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 Acura has a Recall

B19-018

March 15, 2019
Version 4

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

Supersedes 19-018, dated March 9, 2019, to revise the information highlighted in yellow.

AFFECTED VEHICLES

REVISION SUMMARY

• Information was updated under WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION.
• Information was updated under REQUIRED TOOLS.
• 2004-06 TL models were moved to S/B 19-020, Safety Recall: Driver’s Airbag Replacement Inflator Can Be Over-Pressurized (Module Replacement)

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.

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 client. If you are unable to complete any open recall, advise the client 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.

CLIENT 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 client 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

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.

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 A15-0006, 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.

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

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?

Acura 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 ACURA DO?

Acura 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 Acura 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 alter-

native 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 repair under this or any other recall. Please access the Acura Recall Lookup tool at www.recalls.acura.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 @AcuraClientCare; or
• visit www.recalls.acura.com to use “Ask Us”, 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.

Acura Automobile Division

Campaign #U40 / Service Bulletin #19-018

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?

Acura 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 ACURA?

Acura 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 Acura 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

Puede verificar la elegibilidad de su vehículo para que sea reparado bajo esta campaña de seguridad o bajo cualquier otra. Por favor acceda la herramienta “Acura Recall Lookup” en www.recalls.acura.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 @AcuraClientCare; o
• visite www.recalls.acura.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 #U40 / Boletín de Servicio #19-018

573.6(c)(6)
Chronology:
June 2014
Honda launched a regional safety improvement campaign NHTSA ID 14V-351 and began using PSDI-5D inflators as recall remedy parts.
March 2015
As the scope of the non-desiccated PSAN airbag inflator recalls expanded, Honda began sourcing recall remedy airbag inflators from alternative manufacturers to supplement the supply of replacement parts.
July 2016
Honda stopped ordering, and instructed dealers to stop installing, the PSDI-5D inflator as a recall remedy part.
March 21, 2018
Honda was informed of a January 19, 2018 crash in which it was alleged that the driver’s airbag inflator had ruptured during airbag deployment.
March 23, 2018
An initial rupture incident report was submitted to NHTSA per Standing General Order 2015-01A.
April 10, 2018
A joint field inspection of the subject vehicle performed by the airbag inflator supplier, NHTSA, and Honda confirmed that the driver’s airbag inflator had ruptured. The inspection also confirmed that the ruptured airbag inflator was a PSDI-5D that was installed in the subject vehicle as a recall remedy part. A final rupture incident report was submitted to NHTSA per Standing General Order 2015-01A.
Mid-April – early February 2019
Honda began an investigation of the ruptured replacement airbag inflator in collaboration with the airbag inflator supplier and NHTSA. As part of this investigation, the parties sourced similar PSDI-5D replacement parts from warehouse inventory and initiated DOE testing. As PSDI-5D replacement parts were collected from the field, including airbag inflators produced in the same timeframe as the ruptured airbag inflator, DOE testing and analysis of those inflators also occurred. Ultimately, analysis of the ruptured replacement airbag inflator, along with the field inflators, did not result in a conclusive determination of the factors that may contribute to the over-pressurization observed in these inflators. However, all available evidence points towards a manufacturing process anomaly.
February 15, 2019
Honda met with NHTSA and shared the status of the investigation.
March 6, 2019
Honda determined that a defect related to motor vehicle safety existed and decided to conduct a safety recall.
As of March 6, 2019, Honda has received one injury claim related to this issue.