Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HEADLIGHTS - SWITCH | |||||
| SB-12-025 | 04/17/2012 | 10044784 | Honda: to determine if headlight switches need to have connectors, and harness wires replaced, on certain vehicles, an inspection is required, with permission from owners. models civic gx, hybrid si and pilots. model years 2002-2005. | 07/27/2012 | |
Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HEADLIGHTS | ||||||
| EA11012 | Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) | 09/12/2011 | 09/17/2012 | Low Beam Headlights Stop Illuminating | 12V136000 | |
| This investigation was prompted by preliminary evaluation (pe) 11-017, and was based on reports from consumers alleging that both low beam headlights stopped illuminating simultaneously.some complainants also reported that the combination switch (switch) that controls the headlights and turn signals, and/or its electrical wiring harness connector were damaged by overheating.odi's pe information request letter asked honda for certain data on model years (my) 2002-2006 cr-v, 2003-2008 pilot, 2003-2008 element, 2001-2005 civic, and 2000-2001 s 2000 vehicles.analysis of complaint and honda data show that a complete low beam headlight circuit failure occurs in models with 2-bulb headlight systems (i.e., a single bulb on each side for high and low beam).models with 2-bulb systems include my 2002-2004 cr-v, 2003-2005 pilot, 2001-2003 civic, and 2003-2008 element.models with 4-bulb headlight systems (i.e., two bulbs on each side, one for high and one for low beam) have different electrical circuits for the headlights and do not experience the same failure mechanism as the 2-bulb system.my 2000-2001 s 2000 models with 2-bulb high intensity discharge headlights also have different electrical circuits for the headlights and do not experience the same failure mechanism.honda introduced the 4-bulb headlight system in cr-v in my 2005, in pilot in my 2006, and in civic in my 2004.on march 29, 2012 honda submitted a defect information report (dir) to recall 554,428 vehicles, including my 2002-2004 cr-v and my 2003 pilot.in the dir, honda stated that tension from the combination switch wiring harness to the electrical terminal for the low beam headlight circuit could cause a small amount of motion as the combination switch was operated.this motion, over time, can wear the surface of the terminal creating copper oxide, increasing electrical resistance, which may cause the terminal to melt within the harness connector.odi continued its investigation, and on august 31, 2012 honda submitted another dir to recall an additional 820,789 vehicles.this report included the my 2002 civic vehicles which were not subject to a prior safety recall (04v-086) for headlights, all of my 2003 civic, and my 2004-2005 pilot.honda's dir advised that operation of the turn signal switch lever at high speed and/or with heavy force can cause movement between the combination switch body and the sub-harness wiring connector.this can cause wear and continued movement can create copper oxide, increasing electrical resistance, and potentially causing the terminal to melt within the harness connector. please see both dirs at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/ under safety recall 12v-136 for complete details.honda also provided additional information on the element model, stating that it was not recalled due to it's very low failure rate.honda sold 301,497 element vehicles in the united states and received 17 reports, while odi received one report (see voq 10395219).honda's technical explanation for the low rate, which was submitted under request for confidentiality, is that the headlight switch, as installed in the element, reacts differently to the forces applied to it as compared to the recalled models.see attachment for additional information. | ||||||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HEADLIGHTS - HIGH/LOW BEAM DIMMER SWITCH | ||||||
| EA11012 | Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) | 09/12/2011 | 09/17/2012 | Low Beam Headlights Stop Illuminating | 12V136000 | |
| This investigation was prompted by preliminary evaluation (pe) 11-017, and was based on reports from consumers alleging that both low beam headlights stopped illuminating simultaneously.some complainants also reported that the combination switch (switch) that controls the headlights and turn signals, and/or its electrical wiring harness connector were damaged by overheating.odi's pe information request letter asked honda for certain data on model years (my) 2002-2006 cr-v, 2003-2008 pilot, 2003-2008 element, 2001-2005 civic, and 2000-2001 s 2000 vehicles.analysis of complaint and honda data show that a complete low beam headlight circuit failure occurs in models with 2-bulb headlight systems (i.e., a single bulb on each side for high and low beam).models with 2-bulb systems include my 2002-2004 cr-v, 2003-2005 pilot, 2001-2003 civic, and 2003-2008 element.models with 4-bulb headlight systems (i.e., two bulbs on each side, one for high and one for low beam) have different electrical circuits for the headlights and do not experience the same failure mechanism as the 2-bulb system.my 2000-2001 s 2000 models with 2-bulb high intensity discharge headlights also have different electrical circuits for the headlights and do not experience the same failure mechanism.honda introduced the 4-bulb headlight system in cr-v in my 2005, in pilot in my 2006, and in civic in my 2004.on march 29, 2012 honda submitted a defect information report (dir) to recall 554,428 vehicles, including my 2002-2004 cr-v and my 2003 pilot.in the dir, honda stated that tension from the combination switch wiring harness to the electrical terminal for the low beam headlight circuit could cause a small amount of motion as the combination switch was operated.this motion, over time, can wear the surface of the terminal creating copper oxide, increasing electrical resistance, which may cause the terminal to melt within the harness connector.odi continued its investigation, and on august 31, 2012 honda submitted another dir to recall an additional 820,789 vehicles.this report included the my 2002 civic vehicles which were not subject to a prior safety recall (04v-086) for headlights, all of my 2003 civic, and my 2004-2005 pilot.honda's dir advised that operation of the turn signal switch lever at high speed and/or with heavy force can cause movement between the combination switch body and the sub-harness wiring connector.this can cause wear and continued movement can create copper oxide, increasing electrical resistance, and potentially causing the terminal to melt within the harness connector. please see both dirs at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/ under safety recall 12v-136 for complete details.honda also provided additional information on the element model, stating that it was not recalled due to it's very low failure rate.honda sold 301,497 element vehicles in the united states and received 17 reports, while odi received one report (see voq 10395219).honda's technical explanation for the low rate, which was submitted under request for confidentiality, is that the headlight switch, as installed in the element, reacts differently to the forces applied to it as compared to the recalled models.see attachment for additional information. | ||||||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HEADLIGHTS - SWITCH | ||||||
| EA11012 | Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) | 09/12/2011 | 09/17/2012 | Low Beam Headlights Stop Illuminating | 12V136000 | |
| This investigation was prompted by preliminary evaluation (pe) 11-017, and was based on reports from consumers alleging that both low beam headlights stopped illuminating simultaneously.some complainants also reported that the combination switch (switch) that controls the headlights and turn signals, and/or its electrical wiring harness connector were damaged by overheating.odi's pe information request letter asked honda for certain data on model years (my) 2002-2006 cr-v, 2003-2008 pilot, 2003-2008 element, 2001-2005 civic, and 2000-2001 s 2000 vehicles.analysis of complaint and honda data show that a complete low beam headlight circuit failure occurs in models with 2-bulb headlight systems (i.e., a single bulb on each side for high and low beam).models with 2-bulb systems include my 2002-2004 cr-v, 2003-2005 pilot, 2001-2003 civic, and 2003-2008 element.models with 4-bulb headlight systems (i.e., two bulbs on each side, one for high and one for low beam) have different electrical circuits for the headlights and do not experience the same failure mechanism as the 2-bulb system.my 2000-2001 s 2000 models with 2-bulb high intensity discharge headlights also have different electrical circuits for the headlights and do not experience the same failure mechanism.honda introduced the 4-bulb headlight system in cr-v in my 2005, in pilot in my 2006, and in civic in my 2004.on march 29, 2012 honda submitted a defect information report (dir) to recall 554,428 vehicles, including my 2002-2004 cr-v and my 2003 pilot.in the dir, honda stated that tension from the combination switch wiring harness to the electrical terminal for the low beam headlight circuit could cause a small amount of motion as the combination switch was operated.this motion, over time, can wear the surface of the terminal creating copper oxide, increasing electrical resistance, which may cause the terminal to melt within the harness connector.odi continued its investigation, and on august 31, 2012 honda submitted another dir to recall an additional 820,789 vehicles.this report included the my 2002 civic vehicles which were not subject to a prior safety recall (04v-086) for headlights, all of my 2003 civic, and my 2004-2005 pilot.honda's dir advised that operation of the turn signal switch lever at high speed and/or with heavy force can cause movement between the combination switch body and the sub-harness wiring connector.this can cause wear and continued movement can create copper oxide, increasing electrical resistance, and potentially causing the terminal to melt within the harness connector. please see both dirs at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/recalls/ under safety recall 12v-136 for complete details.honda also provided additional information on the element model, stating that it was not recalled due to it's very low failure rate.honda sold 301,497 element vehicles in the united states and received 17 reports, while odi received one report (see voq 10395219).honda's technical explanation for the low rate, which was submitted under request for confidentiality, is that the headlight switch, as installed in the element, reacts differently to the forces applied to it as compared to the recalled models.see attachment for additional information. | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | |||
| 02/01/2012 | 1 | ||
| The climate control lights have gone out on the dashboard of our 2005 honda pilot and it has been a common complaint of other owners on internet forums. it becomes a hazard at night because the buttons do not illuminate which i believe is an extreme hazard that takes the eyes off the road for longer than needed to adjust settings. no other place in the dash has had the bulbs stop working but it seems to be happening to everyone's climate control lights. i think this is an extreme hazard similar to someone using a phone in the car and honda should be held responsible to correct the problems. *tr | |||
| 02/01/2012 | |||
| The climate control lights have gone out on the dashboard of our 2005 honda pilot and it has been a common complaint of other owners on internet forums. it becomes a hazard at night because the buttons do not illuminate which i believe is an extreme hazard that takes the eyes off the road for longer than needed to adjust settings. no other place in the dash has had the bulbs stop working but it seems to be happening to everyone's climate control lights. i think this is an extreme hazard similar to someone using a phone in the car and honda should be held responsible to correct the problems. | |||
| 12/15/2008 | 45000 | 1 | |
| My wife lost control , 2 lane paved road 45 mph (car damage from bumper till rear end) coming to stop in a ditch to her left. no other vehicle/involved, report was filed with insurance, car repaired ( over $10,000 ) i arrived as police officer was interviewing my wife @ our driveway, she was still crying, never had any accidents before, or speeding tickets ( very passive driver, our kids where in the car 3 and 4 years old @ the time) her explanation: the car was going out of the road to my right on its own, i tried to corrected but the steering was not responding,i felt the car going into the ditch, i pulled hard , it responded crossing the lane violently, tried to control it came back to the right hitting the stop ahead sign, swerved again to the left and stopping @ the ditch.150 feet from the intersection,between telge rd. westbound and grant rd. cypress tx 77429 previous owners of honda crv, we love theirs cars we thought it was just bad luck, things that happen, we moved on. since then she/complained/brakes will disengaged and engage again. the car will stop but a couple of feet longer that intended. 1st. time i replace brake pads, 2nd.time i tried to replicate the experience but no luck. 3rd. time new brake fluid and complete brake inspection. 12/2012 she told me again. i decided to drive the car to work myself every day. 12/29/2012 coming back from work, stop sing, hit the brakes, right before the car stops the pedal sunk completely , noises came from the wheels as if there was and on/off switch being use for braking. the car stops about 10 feet longer then intended. being concern about a solution i started looking for any info about this online, so it could fix it this is my kids/wife vehicle. i discover all the similar cases online ,i wonder if the steering really when out of control on its own , like she swore to my in 2008. *tr | |||
| 12/15/2008 | 45000 | ||
| My wife lost control , 2 lane paved road 45 mph (car damage from bumper till rear end) coming to stop in a ditch to her left. no other vehicle/involved, report was filed with insurance, car repaired ( over $10,000 ) i arrived as police officer was interviewing my wife @ our driveway, she was still crying, never had any accidents before, or speeding tickets ( very passive driver, our kids where in the car 3 and 4 years old @ the time) her explanation: the car was going out of the road to my right on its own, i tried to corrected but the steering was not responding,i felt the car going into the ditch, i pulled hard , it responded crossing the lane violently, tried to control it came back to the right hitting the stop ahead sign, swerved again to the left and stopping @ the ditch.150 feet from the intersection,between telge rd. westbound and grant rd. cypress tx 77429 previous owners of honda crv, we love theirs cars we thought it was just bad luck, things that happen, we moved on. since then she/complained/brakes will disengaged and engage again. the car will stop but a couple of feet longer that intended. 1st. time i replace brake pads, 2nd.time i tried to replicate the experience but no luck. 3rd. time new brake fluid and complete brake inspection. 12/2012 she told me again. i decided to drive the car to work myself every day. 12/29/2012 coming back from work, stop sing, hit the brakes, right before the car stops the pedal sunk completely , noises came from the wheels as if there was and on/off switch being use for braking. the car stops about 10 feet longer then intended. being concern about a solution i started looking for any info about this online, so it could fix it this is my kids/wife vehicle. i discover all the similar cases online ,i wonder if the steering really when out of control on its own , like she swore to my in 2008. | |||
| 10/12/2012 | 133000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2005 honda pilot. the contact was driving approximately 45 mph with the headlights activated when both headlights suddenly failed to illuminate. the high beam headlights were engaged in order for the contact to continue driving. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the headlight dimmer switch was replaced at the owner's expense. there was a recall related to the defect under nhtsa campaign id number 12v136000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch) however, the contact's vehicle was ineligible for repairs under the recall because the headlight connector was not exposed to heat damage. the manufacturer was notified of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 133,000. kmj | |||
| 10/12/2012 | |||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2005 honda pilot. the contact was driving approximately 45 mph with the headlights activated and then unexpectedly both headlights failed to illuminate. the high beam lights were engaged in order to continue driving. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the headlight dimer switch was replaced at the owner's expense. there was a recall related to the defect under nhtsa campaign id number 12v136000 (exterior lighting:headlights:switch); however the vehicle was ineligible because the headlight connector was not exposed to heat damage. the manufacturer was notified of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 133,000. js | |||
| 08/15/2012 | 156234 | 1 | |
| Vehicle low beams stopped working. further investigation showed charred wire and melted connector. this issue has been recognized by honda for the same model on an earlier model year (nhtsa id 12v136000). honda part designations and failure description match recall. i would recommend honda expand recall to cover all effected vehicles. *tr | |||
| 08/15/2012 | 156234 | ||
| Vehicle low beams stopped working. further investigation showed charred wire and melted connector. this issue has been recognized by honda for the same model on an earlier model year (nhtsa id 12v136000). honda part designations and failure descripton match recall. i would recommend honda expand recall to cover all effected vehicles | |||
| 07/21/2012 | 140000 | 1 | |
| While driving home after dark, we suddenly lost both dim headlights. have tried replacing bulbs, fuses, relays, steering column switch and nothing as worked. checked recalls online and this same problem happened in the 2003 pilot to which there was a recall. same parts i understand. luckily, there was no traffic and we were able to stop and figure out that we still had bright lights and could continue home, but having 3 children in the car and driving blind was a horrific experience and this should be added to the list of recall. *tr | |||
| 07/13/2012 | 110200 | 1 | |
| The low-beam headlights simultaneously failed to work and have not worked since. this was first noticed while driving on the interstate hundreds of miles from home, and it was necessary to drive with the bright headlights on the rest of the way to the destination. i was just checking online to find out how i might fix the problem and saw reports of march 30, 2012 that honda was recalling 2003 pilots for this problem -- obviously honda needs to recall the 2005 pilots also! i will be contacting the dealer to have them fix this problem on my vehicle for no charge. *tr | |||
| 07/21/2012 | 140000 | ||
| While driving home after dark, we suddenly lost both dim headlights. have tried replacing bulbs, fuses, relays, steering column switch and nothing as worked. checked recalls online and this same problem happened in the 2003 pilot to which there was a recall. same parts i understand. luckily, there was no traffic and we were able to stop and figure out that we still had bright lights and could continue home, but having 3 children in the car and driving blind was a horrific experience and this should be added to the list of recall. | |||
| 07/13/2012 | 110200 | 1 | |
| The low-beam headlights simultaneously failed to work and have not worked since. this was first noticed while driving on the interstate hundreds of miles from home, and it was necessary to drive with the bright headlights on the rest of the way to the destination. i was just checking online to find out how i might fix the problem and saw reports of march 30, 2012 that honda was recalling 2003 pilots for this problem -- obviously honda needs to recall the 2005 pilots also! i will be contacting the dealer to have them fix this problem on my vehicle for no charge. *tr | |||
| 07/21/2012 | 140000 | ||
| While driving home after dark, we suddenly lost both dim headlights. have tried replacing bulbs, fuses, relays, steering column switch and nothing as worked. checked recalls online and this same problem happened in the 2003 pilot to which there was a recall. same parts i understand. luckily, there was no traffic and we were able to stop and figure out that we still had bright lights and could continue home, but having 3 children in the car and driving blind was a horrific experience and this should be added to the list of recall. | |||
| 07/13/2012 | 110200 | ||
| The low-beam headlights simultaneously failed to work and have not worked since. this was first noticed while driving on the interstate hundreds of miles from home, and it was necessary to drive with the bright headlights on the rest of the way to the destination. i was just checking online to find out how i might fix the problem and saw reports of march 30, 2012 that honda was recalling 2003 pilots for this problem -- obviously honda needs to recall the 2005 pilots also! i will be contacting the dealer to have them fix this problem on my vehicle for no charge. | |||
| 07/01/2012 | 125000 | 1 | |
| My low beam passenger headlight socket melted resulting in the headlight to become inoperative. it has significantly reduced my visibility and increased the risk of a crash. the same issue has been recalled in the 2003 honda pilots, see nhtsa campaign id number 12v136000. despite the fact that the same parts are also used in 2004 and 2005 honda pilots, these model years are not included in the recall for some unknown reason. based on the number of complaints regarding this issue, it appears to be a common issue with 2004 and 2005 honda pilot owners. please revise the recall provided above to also include 2004 and 2005 model years as well. *tr | |||
| 04/06/2011 | 125000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2005 honda pilot. the contact stated that the low beam headlights did not illuminate. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and they advised her that the headlight switch melted into two pieces and caused the failure. the low beam switch was repaired three times prior. the manufacturer was notified and they offered no assistance. the failure mileage was approximately 125,000. sm. | |||
| 04/06/2011 | 125000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 2005 honda pilot. the contact stated that when using her headlights the low beams would not illuminate. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and they advised her that the switch in the headlight had melted into two and caused the failure. the vehicle was repaired 3 times prior for the low beam switch. the manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance. the failure mileage was approximately 125,000. tb | |||
| 10/11/2011 | |||
| Lights for hvac system do not illuminate. unable to see controls for defroster, a/c, heat, etc. when driving at night. | |||
| 07/13/2011 | 126000 | ||
| Tl - the contact owns a 2005 honda pilot. the contact stated that the head lights low beams failed. the vehicle was not taken to a dealer. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offered any assistance since the vehicle was not included on any recalls. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 126,000. pm | |||
| 03/07/2010 | 70000 | ||
| Driving along highway, headlights fail to turn on. brights work. unable to use headlights for any driving. checked fuses all good, though incorrect marking on a 15a fuse slot that is 20a. all lights bulbs are good, even replaced to be sure. found melted 16 pin connector with combination stalk switch. unable to repair yet. | |||
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING - HEADLIGHTS - SWITCH | |||
| 08/15/2012 | 156234 | 1 | |
| Vehicle low beams stopped working. further investigation showed charred wire and melted connector. this issue has been recognized by honda for the same model on an earlier model year (nhtsa id 12v136000). honda part designations and failure description match recall. i would recommend honda expand recall to cover all effected vehicles. *tr | |||
| 07/01/2012 | 125000 | 1 | |
| My low beam passenger headlight socket melted resulting in the headlight to become inoperative. it has significantly reduced my visibility and increased the risk of a crash. the same issue has been recalled in the 2003 honda pilots, see nhtsa campaign id number 12v136000. despite the fact that the same parts are also used in 2004 and 2005 honda pilots, these model years are not included in the recall for some unknown reason. based on the number of complaints regarding this issue, it appears to be a common issue with 2004 and 2005 honda pilot owners. please revise the recall provided above to also include 2004 and 2005 model years as well. *tr | |||