2003 Honda Civic NHTSA Investigations
NHTSA Civic Defect Investigations
The following investigations on the Honda Civic have been announced by the ODI. Interested in how this information is collected? Read more about investigations by the NHTSA.
Recent 2003 Civic Investigations
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Ignition Shift Interlock Defect Investigation for the 2003 Civic
Vehicle Component: Electrical System:Ignition:Switch*
Summary: On August 4, 2010, american Honda motor co. (Honda) submitted a defect information report (dir) to NHTSA regarding a ignition interlock defect in approximately 384,220 model year (MY) 2003 Honda Accord and civic and MY 2003 and 2004 Honda element vehicles with automatic transmissions (recall 10V-364). In a September 22, 2010 supplemental dir, Honda expanded the scope of the recall population based on manufacturing and complaint data. The total population for the complete recall is approximately 551,498 vehicles. The information listed in this closing report refers only to the subject vehicles, MY 2003 Accords with automatic transmissions. According to Honda's dir, "under certain conditions the interlock lever of the ignition switch may unexpectedly deform, which can allow the interlock function of a vehicle with an automatic transmission to be defeated if the driver does not follow the typical shut-down procedure of shifting the gear selector to the park position before rotating the ignition key to the off position. Removal of the ignition key when the gear selector of a vehicle with an automatic transmission has not been shifted to the park position can allow the vehicle to roll away, increasing the risk of a crash."Honda's dealers will be instructed to inspect the ignition interlock switch and, if necessary, replace the original interlock pin and lever within the ignition switch and replace them with new, redesigned parts. This investigation is closed.
More Details: For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #EA09001 »
Status of Investigation: This investigation was closed on October 14 2010 and there was a recall ordered: #10V364000
* This defect investigation is filed under 2 related vehicle components.
CNG TANK EXPLODING IN A FIRE Defect Investigation for the 2003 Civic
Vehicle Component: Fuel System, Other:Storage:Tank Assembly:Pressure Relief Devices*
Summary: In mid-April 2007, Honda informed ODI of a CNG tank explosion incident that occurred on a subject vehicle. The incident occurred after an arsonist broke into a lot where multiple vehicles, including a subject vehicle, were stored and set the vehicles on fire. During the fire, the pressure relief device (PRD) on the subject vehicle allegedly failed to activate and the compressed natural gas (CNG) tank exploded. The explosion occurred with fire fighters at the scene. No injuries were reported. CNG tanks are subject to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 304 - compressed natural gas fuel container integrity. This standard requires that each CNG fuel container shall completely vent its contents through a PRD or shall not burst while retaining its entire contents when tested according to the standard's bonfire test procedure. A CNG tank explosion rapidly releases a large quantity of energy and could result in catastrophic injuries, deaths, and property damage. As a result of Honda's testing and review of the involved vehicle, Honda has developed an insulator to insulate the CNG fuel tank from a locally directed flame projecting from the interior of the vehicle. Insulators will be installed behind the back seat on subject vehicles to prevent future failures of this type. Honda's action addresses the concerns of ODI. Therefore, this investigation is closed.
More Details: For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #PE07028 »
Status of Investigation: This investigation was closed on November 20 2007 and no recall was issued.
* This defect investigation is filed under 4 related vehicle components.