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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

Engine complaints

89 reports
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57,000 miles · Jan 29, 2016
Engine

LOW HEAT FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE VENT. HAD TO HAVE THE HEATER CORE FLUSHED. ITS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS CAR AND THERE IS AN OFFICIAL HONDA SERVICE BULLETIN (14-063) FOR THIS PROBLEM. HAD TO PAY $450 TO HAVE THIS FIXED.

NHTSA ODI #10823127

28,669 miles · Jan 25, 2016
Engine

GRINDING NOISE OCCURS ON 1ST START UP WHEN CAR IS COLD AND OCCASIONALLY DURING THE DAY. WE TOOK IT TO HONDA DEALERSHIP ON 11/5/2015 AND THEY SAY IT IS THE VTC ACTUATOR AND NO REPAIRS WILL BE DONE AT THIS TIME. WE TOOK IT TO PASADENA HONDA ON 1/25/16 AND THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THEY HONDA WOULD EMAIL US WHEN THEY HAD A FIX. I C…

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GRINDING NOISE OCCURS ON 1ST START UP WHEN CAR IS COLD AND OCCASIONALLY DURING THE DAY. WE TOOK IT TO HONDA DEALERSHIP ON 11/5/2015 AND THEY SAY IT IS THE VTC ACTUATOR AND NO REPAIRS WILL BE DONE AT THIS TIME. WE TOOK IT TO PASADENA HONDA ON 1/25/16 AND THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THEY HONDA WOULD EMAIL US WHEN THEY HAD A FIX. I CALLED HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THEY SAID HONDA WAS WORKING ON A SECOND SOLUTION.THE NOISE CONTINUES TO WORSEN. THEY SAID IT WASN'T A SAFETY ISSUE OR WOULDN'T HURT THE ENGINE(?)

NHTSA ODI #10822136

24,000 miles · Dec 27, 2015
Engine

GRINDING/RATTLING ENGINE NOISE ON FIRST START-UP ONLY. APPEARS TO BE THE VTC ACTUATOR PROBLEM. HAPPENS ONLY IN COLD WEATHER. ALMOST BOUGHT A TOYOTA RAV4 INSTEAD. MAYBE I SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT THE TOYOTA?

NHTSA ODI #10816344

40,000 miles · Dec 16, 2015
Engine

THIS IS IN REFERENCE TO SB-09-010 THAT HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF CR-V OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING SPANNING FROM 2012-2014 MODEL YEARS (OTHER HONDA'S SUCH AS THE ACCORD ARE ALSO EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE ALL THE BACK TO 2008). STARTING AROUND 40,000 MILES (AFTER OUR 3 YEAR/36K WARRANTY EXPIRED OF COURSE) OUR VEHICLE MAKES A LOUD GR…

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THIS IS IN REFERENCE TO SB-09-010 THAT HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF CR-V OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING SPANNING FROM 2012-2014 MODEL YEARS (OTHER HONDA'S SUCH AS THE ACCORD ARE ALSO EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE ALL THE BACK TO 2008). STARTING AROUND 40,000 MILES (AFTER OUR 3 YEAR/36K WARRANTY EXPIRED OF COURSE) OUR VEHICLE MAKES A LOUD GRINDING NOISE ON COLD STARTUPS (AFTER VEHICLE HAS BEEN SITTING FOR 2 OR MORE HOURS). THE LONGER THE VEHICLE SITS THE LOUDER THE GRINDING NOISE IS FOR THE FIRST STARTUP. HONDA HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM FOR MANY YEARS NOW (RESEARCH IT AND YOU'LL SEE FOR YOURSELF) AND HAS BEEN COMPLACENT IN COMING UP WITH A FIX. HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO SELL A VEHICLE THAT SOUNDS LIKE THIS? NO ONE IN THEIR RIGHT MIND WOULD BUY A VEHICLE THAT SOUNDS LIKE THE ENGINE IS KNOCKING OR RATTLING. WHERE ARE THE FIXES FOR THIS HONDA? HONDA, YOU'RE RAPIDLY LOSING FAITH IN YOUR BRAND AND YOUR CUSTOMER BASE IS DIMINISHING. YOU'VE ALREADY LOST ME AS A CUSTOMER (MY WIFE IS STILL BEING LOYAL SINCE THIS CR-V IS HERS) AND I'VE JUMPED SHIP TO ANOTHER BRAND OF CAR THAT STARTS WITH AN "S" AND ENDS IN A "UBARU". . AT 50,000 MILES MY 7 MONTHS PREGNANT WIFE GOT STRANDED 200 MILES FROM HOME BECAUSE THE ALTERNATOR DECIDED TO CRAP OUT ON HER WHICH RESULTED IN THE BATTERY DYING. LUCKILY A GOOD SAMARITAN GAVE HER CAR A JUMP START AND SHE REACHED HER DESTINATION. GETTING THE ALTERNATOR FIXED WHICH WAS DIAGNOSED AS SOMETHING INTERNAL IN THE ALTERNATOR, COST US OVER $600 TO FIX ON A 3 YEAR OLD CAR. AN ALTERNATOR SHOULD NOT BE DYING ON A 50,000 MILE OR 3 YEAR OLD CAR. WE WILL BE FILING FORMAL COMPLAINTS WITH HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE IN REGARDS TO THE ALTERNATOR AND THE LOUD ENGINE RATTLE. HONDA'S QUALITY IN WORKMANSHIP HAS DRASTICALLY DECLINED. I AM THROUGH WITH BUYING ANY MORE HONDA'S. GOODBYE HONDA!

NHTSA ODI #10810666

28,000 miles · Nov 27, 2015
Engine

STARTING CAR SOUND IS A GRINDING SOUND. TENDS TO HAPPEN IN THE MORNING WHEN I FIRST START IT UP FOR THE DAY. I THINK HONDA SHOULD REPLACE THE CAM ACTUATOR GEAR ASSEMBLY. WHAT ELSE IS GETTING RUINED ON MY CAR WHEN NO ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN PLACE BY HONDA?

NHTSA ODI #10807199

24,000 miles · Nov 18, 2015
EngineService Brakes

SUDDEN ACCELERATION: WHEN FOOT ON BRAKE, THE ENGINE SURGES

NHTSA ODI #10794564

33,000 miles · Oct 21, 2015
EngineSteering

WHEN I "COLD" START MY CAR (MORNINGS, AFTER 6 HOURS OF NONUSE) THERE IS A LOUD GRINDING/SCREECHING NOISE THAT LASTS A FEW SECONDS (HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=V3Z00LN1DD8). THE SCHAUMBURG (IL) DEALERSHIP SAYS HONDA IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND HAS NOT PROVIDED A SOLUTION TO THEM YET. I CONTACTED THEM ON MARCH 13, 2015, REGA…

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WHEN I "COLD" START MY CAR (MORNINGS, AFTER 6 HOURS OF NONUSE) THERE IS A LOUD GRINDING/SCREECHING NOISE THAT LASTS A FEW SECONDS (HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=V3Z00LN1DD8). THE SCHAUMBURG (IL) DEALERSHIP SAYS HONDA IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND HAS NOT PROVIDED A SOLUTION TO THEM YET. I CONTACTED THEM ON MARCH 13, 2015, REGARDING THIS. THEY PROVIDED THE SAME ANSWER TODAY...WHILE THE PROBLEM/NOISE PERSISTS. I AM HOPING THIS COMPLAINT WILL HELP FORCE HONDA DEVELOP A (VTC ACTUATOR?) SOLUTION AND PROVIDE IT TO HONDA DRIVERS.

NHTSA ODI #10785104

24,000 miles · Oct 13, 2015
Engine

HONDA CRV 2012 WHEN STARTING THE CARE IN THE MORNING, ENGINE MAKES A RATTLING NOISE AFTER IT STARTS. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR THE PAST YEAR OR SO, ON A DAILY BASIS. OF LATE, IT HAPPENS IN THE EVENING AS WELL. I.E) WHENEVER THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN RUNNING FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS. THE HONDA DEALERSHIP IS SAYING THAT THERE IS NO B…

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HONDA CRV 2012 WHEN STARTING THE CARE IN THE MORNING, ENGINE MAKES A RATTLING NOISE AFTER IT STARTS. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR THE PAST YEAR OR SO, ON A DAILY BASIS. OF LATE, IT HAPPENS IN THE EVENING AS WELL. I.E) WHENEVER THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN RUNNING FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS. THE HONDA DEALERSHIP IS SAYING THAT THERE IS NO BULLETIN FROM AMERICAN HONDA COMPANY ON THIS, IN ORDER TO FIX THE ISSUE. AND THAT THIS IS NOT CAUSING ANY DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. HOWEVER, I SEE A SERVICE BULLETIN ISSUED IN OCTOBER 2012 SPECIFICALLY FOR THIS, AND IT IS STORED ON THE NHTSA.DOT.GOV WEBSITE. SERVICE BULLETIN 2012 AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. ' ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ATB 41171-48259 (1210) 1 OF 6 OCTOBER 6, 2012 09-010 SPOKE TO AMERICAN HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY CLARIFIED THAT THEY HAD UPDATED THAT BULLETIN SINCE THEN. THEY ARE ADVISING THE DEALERS TO NOT APPLY THOSE STEPS AND HAVE REMOVED IT AS A RECOMMENDATION (SINCE 2013) TO FIX THE ENGINE RATTLE NOISE. THEY ARE DEEMING THIS AS A "NOISE IRRITANT". AND ASKED US TO CHECK BACK IN 4 MONTHS FROM NOW. HOWEVER, ON A PRODUCT SUCH AS THIS CAR, THE APPEARANCE IS IMPORTANT. RIGHT NOW, IT SOUNDS LIKE I AM DRIVING A CLUNKER! ALSO, THE CONCERNS ARE: A) DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE / ACTUATOR IS STILL HAPPENING? B) IS IT SAFE TO START THE ENGINE DESPITE RATTLING NOISE? C) ENGINE MIGHT EVENTUALLY NOT START AT ALL D) A LOOSE PART MIGHT DESTROY THE ENGINE WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AND RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT! THANKS!

NHTSA ODI #10781661

20,000 miles · Oct 7, 2015
Engine

ENGINE MAKES RATTLING OR GRINDING NOISE ON STARTUP, USUALLY IN THE MORNING OR WHEN THE CAR HAS SET FOR AT LEAST 6 TO 8 HOURS.

NHTSA ODI #10780695

52,000 miles · Oct 5, 2015
Engine

ON COLD STARTS HERE A LOAD SCRAPPING SOUND THAT LASTS FOR 2-3 SECONDS. NEVER HEAR IT ON WARM STARTS.

NHTSA ODI #10779803

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