NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
68 reportsClear category filter31,918 miles · Aug 29, 2014
Electrical System
THE BATTERY KEEPS GOING DEAD. THE GREEN LIGHT IN THE BATTERY- IS GREEN SHOWING FULLY CHARGED, BUT IT WON'T TURN THE MOTOR OVER. IT APPEARS IT IS UNDER CHARGED, HAVE BEEN STALLED 6-8 TIMES. I HAVE TO CARRY A JUMP BATTERY NOW. FOUND OUT HONDA HAS A SERVICE BULLETIN 12-041 ON THIS PROBLEM. IT NEEDS TO BE ESCALATED, TOO MANY PEOPLE …
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THE BATTERY KEEPS GOING DEAD. THE GREEN LIGHT IN THE BATTERY- IS GREEN SHOWING FULLY CHARGED, BUT IT WON'T TURN THE MOTOR OVER. IT APPEARS IT IS UNDER CHARGED, HAVE BEEN STALLED 6-8 TIMES. I HAVE TO CARRY A JUMP BATTERY NOW. FOUND OUT HONDA HAS A SERVICE BULLETIN 12-041 ON THIS PROBLEM. IT NEEDS TO BE ESCALATED, TOO MANY PEOPLE GETTING STRANDED. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THIS.
NHTSA ODI #10638935
17,800 miles · Aug 20, 2014
Electrical System
SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF VEHICLES MANUFACTURED IN 2012, HAVE A BATTERY PROBLEM FOR WHICH A SERVICE BULLETIN HAS BEEN CREATED INTERNALLY WITHIN HONDA. HOWEVER, THE COMMUNICATION WAS NEVER SENT TO THE OWNERS, AN ONLINE QUERY DOES NOT SHOW ANY RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE. DUE THE LACK OF COMMUNICATION, THE OWNERS HAD TO CARRY A PORTABLE …
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SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF VEHICLES MANUFACTURED IN 2012, HAVE A BATTERY PROBLEM FOR WHICH A SERVICE BULLETIN HAS BEEN CREATED INTERNALLY WITHIN HONDA. HOWEVER, THE COMMUNICATION WAS NEVER SENT TO THE OWNERS, AN ONLINE QUERY DOES NOT SHOW ANY RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE. DUE THE LACK OF COMMUNICATION, THE OWNERS HAD TO CARRY A PORTABLE JUMP STATION TO GET THE CAR STARTED EVERYTIME THE BATTERY DIED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10626849
16,400 miles · May 15, 2014
Electrical SystemSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND WOULD ALSO STALL INTERMITTENTLY. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE IN ORDER TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO REPLACED THE BATTERY FOUR TIMES AND TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND WOULD ALSO STALL INTERMITTENTLY. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE IN ORDER TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO REPLACED THE BATTERY FOUR TIMES AND THE ALTERNATOR HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,400.
NHTSA ODI #10588706
24,000 miles · Apr 23, 2014
Electrical System
ELECTRICAL WIRES AND SENSORS ARE MADE OF SOY BASE WHICH ATTACKS CRITTERS TO CHEW ON THEM. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS CAR WAS NOT ABLE TO START OR FAILED SHORTLY AFTER. CAR WAS IN FOR REPAIRS TWICE IN A ONE WEEK PERIOD. REPAIR COST WAS $500 THE FIRST TIME AND OVER $1500 THE SECOND. THERE IS NO REASON TO BELIEVE THAT THERE WILL NOT B…
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ELECTRICAL WIRES AND SENSORS ARE MADE OF SOY BASE WHICH ATTACKS CRITTERS TO CHEW ON THEM. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS CAR WAS NOT ABLE TO START OR FAILED SHORTLY AFTER. CAR WAS IN FOR REPAIRS TWICE IN A ONE WEEK PERIOD. REPAIR COST WAS $500 THE FIRST TIME AND OVER $1500 THE SECOND. THERE IS NO REASON TO BELIEVE THAT THERE WILL NOT BE MORE INCIDENTS. HONDA'S CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT OFFERS NO HELP AND DOES NOT HAVE ANY ADVISE TO STOP THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN. HONDA NEEDS TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND REPLACE THEM WITH PLASTIC COATED WIRES.
NHTSA ODI #10586943
33,714 miles · Apr 14, 2014
Electrical SystemSteering
ON 4/9/14 I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC DURING RUSH HOUR (STOP AND GO) TRAFFIC. SUDDENLY EPS INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON, THE VEHICLES STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. I WAS UNABLE TO TURN STEERING WHEEL WITHOUT EXTREME EFFORT, WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. UPON ARRIVAL HOME, I TURNED OFF VEHICLE AND RESTARTED…
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ON 4/9/14 I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC DURING RUSH HOUR (STOP AND GO) TRAFFIC. SUDDENLY EPS INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON, THE VEHICLES STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. I WAS UNABLE TO TURN STEERING WHEEL WITHOUT EXTREME EFFORT, WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. UPON ARRIVAL HOME, I TURNED OFF VEHICLE AND RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY, ISSUE DISAPPEARED, VEHICLE'S STEERING WAS NORMAL.. ON 4/12/14 VEHICLE TAKEN TO BURNS HONDA, MARLTON, NJ FOR AN INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE STEERING ISSUE AS RECOMMENDED BY HONDA AMERICA. HONDA DEALER INSPECTED VEHICLE FOR WHICH THEY INDICATED THAT DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE COMPUTER SHOWED EPS CODE CAME ON PREVIOUSLY,BUT ALL CODES ARE CLEAR AND NO FAULT PRESENT AT TIME. ON 4/14/14 WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE TO WORK IN THE EARLY HOURS OF THE MORNING, EPS LIGHT INDICATOR CAME ON AT 8:13 A.M., SAME SITUATION, HEAVY TRAFFIC, STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. EPS (ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING) LIGHT INDICATOR RETURNED, I PULLED OVER (AS REFERENCED IN THE MANUAL) TURNED ENGINE OFF ENGINE, THEN RE-STARTED, SYSTEM SEEMED TO RESET ITSELF. A FEW MINUTES LATER EPS LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN, STEERING WHEEL VERY DIFFICULT TO NAVIGATE AS PREVIOUSLY STATED. I PULLED OVER, TURNED ENGINE OFF AND RESTARTED. THE SAME PROBLEM/ISSUE CONTINUED TO PERSIST APPROX. EIGHT MORE TIMES; I WAS SLOWLY CAPABLE TO GUIDE VEHICLE DIRECTLY TO THE SAME DEALER (BURNS HONDA). HONDA AMERICA HAS BEEN NOTIFIED OF THIS PROBLEM FROM THE FIRST INCIDENT OF 4/9/14 AND MOST RECENT INCIDENT TODAY 4/14/14. AWAITING RESPONSE OF SERVICE PROCEDURE FROM DEALER AND HONDA AMERICA TO ADDRESS PROBLEM, THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. EPS SYSTEM FAILURE. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10579731
20,056 miles · Mar 27, 2014
Electrical SystemEquipment Adaptive/mobilityVehicle Speed Control
MY 2012 CR-V HAS CUSTOMIZABLE AUTO DOOR LOCK FUNCTION. IT HAS COUPLE OPTION. 1. WITH VEHICLE SPEED, 2. SHIFT FROM P. PROBLEM WITH OPTION 2. I SELECT OPTION 2. BECAUSE I WANT TO GET MORE SECURE SAFETY. NOT LESS THE SECURE SAFETY. WHEN I WAS ESCAPING FROM CLOSE ROAD, I NEED TO DRIVE BACK. I STARTED ENGINE AND OPEN DRIVER DOOR TO M…
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MY 2012 CR-V HAS CUSTOMIZABLE AUTO DOOR LOCK FUNCTION. IT HAS COUPLE OPTION. 1. WITH VEHICLE SPEED, 2. SHIFT FROM P. PROBLEM WITH OPTION 2. I SELECT OPTION 2. BECAUSE I WANT TO GET MORE SECURE SAFETY. NOT LESS THE SECURE SAFETY. WHEN I WAS ESCAPING FROM CLOSE ROAD, I NEED TO DRIVE BACK. I STARTED ENGINE AND OPEN DRIVER DOOR TO MAKE SURE MY REAR TIRE IS GOING RIGHT WAY. CHANGED GEAR P TO R. AND DOOR DIDN'T AUTOMATICALLY LOCK. I GUESS THERE IS PROTECTION FOR WHEN DRIVER DOOR OPEN AND ENGINE RUNNING, DOOR DIDN'T LOCK ITSELF. I UNDERSTAND THAT. BUT I ESCAPE FROM THERE AND CLOSE DOOR AND CHANGE GEAR R TO D. AND DRIVE UP TO 40 MPH. AND DOOR IS STILL UNLOCK. THIS IS AN ERROR. THEY CAN NOT ADVERTISE THEY HAVE AUTO LOCK FUNCTION FOR SAFETY. THE FUNCTION GIVE PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND FOR HAVE MORE SECURE SAFETY BY CAR. THEY MUST WATCH SAFETY WHILE CAR IS DRIVING MORE THEN 20MPH OVER 500 FEET. IF THEY THINK REALLY CARE ABOUT SAFETY, THEY SHOULD LOCK OTHER DOORS AT LEAST. AND KEEP WATCH WHAT'S CAR STATUS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10575130
5,000 miles · Jan 23, 2014
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline
I PAID CASH FOR A NEW 2012 CR-V EX L WITH NAV. WITHIN A FEW MONTHS OF PURCHASE, THE CAR BROKE DOWN. I STOPPED FOR GAS AND IT WOULD NOT START. I AM A SINGLE FEMALE AND HAD TO WALK IN THE DARK TO WALMART, BUY JUMPER CABLES AND FLASH SOMEONE DOWN FOR A BOOST. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE CA…
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I PAID CASH FOR A NEW 2012 CR-V EX L WITH NAV. WITHIN A FEW MONTHS OF PURCHASE, THE CAR BROKE DOWN. I STOPPED FOR GAS AND IT WOULD NOT START. I AM A SINGLE FEMALE AND HAD TO WALK IN THE DARK TO WALMART, BUY JUMPER CABLES AND FLASH SOMEONE DOWN FOR A BOOST. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR. IT KEEPS HAPPENING OVER AND OVER AGAIN. IT HAS BROKEN DOWN SEVERAL TIMES AND EACH TIME I TAKE IT TO THE DEALER, THEY SAY NOTHING IS WRONG WITH IT. I'VE HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR A TOW TRUCK AND REPAIRS THAT STILL DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER HONDA DEALERSHIP AND IT BROKE DOWN WHILE AT THE DEALER. IT WOULD NOT START. WAS COMPLETELY DEAD. THEY RAN SEVERAL TEST AND LIKE THE OTHER DEALER STATED THEY CAN NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. LESS THAN THREE WEEKS LATER, IT BROKE DOWN AGAIN. IT IS STILL IN THE SHOP. BEEN THERE FOR 2 WEEKS AND THEY STILL HAVE NO CLUE WHATS WRONG WITH THE CAR. HONDA TRIED TO START THE CAR YESTERDAY AND IT WOULD NOT START, COMPLETELY DEAD. THEY HAVE CHECKED EVERYTHING (BATTERY, ALTERNATOR, RECALLS, ELECTORAL, ETC.) SEVERAL TIMES AND IT COMES BACK SAYING GOOD CONDITION. SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THIS CAR AND HONDA WON'T ADMIT IT OR TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. IT IS OBVIOUSLY SOMETHING WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10561185
Mileage unknown · Jan 22, 2014
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
SUBMISSION FROM CONSTITUENT RE 2012 HONDA CR-V INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD PAUSE, WHEN SHE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE AFTER THE VEHICLE, HAD BEEN IDLING. THERE WAS ZERO RESPONSE FOR 3-4 SECONDS, THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD UNCONTROLLABLY SURGE FORWARD. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLE…
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SUBMISSION FROM CONSTITUENT RE 2012 HONDA CR-V INTERMITTENT PROBLEM. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD PAUSE, WHEN SHE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE AFTER THE VEHICLE, HAD BEEN IDLING. THERE WAS ZERO RESPONSE FOR 3-4 SECONDS, THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD UNCONTROLLABLY SURGE FORWARD. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE PROBLEM WAS HER USING HER LEFT FOOT TO BRAKE. THE PROBLEM HAS SINCE BEEN RESOLVED. UPDATED 01/30/14
NHTSA ODI #10560957
20,700 miles · Jan 16, 2014
Electrical SystemPower Train
CARS AWD ORANGE LIGHTS WERE ON, ON COLD DAYS (6TH AND 7TH JANUARY, 2014, EST). OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS BETWEEN -5F TO -10F (AS INDICATED BY CARS DASH). I DO NOT HAVE A GARAGE. FELT CARS FRONT WHEELS WERE THE ONLY ONES GETTING POWER. I DON'T THINK AWD WAS WORKING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10560208
20,700 miles · Jan 16, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine
VEHICLE DID NOT START ON A COLD MORNING (TUESDAY 07TH JANUARY, 2014, 9:30 AM EST). OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS AROUND -10F (AS INDICATED BY CARS DASH). I DO NOT HAVE A GARAGE. SO CAR WAS PARKED OUTSIDE. I CLEARED SNOW ON TOP OF CAR AND I TRIED STARTING, BUT IT WONT START. I GAVE THE STARTER, 10-12 MINUTES RECOVERY TIME BETWEEN TRYIN…
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VEHICLE DID NOT START ON A COLD MORNING (TUESDAY 07TH JANUARY, 2014, 9:30 AM EST). OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS AROUND -10F (AS INDICATED BY CARS DASH). I DO NOT HAVE A GARAGE. SO CAR WAS PARKED OUTSIDE. I CLEARED SNOW ON TOP OF CAR AND I TRIED STARTING, BUT IT WONT START. I GAVE THE STARTER, 10-12 MINUTES RECOVERY TIME BETWEEN TRYING SUBSEQUENT STARTS. BUT, CAR WOULD MAKE CLICKING NOISE. GEICO EMERGENCY ROADSIDE WAS BACKED UP AND THEY SAID IT WILL TAKE 6 HOURS TO SEND SOME ONE. I HAD TO GET IT JUMP STARTED LATER THAT EVENING. ADDITIONAL FACTS: (I USE THE CAR EVERYDAY. I DID NOT LEAVE ANY ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE/LIGHTS ON ON THE ABOVE DAY). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10560204
Official recalls
3Apr 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.
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.
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
3EA21002 · 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.