NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
148 reportsClear category filter35,500 miles · Feb 12, 2019
Power Train
WHILE DRIVING, MY WATER PUMP SEIZED CAUSING MY DRIVE BELT TO DISENGAGE MY DRIVE TRAIN. THIS CAUSED MY VEHICLE TO OVER HEAT AS WELL AS THE BELT TO RUB ON THE ENGINE. THE FRICTION FROM THIS CAUSED THE BELT TO START THROWING EMBERS. THE SMOKE FROM THE BURNING BELT IS WHAT INDICATED TO ME THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE. THE AMOUNT OF SMOKE…
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WHILE DRIVING, MY WATER PUMP SEIZED CAUSING MY DRIVE BELT TO DISENGAGE MY DRIVE TRAIN. THIS CAUSED MY VEHICLE TO OVER HEAT AS WELL AS THE BELT TO RUB ON THE ENGINE. THE FRICTION FROM THIS CAUSED THE BELT TO START THROWING EMBERS. THE SMOKE FROM THE BURNING BELT IS WHAT INDICATED TO ME THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE. THE AMOUNT OF SMOKE AND EMBERS MADE ME FEAR THAT MY CAR HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE. AFTER GETTING MY VEHICLE TOWED TO THE CLOSEST AUTO SHOP I WAS INFORMED ABOUT TSB ID #A17-063. SERVICE BULLETIN - THE WATER PUMP SEIZED OR THE DRIVE BELT SHREDDED. THE WATER PUMP BEARING IS OUT OF SPECIFICATION. HOWEVER, THIS IS NOT A RECALL. HAD THIS HAPPENED AT A DIFFERENT TIME AND PLACE, IT COULD HAVE EASILY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT OR IF I WAS NOT ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD FAST ENOUGH I FEAR THAT MY CAR WOULD HAVE CAUGHT ON FIRE.
NHTSA ODI #11176549
47,000 miles · Oct 3, 2018
Power TrainService Brakes
I JUST BOUGHT A 2015 HONDA CR-V 4 DAYS AGO. I WAS SO HAPPY TO GET SOMETHING NEWER AND TO BE RID OF MY OTHER PROBLEM CAR. SINCE HAVING THIS CAR IT HAS CONSISTENTLY BEEN VIBRATING WHEN IDLE AND PUSHING DOWN THE BREAK PEDAL WHILE IN DRIVE LIKE SITTING AT A LIGHT ETC. I WAS TOLD BY DEALER THAT'S IT'S NORMAL BUT IT DEFINITELY IS NOT …
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I JUST BOUGHT A 2015 HONDA CR-V 4 DAYS AGO. I WAS SO HAPPY TO GET SOMETHING NEWER AND TO BE RID OF MY OTHER PROBLEM CAR. SINCE HAVING THIS CAR IT HAS CONSISTENTLY BEEN VIBRATING WHEN IDLE AND PUSHING DOWN THE BREAK PEDAL WHILE IN DRIVE LIKE SITTING AT A LIGHT ETC. I WAS TOLD BY DEALER THAT'S IT'S NORMAL BUT IT DEFINITELY IS NOT NORMAL AND UNBELIEVABLY UNCOMFORTABLE AND DISTRACTING WHILE TRYING TO FOCUS ON DRIVING. IT'S EMBARRASSING THAT ANYONE IN THE CAR ALSO COMMENTS AND THIS WAS SUPPOSE TO BE A NEWER CAR THAT I WAS HAPPY ABOUT AND PROUD OF. I HAVE SINCE SEEN REVIEWS ONLINE OF SO MANY OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS. THAT IS ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS AND VERY SCARY THAT HONDA HAS NOT ADDRESSED THIS ISSUE IN A FEW YEARS. WHAT A HORRIBLE COMPANY TO NOT FIX AN OBVIOUS ISSUE THAT THEY'VE EVEN ACKNOWLEDGED AND TO JUST LET CUSTOMERS LIVE WITH SOMETHING MESSED UP. HONDA BETTER STEP UP AND FIX THIS ISSUE FOR THOSE AFFECTED INSTEAD OF BEING COWARDS AND AVOIDING IT! WHETHER IT'S A RECALL OR WHATEVER, IT IS WAY PAST DUE FOR CUSTOMERS WITH THESE VEHICLES TO BE HAPPY AND LISTENED TOO! ROBIN
NHTSA ODI #11133203
47,000 miles · Sep 6, 2018
Power Train
WHILE STOPPED AT RED LIGHT INTERSECTION ON BUSY CITY STREET, CAR IDLE IN DRIVE GEAR, TERRIBLE VIBRATIONS SHOOK THE WHOLE CAR BEFORE ENGINE SHUT OFF. CAR WOULD NOT TURN ON OR SHIFT TO PARK UNTIL PLACED IN ACCESSORY MODE. PARK. ENGINE AND ACCESSORY MODE OFF THEN NORMAL STARTING PROCEDURE TO GET CAR RUNNING AGAIN.
NHTSA ODI #11127983
55,700 miles · Jun 15, 2018
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower TrainSteering
THIS VEHICLE VIBRATES IT'S STEERING WHEEL AND INSIDE THE CABIN AT 55MPH AND HIGHER MAKING IT ANNOYING, UNSTABLE AND UNSAFE.
NHTSA ODI #11101967
1,000 miles · May 9, 2018
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
SINCE DAY ONE THERE HAS BEEN A STRONG VIBRATION AT IDLE. THE ENGINE WILL BE AT 650-700 RPMS AND THEN DROPS TO 500. IT SHAKES UNCONTROLLABLY WHEN THE RPMS DROP AT A LIGHT OR WHILE IDLING. I'VE TAKEN IT IN 3 TIMES WITH NO REPAIR SUCCESS.
NHTSA ODI #11092613
36,000 miles · Apr 30, 2018
EnginePower TrainWheels
I HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL ISSUES WITH MY 2015 HONDA CR-V: 1. LUG NUT CORROSION: I HAVE HAD SEVERAL LUG NUTS REPLACED DUE TO VISUAL CORROSION AROUND THE WELDED TOP TO SIDE AREA OF THE NUT. REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY @ 36,000 MILES. 2. ENGINE / TRANSMISSION VIBRATION: LOW SPEED VIBRATION, I CAN VISIBLY SEE THE PASSENGER SE…
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I HAVE EXPERIENCED SEVERAL ISSUES WITH MY 2015 HONDA CR-V: 1. LUG NUT CORROSION: I HAVE HAD SEVERAL LUG NUTS REPLACED DUE TO VISUAL CORROSION AROUND THE WELDED TOP TO SIDE AREA OF THE NUT. REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY @ 36,000 MILES. 2. ENGINE / TRANSMISSION VIBRATION: LOW SPEED VIBRATION, I CAN VISIBLY SEE THE PASSENGER SEAT VIBRATE. HIGH SPEED VIBRATION ~ 70MPH, THIS IS FELT THROUGH THE SEAT AND STEERING WHEEL. REAR HATCH VIBRATION (BOOMING) ~ 55 - 60 MPH. THE DEALER HAS INSTALLED COUNTERMEASURE PARTS @ 36,000 MILES, BUT THE VIBRATION HAS GOTTEN WORSE.
NHTSA ODI #11090968
31,500 miles · Mar 17, 2018
Power Train
I PURCHASED A USED CERTIFIED 2015 HONDA CR-V FROM A DEALER. WITHIN TWO DAYS I NOTICED EXCESSIVE VIBRATION WHEN IDLING IN DRIVE. I RESEARCHED IT AND FOUND OUT IT'S A HONDA KNOWN DESIGN FLAW. THEY ISSUE A BANDAID FIX (TSB 15-046) OF NEW ENGINE MOUNTING BRACKETS AND HEADRESTS BUT THIS DOES NOT FIX THE VIBRATION ISSUE. HONDA KNOWS …
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I PURCHASED A USED CERTIFIED 2015 HONDA CR-V FROM A DEALER. WITHIN TWO DAYS I NOTICED EXCESSIVE VIBRATION WHEN IDLING IN DRIVE. I RESEARCHED IT AND FOUND OUT IT'S A HONDA KNOWN DESIGN FLAW. THEY ISSUE A BANDAID FIX (TSB 15-046) OF NEW ENGINE MOUNTING BRACKETS AND HEADRESTS BUT THIS DOES NOT FIX THE VIBRATION ISSUE. HONDA KNOWS ABOUT THE ISSUE BUT WILL NOT ISSUE A RECALL OR ADMIT THE DESIGN FLAW AND FIX OR REPAIR THE TRANSMISSION. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE THAT HAVE BEEN LOGGED IN. UNTIL HONDA OWNS THE ISSUE AND FIXES IT, I'M STUCK WITH A DEFECTIVE AND UNSAFE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #11079991
71,000 miles · Feb 14, 2018
Power Train
TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING RESULTS IN NO POWER IN DRIVING ON HIGHWAY.COST $5,000 TO REPAIRING. COULD CAUSE ACCIDENTS IF IN TRAFFIC ON FREE WAY. MY SON AND I WERE LUCK JUST DROVE OUT OF FREE WAY TRAFFIC JAM AND OFF RAMP AND STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHT.
NHTSA ODI #11072986
140 miles · Dec 14, 2017
EnginePower Train
WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP INTO A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN AND LET UP ON THE ACCELERATOR, THEN TRY TO ACCELERATE AFTER MAKING THE TURN, I EXPERIENCE A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER. IF I LET UP ON THE ACCELERATOR, AND THEN PRESS ON THE ACCELERATOR AGAIN THE VEHICLE WILL ACCELERATE NORMALLY. IF INSTEAD WHEN THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER, AND I CONT…
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WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP INTO A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN AND LET UP ON THE ACCELERATOR, THEN TRY TO ACCELERATE AFTER MAKING THE TURN, I EXPERIENCE A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER. IF I LET UP ON THE ACCELERATOR, AND THEN PRESS ON THE ACCELERATOR AGAIN THE VEHICLE WILL ACCELERATE NORMALLY. IF INSTEAD WHEN THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER, AND I CONTINUE TO HOLD THE ACCELERATOR PRESSED DOWN THE VEHICLE STAYS IN A LOST STATE OF POWER UNTIL I TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND THEN PRESS DOWN AGAIN. THIS EVENT HAPPENS 2 TO 3 TIMES PER MONTH SINCE THE CAR WAS DELIVERED TO ME BY THE DEALER. THIS IS DANGEROUS, ESPECIALLY IF I AM MAKING A LEFT TURN OR TRYING TO ACCELERATE ONTO AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 'S ON RAMP. WHEN REPORTED TO THE DEALER, I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS NORMAL FOR THIS CAR.
NHTSA ODI #11054696
10,500 miles · Nov 15, 2017
Power Train
WHEN BACKING OUT OF MY GARAGE INTO MY DRIVEWAY I WOULD PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE WHILE I CLOSE THE GARAGE DOOR AND PUT ON MY SEAT BELT. I WOULD THEN PUT MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR TO BACK OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY BUT AT TIMES THE CAR ENGINE WOULD REV-UP AND NOT MOVE OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. I WOULD THEN DRIVE FORWARD A FEW FEET AND THEN P…
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WHEN BACKING OUT OF MY GARAGE INTO MY DRIVEWAY I WOULD PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE WHILE I CLOSE THE GARAGE DOOR AND PUT ON MY SEAT BELT. I WOULD THEN PUT MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR TO BACK OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY BUT AT TIMES THE CAR ENGINE WOULD REV-UP AND NOT MOVE OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. I WOULD THEN DRIVE FORWARD A FEW FEET AND THEN PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND THE CAR WOULD MOVE OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY IN A NORMAL MANNER. THIS ONLY HAPPENS A FEW TIMES A MONTH NOT EVERYTIME I BACK OUT OF MY GARAGE.
NHTSA ODI #11046322
Official recalls
3Dec 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.
May 4, 2017
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Honda CR-V vehicles that recently received a replacement engine. The replacement engine may have been built with the wrong pistons, potentially affecting the engine's performance.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The reduced performance may result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engines and replace the incorrect components, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KF6.
Mar 2, 2015
American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2014 Accord L4 vehicles manufactured July 29, 2014, to July 31, 2014, 2015 Accord L4 vehicles manufactured August 14, 2014, to January 30, 2015, and 2015 CR-V vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to February 6, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been assembled with improperly torqued connecting rod bolts, which can cause the engine to lose power or leak oil.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Loss of engine power may result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash. If the engine leaks oil in the proximity of hot engine or exhaust components, there is an increased risk of a fire.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine short block, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is JP2 (for Accord models) and JP3 (for CR-V models).
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.