NHTSA Defect Investigation #RQ09004

RUPTURING DRIVER'S AIR BAG INFLATORS: Air Bags**

OPEN

possible recall

** This defect investigation is filed under 3 related vehicle components.
2001 HONDA CIVIC -- In a letter dated November 11, 2008, Honda reported that it had decided (on November 4, 2008) that certain 2001 model year Honda Accord and civic vehicles were defective because the driver's air bag inflator in those vehicles could produce excessive internal pressure. In a deployment, the inflator could rupture andmetal fragments could pass through the air bag's cushion, striking and potentially injuring or killing occupants of the vehicle. This recall was assigned the identification number 08V-593. In a letter dated June 30, 2009, Honda reported that it had decided (on June 23, 2009) that additional MY 2001 Honda and civic vehicles contained the same defect and should be recalled. This recall was assigned the identification 09V-259. One month later, Honda decided that more vehicles contained the defect and expanded the campaign to include certain MY 2002 Honda Accord and Acura 3.2tl vehicles. These vehicles were added to recall 09V-259. Rmd requested information from Honda concerning the determination of the affected population for both campaigns, as well as information concerning complaints, warranty claims, and incidents related to the vehicles in each campaign. On September 16, 2009, Honda provided its response, including an explanation that the defect was suspected to have been due to the handling of the air bag propellant, and then due to the production of that propellant. Honda explained that takata, Inc. Was the supplier of the air bags, including the inflators and propellant. Rmd requires additional information from Honda and takata to more fully evaluate the scope and timeliness of both recalls. Accordingly, this rq is opened. Investigation was initiated on November 02 2009. For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #RQ09004 »