Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1240–25K
5425–50K
3150–75K
3075–100K
11100–150K
9150K+
259 reports with mileage · 123 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 97 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 95 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
22 crash reports0 fire reports11 injury reports
What owners actually said
382 reports
150 miles · Dec 26, 2013
Exterior Lighting
HI BEAMS ARE VERY INEFFECTIVE AND DANGEROUS. THEY SHINE TOO HIGH AND LIGHT UP THE TREES BUT NOT THE ROAD AHEAD. LIVE IN A VERY RURAL AREA WITH MANY DEER AND THIS IS OF CONCERN. IF THE DEALER LOWERS THE BEAM THEN THAT MAKES THE LOW BEAMS WORSE WHERE THEY WERE OK. SO ADJUSTING THE HEIGHT OF THE HI BEAM IS NOT THE SOLUTION AS IT TH…
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HI BEAMS ARE VERY INEFFECTIVE AND DANGEROUS. THEY SHINE TOO HIGH AND LIGHT UP THE TREES BUT NOT THE ROAD AHEAD. LIVE IN A VERY RURAL AREA WITH MANY DEER AND THIS IS OF CONCERN. IF THE DEALER LOWERS THE BEAM THEN THAT MAKES THE LOW BEAMS WORSE WHERE THEY WERE OK. SO ADJUSTING THE HEIGHT OF THE HI BEAM IS NOT THE SOLUTION AS IT THEN MAKES THE LOW BEAM TOO LOW. IT'S MORE A DESIGN FLAW WITH THE REFLECTORS I BELIEVE. ONLY REALLY NOTICED THE ISSUE ONCE WE CHANGED DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME AND I STARTED DRIVING MORE AT NIGHT ON RURAL ROADS. WHICH NOW BEING WINTER IS MORE AND MORE COMMON FOR ME SO IT IS A CONCERN WHEN HAVING TO USE THE HI BEAMS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10557354
5,500 miles · Dec 26, 2013
Engine
UPON INITIAL STARTUP OF THE ENGINE THERE IS A GRINDING SOUND. THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE HAS ONLY OCCURRED TWICE AND HARD TO REPLICATE UNLESS IT'S VERY COLD. AT FIRST IT SOUNDED LIKE A STARTER ISSUE, BUT OTHERS HAVE SAID IT'S THE VTC ACTUATOR AND AN OIL PRESSURE ISSUE WHEN IT'S COLD OUTSIDE. EVEN THOUGH MY CAR IS GARAGED IT HAS OCCUR…
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UPON INITIAL STARTUP OF THE ENGINE THERE IS A GRINDING SOUND. THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE HAS ONLY OCCURRED TWICE AND HARD TO REPLICATE UNLESS IT'S VERY COLD. AT FIRST IT SOUNDED LIKE A STARTER ISSUE, BUT OTHERS HAVE SAID IT'S THE VTC ACTUATOR AND AN OIL PRESSURE ISSUE WHEN IT'S COLD OUTSIDE. EVEN THOUGH MY CAR IS GARAGED IT HAS OCCURRED TWICE IN TWO WEEKS SO IT IS A CONCERN. DEALERSHIP WILL NOT DO ANYTHING UNLESS THEY CAN REPLICATE IT. THIS VIDEO SHOWS EXACTLY WHAT THE SOUND IS LIKE: HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=KR20BAOXBO8. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10557352
3,822 miles · Dec 19, 2013
Visibility/wiper
I BOUGHT A 2013 HONDA CR-V VEHICLE A FEW MONTHS AGO. I HAVE NOTICE THAT THE SUN VISORS ARE TOO SHORT. I HAD TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP SEVERAL TIMES AT SUN RISE AND SUN SET BECAUSE I WAS BLINDED BY THE SUN. I HAVE OWNED A HONDA VAN AND A TOYOTA CARE AND NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM WHERE I LIVE. I CALLED THE HONDA DEALER IN F…
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I BOUGHT A 2013 HONDA CR-V VEHICLE A FEW MONTHS AGO. I HAVE NOTICE THAT THE SUN VISORS ARE TOO SHORT. I HAD TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP SEVERAL TIMES AT SUN RISE AND SUN SET BECAUSE I WAS BLINDED BY THE SUN. I HAVE OWNED A HONDA VAN AND A TOYOTA CARE AND NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM WHERE I LIVE. I CALLED THE HONDA DEALER IN FRANKFORT, KY AND THEY SAID NO ONE ELSE WAS HAVING THE PROBLEM. I CALL HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE (NATION WIDE) AND THEY SAID NO ONE HAD REPORTED THE PROBLEM AND WANTED ME TO GO BACK TO THE DEALER IN FRANKFORT. I WENT ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM AND TRIED TO USE AFTER MARKET SOLUTION WHICH IS A VISOR EXTENDER. I AM 5' 8" TALL. I WOULD NEED TO BE OVER 6 FEET IN ORDER FOR THE VISORS TO BE EFFECTIVE. IT EITHER A LOW SEAT PROBLEM OR A VISOR PROBLEM. YOU DON'T NOTICE THIS WHEN YOU FIRST DRIVE THE CAR. I WOULD NOT HAVE BOUGHT THE CAR IF I KNEW ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. THIS IS DEFINITELY A HAZARD THAT SHOULD BE CHECKED OUT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10556629
5,200 miles · Dec 17, 2013
VisibilityVisibility/wiper
THE WINDSHIELD WASHER ON THIS VEHICLE AND MY DAUGHTER'S SIMILAR CAR ARE A DEFECTIVE DESIGN. THEY DO NOT WORK IN THE COLD. ALSO THE WIPERS ARE INEFFECTIVE. THIS LEADS TO UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10556435
5,200 miles · Dec 17, 2013
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
THE HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS ON THIS VEHICLE AND MY DAUGHTER'S SIMILAR CAR ARE A DEFECTIVE DESIGN. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ALREADY REGARDING THIS. THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN SEE DECENTLY IS WITH A COMBINATION OF LOW BEAMS AND DRIVING LIGHTS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10556434
Mileage unknown · Dec 17, 2013
Electrical System
FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD INCIDENT, PERTAINED OF ALL 4 DOORS LOCKING AND UNLOCKING REPEATEDLY, BY THEMSELVES WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE, GOING DOWN THE FREEWAY AND ON SURFACE STREETS. THE MOST REENT INCIDENT WAS 12/16/13. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT UNLOCK. I USED BOTH THE AFTER MARKET REMOTE START FOB, THE FOB ON THE ORIGINAL FACTO…
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FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD INCIDENT, PERTAINED OF ALL 4 DOORS LOCKING AND UNLOCKING REPEATEDLY, BY THEMSELVES WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE, GOING DOWN THE FREEWAY AND ON SURFACE STREETS. THE MOST REENT INCIDENT WAS 12/16/13. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT UNLOCK. I USED BOTH THE AFTER MARKET REMOTE START FOB, THE FOB ON THE ORIGINAL FACTORY KEY AND ALSO THE MANUAL UNLOCK BY PUTTING THE KEY IN THE DOOR. AFTER 2 HOURS OF CONSTANTLY PUSHING BUTTONS AND CHECKING ALL ENTRANCES TO THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE UNLOCKED ON IT'S OWN, WITHOUT PUSHING ANY OF THE BUTTONS. MY 15 MONTH OLD CHILD AND I WERE LITERALLY STRANDED FOR THESE 2 HOURS UNTIL A TOW TRUCK COULD COME TO US. NOT TO MENTION THAT THE CAR UNLOCKED ITSELF ON IT'S OWN RIGHT BEFORE THE TOW COMPANY SHOWED UP. WHAT IF MY CHILD HAD BEEN INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THIS HAPPENED???? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10556365
Mileage unknown · Dec 15, 2013
Exterior Lighting
WHEN HIGH BEAMS ARE ON, THE LOW BEAMS GO OFF MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE FOR 25 TO 30 FEET. IF A CHILD OR A DOG WERE TO RUN IN FRONT OF THE AUTO I WOULDN'T HAVE ENOUGH REACTION TIME TO AVOID HITTING THEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10556121
7,000 miles · Dec 15, 2013
Power TrainInjury
WE RETURNED FROM SHOPPING AND PARKED CAR IN DRIVEWAY (APPROXIMATELY 30 DEGREE INCLINE). WENT BEHIND TO UNLOAD BACK AND THE CAR ROLLED BACK ON US ABOUT 4-5 FEET AT LEAST. WE HAVE SINCE BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE THIS TWICE. THE CAR IS FULLY IN PARK WITH THE ENGINE OFF WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THE ONLY INJURY (THANK GOD!) WAS MY BACK WH…
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WE RETURNED FROM SHOPPING AND PARKED CAR IN DRIVEWAY (APPROXIMATELY 30 DEGREE INCLINE). WENT BEHIND TO UNLOAD BACK AND THE CAR ROLLED BACK ON US ABOUT 4-5 FEET AT LEAST. WE HAVE SINCE BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE THIS TWICE. THE CAR IS FULLY IN PARK WITH THE ENGINE OFF WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THE ONLY INJURY (THANK GOD!) WAS MY BACK WHICH WAS JUST THROWN OUT A LITTLE DUE TO TRYING TO GET OUT FROM BEHIND THE CAR BEFORE IT RAN OVER ME. MY HUSBAND TWISTED HIS KNEE A LITTLE, BUT APPEARS OKAY OTHERWISE. BECAUSE IT IS SUNDAY, I CANNOT REACH ANYONE TO REPORT TO THE DEALER (BOMMARITO HONDA), BUT HAVE SENT THEM A MESSAGE DEMANDING THEY TOW THE CAR AND GET ME A LOANER IMMEDIATELY. NEITHER OF US WILL GET IN THIS CAR AGAIN. I'M VERY CONCERNED THERE MAY BE OTHERS AT SERIOUS RISK RIGHT NOW! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10556118
100 miles · Dec 5, 2013
Exterior Lighting
THE HEADLIGHTS ON FULL BEAM ARE HOPELESSLY INADEQUATE AND ARE A SERIOUS DANGER TO DRIVERS WHO LIVE IN RURAL AREAS WHERE THERE ARE NO STREET LIGHTS. THE HONDA DEALER TRIED REPLACING BULBS BUT ALL TO NO AVAIL AND HONDA DENIES THERE IS A PROBLEM. I HAVE BEEN WRESTLING WITH THIS PROBLEM SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN FEBRUARY, 2013 FR…
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THE HEADLIGHTS ON FULL BEAM ARE HOPELESSLY INADEQUATE AND ARE A SERIOUS DANGER TO DRIVERS WHO LIVE IN RURAL AREAS WHERE THERE ARE NO STREET LIGHTS. THE HONDA DEALER TRIED REPLACING BULBS BUT ALL TO NO AVAIL AND HONDA DENIES THERE IS A PROBLEM. I HAVE BEEN WRESTLING WITH THIS PROBLEM SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN FEBRUARY, 2013 FROM ZIMBRICK HONDA IN MADISON, WISCONSIN. THE DEALER HAS TRIED TO HELP BUT IS UNABLE TO FIX. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10554878
4,000 miles · Nov 20, 2013
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE EXHIBITED A LOUD GRINDING NOISE WHEN STARTING IN COLD WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VARIABLE TIMING CONTROL (VTC) AND THE VTC ACTUATOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE EXHIBITED A LOUD GRINDING NOISE WHEN STARTING IN COLD WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VARIABLE TIMING CONTROL (VTC) AND THE VTC ACTUATOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000.
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2013-2023 Honda Accord, Civic Coupe, Civic Sedan, Civic Hatchback, Civic Type R, CR-V, HR-V, Ridgeline, Odyssey, Acura ILX, MDX, MDX Hybrid, RDX, RLX, TLX, 2019-2022 Honda Insight, Passport, 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2018-2019 Honda Clarity PHEV, Fit, and 2015-2020 Honda Accord Hybrid, Pilot, Acura NSX vehicles. The fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
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.
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
2
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.