Safety Recall: Driver’s Airbag Replacement Inflator Can Be Over- Pressurized – 2001-2014 Honda

March 6, 2019 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V182000

Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Explode

An explosion of an inflator within the driver frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver, front seat passenger or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V182

Manufacturer Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Components AIR BAGS

Potential Number of Units Affected 1,101,534

 

Summary

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling specific 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2013-2016 ILX, 2013-2014 ILX Hybrid, 2003-2006 MDX, 2007-2016 RDX, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2004-2006, and 2009-2014 TL, 2010-2013 ZDX and 2001-2007 and 2009 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2007 and 2010-2011 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2007 Fit, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot, and 2006-2014 Ridgeline vehicles. The affected vehicles received a replacement driver air bag inflator as part of a previous Takata inflator recall remedy or a replacement driver air bag module containing the same inflator type as a service part. Due to a manufacturing error, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver frontal air bag, these inflators may explode.

 

Remedy

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver’s air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began April 10, 2019. Honda owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda’s number for this recall is O41. Acura owners may contact customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Acura’s number for this recall is U40.

 

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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A19-030

May 18, 2019
Version 5

Safety Recall: Driver’s Airbag Replacement Inflator Can Be OverPressurized

Supersedes 19-030, dated March 15, 2019, to update the information highlighted in yellow.

 

AFFECTED VEHICLES

Year	Model	Trim	VIN Range
2001-07	Accord	ALL	Check the iN VIN status for eligibility.
2001-05	Civic	ALL	Check the iN VIN status for eligibility.
2001-05	Civic GX	ALL	Check the iN VIN status for eligibility.
2003-05	Civic Hybrid	ALL	Check the iN VIN status for eligibility.
2002-07, 2010-11	CR-V	ALL	Check the iN VIN status for eligibility.
2003-11	Element	ALL	Check the iN VIN status for eligibility.
2002-04	Odyssey	ALL	Check the iN VIN status for eligibility.
2003-08	Pilot	ALL	Check the iN VIN status for eligibility.
2006-14	Ridgeline	ALL	Check the iN VIN status for eligibility.

 

REVISION SUMMARY

Under PARTS INFORMATION, torx bolts were added. Under REPAIR PROCEDURE, an inspection step was added for Autoliv inflators. Under WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION, Inspect the Airbag Only was added.

 

BACKGROUND

In certain vehicles, the replacement driver’s (front) airbag inflator (from either a previous recall repair or an airbag module replacement) could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. If an affected airbag deploys, the increased internal pressure may cause the inflator casing to rupture. Metal fragments could pass through the airbag cushion material, possibly causing injury or fatality to vehicle occupants.

There are several bulletins with similar years and models. make sure to do an iN VIN status inquiry and follow the indicated service bulletin.

NOTE

If the VIN status inquiry indicates that the vehicle is subject to any open safety recalls, including a front passenger’s airbag inflator campaign/recall, 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.

You may receive a different part number than ordered, and the inflator may appear different. As a result, there may be different installation instructions. 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 driver’s airbag inflator, then return the original, undeployed inflator as directed.

 

REQUIRED TOOLS

Part Name	Part Number	Quantity
Bulldog Metal Snips	MWT6716B	1

 

NOTES

• The metal snips have smaller jaws compared to regular tin snips to give you better mechanical advantage and allow the snips to fit in the tight area around the airbag.
• Make sure you use these snips to minimize the amount of debris created. Never allow any debris to fall into the airbag while the inflator is out of the airbag module.
• Replace the snips when they are dull. Dull snips may contribute to the horn plate being bent or creating small pieces of metal that could get into the airbag.
• If you need a replacement or more snips, contact the Tool and Equipment Program at 888-424-6857.

 

PARTS INFORMATION

NOTE

Always use new Torx bolts to install the airbag module. The new Torx bolts are coated with threadlock to make sure they do not come loose.

Part Name	Order Part Number	You may receive any of the following	Quantity
2001–02 Accord Driver’s Airbag Inflator Kit	04770-S5A-405	04770-S5A-405	1
2003–07 Accord Driver’s Airbag Inflator Kit	04770-SDA-406	04770-SDA-406	1
2001–05 Civic (includes GX and Hybrid) Driver’s Airbag Inflator Kit	04770-S5A-408	04770-S5A-408	1
Torx Bolts (with Autoliv Airbag)	90134-S7S-N81	N/A	2
2002–06 CR-V Driver’s Airbag Inflator Kit	04770-S9A-405	04770-S9A-405 04770-S9A-409	1
2007, 2010-11 CR-V Driver’s Airbag Inflator Kit	04770-SWA-405	04770-SWA-405	1
2003–11 Element Driver’s Airbag Inflator Kit	04770-SCV-405	04770-SCV-405 04770-SCV-409	1
2002–04 Odyssey Driver’s Airbag Inflator Kit	04770-S5A-405	04770-S5A-405	1
2003–08 Pilot Driver’s Airbag Inflator Kit	04770-S9A-405	04770-S9A-405 04770-S9A-409	1
2006 Ridgeline Driver’s Airbag Inflator Kit	04770-SJC-406	04770-SJC-406	1
2007-14 Ridgeline Driver’s Airbag Inflator Kit	04770-SJC-415	04770-SJC-415	1

 

NOTES

• The inflator kit box must be used to return the old inflator to its supplier. Be careful not to damage the inflator kit box.
• If the defective, undeployed inflator is not returned, the warranty claim for that vehicle will be charged back to your dealership.
• To return the inflator, follow the instructions in PIB A15-0002, Inflator Kit Return Process.
• For more information about scanning and filing airbag inflator recall claims, refer to Ordering and Managing Replacement Inflators. From the iN, select Service, Warranty, Warranty Claim, then Reference Guide. Under HOT TIPS/TOPICS, select Inflator Claims at a Glance.

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A19-031

March 15, 2019
Version 2

Safety Recall: Driver’s Airbag Replacement Inflator Can Be OverPressurized (Module Replacement)

AFFECTED VEHICLES

Year	Model	Trim	VIN Range
2009	Accord	ALL	Check the iN VIN status for eligibility.
2007	Fit	ALL	Check the iN VIN status for eligibility.

 

BACKGROUND

In certain 2007 Fit and 2009 Accord vehicles that previously had the driver’s airbag module replaced, the inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. If an affected airbag deploys, the increased internal pressure may cause the inflator casing to rupture. Metal fragments could pass through the airbag cushion material, possibly causing injury or fatality to vehicle occupants.

NOTE

This bulletin applies to a small number of vehicles. Order parts only when an affected vehicle has been identified using the iN VIN status inuiry.

 

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 driver’s airbag module. Airbag inflator kits are not available for these models.

 

PARTS INFORMATION

Part Name	Part Number
Refer to the parts catalog using the VIN to ensure the correct airbag module and ancillary parts are ordered.	Refer to the parts catalog.

 

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REPAIR PROCEDURE

NOTES

• If the VIN status inquiry indicates that the vehicle is subject to any open safety recalls, including a passenger’s airbag inflator campaign/recall, 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.
• Be careful not to damage any parts when replacing the module, and follow the procedure exactly.
• If, before removing the airbag module, 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 applicable electronic service manual 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 driver’s airbag module. Refer to the service information.
4. Install a new driver’s airbag module using new Torx bolts and torque the bolts to 8 N·m (7.2 lb-ft). Refer to the service information.
5. Reconnect the battery negative cable.
6. Start the vehicle and check that the SRS indicator comes on for about 6 seconds, then turns off.

END

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April 2019                                                                                                                                                                       NHTSA Recall 19V-182

IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL

This notice applies to your vehicle: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Dear <First Name Last Name>,

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

 

WHAT IS THE REASON FOR THIS NOTICE?

Honda has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in certain XXXX-XXXX model year XXX vehicles.

The defect in these vehicles could potentially result in serious injury or death.

We would like to inform you that the replacement driver front airbag inflator in your vehicle is defective.The replacement driver front airbag inflator was previously installed in your vehicle either from an airbag inflator recall repair or as part of a driver front airbag module installed as a replacement service part.The replacement driver front airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure upon deployment. If an affected airbag deploys, the increased internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode. In the event of an inflator explosion, metal fragments could pass through the airbag cushion material and into your vehicle interior at high speed, potentially causing serious injury or death to you or others in the vehicle.

 

WHAT WILL HONDA DO?

Honda will replace the driver front airbag inflator for free.The driver front airbag module, which is located in the steering wheel, is comprised of the inflator and an airbag module cover (see illustration on the right).The inflator is the only component that will be replaced.

 

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

Replacement inflators are available so please call any Honda automobile dealer and make an appointment to have your vehicle repaired for free. Once you make an appointment for your vehicle, be advised that the complete repair process may take approximately 30 minutes. However, your dealer can provide you with a better estimate of the overall time for this repair visit, so it may be necessary to make your vehicle available for a longer period of time. A FREE loaner car, towing service or other alternative transportation may be available to assist with any inconvenience this repair may cause. If you are not the only driver of this vehicle, please advise all other drivers and passengers of this important information!

 

CHECK YOUR VEHICLE FOR OPEN RECALLS

You can check your vehicle’s eligibility for this or any other recall repair by visiting the Honda Recall Lookup tool at www.recalls.honda.com and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

 

OWNER INFORMATION

You received this notice because government regulations require that notification be sent to the last known owner of record.

Our records are based primarily on state registration and title data, which indicate that you are the current owner of this vehicle. If this is not the case, or if any of the information is not correct, please complete, sign and return the Information Change Card and we will then update our records. If you are a lessor of this vehicle, federal regulations require you to forward this notice to your lessee within ten days.

 

DO YOU STILL HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

If you have questions or concerns, we encourage you to:

• visit hondaairbaginfo.com; or
• call American Honda’s Customer Support & Campaign Center at 1-888-234-2138; or
• visit Twitter @HondaCustSvc; or
• email or chat by going to https://owners.honda.com/help/customer-relations; or
• visit www.recalls.honda.com to use “Ask Dave”, our 24/7 virtual agent.

If you believe that American Honda or the dealer has failed or is unable to remedy the defect in your vehicle, without charge, within a reasonable period of time (60 days from the date you first contact the dealer for a repair appointment), you may submit a complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20590. Alternatively, you may call the NHTSA’s toll-free Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 (TTY 800-424-9153), or go to https://www.safercar.gov.

We apologize for any inconvenience this recall may cause you.

Sincerely,

American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Campaign #O41 / Service Bulletin #19-030

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Abril del 2019
Campaña de seguridad NHTSA 19V-182

CAMPAÑA DE SEGURIDAD IMPORTANTE

Esta notificación aplica a su vehículo: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Estimado <First Name Last Name>,

Esta notificación ha sido enviada a usted de acuerdo con el decreto de la oficina de Administración Nacional de Seguridad del Tráfico en las Carreteras (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration o NHTSA por sus siglas en inglés).

 

¿CUÁL ES EL MOTIVO DE ESTA NOTIFICACIÓN?

Honda ha determinado que existe un defecto el cual está relacionado con la seguridad del vehículo en algunos vehículos modelo XXX año modelo XXXX-XXXX.

El defecto en estos vehículos podría potencialmente ocasionar lesiones graves o la muerte.

Nos gustaría informarle que el inflador de reemplazo de la bolsa de aire delantera del lado del conductor en su vehículo está defectuoso. El inflador de reemplazo de la bolsa de aire delantera del lado del conductor fue previamente instalado en su vehículo bien sea de una reparación de campaña de seguridad del inflador de la bolsa de aire o como parte de un módulo de la bolsa de aire delantera del lado del conductor como una pieza de reemplazo. El inflador de reemplazo de la bolsa de aire delantera del lado del conductor podría producir presión interna excesiva una vez que se active. Si una bolsa de aire afectada se activa, la presión interna aumentada puede causar que el inflador explote. En el caso de que el inflador explote, fragmentos metálicos podrían pasar a través del material cojín de la bolsa de aire y hacia el interior del vehículo a altas velocidades, causando potencialmente lesiones graves o la muerte a usted u otras personas en el vehículo.

 

¿QUÉ HARÁ HONDA?

Honda reemplazará el inflador de la bolsa de aire delantera del lado del conductor de forma gratuita. El módulo de la bolsa de aire delantera del lado del conductor, el cual está ubicado en el volante de la dirección, está formado del inflador y la cubierta del módulo de la bolsa de aire (observe la imagen a la derecha). El inflador es el único componente que será reemplazado.

 

¿QUÉ DEBE HACER USTED?

Los infladores de reemplazo están disponibles así que por favor llame a cualquier concesionario de automóviles Honda y haga una cita para la reparación de su vehículo de forma gratuita. Una vez que programe una cita para su vehículo, le avisamos que el proceso de reparación completo podría tardar aproximadamente 30 minutos. No obstante, su concesionario le puede ofrecer un mejor estimado del tiempo total de esta visita de reparación, ya que pudiera ser necesario que su vehículo esté disponible por un periodo más largo. Puede tener disponible de forma GRATUITA, un auto en préstamo, un servicio de grúa u otro transporte alternativo como ayuda por cualquier inconveniente que pueda ocasionar esta reparación. ¡Si usted no es el único conductor de este vehículo, por favor informe a todos los conductores y pasajeros sobre esta información importante!

 

VERIFIQUE SI SU VEHÍCULO TIENE UNA CAMPAÑA DE SEGURIDAD PENDIENTE

Usted puede verificar que su vehículo califica para esta reparación u otra reparación de campaña de seguridad, por favor visite la herramienta de búsqueda “Honda Recall Lookup” en www.recalls.honda.com e ingrese su número de identificación del vehículo (VIN).

 

INFORMACIÓN DEL PROPIETARIO

Usted recibió esta notificación porque las regulaciones gubernamentales requieren que esta notificación sea enviada al último propietario registrado. Nuestros registros están basados principalmente en los datos de título y registro en el estado, el cual indica que usted es el propietario actual de este vehículo. Si no es el caso o si la información no está correcta, por favor complete, firme y devuelva la tarjeta de Cambio de información anexa y nosotros actualizaremos nuestros registros. Si usted es el arrendador de este vehículo, las regulaciones federales requieren que usted envié una copia de esta notificación a su arrendatario en un lapso de diez días.

 

¿USTED TODAVÍA TIENE MÁS PREGUNTAS?

Si usted tiene preguntas o inquietudes, le recomendamos que:

• visite hondaairbaginfo.com; o
• se comuníquese con el Centro de Apoyo al Cliente y Campañas de American Honda al 1-888-234-2138; o• visite Twitter @HondaCustSvc; o
• o por correo electrónico o chat en https://owners.honda.com/help/customer-relations; o
• visite www.recalls.honda.com para usar “Ask Dave”, nuestro agente virtual, 24 horas/7 días a la semana.

Si usted cree que American Honda o el concesionario ha fallado o no le es posible reparar el defecto en su vehículo, sin cobro alguno, dentro de un período de tiempo razonable (60 días desde la fecha en que usted contactó por primera vez el concesionario para la cita de la reparación), usted puede enviar una queja a: Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20590. Alternativamente, usted también puede comunicarse con el número de llamada sin costo (Toll-free) Safety Hotline de NHTSA al 888-327-4236 (TTY 800-424-9153), o visitar la página web https://www.safercar.gov.

Le pedimos disculpas por cualquier inconveniente que esta campaña de seguridad pudiera causarle.

Atentamente,

American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Campaña #O41 / Boletín de Servicio #19-030

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93 Affected Products

Vehicles

ACURA	CL	2003
ACURA	ILX	2013-2016
ACURA	ILX HYBRID	2013-2014
ACURA	MDX	2003-2006
ACURA	RDX	2007-2016
ACURA	TL	2002-2006, 2009-2014
ACURA	ZDX	2010-2013
HONDA	ACCORD	2001-2007, 2009
HONDA	CIVIC	2001-2005
HONDA	CIVIC GX	2001-2005
HONDA	CIVIC HYBRID	2003-2005
HONDA	CR-V	2002-2007, 2010-2011
HONDA	ELEMENT	2003-2011
HONDA	FIT	2007
HONDA	ODYSSEY	2002-2004
HONDA	PILOT	2003-2008
HONDA	RIDGELINE	2006-2014

 

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32 Associated Documents

Recall 573 Report-Amendment 1

RCLRPT-19V182-6937.PDF 277.987KB

 

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Recall 573 Report-Amendment 2

RCLRPT-19V182-6713.PDF 278.068KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – 03 12 2019 A Message from Yoshi Takatsuka: Takata Airbag Inflator Recall Update

RCMN-19V182-3366.pdf 148.975KB

 

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Statement by American Honda Regarding Recall of Takata Desiccated Replacement Driver Front Airbag Inflators

RMISC-19V182-9141.pdf 115.39KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – 03 12 2019 A Message from Yoshi Takatsuka: Takata Airbag Inflator Recall Update

RCMN-19V182-3084.pdf 144.964KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – March 7, 2019 Subject Stop Sale/Safety Recall: 2001-2015 Multi-Model Driver’s Airbag Inflator

RCMN-19V182-8419.pdf 197.387KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – March 7, 2019 Stop Sale/Safety Recall: 2002-2016 Multi-Model Driver’s Airbag Inflator

RCMN-19V182-4854.pdf 196.233KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-19V182-0541.pdf 144.593KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-19V182-9096.pdf 159.162KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-19V182-4150.pdf 2487.836KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-19V182-3553.pdf 2496.566KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-19V182-5582.pdf 2517.334KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-19V182-7924.pdf 2706.549KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-19V182-6758.pdf 170.766KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-19V182-3564.pdf 157.233KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-19V182-4990.pdf 2488.491KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-19V182-9970.pdf 2708.428KB

 

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ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577) – (G44) – Desiccated PSAN DAB Module

RCONL-19V182-2696.pdf 3942.997KB

 

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ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577) – (M45) – Desiccated PSAN DAB Module

RCONL-19V182-7690.pdf 2002.657KB

 

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ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577) – (U40) – Desiccated PSAN DAB Inflator

RCONL-19V182-5151.pdf 2003.413KB

 

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ISSUED Owner Notification Letter(Part 577) – (O41) – Desiccated PSAN DAB Inflator

RCONL-19V182-1113.pdf 3943.589KB

 

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-19V182-9499.pdf 2783.79KB

 

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DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT

RMISC-19V182-0202.pdf 91.279KB

 

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Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-19V182-8006.pdf 245.45KB

 

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Recall 573 Report

RCLRPT-19V182-3751.PDF 277.987KB

 

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Chronology

RMISC-19V182-7116.pdf 13.855KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – April 12, 2019 UPDATE-Stop Sale/Safety Recall: 2001-2015 Multi-Model Driver’s Airbag Inflator

RCMN-19V182-9105.pdf 95.732KB

 

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AMENDED DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT March 22, 2019

RMISC-19V182-2526.pdf 110.59KB

 

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – April 12, 2019 UPDATE-Stop Sale/Safety Recall: 2002-2016 Multi-Model Driver’s Airbag Inflator

RCMN-19V182-9699.pdf 95.832KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #1, 2019-2

RCLQRT-19V182-4129.PDF 211.179KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #2, 2019-3

RCLQRT-19V182-3929.PDF 211.286KB

 

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Recall Quarterly Report #3, 2019-4

RCLQRT-19V182-3109.PDF 211.387KB

 

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Latest Recalls Documents

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/documentList.xhtml?docId=19V182&docType=RCL

 

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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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