TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HONDA CIVIC EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK OPTIMO H426 TIRES, SIZE: P205/55R16. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE CONTACT NOTICED UNEVEN MOVEMENT IN THE TIRES. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE TIRE TREAD WAS SEPARATING IN ALL THE TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HONDA CIVIC EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK OPTIMO H426 TIRES, SIZE: P205/55R16. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE CONTACT NOTICED UNEVEN MOVEMENT IN THE TIRES. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE TIRE TREAD WAS SEPARATING IN ALL THE TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM ALL FOUR TIRES. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE VEHICLE AND TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,469.
NHTSA ODI #10732089
15,000 miles · Feb 9, 2015
Exterior LightingTiresWheels
WE BOUGHT THE CAR NEW AND OVER THE LAST 6 MONTHS YOU CANNOT SEE THE ROAD VARY WELL AT NIGHT HEAD LIGHTS ARE NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH,ALSO THE TIRES THAT CAME ON THE CAR ARE HORRIBLE AND CHEAP THEY DID NOT LAST BARLEY 1 YEAR AND ARE NOT RATED FOR MILES. THE CAR IS NOT SAFE ON THE ROAD TIRES WILL HYDRO PLANE AND SLIP ALL OVER THE ROAD W…
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WE BOUGHT THE CAR NEW AND OVER THE LAST 6 MONTHS YOU CANNOT SEE THE ROAD VARY WELL AT NIGHT HEAD LIGHTS ARE NOT BRIGHT ENOUGH,ALSO THE TIRES THAT CAME ON THE CAR ARE HORRIBLE AND CHEAP THEY DID NOT LAST BARLEY 1 YEAR AND ARE NOT RATED FOR MILES. THE CAR IS NOT SAFE ON THE ROAD TIRES WILL HYDRO PLANE AND SLIP ALL OVER THE ROAD WITH SNOW THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY ITEM AND HONDA SAID IT IS OUR PROBLEM NOT HONDAS @ 1-800 999-1009 FIRESTONE HAS BEEN MORE COOPERATIVE THAN HONDA I HOPE NO ONE GETS HURT BUY THE TIRES ON HONDA CIVIC .[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10682257
1,138 miles · Dec 16, 2014
TiresWheels
I PURCHASED A NEW HONDA CIVIC 2013 IN JULY 2014. THE CAR CAME WITH CONTINENTAL CONTIPRO CONTACT TIRES SIZE 205/55 R16 89H. FROM THE BEGINNING THE TIRES CAUSED A GREAT DEAL OF NOISE. ON SOME ROADS THE NOISE IS SO LOUD, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FAILURE TO HEAR EMERGENCY VEHICLES. IN ADDITION, WITH EVEN THE MILDEST ROAD DEFECT THE…
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I PURCHASED A NEW HONDA CIVIC 2013 IN JULY 2014. THE CAR CAME WITH CONTINENTAL CONTIPRO CONTACT TIRES SIZE 205/55 R16 89H. FROM THE BEGINNING THE TIRES CAUSED A GREAT DEAL OF NOISE. ON SOME ROADS THE NOISE IS SO LOUD, THERE IS A POTENTIAL FAILURE TO HEAR EMERGENCY VEHICLES. IN ADDITION, WITH EVEN THE MILDEST ROAD DEFECT THERE IS RUMBLING AND OFTEN A LOUD BOOMING. I TOOK THE CAR IN TO REPORT DEFECT AT 1066 MILES AND WAS TOLD BY THE SERVICE ADVISER THAT I NEEDED FOUR NEW TIRES. MY MECHANIC ALSO ADVISED ME THESE TIRES ARE FAULTY AND DANGEROUS. I AM TERRIFIED OF DRIVING, PARTICULARLY ON THE HIGHWAY. I DO BELIEVE THAT BEING A SENIOR CITIZEN HAS PLAYED A ROLE IN HONDA'S EFFORT TO IGNORE ME. THANKS FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO VENT MY CONCERNS AND ANGUISH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10664508
9,500 miles · Sep 24, 2014
Tires
FIRESTONE AFFINITY TIRE FAILED DO TO MALFUNCTION IN TIRE SIDEWALL. I DO NOT BELIEVE THIS IS CONDITION OR RESULT OF ROAD HAZARD. CRACK OR DAMAGE IN TIRE SIDEWALL RESULTED IN COMPLETE DEFLATION IN MATTER OF SECONDS. CONCERNED THAT THESE TIRES ARE UNSAFE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10638757
18,050 miles · Aug 27, 2014
Tires
DRIVING AT 40 MPH NO ROAD HAZARD LESS THAN 19,000 MILES ON THE CAR, THE TIRE WENT FLAT WITH A SIDE WALL CRACK! THE DEALERSHIP DECIDED IT WAS ROAD HAZARD, BUT I KNOW DIFFERENT! THE SECOND TIRE CRACKED WHILE DRIVING 35 MILES PER HOURS. FIRESTONE TIRES DON'T SEEM TO BE SAFE. I WILL NOT RECOMMEND OR PURCHASE TIRES FROM FIRESTONE…
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DRIVING AT 40 MPH NO ROAD HAZARD LESS THAN 19,000 MILES ON THE CAR, THE TIRE WENT FLAT WITH A SIDE WALL CRACK! THE DEALERSHIP DECIDED IT WAS ROAD HAZARD, BUT I KNOW DIFFERENT! THE SECOND TIRE CRACKED WHILE DRIVING 35 MILES PER HOURS. FIRESTONE TIRES DON'T SEEM TO BE SAFE. I WILL NOT RECOMMEND OR PURCHASE TIRES FROM FIRESTONE OR PURCHASE ANOTHER CAR WITH FIRESTONE TIRES ON IT! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10628945
Mileage unknown · Mar 20, 2014
Tires
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HONDA CIVIC EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL CONTI PRO CONTACT TIRES, SIZE 205/55 R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE DRIVER'S FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT AND SHREDDED INTO PIECES. TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGES AND DOT NUMB…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HONDA CIVIC EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL CONTI PRO CONTACT TIRES, SIZE 205/55 R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE DRIVER'S FRONT TIRE BLEW OUT AND SHREDDED INTO PIECES. TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGES AND DOT NUMBER WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10573792
325 miles · Jan 7, 2014
Tires
ON 01/07/2013, SINCE THE VEHICLE STARTED , IT REPORT TIRE PRESSURE. IT ASKS TO CHECK THE TIRE PRESSURE.? THE TIRE PRESSURE IN THE VEHICLE WAS OK. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE AND DURING MY DRIVING CYCLE REPORTS THIS ?ISSUE ISSUE WAS REPORTED TO THE HONDA DEALER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10558748
325 miles · Jan 7, 2014
Service Brakes, HydraulicTires
THIS IS A COMPLAINT AGAINST HONDA CIVIC 2013 I PURCHASED ON 12/27/2013. THERE IS NO ACCIDENT OCCURS BUT IF THIS ISSUE OCCUR ON THE ROAD, IT WILL LEAD/CAUSE A BIG ACCIDENT TO ME AND TO ANY OTHER NEARBY VEHICLE. TODAY (01/07/2013) AND WITH THE COLD WEATHER I PRACTICED TWO SAFETY ISSUES. 1-CHECK THE TIRE PRESSURE. I CHECKED T…
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THIS IS A COMPLAINT AGAINST HONDA CIVIC 2013 I PURCHASED ON 12/27/2013. THERE IS NO ACCIDENT OCCURS BUT IF THIS ISSUE OCCUR ON THE ROAD, IT WILL LEAD/CAUSE A BIG ACCIDENT TO ME AND TO ANY OTHER NEARBY VEHICLE. TODAY (01/07/2013) AND WITH THE COLD WEATHER I PRACTICED TWO SAFETY ISSUES. 1-CHECK THE TIRE PRESSURE. I CHECKED THE TIRE PRESSURE AND IT IS OK. HOWEVER, THE FLAG AND THE ISSUES IS CONTINUED 2-AFTER I DROVE THE VEHICLE FOR 7MINUTES AND I STOPPED IN THE ISLAMIC CENTER TO PRAY FOR ALMOST 10MINUTES. I TRIED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE POWER STEERING WAS FROZEN. IT IS VERY STIFF AND I CANNOT TURN THE VEHICLE LEFT OR RIGHT. THE VEHICLE KEPT ON ROLLING/MOVING FORWARD. I CANNOT CONTROL ON IT. I HAVE TO USE THE BRAKE. WHEN THE BRAKE DID NOT FUNCTION I HAVE TO PUT THE VEHICLE INTO PARK TO AVOID ANY ACCIDENT OR HITTING ANY OTHER VEHICLE. I AM REQUESTING THE FOLLOWING 1- CHECKING THE HONDA CIVIC PRODUCT ALL ACROSS FOR SIMILAR ISSUE 2- ENSURE HONDA REVIEW THE PRODUCT MY PHONE NUMBER IS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10558745
1,500 miles · Oct 1, 2013
Tires
I PURCHASED A 2013 HONDA CIVIC EX EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL CONTI PRO CONTACT TIRES SIZE 205/55R16 H . I IMMEDIATELY BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH A TIRE LOOSING NITROGEN PRESSURE AND SETTING OFF THE TPMS. I RETURNED THE CAR TO MY HONDA DEALER WHO COULD NOT FIND ANY EXPLANATION WHY THE TIRE WAS LOOSING PRESSURE. A MONTH LATER WITH…
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I PURCHASED A 2013 HONDA CIVIC EX EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL CONTI PRO CONTACT TIRES SIZE 205/55R16 H . I IMMEDIATELY BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH A TIRE LOOSING NITROGEN PRESSURE AND SETTING OFF THE TPMS. I RETURNED THE CAR TO MY HONDA DEALER WHO COULD NOT FIND ANY EXPLANATION WHY THE TIRE WAS LOOSING PRESSURE. A MONTH LATER WITH ONLY 1500 MILES ON THE CAR AND TIRES, THE SAME TIRE SIDEWALL BLEW OUT WITH JUST NORMAL DRIVING. CONTINENTAL TIRE WILL NOT WARRANTY ANY SIDEWALL PROBLEM AS THEY FALSELY QUALIFY ALL SIDEWALL PROBLEMS AS ROAD HAZARD. NOW I AM CONCERNED THAT THESE TIRES ARE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE NEVER HAD A TIRE OF ANY BRAND JUST BLOW OUT A SIDEWALL, LET ALONE A BRAND NEW TIRE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10546443
50 miles · Aug 21, 2013
SteeringSuspensionTires
PURCHASED 2013 NEW HONDA CIVIC HF TWO DAYS AGO. INITIALLY NOTICED VIBRATION FROM RIGHT SIDE OF VEHICLE AT 70 MPH. NOW IT SEEMS THAT VIBRATION OCCURS AT ALL SPEEDS. APPOINTMENT MADE WITH HONDA TO CHECK PROBLEM. DEALERSHIP INITIALLY GUESSED THAT THERE WAS A FLAT SPOT IN TIRE AND IT NEEDS TO BE RUN. THAT DID NOT TAKE CARE OF P…
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PURCHASED 2013 NEW HONDA CIVIC HF TWO DAYS AGO. INITIALLY NOTICED VIBRATION FROM RIGHT SIDE OF VEHICLE AT 70 MPH. NOW IT SEEMS THAT VIBRATION OCCURS AT ALL SPEEDS. APPOINTMENT MADE WITH HONDA TO CHECK PROBLEM. DEALERSHIP INITIALLY GUESSED THAT THERE WAS A FLAT SPOT IN TIRE AND IT NEEDS TO BE RUN. THAT DID NOT TAKE CARE OF PROBLEM. TIRES ARE A BRIDGESTONE EP20 ECOPIA 135/65R15. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10536526
Official recalls
0
No recalls in this snapshot.
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.
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