WOULD LIKE TO BRING TO YOUR NOTICE IN REGARDS TO MY 2012 HONDA CIVIC CPE. THE ISSUE IS WITH PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS. IN JANUARY WHEN ONE OF MY FRIENDS 9 YR OLD SON SAT IN FRONT PASSENGER SEAT FOR 2 MILE RIDE, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SIGN SHOWED THE AIRBAGS ARE OFF. I CAN SEE THE AIRBAG LIGHT OFF ALL WHILE DURING MY D…
Read full complaint
HI, I WOULD LIKE TO BRING TO YOUR NOTICE IN REGARDS TO MY 2012 HONDA CIVIC CPE. THE ISSUE IS WITH PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS. IN JANUARY WHEN ONE OF MY FRIENDS 9 YR OLD SON SAT IN FRONT PASSENGER SEAT FOR 2 MILE RIDE, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SIGN SHOWED THE AIRBAGS ARE OFF. I CAN SEE THE AIRBAG LIGHT OFF ALL WHILE DURING MY DRIVE. I TRIED BY MAKING A ADULT SIT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT THEN THERE IS NO WARNING SIGN ABT THE AIRBAGS. IT HAPPENS TIMES WHEN EVER MY FRIENDS 9YR OLD SON SITS IN FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. I TOOK THE CAR TO T HE DEALER TO CHECK ON AIRBAGS, THEY SAID EVERYTHING IS OK. BUT AM NOT CONVINCED. BUT I FEEL CONCERNED ABT OTHER CARS, WHO DRIVE WITH KIDS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. KINDLY PLEASE CHECK WITH AIRBAGS RELATED TO THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10451216
25 miles · Mar 10, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
MY HONDA CIVIC EX-L 2012 FAILED TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOPPED OR IDLING POSITION. THIS HAS HAPPENED APPROXIMATELY FIVE TIMES IN THE THREE WEEKS I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE (CURRENT ODOMETER READING AS OF THIS WRITING IS 650 MILES). I HAVE NOTICED IT MOST OFTEN WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOPPED OR IDLING POSITION TO MAKE A…
Read full complaint
MY HONDA CIVIC EX-L 2012 FAILED TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOPPED OR IDLING POSITION. THIS HAS HAPPENED APPROXIMATELY FIVE TIMES IN THE THREE WEEKS I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE (CURRENT ODOMETER READING AS OF THIS WRITING IS 650 MILES). I HAVE NOTICED IT MOST OFTEN WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOPPED OR IDLING POSITION TO MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN. HOWEVER THE LEFT HAND TURN MAY BE MORE NOTICEABLE AS I AM TURNING INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC/CROSSING LANES AND THE FAILURE TO ACCELERATE, AND THE COLLISION RISK THE FAILURE IMPOSES, ARE MOST ALARMING. I HAVE ALSO NOTICED A LACK OF GAS PEDAL 'RESPONSIVENESS' WHEN STOPPED OR IDLING AND ATTEMPTING TO ROLL FORWARD SLIGHTLY AS ONE WOULD ATTEMPT TO DO IN A LINE OF VEHICLES. OF NOTE, MY HUSBAND HAS A HONDA CIVIC LX 2012 WHICH HE HAS OWNED FOR FIVE MONTHS. THE SAME FAILURE TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOPPED OR IDLING POSITION HAS OCCURRED WHILE I WAS DRIVING HIS VEHICLE APPROXIMATELY THREE TIMES. HE HAS NOT NOTICED IT, BUT ALMOST ALL OF HIS MILEAGE IS HIGHWAY DRIVING. I INTEND TO BRING MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THIS WEEK TO HAVE THIS POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD INVESTIGATED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10451042
1,026 miles · Feb 27, 2012
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 50MPH AT 2500RPM ALL OF A SUDDEN MY RPM WENT TO 4000 WITHOUT ME ACCELERATING MORE I GOT SCARED AND TRIED TO SLOWLY SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE BUT RPM REMAINED AT 4000. AND IT REMAINED LIKE THAT TILL I STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND RESTARTED IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10449423
4,500 miles · Feb 22, 2012
Steering
MY 2012 HONDA CIVIC LX COUPE HAS EXTREMELY VAGUE STEERING FEEL, CAUSING EXCESSIVE AND REPEATED CORRECTION TO MAINTAIN PROPER COURSE. THE CAR ALSO VEERS TO THE RIGHT ON A REGULAR BASIS CAUSING ME TO DIRECT THE STEERING WHEEL TOWARDS THE LEFT TO CONTINUE DRIVING STRAIGHT. I HAVE HAD A HONDA DEALER ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM, AND WHILE I…
Read full complaint
MY 2012 HONDA CIVIC LX COUPE HAS EXTREMELY VAGUE STEERING FEEL, CAUSING EXCESSIVE AND REPEATED CORRECTION TO MAINTAIN PROPER COURSE. THE CAR ALSO VEERS TO THE RIGHT ON A REGULAR BASIS CAUSING ME TO DIRECT THE STEERING WHEEL TOWARDS THE LEFT TO CONTINUE DRIVING STRAIGHT. I HAVE HAD A HONDA DEALER ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM, AND WHILE IT SEEMS SLIGHTLY BETTER THE UNDERLYING PROBLEMS, INCLUDING ITS VEERING RIGHTWARD REMAIN ANNOYINGLY PERSISTENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10448996
3,587 miles · Feb 21, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling
CAR SHAKING AT A STOP LIGHT OR A LIGHT SEEM LIKE CARS MAKE NOISE ON ENGINE AND YOU CAN FEEL IN THE STEERING AT PARK VEHICLE. YOU CAN HEAR THE PROBLEM ANY TIME OF THE DAY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10448603
Mileage unknown · Feb 20, 2012
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteeringVehicle Speed ControlCrash
I GOT INTO A ACCIDENT LAST MONDAY, FEB. 13, 2012, LIKE AROUND 8 OR 9 IN THE MORNING. I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN WHEN MY CAR WENT OUT OF CONTROL EVEN THOUGH I WAS ALREADY STEPPING ON THE BRAKES AND I WAS TRYING TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT BUT THE CAR JUST KEPT GOING TO THE RIGHT UNTIL I HIT THE POLE SIGN THAT SAYS "NO …
Read full complaint
I GOT INTO A ACCIDENT LAST MONDAY, FEB. 13, 2012, LIKE AROUND 8 OR 9 IN THE MORNING. I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN WHEN MY CAR WENT OUT OF CONTROL EVEN THOUGH I WAS ALREADY STEPPING ON THE BRAKES AND I WAS TRYING TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT BUT THE CAR JUST KEPT GOING TO THE RIGHT UNTIL I HIT THE POLE SIGN THAT SAYS "NO PARKING AT ALL TIMES" (SOMETHING LIKE THAT). THE METAL POLE THAT I HIT BROKE AND ALMOST 1/4 OF THAT METAL POLE THAT WAS STUCK TO THE GROUND SCRAPED THE BOTTOM OF PART OF MY CAR AND THE BOTTOM COVERING FELL OFF AND IT COST $4,000.00 TO REPAIR AND NOW I HAVE TO PAY $500.00 FOR MY DEDUCTIBLE WHICH IS NOT EVEN MY FAULT WHY MY CAR DID THAT. IT WASN'T THE FIRST TIME MY CAR DID THAT. IT DID SOMETHING WEIRD TWICE LAST YEAR BEFORE I GOT INTO THIS ACCIDENT LAST WEEK. FIRST WAS LAST YEAR, A MONTH OR TWO AFTER I GOT MY CAR WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN I TRIED STEPPING ON THE BREAKS AND INSTEAD OF MY CAR SLOWING DOWN, IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THANK GOODNESS THERE'S NO CAR IN FRONT OF ME. THEN THE SECOND TIME WAS I THINK AROUND NOVEMBER OR DECEMBER OF LAST YEAR WHEN MY FRIEND WAS TEST DRIVING THE CAR TO SEE IF SHE WANTS TO BUY THE SAME THING. WE WERE TOGETHER IN THE CAR AND SHE WAS DRIVING WHEN SHE STOPPED STEPPING ON THE GAS AND BRAKES AND THE CAR JUST ACCELERATED BY ITSELF. SHE WAS SURPRISED THAT IT THAT BUT WE BOTH FIGURED THAT ANY CAR IS JUST LIKE THAT AND SINCE WE BOTH DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT CARS WE THOUGHT IT WAS NORMAL FOR MY CAR TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN UNTIL I GOT INTO THIS ACCIDENT, THE POLICE TOLD ME THAT IT IS NOT NORMAL FOR MY CAR TO DO THAT SPECIALLY WHEN I'M ALREADY STEPPING ON THE BRAKES. :( *TR
NHTSA ODI #10448535
Mileage unknown · Feb 14, 2012
Fuel System, Gasoline
2012 HONDA CIVIC. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO A NEWS ARTICLE REGARDING FUEL LINE LEAK DUE TO A MALFUNCTIONING ERROR *TGW
NHTSA ODI #10447630
Official recalls
3Nov 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.
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.
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.