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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

Service Brakes complaints

23 reports
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24,000 miles · Nov 18, 2015
EngineService Brakes

SUDDEN ACCELERATION: WHEN FOOT ON BRAKE, THE ENGINE SURGES

NHTSA ODI #10794564

8,133 miles · Jul 12, 2015
Service Brakes

REPLACED REAR BRAKE PADS, CALIPER PINS, REAR ROTORS . PINS SEIZED UP. REPLACED BY DEALER WHERE PURCHASED CAR. DEALER FINALLY PICKED UP ALL COST WITH EXCEPTION OF BRAKE PADS $77.00.

NHTSA ODI #10733446

7,902 miles · Jun 24, 2015
Service Brakes

JUST WENT IN FOR OIL CHANGE AND TIRE ROTATION AND DEALER IS TELLING ME BECAUSE I HAVE NOT DRIVEN THAT MUCH MY REAR BRAKE PADS NEEDS REPLACING BECAUSE THE PINS IN THE REAR BRAKES IS FROZEN AND KEEPING THE REAR BRAKE PAD IN USE EVEN THOUGH I AM NOT APPLYING MY BRAKES. FRONT PADS ARE OK. HE SAID I ONLY HAD ABOUT 1/4 INCH PAD LEF…

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JUST WENT IN FOR OIL CHANGE AND TIRE ROTATION AND DEALER IS TELLING ME BECAUSE I HAVE NOT DRIVEN THAT MUCH MY REAR BRAKE PADS NEEDS REPLACING BECAUSE THE PINS IN THE REAR BRAKES IS FROZEN AND KEEPING THE REAR BRAKE PAD IN USE EVEN THOUGH I AM NOT APPLYING MY BRAKES. FRONT PADS ARE OK. HE SAID I ONLY HAD ABOUT 1/4 INCH PAD LEFT BEFORE IT DUG INTO THE ROOTERS. 7,902 MILES DID NOT LET DEALER DO WORK YET. ...UPDATED 08/12/15 *BF UPDATED 10/26/2017*CN

NHTSA ODI #10730135

6,723 miles · Nov 4, 2014
EngineService BrakesVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

I WENT TO PARK IN A DIAGONAL, ON STREET PARKING SPOT, AND APPLIED THE BRAKE TO STOP. THE CAR INSTEAD ACCELERATED, JUMPED THE CURB AND PROCEEDED INTO AN ADJOINING PARKING LOT. I TURNED HARD RIGHT TO AVOID VEHICLES AND STRUCK THE RETAINING WALL AT THE BACK OF THE LOT WITH MY LEFT FRONT QUARTER PANEL. THIS IMPACT STEEPENED THE TURN…

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I WENT TO PARK IN A DIAGONAL, ON STREET PARKING SPOT, AND APPLIED THE BRAKE TO STOP. THE CAR INSTEAD ACCELERATED, JUMPED THE CURB AND PROCEEDED INTO AN ADJOINING PARKING LOT. I TURNED HARD RIGHT TO AVOID VEHICLES AND STRUCK THE RETAINING WALL AT THE BACK OF THE LOT WITH MY LEFT FRONT QUARTER PANEL. THIS IMPACT STEEPENED THE TURN AND SHOT ME BACK OUT OF THE LOT AND ONTO THE STREET. I PROCEEDED UP THE STREET, THE CAR ACCELERATING ALL THE TIME. I TRIED TO DETERMINE IF I WAS ACCIDENTALLY STEPPING ON THE GAS, AND FELT I WAS INDEED ON THE BRAKE. MY CAR PROCEEDED RAPIDLY UP THE STREET, OVER 1/10TH MILE IN DISTANCE. IN A PANIC TO TRY AND STOP THE CAR I STOMPED ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE, WHICH LOCKED UP THE REAR WHEELS. MY REAR TIRES WERE IN A SKID FOR OVER 150 FEET, WHICH PRODUCED A SIDEWAYS SKID, THE CAR TURNING RIGHT AND SLAMMING BROADSIDE INTO A PARK VEHICLE WHICH STOPPED ME. I FEEL THIS IS A CASE OF UNINTENDED ACCELERATION, AND HAVE BEEN MADE AWARE OF OTHER SUCH INCIDENTS IN LATE MODEL CRVS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10652485

14,000 miles · Jun 16, 2014
Service Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE VIBRATED VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON FIVE OCCASIONS. THE FRONT BRAKES WERE REPLACED AND THE FRONT ROTORS WERE RESURFACED FOUR TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT N…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE VIBRATED VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON FIVE OCCASIONS. THE FRONT BRAKES WERE REPLACED AND THE FRONT ROTORS WERE RESURFACED FOUR TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000.

NHTSA ODI #10598529

15,000 miles · Oct 8, 2013
Service BrakesSteering

WHILE DRIVING MY CAR FROM MARYLAND TO NEW YORK IN EXTREMELY RAINY CONDITIONS ON THE I95, THE SUV STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AFTER A LOUD NOISE. I THOUGHT I HAD A FLAT TIRE, BUT THIS WAS NOT THE CASE. THE BRAKES PEDAL ALSO DID NOT MOVE. THE CAR BUCKLED AND ROCKED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. (NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON--WHY DIDN'T IT?) THIS SIT…

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WHILE DRIVING MY CAR FROM MARYLAND TO NEW YORK IN EXTREMELY RAINY CONDITIONS ON THE I95, THE SUV STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AFTER A LOUD NOISE. I THOUGHT I HAD A FLAT TIRE, BUT THIS WAS NOT THE CASE. THE BRAKES PEDAL ALSO DID NOT MOVE. THE CAR BUCKLED AND ROCKED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. (NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON--WHY DIDN'T IT?) THIS SITUATION COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY IF OTHER VEHICLES AROUND ME WERE NOT ALERT. I READ THROUGH THE COMMENTS AND REALIZE I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON THIS HAS HAPPENED TO. IS HONDA WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO DIE. I TOLD MY FAMILY TO SUE THEM IF IT HAPPENS TO ME. I HAVE STARTED DRIVING WITH MY IPAD VIDEO CAMERA ON. THIS IS MY BLACK BOX TO PROVE THAT THE HONDA CRV 2012 IS FAULTY. SINCE THIS HAS HAPPENED, THE GAS AND BRAKE PEDALS VIBRATE WHEN DRIVING AFTER 2-3HRS. I TOOK THE CAR INTO HONDA, LONG ISLAND, NY. THEY CHECKED THE BRAKES AND SAID IT IS FINE. BUT, THE CAR DOES NOT DRIVE SMOOTH ON THE ROAD. YOU CAN FEEL THE DIFFERENCE IN THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE DRIVING. HONDA NEEDS TO FIX THIS UNSAFE PROBLEM OF THE STEERING AND BRAKES LOCKING WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10547320

1,000 miles · Jul 12, 2013
Service Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED BUT THE BRAKES FAILED TO DISENGAGE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT BRAKE SHOES WERE WEARING PREMATURELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UN…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED BUT THE BRAKES FAILED TO DISENGAGE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE FRONT BRAKE SHOES WERE WEARING PREMATURELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10524557

21,000 miles · Jul 11, 2013
Service Brakes

I WAS APPLYING INTERMITTENT BRAKING TO MODULATE SPEED WHILE PROCEEDING EASTBOUND ON I-40 EAST OF BLACK MOUNTAIN, NC WHICH IS A RELATIVELY STEEP GRADE (APPROXIMATELY 6% FOR 5 MILES). WITH SUCCESSIVE APPLICATIONS I FELT PROGRESSIVELY INCREASING VIBRATIONS FROM THE FRONT END AND FEEDBACK THROUGH THE BRAKE PEDAL. TOWARDS THE BOTTO…

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I WAS APPLYING INTERMITTENT BRAKING TO MODULATE SPEED WHILE PROCEEDING EASTBOUND ON I-40 EAST OF BLACK MOUNTAIN, NC WHICH IS A RELATIVELY STEEP GRADE (APPROXIMATELY 6% FOR 5 MILES). WITH SUCCESSIVE APPLICATIONS I FELT PROGRESSIVELY INCREASING VIBRATIONS FROM THE FRONT END AND FEEDBACK THROUGH THE BRAKE PEDAL. TOWARDS THE BOTTOM OF THE GRADE I SERIOUSLY QUESTIONED THE ABILITY OF THE BRAKES TO ADEQUATELY SLOW THE CAR AND HAD NO CONFIDENCE THAT I COULD STOP THE VEHICLE IN A SAFE/ADEQUATE DISTANCE. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE CAR IN MORE LEVEL, INTERSTATE CONDITIONS FOR ANOTHER 3.5 HOURS BUT DID NOT EXPERIENCE THE PROBLEM AGAIN. REPORTED TEMPERATURE THAT DAY WAS MID TO HIGH 80'S. I WAS CONSCIOUS OF MY BRAKE USE GIVEN THE CONDITIONS, AND DO NOT FEEL IT WAS EXCESSIVE. I HAVE DRIVEN THIS PARTICULAR STRETCH OF ROAD BEFORE IN HIGHER TEMPERATURES, IN OTHER VEHICLES AND IN MORE SEVERE CONDITIONS WITHOUT THIS TYPE OF INCIDENT. WITHIN A WEEK OF THIS INCIDENT THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AT A HONDA DEALERSHIP AND NO ABNORMALITIES WERE NOTED WITH THE BRAKES. SERVICE PERSONNEL ADVISED THAT MY EXPERIENCE WAS SIMPLY DUE TO THE CONDITIONS. I DISAGREE. IF BRAKES IN SERVICEABLE/GOOD CONDITION CANNOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE BRAKING PERFORMANCE UNDER THE CONDITIONS I DESCRIBED, THEN I FEEL THIS PARTICULAR COMPONENT IS INADEQUATE AND REPRESENTS A RISK TO THE OPERATOR AND OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10524441

2 miles · Jun 10, 2013
Seat BeltsService Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, HE APPROACHED A TRAFFIC SIGNAL AND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AN UNUSUAL NOISE WAS PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE AP…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, HE APPROACHED A TRAFFIC SIGNAL AND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AN UNUSUAL NOISE WAS PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2. UPDATED 07/09/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RELEASE. THE CONSUMER EXITED THE VEHICLE, UPON IMMEDIATELY RE-ENTERING THE SEAT BELT OPERATED PROPERLY. UPDATED 07/15/2013 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10515972

12,000 miles · Nov 18, 2012
Service Brakes

FEB 2012 : PURCHASED MY 2012 HONDA CRV BECAUSE IT WAS FLAT TOWABLE. SEPT 1 :LEFT FOR A TWO MONTH TRIP TOWING SAID CAR AND USING THE BLUE OX PATRIOT BRAKING SYSTEM. AFTER FOLLOWING ALL THE DIRECTIONS FOR BLUE OX AND HONDAS DIRECTIONS FOR THE TRANSMISSION, EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE.WITH EXCEPTION OF THE BATTERY GOING DEAD EVERY 3…

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FEB 2012 : PURCHASED MY 2012 HONDA CRV BECAUSE IT WAS FLAT TOWABLE. SEPT 1 :LEFT FOR A TWO MONTH TRIP TOWING SAID CAR AND USING THE BLUE OX PATRIOT BRAKING SYSTEM. AFTER FOLLOWING ALL THE DIRECTIONS FOR BLUE OX AND HONDAS DIRECTIONS FOR THE TRANSMISSION, EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE.WITH EXCEPTION OF THE BATTERY GOING DEAD EVERY 3-4 HRS OF DRIVING. OCT 6: THE BACK BRAKE SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS SCRAPING.HONDA DEALER SAID THE PADS WERE RUBBING BUT DIDN'T HAVE ANY REPLACEMENTS. I WAS TOLD THEY WOULD BE OKAY TO MAKE IT BACK HOME. OCT 16: IN TEXAS THE BRAKES SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS METAL ON METAL. TOOK INTO A HONDA DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE BRAKE PAD WAS MISSING ON THE RIGHT REAR, THE CALIPER PINS WERE MISSING, ROTORS NEEDED TO BE RESURFACED, AND THE PARKING BRAKE CALIPERS PINS WERE MISSING. EVERYTHING REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY FOR BOTH REAR BRAKES. CAR TEST DRIVEN, ALL BRAKES FINE. OCT 28: BACK HOME, BRAKES VIBRATING SO TOOK IT TO A HONDA DEALERSHIP FOR OIL CHANGE AND HAVE THEM CHECK THE BRAKES. I WAS TOLD ALL FOUR OF THE BRAKES WERE SHOT BURNT ETC AND PARTS WOULD COST $5,000.00. THEY SAID IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE I USED AN AFTER THE MARKET BRAKING SYSTEM. THEY ARE BLAMING BLUE OX. BLUE OX IS BLAMING HONDA. AMERICA HONDA HDQ WERE NOTIFIED BUT THEY SAID SINCE THE DEALERSHIP DEEMED IT WASN'T THEIR FAULT THEY CLOSED MY CASE. IM THE ONE STUCK WITH PAYING AS THE INSURANCE WONT COVER THIS EITHER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10485081

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.

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