G0I – Safety Recall: Front Passenger’s Airbag Inflator Can Be OverPressurized (Phase 3) – 2009-2013 Honda

January 9, 2018

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V041

Manufacturer Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Components AIR BAGS

Potential Number of Units Affected 24,945

 

Summary

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2010-2012 Acura RL, 2010 Honda Element, and 2010-2013 Honda Ridgeline vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or “Zone A.”

Additionally, Honda is recalling certain 2010 Acura RL, 2010-2011 Honda Element and Honda Ridgeline vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or “Zone B.”

If not included in zones A or B above, Honda is recalling certain 2009 Acura RL, Honda Element, and Honda Ridgeline vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or “Zone C.”

These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag air bag inflators assembled as part of the frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to higher absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

 

Remedy

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 16, 2018. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda’s numbers for this recall are U0H, and G0I.

 

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

 

Check if your Honda has a Recall

 

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Service Bulletin

A18-003
January 10, 2018
Version 1

 

Safety Recall: Front Passenger’s Airbag Inflator Can Be Over- Pressurized (Phase 3)

Following NHTSA direction, there are five phases based on three different zones.

If the iN VIN status inquiry directs you to do this campaign, follow the applicable procedure regardless of where the vehicle is currently located because it may have moved between different states. Make sure you file a claim using the correct warranty claim information to avoid your claim being rejected.

 

AFFECTED VEHICLES

Zone A

Year	Model	Trim	VIN Range
2009–11	Element	ALL	Check the iN VIN status for eligibility
2009–13	Ridgeline	ALL	Check the iN VIN status for eligibility

 

Zone A applies to model year 2009 through 2013 vehicles that are located or ever registered in: Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

 

Zone B

Year	Model	Trim	VIN Range
2009–10	Element	ALL	Check the iN VIN status for eligibility
2009–10	Ridgeline	ALL	Check the iN VIN status for eligibility

 

Zone B applies to model year 2009 through 2010 vehicles that are located or ever registered in: Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

 

Zone C

Year	Model	Trim	VIN Range
2009	Element	ALL	Check the iN VIN status for eligibility
2009	Ridgeline	ALL	Check the iN VIN status for eligibility

 

Zone C applies to model year 2009 vehicles that are located in: Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

 

REPAIR PROCEDURE TABLE OF CONTENTS

This bulletin has repair procedures for several vehicles. Make sure to use the applicable procedure for the vehicle you are working on.

Vehicle	Page
Element	4
Ridgeline	14

 

BACKGROUND

NHTSA and its independent expert reviewed the findings of three independent investigations into the Takata air bag inflator ruptures. According to NHTSA, the combination of time, high temperature fluctuations, and humidity contribute to the degradation of the propellant in the inflators. NHTSA has concluded that this degradation can cause the propellant to burn too quickly, creating more pressure than the inflator can withstand and, in extreme cases, causing the inflator to rupture and send shrapnel through the airbag toward vehicle occupants. NHTSA is prioritizing the recall of airbag inflators based on the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants.

Currently there are five planned phases to this campaign. The subsequent phases will launch at a future date per NHTSA direction, but it will be several years before the final phase launches. Additionally, AHM may add new affected models or affected years to each phase. Always do an iN VIN status inquiry to see if a vehicle is affected.

For more information about these inflator recalls, go to www.safercar.gov and use keyword TAKATA.

NOTE

If the VIN status inquiry indicates that the vehicle is subject to any open safety recalls, including the driver’s airbag inflator, make sure to also complete those recall repairs before returning the vehicle to the customer. If you are unable to complete any open recall, advise the customer of the recall status and when the recall could be completed.

Make sure you review this service bulletin for installation instructions and details about model applicability.

 

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION

Owners of affected vehicles will be sent a notification of this campaign. Do an iN VIN status inquiry to make sure the vehicle is shown as eligible.

Some vehicles affected by this campaign may be in your used vehicle inventory.

Failure to repair a vehicle subject to a recall or campaign may subject your dealership to claims or lawsuits from the customer or anyone else harmed as a result of such failure. To see if a vehicle in inventory is affected by this safety recall, do a VIN status inquiry before selling it.

 

CORRECTIVE ACTION

Replace the passenger’s airbag inflator, then return the original, undeployed inflator as directed.

 

PARTS INFORMATION

Part Name	Parts Information	Quantity
2009–11 Element Front Passenger’s Airbag Inflator Kit (includes one-time use A-pillar clip)	04790-SCV-325	1
2009–13 Ridgeline Front Passenger’s Airbag Inflator Kit	04790-SJC-317	1

 

NOTES

• The inflator kit box must be used to return the recalled inflator to its supplier. Be careful not to damage the inflator kit box.
• If the recalled, undeployed inflator is not returned, the warranty claim for that vehicle will be charged back to your dealership.
• To return the undeployed inflators, follow the shipping instructions outlined in PIB A15-0002, Inflator Kit Return Process.
• Parts staff can scan the part number and serial number from the outside of the box into the warranty claim by using the Controlled Part Serial No. screen and scanning the applicable information. Refer to the Job Aid Ordering and Managing Replacement Inflators for more information.

 

WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION

NOTES

• Process claims as quickly as possible so that resources can be properly allocated.
• Enter the part number of the inflator that you received into the warranty claim, not the part number that you ordered. For more information, refer to step 6 of REPAIR PROCEDURE.
• To avoid non-payment of warranty claims, the serial number on the box of the new airbag inflator must be entered in the warranty claim. For more information, refer to step 6 of REPAIR PROCEDURE.
• To avoid a warranty claim being charged back to your dealership, you must return the recalled, undeployed inflator to its supplier. Follow the shipping instructions outlined in PIB A15-0002, Inflator Kit Return Process.
• The serial number is encoded into the bar code printed on the label inside of the box and on a label attached to the outside of the box. If your dealership uses a scanner, you can scan the serial number from either place into the claim.
• The part number is encoded into a barcode attached to the outside of the box. If your dealership uses a scanner, you can scan the part number into the claim.
• If you confuse the serial number and part number when entering the claim information, your claim will automatically be rejected.
• For more information about scanning and filing airbag inflator recall claims, refer to Ordering and Managing Replacement Inflators. From the iN, select Service, Warranty, then Claims Reference Guide. Under HOT TIPS/ TOPICS, select Ordering and Managing Replacement Inflators.
• Each VIN is assigned to a specific campaign. Make sure you file a claim using the correct warranty claim information to avoid your claim being rejected.

 

Replacing the front passenger’s airbag inflator

Year/ Model	Operation Number	Replacement Part Number	Flat Rate Time	Defect Code	Symptom Code	Template ID	Failed Part Number
2009–11 Element	7541D0	04790-SCV-325	0.9 hr	6DC00	G0I00	A18003A	77820-SCV-A91ZA
2009–13 Ridgeline	7541D0	04790-SJC-317	0.7 hr	6DC00	G0I00	A18003C	77820-SJC-A92ZB

 

Skill Level: Repair Technician

 

IDENTIFYING COUNTERFEIT AIRBAGS

This section goes over the steps to identify counterfeit airbags and applies to all vehicles in this service bulletin. It is referred to in each vehicle’s repair procedure. Click HERE to watch a video to help identify counterfeit airbags.

 

• If there is nothing unusual about the airbag or the inflator, continue with the inflator replacement procedure.
• If there are any unusual markings, like an incorrect label or a model year written in marker, the airbag and inflator may not be the correct airbag and/or inflator for the vehicle or it may be a counterfeit part. For more information about counterfeit airbags, you can refer to safercar.gov, enter keywords MANAGING COUNTERFEIT, and select Recommended Dealer Guidance for Managing Counterfeit Air Bags from the list. If you suspect that the airbag or inflator is counterfeit, do not continue this procedure. Contact your DPSM for assistance.

 

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REPAIR PROCEDURE ELEMENT

NOTES

• If the VIN status inquiry indicates that the vehicle is subject to any open safety recalls, including the driver’s airbag inflator, make sure to also complete those recall repairs before returning the vehicle to the customer. If you are unable to complete any open recall, advise the customer of the recall status and when the recall could be completed.
• Make sure you have the anti-theft code for the audio and navigation system (if applicable), then write down the frequencies for the radio’s preset buttons.
• Be careful not to damage any parts when replacing the inflator, and follow the procedure exactly.
• If, before removing the airbag, you suspect that it may be the incorrect airbag for the vehicle or a counterfeit, do not remove the airbag. Contact your DPSM for assistance.
• Make sure you have reviewed the SRS Precautions and Procedures in the service information before doing the REPAIR PROCEDURE.

1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position and check if the SRS indicator comes on for about 6 seconds, then turns off.
   • If the indicator comes on, then turns off after about 6 seconds, go to step 2.
   • If the indicator does not come on, or if it stays on, contact your DPSM for assistance.
2. Disconnect the battery negative cable and wait at least 3 minutes before continuing.
3. Remove the front passenger’s airbag. Refer to the applicable vehicle’s service information.

NOTE

The 2009-11 Element has a one-time use clip you’ll have to break to remove the right A-pillar trim.

4. Place the airbag, face-down, on a clean shop towel.

NOTES

• The orientation of the airbag is critical because if the inflator is installed incorrectly, the harness will be too short when you reinstall the airbag.
• The brackets between the various models are similar but may differ from the example shown.

5. Visually inspect the airbag and the inflator for any unusual writing or markings. Refer to IDENTIFYING COUNTERFEIT AIRBAGS.
6. Peel the label located inside the inflator box from its backing and attach it to the RO. For the warranty claim to be paid, the replacement inflator part number that you received must be included in the warranty claim.

NOTES

• The replacement part number is printed on the top part of the label and the serial number is printed on the bottom. Make sure you attach the label to the RO and give it to the warranty clerk .
• There may also be a colored sticker located in the kit, ignore it because it is not used.
• Not all inflator kits have a label included. In those cases, write the serial number and part number from the side of the inflator box on the RO. The part number always starts with 047.

7. Remove the harness from both ends of the inflator bracket.

8. Short the yellow wires.

NOTE

You must cut and short the yellow wires as indicated to prevent accidental deployment.

8.1 Cut about 2 inches of the corrugated tube to access the wires.

8.2 Cut the yellow wires as shown.

8.3 Strip away about 1 inch of the wire insulation, then twist the wires together.

8.4 Tape the twisted ends with electrical tape.

9. Remove the four inflator nuts.

10. Remove the inflator bracket.

NOTE

You can only remove one of the brackets, as the other is welded to the airbag housing.

11. Remove the inflator by pushing it out.

12. Install the new inflator.

Click HERE for a short video about the different variations of the driver’s and front passenger’s replacement inflators involved with the recalls related to inflators. While both the driver’s and front passenger’s inflators are shown in the video, this is informational only. Replace inflators only as directed by the iN VIN status inquiry.

12.1 Make sure you have the correct part number for the vehicle you’re working on.

Part Number

04790-SCV-325

12.2 Collars on this inflator are orange. One side of the inflator has a longer collar, a tab, a plastic cutout, and a small flat spot on the connector. The other side of the inflator has a shorter collar, two tabs, and a red dot. Make sure you insert the end with the longer collar into the airbag first.

12.3 Slide the inflator in until the plastic cutout and the small flat spot align with the tab on the bracket. There should be no space or gap between the inflator and bracket.

12.4 Install the bracket included in the kit onto the airbag module. There should be a red dot visible on the end of the plastic connector. There should be no space or gap between the inflator and bracket.

13. Install four new 5 mm locknuts and torque them in sequence to 3.9 N•m (34 lb-in) .

14. Remove the stickers covering the terminals on both sides of the new inflator.
15. Install the new inflator harness.

15.1 Make sure the airbag and harness are aligned as shown.

 NOTES

• Make sure you have the orientation correct as shown below. If you connect the harness incorrectly, the harness cannot be removed, and you will not be able to reinstall the airbag because the harness will be too short.
• Connect the red wire connector to the short collar side of the inflator with the red dot.

15.2 Connect the two connectors. Align the “T” shape in the inflator harness connector with the T-shaped inflator connector, then press the connector into place.

15.3 After you hear each connector click, wiggle it to make sure it is secure.

NOTE

If the connector is not properly aligned, it will come out.

16. Connect the harness to the inflator brackets.

16.1 Insert the side without the shrink wrap tubing first. Insert the harness at the third “valley” in the corrugated tube.

16.2 Insert the side of the harness with the shrink wrap tubing into the inflator bracket. Make sure the harness is securely inserted and that it does not sag.

17. Reinstall the passenger’s airbag into the vehicle and torque the new locknuts to 9.8 N•m (7.2 lb-ft) .
18. Reconnect the battery negative cable and enter the anti-theft code for the audio and navigation system (if applicable), then enter the audio presets.
19. Set the clock (for vehicles without navigation).
20. Turn the ignition to ON and make sure the SRS indicator comes on for about 6 seconds, then goes off.
21. Put the original inflator into the box the new one came in. Make sure there is no other hardware in the box because if the package rattles, it will not be accepted by the courier.
22. Follow the shipping instructions outlined in PIB A15-0002 to return the undeployed inflator.
23. Give your warranty clerk the RO that includes the replacement inflator serial number and replacement part number. For the warranty claim to be paid, the replacement inflator part number must be included in the warranty claim.

 

.

REPAIR PROCEDURE RIDGELINE

NOTES

• If the VIN status inquiry indicates that the vehicle is subject to any open safety recalls, including the driver’s airbag inflator, make sure to also complete those recall repairs before returning the vehicle to the customer. If you are unable to complete any open recall, advise the customer of the recall status and when the recall could be completed.
• Make sure you have the anti-theft code for the audio and navigation system (if applicable), then write down the frequencies for the radio’s preset buttons.
• Be careful not to damage any parts when replacing the inflator, and follow the procedure exactly.
• If, before removing the airbag, you suspect that it may be the incorrect airbag for the vehicle or a counterfeit, do not remove the airbag. Contact your DPSM for assistance.
• Make sure you have reviewed the SRS Precautions and Procedures in the service information before doing the REPAIR PROCEDURE.

1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position and check if the SRS indicator comes on for about 6 seconds, then turns off.
   • If the indicator comes on, then turns off after about 6 seconds, go to step 2.
   • If the indicator does not come on, or if it stays on, contact your DPSM for assistance.
2. Disconnect the battery negative cable and wait at least 3 minutes before continuing.
3. Remove the front passenger’s airbag. Refer to the applicable vehicle’s service information.
4. Place the airbag, face-down, on a clean shop towel.

NOTE

The orientation of the airbag is critical because if the inflator is installed incorrectly, the harness will be too short when you reinstall the airbag.

5. Visually inspect the airbag and the inflator for any unusual writing or markings. Refer to IDENTIFYING COUNTERFEIT AIRBAGS.
6. Peel the label located inside the inflator box from its backing and attach it to the RO. For the warranty claim to be paid, the replacement inflator part number that you received must be included in the warranty claim.

NOTES

• The replacement part number is printed on the top part of the label and the serial number is printed on the bottom. Make sure you attach the label to the RO and give it to the warranty clerk .
• There may also be a colored sticker located in the kit, ignore it because it is not used.
• Not all inflator kits have a label included. In those cases, write the serial number and part number from the side of the inflator box on the RO. The part number always starts with 047.

7. Remove the harness from both ends of the inflator bracket.

8. Short the yellow wires.

NOTE

You must cut and short the yellow wires as indicated to prevent accidental deployment.

8.1 Cut the yellow wires as shown.

8.2 Strip away about 1 inch of the wire insulation, then twist the wires together.

8.3 Tape the twisted ends with electrical tape.

9. Remove the four inflator nuts.

10. Remove the inflator bracket.

NOTE

You can only remove one of the brackets, as the other is welded to the airbag housing.

11. Remove the inflator by pushing it out.

12. Install the new inflator.

Click on the image below for a short video about the different variations of the driver’s and front passenger’s replacement inflators involved with the recalls related to inflators. While both the driver’s and front passenger’s inflators are shown in the video, this is informational only. Replace inflators only as directed by the iN VIN status inquiry.

12.1 Make sure you have the correct part number for the vehicle you’re working on.

Part Number

04790-SJC-317

12.2 Collars on this inflator are orange. One side of the inflator has a longer collar, a tab, a plastic cutout, and a small flat spot on the connector. The other side of the inflator has a shorter collar, two tabs, and a red dot. Make sure you insert the end with the longer collar into the airbag first.

12.3 Slide the inflator in until the plastic cutout and the small flat spot align with the tab on the bracket. There should be no space or gap between the inflator and bracket.

12.4 Install the bracket included in the kit onto the airbag module. There should be a red dot visible on the end of the plastic connector. There should be no space or gap between the inflator and bracket.

13. Install the four new 5 mm locknuts and torque them in sequence to 3.9 N•m (34 lb-in) .

14. Remove the stickers covering the terminals on both sides of the new inflator.
15. Install the new inflator harness.

15.1 Make sure the airbag and harness are aligned as shown.

NOTES

• Make sure you have the orientation correct as shown below. If you connect the harness incorrectly, the harness cannot be removed, and you will not be able to reinstall the airbag because the harness will be too short.
• Connect the red wire connector to the short collar side of the inflator with the red dot.

15.2 Connect the two connectors. Align the “T” shape in the inflator harness connector with the T-shaped inflator connector, then press the connector into place.

15.3 After you hear each connector click, wiggle it to make sure it is secure.

NOTE

If the connector is not properly aligned, it will come out.

16. Connect the harness to the inflator brackets.

16.1 Insert the side without the shrink wrap tubing first. Insert the harness at the third “valley” in the corrugated tube.

16.2 Insert the side of the harness with the shrink wrap tubing into the inflator bracket. Make sure the harness is securely inserted and that it does not sag.

17. Reinstall the passenger’s airbag into the vehicle and torque the new locknuts to 9.8 N•m (7.2 lb-ft) .
18. Reconnect the battery negative cable and enter the anti-theft code for the audio and navigation system (if applicable), then enter the audio presets.
19. Set the clock (for vehicles without navigation).
20. Turn the ignition to ON and make sure the SRS indicator comes on for about 6 seconds, then goes off.
21. Put the original inflator into the box the new one came in. Make sure there is no other hardware in the box because if the package rattles, it will not be accepted by the courier.
22. Follow the shipping instructions outlined in PIB A15-0002 to return the undeployed inflator.
23. Give your warranty clerk the RO that includes the replacement inflator serial number and replacement part number. For the warranty claim to be paid, the replacement inflator part number must be included in the warranty claim.

END

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12 Affected Products

Vehicles

MAKE	MODEL	YEAR
ACURA	RL	2009-2012
HONDA	ELEMENT	2009-2011
HONDA	RIDGELINE	2009-2013

 

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23 Associated Documents

DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT

RMISC-18V041-7179.pdf 57.497KB

 

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Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-18V041-3666.pdf 308.487KB

 

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DIR 3 – VEHICLE INFORMATION BY ZONE (PSPI-L)

RMISC-18V041-5484.pdf 64.03KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – DATE: January 10, 2018 RE: Stop Sale/Safety Recall: 2009-2013 Multi-model Honda Passenger’s Airbag Inflator

RCMN-18V041-9002.pdf 104.78KB

 

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News Release

RMISC-18V041-7504.pdf 110.263KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB – Acura Service Bulletin 18-003 January 8, 2018 Version 1

RCRIT-18V041-5578.pdf 1476.806KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – DATE: January 10, 2018 RE: Stop Sale/Safety Recall: 2009-2013 Multi-model Acura Passenger’s Airbag Inflator

RCMN-18V041-3257.pdf 104.954KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB – Honda Service Bulletin 18-003 January 10, 2018 Version 1

RCRIT-18V041-2106.pdf 2476.864KB

 

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Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-18V041-8582.PDF 222.878KB

 

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ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577) – ACURA

RCONL-18V041-8774.pdf 275.358KB

 

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ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577) – HONDA

RCONL-18V041-2245.pdf 294.619KB

 

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ISSUED Renotification Notice

RCRN-18V041-5901.pdf 737.853KB

 

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ISSUED Renotification Notice

RCRN-18V041-5453.pdf 738.181KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – DATE: February 16, 2018 RE: MAIL UPDATE-Stop Sale/Safety Recall: 2009-2013 Multi-Model Acura Passenger’s Airbag Inflator

RCMN-18V041-5365.pdf 38.272KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – DATE: February 16, 2018 RE: MAIL UPDATE-Stop Sale/Safety Recall: 2009-2013 Multi-Model Honda Passenger’s Airbag Inflator

RCMN-18V041-2434.pdf 37.949KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2018-1

RCLQRT-18V041-2798.PDF 214.545KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #4, 2018-4

RCLQRT-18V041-4398.PDF 211.478KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-18V041-4273.pdf 4167.493KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-18V041-4839.pdf 2552.079KB

 

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ISSUED Renotification Notice

RCRN-18V041-1301.pdf 119.259KB

 

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ISSUED Renotification Notice

RCRN-18V041-2583.pdf 119.251KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – 12 07 2018 Subject Part Number Changes for Takata Airbag Inflator Safety Recall Bulletins

RCMN-18V041-0103.pdf 140.519KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – 12 07 2018 Subject Part Number Changes for Takata Airbag Inflator Safety Recall Bulletins

RCMN-18V041-3003.pdf 140.906KB

 

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1 Associated Investigation

Air Bag Inflator Rupture
NHTSA ID: EA15001
Dated opened: February 24, 2015

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers. All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.

During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers. Nonetheless, at ODI’s insistence, all 10 vehicle manufacturers initiated a regional recall within approximately two weeks of the opening of the investigation. The regions recalled initially included Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, areas with high absolute humidity and climatic conditions believed to be a significant factor in the inflator ruptures. As part of the recall actions, inflators removed from remedied vehicles are to be returned to Takata for testing.

Takata’s initial test results on passenger inflators from remedied vehicles indicated a much higher than anticipated rupture frequency for inflators returned from Florida. Accordingly ODI requested all 10 manufacturers expand the regional recalls for passenger inflators to include other geographic areas where high absolute humidity conditions exist, including the Gulf States and other coastal areas. Takata’s testing of the passenger inflators to date continues to indicate this geographic area as having the highest risk, with no ruptures occurring from inflators returned from outside the expanded recall regions. During PE14-016 four additional passenger inflator field events occurred, all in vehicles from the same expanded geographic region.

Also during PE14-016 four additional driver inflator field events occurred including two in vehicles from regions not known for high absolute humidity, specifically California and North Carolina. Accordingly, ODI requested all five of the affected vehicle manufacturers currently using the subject Takata driver inflators expand to nationwide recalls. Significantly, neither of the affected vehicle manufacturers or Takata provided any explanation to account for these two driver air bag inflator ruptures outside the area of high absolute humidity. Takata testing of returned driver inflators indicates a lower rupture frequency as compared to passenger inflator testing. All test ruptures reported by Takata to date have occurred on inflators returned from high absolute humidity areas.

The investigation now includes all manufacturers and vehicles known to be affected at this time. ODI’s investigation will focus on, among other things, root cause analysis, other potential defect consequences, identification of affected vehicles scope, and adequacy of the remedy.

The five ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10537899, 10568848, 10585224, 10605877, 10651492

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Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=18V041&docType=RCL

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