NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
587 reportsMileage unknown · Aug 19, 2015
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service Brakes, HydraulicTires
2014 HONDA CRV. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE TIRE PRESSURE AND BRAKE SYSTEM ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING ON A SNOW PACK ROAD, HE WENT AROUND A BROAD CURVE, AT A SLOW SPEED, WHEN SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE SLID ACROSS THE ROAD INTO AN ONCOMING LANE. THE CONSUMER STATED HE REALIZED THE VEHICLE SLID TOO EAS…
Read full complaint
2014 HONDA CRV. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE TIRE PRESSURE AND BRAKE SYSTEM ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING ON A SNOW PACK ROAD, HE WENT AROUND A BROAD CURVE, AT A SLOW SPEED, WHEN SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE SLID ACROSS THE ROAD INTO AN ONCOMING LANE. THE CONSUMER STATED HE REALIZED THE VEHICLE SLID TOO EASILY AND THE ABS ACTIVATED PREMATURELY, PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT, THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE TIRES WERE UNSAFE. *JB UPDATED 12/22/15. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10701583
15,030 miles · Aug 17, 2015
Tires
WE HAVE A 2014 CR V WITH 15,000 MILE ON IT. WE BOUGHT IT NEW. IN 12-MONTHS THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM HAS GONE OFF 3-TIMES. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAY THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT, EXCEPT RESET IT. HOW CAN WE TRUST THIS AS A SAFETY FACTOR?
NHTSA ODI #10749267
15,030 miles · Aug 17, 2015
Tires
WE HAVE A 2014 CR V WITH 15,000 MILE ON IT. WE BOUGHT IT NEW. IN 12-MONTHS THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM HAS GONE OFF 3-TIMES. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAY THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT, EXCEPT RESET IT. HOW CAN WE TRUST THIS AS A SAFETY FACTOR?
NHTSA ODI #10749266
34,000 miles · Aug 17, 2015
Fuel/propulsion System
MY CRV IS 16 MONTHS OLD; I PARKED IN MY NEW GARAGE AND ON THE NEXT DAY I START THE CAR AND FUEL IS POURING OUT OF THE TANK OR FUEL SYSTEM OR FUEL PUMP. I SHUT DOWN THE CAR DUE TO THE POLLUTION IT COULD HAVE CASUED. I CALLED THE DEALER ON MONDAY AND HAD IT TOWED. THEY TELL ME THAT A CRITTER MUST HAVE CHEWED THROUGH THE LINE…
Read full complaint
MY CRV IS 16 MONTHS OLD; I PARKED IN MY NEW GARAGE AND ON THE NEXT DAY I START THE CAR AND FUEL IS POURING OUT OF THE TANK OR FUEL SYSTEM OR FUEL PUMP. I SHUT DOWN THE CAR DUE TO THE POLLUTION IT COULD HAVE CASUED. I CALLED THE DEALER ON MONDAY AND HAD IT TOWED. THEY TELL ME THAT A CRITTER MUST HAVE CHEWED THROUGH THE LINE. HOW COULD THIS BE. THIS IS JUST ANOTHER SCAM BY HONDA TO COVER ALL THE RECALL COSTS THEY ARE HAVING TO DEAL WITH. MY GAS TANK COULD HAVE EXPLODED BECAUSE IF WAS STEAMING ON THE UNDERCARRIAGE. MY CAR HAS ONLY 34,000 MILES AND THIS IS THEM TRYING TO GET OUT OF A $1,000 PLUS CHARGE TO ME. PLEASE HELP ME; I HAVE CALLED HONDA BUT NO ONE IS RETURNING MY CALLS AND DOES NOT SEEM TO CARE. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS AND SERIOUS PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #10749157
500 miles · Aug 16, 2015
Wheels
SINCE MY CAR WAS NEW I HAVE BEEN HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE TPMS WARNING LIGHT COMING ON FOR NO REASON. IT INDICATES LOW TIRE PRESSURE IN ONE OF MY TIRES. IT IS PROVIDING A FALSE INDICATION OF TIRE TROUBLE THAT SIMPLY DOESN'T EXIST. I HAVE HAD THE CAR TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES. THEY CANNOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE IS…
Read full complaint
SINCE MY CAR WAS NEW I HAVE BEEN HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE TPMS WARNING LIGHT COMING ON FOR NO REASON. IT INDICATES LOW TIRE PRESSURE IN ONE OF MY TIRES. IT IS PROVIDING A FALSE INDICATION OF TIRE TROUBLE THAT SIMPLY DOESN'T EXIST. I HAVE HAD THE CAR TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES. THEY CANNOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE RESEARCHED THE ISSUE ON HONDA FORUMS AND FOUND MANY OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR 2014 HONDA CR-V'S.
NHTSA ODI #10748942
25,300 miles · Aug 7, 2015
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THEN THE VEHICLE HAD A SUDDEN UNINTENDED INCREASE IN ACCELERATION TO 45 MPH OR HIGHER. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 HONDA CR-V. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND THEN THE VEHICLE HAD A SUDDEN UNINTENDED INCREASE IN ACCELERATION TO 45 MPH OR HIGHER. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO WAS NOT ABLE TO REPLICATE THE FAILURE AFTER KEEPING THE VEHICLE FOR TWO DAYS. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED FOR THEIR SAFETY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,300.
NHTSA ODI #10747081
15,000 miles · Aug 3, 2015
Unknown Or Other
THE CAR WAS PARKED WHILE WE WERE EATING BREAKFAST AT JACK IN A BOX PINEVILLE MATTHEWS. THE PASSENGER GLASS WINDOW AT THE BACK OF DRIVER SEAT JUST SHATTERED INTO FINE PIECES. THE SHATTERED GLASS WAS FALLING NATURALLY INSIDE THE CAR AND ON THE GROUND. I HAVE PHOTOS OF THE PARTIAL GLASS WINDOW, DEBRIS INSIDE THE CAR AND ON THE GR…
Read full complaint
THE CAR WAS PARKED WHILE WE WERE EATING BREAKFAST AT JACK IN A BOX PINEVILLE MATTHEWS. THE PASSENGER GLASS WINDOW AT THE BACK OF DRIVER SEAT JUST SHATTERED INTO FINE PIECES. THE SHATTERED GLASS WAS FALLING NATURALLY INSIDE THE CAR AND ON THE GROUND. I HAVE PHOTOS OF THE PARTIAL GLASS WINDOW, DEBRIS INSIDE THE CAR AND ON THE GROUND. THE GLASS WINDOW SEEMED FACTORY DEFECT. THE RESTAURANT CLEANED THE FINE CHOPPED GLASSES ON THE GROUND.
NHTSA ODI #10745689
5,600 miles · Jul 28, 2015
Electrical System
AFTER BEING IN THE OFF MODE, THE IGNITION BATTERY POWER DOES NOT START ENGINE WITH OUT A POWERFUL BATTERY BOOST. THIS HAS HAPPENED1T LEAST 13 TIMES WITH NO WARNING SIGN. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO TWO DEALERSHIPS AND THEY DECLARED NOTHING HAS BEEN. HONDA OF CA SAID THAT THEY INVESTIGATED AND DECLARED THAT NO ISSUE HAD BEEN FOUN…
Read full complaint
AFTER BEING IN THE OFF MODE, THE IGNITION BATTERY POWER DOES NOT START ENGINE WITH OUT A POWERFUL BATTERY BOOST. THIS HAS HAPPENED1T LEAST 13 TIMES WITH NO WARNING SIGN. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO TWO DEALERSHIPS AND THEY DECLARED NOTHING HAS BEEN. HONDA OF CA SAID THAT THEY INVESTIGATED AND DECLARED THAT NO ISSUE HAD BEEN FOUND. I HAVE PURCHASED A HIGH POWER BOOSTER AS AN INTERMEDIARY FIX.
NHTSA ODI #10744486
150,000 miles · Jul 8, 2015
Service BrakesStructureVehicle Speed ControlCrash
I ENTERED A PARKING LOT TO TAKE MY GRANDGIRLS TO A WILDLIFE REFUGE EXHIBIT. DROVE DOWN DRIVEWAY, TURNED LEFT OFF OF DRIVEWAY TO PARK CAR FACING WEST WHICH WOULD BE FACING ANOTHER CAR FACING EAST. TURN WAS IMMEDIATE, SO BRAKES WERE APPLIED. CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN OR STOP . . . RATHER, IT ACCELERATED WITH A LURCH! I WAS LAYING …
Read full complaint
I ENTERED A PARKING LOT TO TAKE MY GRANDGIRLS TO A WILDLIFE REFUGE EXHIBIT. DROVE DOWN DRIVEWAY, TURNED LEFT OFF OF DRIVEWAY TO PARK CAR FACING WEST WHICH WOULD BE FACING ANOTHER CAR FACING EAST. TURN WAS IMMEDIATE, SO BRAKES WERE APPLIED. CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN OR STOP . . . RATHER, IT ACCELERATED WITH A LURCH! I WAS LAYING ON THE BRAKES; THEY DID NOT ENGAGE UNTIL FRONTAL CONTACT PUSHED FACING CAR OUT OF MY WAY, AND I WAS ABLE TO THROW CAR INTO PARK. NO ACTION WHEN ENGAGING EMERGENCY BRAKES. OF COURSE, DOCUMENTED AS AN "AT-FAULT" ACCIDENT BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY. (MAY I PERSONALLY MENTION THAT I HAVE BEEN DRIVING 48 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER HAD AN "AT-FAULT" ACCIDENT - HAVEN'T EVEN HIT A GARBAGE CAN!) RETURNED CAR TO HONDA DEALERSHIP TO CHECK OUT BRAKING/ACCELERATION. THE RESPONSE FROM THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE WAS, (AND I DIRECTLY QUOTE), "WE COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM, BUT, WHEN YOU EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM AGAIN, PLEASE HAVE IT TOWED TO OUR DEALERSHIP!" I HAVE OWNED 14 SUBSEQUENT HONDAS, BUT WILL NEVER OWN ANOTHER! THAT CRV TOOK ITS OWN FREE WILL AS I TRIED MY BEST TO CONTROL IT - NOTHING DOING! UPDATED 10/07/15*LJ UPDATED 11/08/2017*CN
NHTSA ODI #10732764
1,209 miles · Jun 26, 2015
EnginePower Train
THERE SEEMS TO BE A LOW SPEED STALL. I'VE REPORTED TO THE DEALER BUT THEY CLAIM ITS A GEARING PROBLEM. WHEN YOU ARE AT A STOP OR MAKING A LOW SPEED TURN THE GAS PEDAL DOESN'T ENGAGE IN ORDER FOR THE CAR TO MOVE. THIS COULD BE DANGEROUS IN THAT YOU MAY BE IN HARMS WAY WITH NO WAY OF GETTING OUT OF THE SITUATION. I DID TAKE M…
Read full complaint
THERE SEEMS TO BE A LOW SPEED STALL. I'VE REPORTED TO THE DEALER BUT THEY CLAIM ITS A GEARING PROBLEM. WHEN YOU ARE AT A STOP OR MAKING A LOW SPEED TURN THE GAS PEDAL DOESN'T ENGAGE IN ORDER FOR THE CAR TO MOVE. THIS COULD BE DANGEROUS IN THAT YOU MAY BE IN HARMS WAY WITH NO WAY OF GETTING OUT OF THE SITUATION. I DID TAKE MY VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER AFTER I FIRST EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM BUT THEY HAVE NO RECALLS OR FIXES FOR THE PROBLEM. UPDATED 09/09/15*LJ.....UPDATED 09/11/15 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED WITHIN THE LAST FEW DAYS, THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN AT A STOP LIGHT. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR WAS APPLIED, IT TOOK AT LEAST 10 SECONDS FOR A RESPONSE. HONDA STATED THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN ECONOMY MODE. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER STATED IT ALSO HAPPENED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN ECONOMY MODE. UPDATED 10/28/15. *JB UPDATED 11/01/2017*CN
NHTSA ODI #10730714
Official recalls
1Dec 18, 2023
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.
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
2EA21002 · 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.