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2012 Honda CR-V

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2012 Honda CR-V do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 400.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

279 reports with mileage · 124 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.

  • Engine. Review the 89 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 68 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 48 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

27 crash reports4 fire reports19 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

68 reports
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30,000 miles · Mar 24, 2016
Electrical System

I HAVE A 2012 HONDA CRV. I RECENTLY HAD MY BATTERY CHANGED WHEN THE CAR WOULD NOT TURN OVER. LUCKILY THIS HAPPENED WHILE PARKED IN FRONT OF MY HOME. I DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT BECAUSE THE BATTERY JUST TURNED 4 YEARS OLD. THE MECHANIC ALSO TESTED THE CHARGING SYSTEM JUST TO BE SURE EVERYTHING WAS ALRIGHT. THE MECHANIC …

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I HAVE A 2012 HONDA CRV. I RECENTLY HAD MY BATTERY CHANGED WHEN THE CAR WOULD NOT TURN OVER. LUCKILY THIS HAPPENED WHILE PARKED IN FRONT OF MY HOME. I DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT BECAUSE THE BATTERY JUST TURNED 4 YEARS OLD. THE MECHANIC ALSO TESTED THE CHARGING SYSTEM JUST TO BE SURE EVERYTHING WAS ALRIGHT. THE MECHANIC FOUND LOW READINGS FOR BOTH THE STARTER AND ALTERNATOR. THE CAR IS 4 YEARS OLD WITH ONLY 30,000 MILES ON IT. I WAS CONCERNED WHEN FIRST TOLD ABOUT THIS. HOWEVER, NOW I AM READING MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS SAME ISSUE. WITH SO MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, WHY ISN'T HONDA FORCED TO DO SOMETHING SUCH AS A MANDATORY RECALL??

NHTSA ODI #10851340

17,000 miles · Mar 2, 2016
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CR-V. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STARTER ACTUATOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFAC…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CR-V. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STARTER ACTUATOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000.

NHTSA ODI #10839561

50,000 miles · Dec 16, 2015
Electrical System

MY 7 MONTHS PREGNANT WIFE GOT STRANDED 200 MILES FROM HOME WHEN HER ALTERNATOR DECIDED TO DIE ON HER RESULTING IN A DEAD BATTERY. WE ONLY HAVE 50,000 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE AND AN ALTERNATOR SHOULDN'T DIE ON A VEHICLE THIS YOUNG IN ITS LIFE SPAN. LUCKILY A GOOD SEMINARIAN DECIDED TO GIVE HER CAR A JUMP START WHICH GOT HER TO HER …

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MY 7 MONTHS PREGNANT WIFE GOT STRANDED 200 MILES FROM HOME WHEN HER ALTERNATOR DECIDED TO DIE ON HER RESULTING IN A DEAD BATTERY. WE ONLY HAVE 50,000 MILES ON THIS VEHICLE AND AN ALTERNATOR SHOULDN'T DIE ON A VEHICLE THIS YOUNG IN ITS LIFE SPAN. LUCKILY A GOOD SEMINARIAN DECIDED TO GIVE HER CAR A JUMP START WHICH GOT HER TO HER DESTINATION SAFELY. SO SINCE WE ARE OUT OF WARRANTY AND NEEDED TO HAVE THIS FIXED QUICKLY, WE TOOK IT TO A LOCAL TRUSTED SHOP IN THE AREA AND THE ALTERNATOR HAD A FAULTY PART WHICH ENDED UP COSTING US OVER $600 DOLLARS TO GET FIXED. WE ALSO HAVE HAD A LOUD ENGINE RATTLE NOISE THAT OCCURS ON COLD STARTUPS FOR THE PAST YEAR AND HONDA HAS BEEN AWARE OF THIS ISSUE SINCE 2008 AND HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL AND HAS NOT COME UP WITH A PERMANENT FIX. I BELIEVE THE QUALITY OF HONDA CARS HAS BEEN DRASTICALLY DECLINING OVER THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS AND I HAVE LOST FAITH IN THE HONDA BRAND AND WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER HONDA AGAIN.

NHTSA ODI #10810673

Mileage unknown · Dec 8, 2015
Electrical System

2012 HONDA CRV. CONSUMER REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT FOR A DEFECTIVE BATTERY. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED ON DECEMBER 14, 2014, WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED DUE TO THE BATTERY NOT CHARGING. THE CONSUMER PURCHASED A NEW BATTERY FROM AUTOZONE. ON DECEMBER 18, 2014, THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A LETTER CONCERNING THE BATTERY …

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2012 HONDA CRV. CONSUMER REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT FOR A DEFECTIVE BATTERY. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED ON DECEMBER 14, 2014, WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED DUE TO THE BATTERY NOT CHARGING. THE CONSUMER PURCHASED A NEW BATTERY FROM AUTOZONE. ON DECEMBER 18, 2014, THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A LETTER CONCERNING THE BATTERY CHARGING DEFECT. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WAS INSTRUCTED TO CONTACT THE DEALER AND PRESENT THE RECEIPT OF PAYMENT FOR REIMBURSEMENT. THE DEALER DENIED THE CONSUMER'S REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT, DUE TO THE FACT THE CONSUMER DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHEN HE EXPERIENCED THE BATTERY ISSUE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10683345

45,000 miles · Nov 24, 2015
Electrical System

BATTERY KEEPS DYING. LOSES CHARGE EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE EVEN AFTER CAR HAS BEEN RUNNING FOR HOURS.

NHTSA ODI #10806639

54,000 miles · Nov 21, 2015
Electrical System

I'M THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND MY BATTERY DIES FOR NO REASON. I TURNED THE IGNITION TO THE 2 POSITION AND A FEW MINUTES THE CAR BATTERY WAS DRAINED.

NHTSA ODI #10795249

17,066 miles · Oct 21, 2015
Electrical System

STARTING PROBLEMS. MANY TIMES THE CAR WOULD NOT START WITHOUT JUMPING THE BATTERY. TOOK CAR TO DEALER, IKE HONDA, MARION, IL 62959 MANY TIMES. FIRST TIME, NO TROUBLE FOUND, SECOND TIME NO TROUBLE FOUND, BUT WHEN I PICKED THE CAR UP AT THE DEALER CR-V WOULD NOT START. DEALER KEPT CAR OVER NIGHT FOR TESTING AND REPLACED THE BA…

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STARTING PROBLEMS. MANY TIMES THE CAR WOULD NOT START WITHOUT JUMPING THE BATTERY. TOOK CAR TO DEALER, IKE HONDA, MARION, IL 62959 MANY TIMES. FIRST TIME, NO TROUBLE FOUND, SECOND TIME NO TROUBLE FOUND, BUT WHEN I PICKED THE CAR UP AT THE DEALER CR-V WOULD NOT START. DEALER KEPT CAR OVER NIGHT FOR TESTING AND REPLACED THE BATTERY. SAID IT MAY HAVE BEEN A FLOATING CELL. TROUBLE CONTINUED. NEXT TIME DEALER REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR. STILL NOT FIXED. AFTER JUMPING CAR SEVERAL MORE TIMES, TOOK CAR BACK TO IKE HONDA AND THEY DID A PRODUCT UPDATE 14-071, 12-17-14. NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM HONDA. STILL NOT FIXED. HAD TROUBLE A COUPLE MORE TIMES, JUMPED CAR OK. LAST TIME I TOOK CAR IN,10-10-15 NO TROUBLE FOUND AGAIN. BATTERY CHECKED OUT GOOD, NO DRAWS ON ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SOFTWARE UP TO DATE. IN ALL CASES CAR WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT IN OUR GARAGE WHEN IT WOULD NOT START. NO LIGHTS, OR ANYTHING ELSE LEFT ON. ONCE BATTERY IS JUMPED, CAR STARTS WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS FOR QUITE SOMETIME BEFORE HAVING PROBLEMS AGAIN. DRIVING HABITS, MILEAGE SAME AS PREVIOUS TWO SUV'S. NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH EITHER OF THEM STARTING. I BELIEVE THAT THE IKE SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAS MADE SINCERE ATTEMPTS AT RESOLVING THIS ISSUE AND PROVIDING ME WITH DETAILED INFORMATION ON WHAT THEY HAVE TRIED TO DO, WHAT THEY FOUND/DIDN'T FIND. HOWEVER, THE STARTING PROBLEM CONTINUES.

NHTSA ODI #10785048

3,600 miles · Jul 6, 2015
Electrical SystemEngine

SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING VEHICLE BRAND-NEW THE CAR WOULD NOT START. NO LIGHTS HAD BEEN ON. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A "FIX." NOW THIS HAS HAPPENED AGAIN- BATTERY COMPLETELY DEAD WITHOUT WARNING LEAVING ME AND MY YOUNG CHILDREN STRANDED FOR HOURS. I JUST HAD THE VEHICLE SERVICED AT THE END OF MAY (ABOUT 5 WEEKS AGO…

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SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING VEHICLE BRAND-NEW THE CAR WOULD NOT START. NO LIGHTS HAD BEEN ON. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A "FIX." NOW THIS HAS HAPPENED AGAIN- BATTERY COMPLETELY DEAD WITHOUT WARNING LEAVING ME AND MY YOUNG CHILDREN STRANDED FOR HOURS. I JUST HAD THE VEHICLE SERVICED AT THE END OF MAY (ABOUT 5 WEEKS AGO) AND EVERYTHING PASSED INSPECTION THEN. ALSO LIKE OTHER REPORTS I SEE, MY ENGINE SOMETIMES MAKES A LOUD GRINDING SOUND WHEN STARTING. MY DEALERSHIP SAID THAT "THIS JUST SOMETIMES HAPPENS." I'M NOT CONVINCED- I'VE DRIVEN SOME VERY OLD CARS THAT DON'T EVEN DO THIS! THIS WAS MY FIRST BRAND NEW CAR AND I'M NOT PLEASED.

NHTSA ODI #10732075

36,306 miles · Jul 3, 2015
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

LOUD METALLIC RATTLE NOISE ON COLD START-UP. HONDA DEALER FOUND HONDA SERVICE BULLETIN 09-010 ISSUED, BUT NO FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN ISSUED TO DATE.

NHTSA ODI #10731929

500 miles · Mar 19, 2015
Electrical System

THIS CR-V SOMETIMES HESITATES TO CRANK. IT WILL CRANK AFTER THE 2ND TRY. IT ALSO HAS A VERY HIGH PITCH SOUND AT 55 MPH THAT IS VERY ANNOYING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10695486

Official recalls

3

13V143000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Apr 15, 2013

Honda is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 CR-V, Odyssey, and model year 2013 Acura RDX vehicles. During sub-freezing temperatures, the brake-shift interlock blocking mechanism may become slow and allow the gear selector to be moved from the Park position without pressing the brake pedal. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the gear selector is moved from the park position without pressing the brake pedal it can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners and instruct them to take their vehicle to a Honda or Acura dealer. The dealer will install an updated brake shift interlock blocking mechanism free of charge. The recall began on May 13, 2013. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009. Honda's campaign recall numbers are S96, S97, and S98.

12V501000 · Equipment:other:labels

Oct 16, 2012

Honda is recalling certain model year 2012 CR-V, equipped with the LX trim level and manufactured from August 30, 2012, to August 31, 2012. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification." The incorrect values for Gross Vehicle Weight Rating, Gross Axle Weight Rating front and rear, tire size, and rim size were specified on the safety certification label.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A misprinted label could lead to improper vehicle loading. Improper loading could result in a tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will apply the corrective label free of charge. The safety recall began on November 14, 2012. Owners may contact Honda at 1-800-999-1009.

12V338000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

Jul 19, 2012

Honda is recalling certain model year 2012 Honda CR-V and model year 2013 Acura ILX vehicles. If the manual or power door lock is activated while an interior front door handle is being operated by an occupant, the cable connecting the interior door handle to the door latch mechanism may become loose and move out of position. There is a possibility that the cable can move far enough out of position to prevent the door from properly latching.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the door is not fully latched, the door may open while driving or in a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the vehicle occupants.

Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front door latch assemblies in the affected vehicles, free of charge. Additionally, the interior front door handles in certain Honda CR-Vs will also be replaced, free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on, or about, August 16, 2012. Owners may contact Honda customer service 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

3

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.

EQ12002 · Autoliv Air Bag Propellant Mixture

Opened Feb 14, 2012 · Closed May 8, 2012

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:side/window

The summary for this investigation, labeled EQ12-002 Autoliv Closing Resume, can be found attached separately to this resume.This EQ is closed.

Go deeper into Honda CR-V problems