Safety Recall Q5A: Driver’s Airbag Inflator Can Be Over-Pressurized – 2003-2006 Acura

June 27, 2019 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V499000

Driver 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: 19V499

Manufacturer Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Components AIR BAGS

Potential Number of Units Affected 13,577

 

Summary

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2003 Acura 3.2CL, 2002-2003 3.2TL, 2003-2006 MDX, 2001-2007 Honda Accord, 2001-2005 Civic, 2003-2005 Civic Hybrid, 2001-2005 Civic GX NGV, 2002-2006 CR-V, 2003-2011 Element, 2002-2004 Odyssey, 2003-2008 Pilot and 2006 Ridgeline vehicles.

These vehicles are equipped with driver frontal air bag inflators assembled as a recall remedy part or replacement service part, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

 

Remedy

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin August 12, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda’s numbers for this recall are Q5A and Y58.

 

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

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B19-042
June 28, 2019
Version 1

Safety Recall: Driver’s Airbag Inflator Can Be Over-Pressurized

AFFECTED VEHICLES

Year	Model	Trim	VIN Range
2003	3.2 CL	ALL	Check the iN VIN status for eligibility.
2002-03	3.2 TL	ALL	Check the iN VIN status for eligibility.
2003-06	MDX	ALL	Check the iN VIN status for eligibility.

 

BACKGROUND

NHTSA and its independent expert reviewed the findings of three independent investigations into the Takata airbag 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 air bag toward vehicle occupants. NHTSA is prioritizing the recall of air bag inflators based on the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants.

This is the final phase to this campaign and involves vehicles that previously had the driver’s frontal airbag nondesiccated inflator replaced with a similar non-desiccated inflator (like for like), or an airbag module replaced with one that contained a non-desiccated inflator. This replacement may have been done as part of a recall or other repair. For more information about these inflator recalls, go to www.safercar.gov and use keyword TAKATA.

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

Do an iN VIN status inquiry and, if indicated, repair the vehicle even though the vehicle may have been repaired under a previous campaign.

NOTE

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

 

PARTS INFORMATION

Part Name	Order Part Number	You may receive any of the following	Quantity
2003 3.2 CL Driver’s Airbag Inflator Kit	04770-S5A-405	04770-S5A-405	1
2003-06 MDX Driver’s Airbag Inflator Kit	04770-S9A-405	04770-S9A-405 04770-S9A-409	1
2002–03 3.2 TL Driver’s Airbag Inflator Kit	04770-S5A-405	04770-S5A-405	1

NOTES

• The inflators appear similar, but may have different rates of inflation. Make sure you install the correct inflator (confirm the part number) for the vehicle you are working on.
• Always use new Torx bolts to install the airbags. The new Torx bolts are coated with threadlock to make sure they do not come loose.
• 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 B15-0006, 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

• To avoid a warranty claim being charged back to your dealership, the defective, undeployed inflator must be returned to its supplier. Follow the shipping instructions in PIB B15-0006, Inflator Kit Return Process.
• The replacement inflator part number and serial number are printed on the label that should be attached to the RO.
• To avoid non-payment of warranty claims, the new airbag inflator part number and serial number must be included in each claim. For more information, refer to step 6 of REPAIR PROCEDURE.
• 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 Airbag Inflators. From the iN, select Service, Warranty, Warranty Claim, then Claims Reference Guide. Under HOT TIPS/TOPICS, select Inflator Claims at a Glance.

Year/ Model	Operation Number	Replacement Part Number	Flat Rate Time	Defect Code	Symptom Code	Template ID	Failed Part Number
2003 3.2CL	7521P4	04770-S5A-405	0.5 hr	6ZT00	Q5A00	B19042A	06770-SY8-A90ZA
2003-06 MDX	7521P4	04770-S9A-405	0.5 hr	6ZT00	Q5A00	B19042B	06770-S3V-A20ZB
	7521P4	04770-S9A-409	0.5 hr	6ZT00	Q5A00	B19042C	06770-S3V-A20ZB
2002–03 3.2TL	7521P4	04770-S5A-405	0.5 hr	6ZT00	Q5A00	B19042D	06770-S0K-A90ZA

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.

 

REPAIR PROCEDURE

NOTE:

• If the VIN status inquiry indicates that the vehicle is subject to any open safety recalls, including the front passenger’s airbag inflator, 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.
• Make sure you have the anti-theft code for the audio and navigation system (if applicable), then write down the audio unit presets.
• 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, turn the ignition to OFF, then 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 applicable vehicle’s service information.
4. Place the airbag module, face-down, on a clean shop towel.
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.

NOTE:

• 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 horn plate. If there is no horn plate installed, go to step 8.

Type 1 – 2003 3.2CL, 2002-03 3.2TL, 2003-06 MDX

Remove the four horn plate mounting bolts, the mounting bolt felt washers, the horn plate, and remove the felt tape covering the lower two inflator locknuts. The felt washers and felt tape will not be reused.

8. Using needle-nose vise grips or a 3/8 in. 6-point socket, remove the four locknuts from the inflator. The locknuts will not be reused.

NOTE

Do not remove the inflator from the airbag module until you complete step 9.

9. Use shop air to clean any debris that may be on the inflator, then remove the inflator from the airbag module.

NOTES

• Do not allow any debris to enter the inflator opening in the airbag.
• Do not deploy the inflator. The inflator must be returned to its supplier in the box the new inflator came in. Follow the shipping instructions outlined in PIB B15-0006 to return the undeployed inflator.

10. Turn over the airbag module (inflator side down), and shake it to remove any debris from the inflator opening.

11. Install the new inflator in the airbag module.

NOTE

There may be some minor surface rust or corrosion on the new inflator; this is OK.

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 Takata inflators. While both the driver’s and front passengers inflators are shown in the video, this is informational only. Replace inflators only as directed by the iN VIN status inquiry.

There are four different styles of inflators. Make sure you use the correct installation procedures for the type of inflator you have.

Type 1 – See 10.1	Type 2 – See 10.2	Type 4 – See 10.3
N/A	04770-S5A-405	N/A
	04770-S9A-405

NOTE

Type 3 inflators are not used in Acura vehicles.

11.1 Type 2 – Check your part number against the ones listed for each installation procedure. Use the correct installation procedure for the part you received.

11.2 Place the inflator into the opening with the inflator harness toward the bottom of the airbag module. Do notforce it into the airbag module.

NOTE

Refer to Driver’s Inflator Type 2 in the video.

11.3 Using a pair of pliers, gently pull up on each stud while pushing the inflator down until the airbag inflator isproperly seated within the airbag module, then go to step 12.

NOTE

Be careful not to damage the threads.

12. Install and torque the new locknuts to 9 N·m (2.8 lb-ft, 34 lb-in).
13. If applicable, reinstall the horn plate.Type 1 Horn Plate

31. Cover the lower two inflator locknuts with new felt tape (if applicable).

31.2 Install the horn plate with new felt washers on its mounting bolts. Torque the mounting bolts to 4 N·m (2.5 lb-ft, 30 lb-in), then make sure the horn plate moves freely.

14. Install the driver’s airbag module using new Torx bolts from the kit and torque the bolts to 8 N·m (7.2 lb-ft). Refer to the service information.
15. Reconnect the battery negative cable and do the following:
    • Enter the anti-theft codes for the audio system and the navigation system (if equipped). If the code does not work, refer to SB 07-051, Audio Unit Does Not Accept Anti-Theft Code.
    • Press and hold the audio unit power button to exit the anti-theft mode.
    • Enter the audio unit presets.
    • Set the clock (on vehicles without navigation).
16. Turn the ignition to ON and make sure the SRS indicator comes on for about 6 seconds, then goes off.
17. 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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51 Affected Products

Vehicles

MAKE	MODEL	YEAR
ACURA	CL	2003
ACURA	MDX	2003-2006
ACURA	TL	2002-2003
HONDA	ACCORD	2001-2007
HONDA	CIVIC	2001-2005
HONDA	CIVIC GX	2001-2005
HONDA	CIVIC HYBRID	2003-2005
HONDA	CR-V	2002-2006
HONDA	ELEMENT	2003-2011
HONDA	ODYSSEY	2002-2004
HONDA	PILOT	2003-2008
HONDA	RIDGELINE	2006

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10 Associated Documents

Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-19V499-4969.pdf 1681.72KB

Download (PDF, 1.6MB)

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – DATE: June 28, 2019 Subject: Stop Sale/Safety Recall:02-15 Multi-Model Acura Dri. and Pass. Front Airbag Inflator

RCMN-19V499-9834.pdf 216.007KB

Download (PDF, 211KB)

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Remedy Instructions and TSB

RCRIT-19V499-6234.pdf 1624.987KB

Download (PDF, 1.55MB)

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – DATE: June 28, 2019 Subject: Stop Sale/Safety Recall:01-15 Multi-Model Honda Dri. and Pass. Front Airbag Infl

RCMN-19V499-6090.pdf 215.384KB

Download (PDF, 210KB)

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Recall Acknowledgement

RCAK-19V499-2917.pdf 285.422KB

Download (PDF, 279KB)

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Defect Notice 573 Report

RCLRPT-19V499-3772.PDF 258.388KB

Download (PDF, 252KB)

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Honda Begins Final Phase of Takata Non-desiccated Airbag Inflator Recall Six Months Ahead of NHTSA Schedule

RMISC-19V499-6506.pdf 111.66KB

Download (PDF, 109KB)

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DEFECT INFORMATION REPORT

RMISC-19V499-4023.pdf 263.371KB

Download (PDF, 257KB)

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – Subject Takata Airbag Recall Update 6/28/2019

RCMN-19V499-8115.pdf 177.788KB

Download (PDF, 174KB)

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Manufacturer Notices(to Dealers,etc) – Subject Takata Airbag Recall Update 6/28/2019

RCMN-19V499-3942.pdf 178.119KB

Download (PDF, 174KB)

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1 Associated Investigation

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 http://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=19V499&docType=RCL

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Last update on 2019-07-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2019-07-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API