THERE'S A GRINDING NOISE THAT FOLLOWS THE START OF THE ENGINE. THIS ISSUE BEGAN 2 YEARS AGO DURING THE WINTER MONTHS. TOOK IT TO HONDA TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG. THEY WEREN'T ABLE TO RECREATE THE SOUND AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. IT'S NOW DOING IT ALL OF THE TIME. I HAVEN'T TAKEN IT TO HONDA AGAIN, BUT I WILL WHEN I HAVE THE TIME AND…
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THERE'S A GRINDING NOISE THAT FOLLOWS THE START OF THE ENGINE. THIS ISSUE BEGAN 2 YEARS AGO DURING THE WINTER MONTHS. TOOK IT TO HONDA TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG. THEY WEREN'T ABLE TO RECREATE THE SOUND AND SENT ME ON MY WAY. IT'S NOW DOING IT ALL OF THE TIME. I HAVEN'T TAKEN IT TO HONDA AGAIN, BUT I WILL WHEN I HAVE THE TIME AND MONEY TO FIX IT. INITIAL VIEWING OF THIS SITE SHOWS A LOT OF THE SAME ISSUE. HAVEN'T DONE ANY FURTHER RESEARCH TO SEE IF THE ISSUE HAS BEEN RESOLVED OR HANDLED BY HOND. I WILL ONCE I FINISH THIS POST. HOPEFULLY, HONDA IS DOING OR WILL DO THE RIGHT THING AND RECALL VEHICLES AFFECTED BY THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #11242530
65,000 miles · Apr 14, 2019
Engine
GRINDING NOISE WHEN COLD STARTING AND IT HAS BEGUN TO STALL THE ENGINE.
NHTSA ODI #11196120
70,000 miles · Mar 5, 2019
Engine
FAULTY VTC ACTUATOR, GRINDING NOISE ON STARTING THE CAR EVERYDAY IN THE MORNINGS. DEALER HAVE A $600.00 ESTIMATE TO HAVE IT FIXED AND NOT COVERED UNDER STANDARD WARRANTY. HONDA IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED.
NHTSA ODI #11184334
70,000 miles · Feb 6, 2019
Engine
AFTER OWNING FOR 5 YEARS, DURING WINTER MONTHS A LOUD RATTLE SOUNDED EACH AND EVERY TIME THE MOTOR WAS TURNED ON. IT DID NOT MATTER IF ENGINE WAS COLD OR NOT. I TOOK TO DEALER WHO SAID FOR $699 THEY WOULD TRY AND FIX BUT NO GUARANTEES AND COULD STILL EXIST. I SPOKE TO DIFFERENT MECHANIC WHO SAID IF I CONTINUED WITHOUT GETTING …
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AFTER OWNING FOR 5 YEARS, DURING WINTER MONTHS A LOUD RATTLE SOUNDED EACH AND EVERY TIME THE MOTOR WAS TURNED ON. IT DID NOT MATTER IF ENGINE WAS COLD OR NOT. I TOOK TO DEALER WHO SAID FOR $699 THEY WOULD TRY AND FIX BUT NO GUARANTEES AND COULD STILL EXIST. I SPOKE TO DIFFERENT MECHANIC WHO SAID IF I CONTINUED WITHOUT GETTING IT REPAIRED, IT COULD RUIN THE ENGINE. I CALLED THE CORP OFFICE TO BE TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOT A RECALL BECAUSE THEY DID NOT HAVE A REPLACEMENT. I WAS FORCED TO SELL THE CAR. I AM LOOKING FOR COMPENSATION
NHTSA ODI #11174888
Mileage unknown · Nov 12, 2018
EnginePower Train
THERE IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE VTC ON MANY HONDAS FROM 2008-2014. HONDA IS ONLY COVERING THE ISSUE UNDER THE STANDARD WARRANTY THOUGH IT IS A KNOWN ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #11150934
35,500 miles · Nov 10, 2018
EnginePower Train
RATTLE/GRINDING NOISE ON COLD STARTS. AT FIRST, IT WAS ONLY ON VERY COLD MORNINGS, WHICH WE DON'T USUALLY HAVE HERE IN THE SOUTH (ALABAMA); HOWEVER, TODAY, IT DOES IT EVERY TIME YOU START THE CAR. IT'S A FRIGHTENING NOISE THAT SOUNDS LIKE IT'S TEARING UP THE ENGINE. THERE ARE VIDEOS AND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THI…
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RATTLE/GRINDING NOISE ON COLD STARTS. AT FIRST, IT WAS ONLY ON VERY COLD MORNINGS, WHICH WE DON'T USUALLY HAVE HERE IN THE SOUTH (ALABAMA); HOWEVER, TODAY, IT DOES IT EVERY TIME YOU START THE CAR. IT'S A FRIGHTENING NOISE THAT SOUNDS LIKE IT'S TEARING UP THE ENGINE. THERE ARE VIDEOS AND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS ISSUE. I HAVE READ SOMETHING ABOUT A CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT, AS WELL, ALTHOUGH I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THAT.
NHTSA ODI #11150687
Mileage unknown · Oct 15, 2018
Engine
ENGINE RATTLES AT COLD START-UP - VTC ACTUATOR NEEDS REPLACEMENT. THE HONDA DEALER (CRISWELL HONDA, GERMANTOWN MD) DOING THE MAINTENANCE SAYS THAT I HAVE GONE PAST THE WARRANTY. BUT I HAVE BEEN THERE MULTIPLE TIMES FOR SERVICE BEFORE AND MENTIONED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THEY DID NOT FIX IT OR EXPLAINED TO ME THE ISSUES. THEY ARE CHARG…
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ENGINE RATTLES AT COLD START-UP - VTC ACTUATOR NEEDS REPLACEMENT. THE HONDA DEALER (CRISWELL HONDA, GERMANTOWN MD) DOING THE MAINTENANCE SAYS THAT I HAVE GONE PAST THE WARRANTY. BUT I HAVE BEEN THERE MULTIPLE TIMES FOR SERVICE BEFORE AND MENTIONED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THEY DID NOT FIX IT OR EXPLAINED TO ME THE ISSUES. THEY ARE CHARGING ME $800 NOW FOR THIS. BASED ON CURRENT SEARCH IN GOOGLE, THIS IS WHAT I FIND. PLEASE HELP HONDA TSB NUMBER:A09-010.V4 NHTSA NUMBER:10087883TSB DATE:MARCH 17, 2016 FAILING COMPONENT: ENGINE (PWS) SUMMARY: SERVICE BULLETIN - REPLACE THE VTC ACTUATOR IF THE ENGINE RATTLES LOUDLY FOR 2 SECONDS DURING COLD START-UP.
NHTSA ODI #11140458
59,000 miles · Aug 29, 2018
Engine
RATTLE NOISE ON COLD START UP. VTC ACTUATOR REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AND NOW SAME PROBLEM AGAIN AFTER 10;000 MILES. FROM MY READING AND SPEAKING TO SEVERAL AUTO MECHANICS, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL OF CAR AND IT SEEMS LIKE HONDA OF AMERICA HAS NOT TAKEN RESPONSIBILITY FOR ADDRESSING THIS PROBLEM ADEQUATELY. I THINK…
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RATTLE NOISE ON COLD START UP. VTC ACTUATOR REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AND NOW SAME PROBLEM AGAIN AFTER 10;000 MILES. FROM MY READING AND SPEAKING TO SEVERAL AUTO MECHANICS, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL OF CAR AND IT SEEMS LIKE HONDA OF AMERICA HAS NOT TAKEN RESPONSIBILITY FOR ADDRESSING THIS PROBLEM ADEQUATELY. I THINK A RECALL OF THIS ENGINE OR AN EXTENSION OF THE WARRANTY SHOULD BE REQUIRED.
NHTSA ODI #11123154
85,000 miles · Aug 13, 2018
EnginePower Train
GRINDING NOISE UPON COLD START. THIS ISSUE STARTED AT LEAST TWO YEARS AGO. DID NOT HAPPEN ON EVERY START. ASKED DEALERSHIP WHAT IT MIGHT BE AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS NOTHING. OVER THE PAST YEAR, NOISE HAPPENS RELIGIOUSLY EVERY TIME THERE IS A COLD START. DEALERSHIP NOW SAYS IT'S THE VTC ACTUATOR AND I AM NOW PAST MY WARRANTY. IT APP…
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GRINDING NOISE UPON COLD START. THIS ISSUE STARTED AT LEAST TWO YEARS AGO. DID NOT HAPPEN ON EVERY START. ASKED DEALERSHIP WHAT IT MIGHT BE AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS NOTHING. OVER THE PAST YEAR, NOISE HAPPENS RELIGIOUSLY EVERY TIME THERE IS A COLD START. DEALERSHIP NOW SAYS IT'S THE VTC ACTUATOR AND I AM NOW PAST MY WARRANTY. IT APPEARS THAT A TSB WAS ISSUED MARCH 2016. WHY HAS NO RECALL BEEN MADE SINCE THIS IS A WIDESPREAD ISSUE? CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT 3/ 2018 DID NOT INCLUDE THE CRV'S
NHTSA ODI #11119641
38,000 miles · Aug 4, 2018
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower TrainFireInjury
PRIOR TO ACCIDENT, VEHICLE HAD NO ISSUES AND WAS SERVICED ROUTINELY. THERE WERE 2 INDIVIDUALS IN THE CAR AND ACCIDENT TOOK PLACE ON A TWO LANE STATE ROAD APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES FROM RESIDENCE. THE WEATHER WAS HOT AND SUNNY ON THE MID-AFTERNOON OF THE ACCIDENT. DRIVER NOTICED SPUTTERING IN THE CAR AND DECIDED TO U-TURN TO R…
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PRIOR TO ACCIDENT, VEHICLE HAD NO ISSUES AND WAS SERVICED ROUTINELY. THERE WERE 2 INDIVIDUALS IN THE CAR AND ACCIDENT TOOK PLACE ON A TWO LANE STATE ROAD APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES FROM RESIDENCE. THE WEATHER WAS HOT AND SUNNY ON THE MID-AFTERNOON OF THE ACCIDENT. DRIVER NOTICED SPUTTERING IN THE CAR AND DECIDED TO U-TURN TO RETURN TO RESIDENCE. AS DRIVER CONTINUED, SPUTTERING WORSENED AND SOMEBODY DROVE ALONGSIDE AND YELLED THAT THE VEHICLE APPEARED TO BE LEAKING GAS. VERY SOON AFTER, WHILE CAR WAS DRIVING AT 5MPH, THE CAR HAD AN EXPLOSION AND FLAMES CAME THROUGH THE PASSENGER WINDOW. BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE BURNED AND MEDEVAC'D TO LOCAL BURN CENTER. PASSENGER RECEIVED SEVERE 2ND AND 3RD DEGREE BURNS ON UPPER HALF OF BODY. DRIVER ALSO RECEIVED BURNS BUT NOT AS SEVERE. EACH MANAGED TO EXIT VEHICLE BEFORE THE BEING ENGULFED BY FLAMES. VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY UNREPAIRABLE AND DESTROYED. FIRE MARSHAL REPORT AS FURTHER DETAILS ON POSSIBLE ORIGINS OF THE CAR FIRE.
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.
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.
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.