What started out as a recall on CR-V power window master switches has resulted in a recall of that recall because the recall fix (NHTSA ID 12V-486) of applying butyl tape to seal the power window master switch (PWMS) from moisture was “insufficient.”
The butyl tape could separate from the master switch if improperly applied. Moisture can then enter through an open driver’s window and reach the switch on the door. Over time, moisture can cause electrical resistance in the switch, which ultimately can cause the switch to overheat and melt, damaging the switch made in Japan by Nidec Mobility and potentially damaging an associated wire harness. If a switch melts, it could produce smoke and increase the risk of a fire.
Registered owners of all affected 2002-06 CR-V vehicles will be contacted by mail and asked to take their vehicle to an authorized Honda dealer. The dealer will replace the PWMS with a redesigned unit that is not susceptible to moisture entry. The dealer also will inspect the associated wire harness for damage and replace if necessary. The inspection and repairs will be performed for free as is required by US law.
Owners who have paid to have these repairs completed at their own expense will be eligible for reimbursement, in accord with the recall reimbursement plan on file with NHTSA. The recall is expected to begin January 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda’s number for this recall is P9D.
CR-V Recall Chronology:
- October 4, 2012 – Honda submitted a defect information report for NHTSA recall ID number 12V-486.
- May 2013 to December 2016 – Honda launched an investigation after receiving reports of thermal events involving vehicles remedied under 12V-486. In these cases, it was determined the servicing dealer performed an improper recall repair or the customer accidentally spilled liquid near the PWMS.
- February 2017 to October 2017 – Honda analyzed data from each of its global regions and learned that the thermal event occurrence rate was higher after the recall remedy was performed than before.
- February 2018 – The investigation was relaunched, and failed parts were collected from the field for analysis.
- September 2020 – Re-creation tests confirmed improper butyl tape application during the recall repair could separate from the PWMS, exposing the PWMS to moisture entry.
- December 3, 2020 – Honda determined that a defect related to motor vehicle safety existed and decided to conduct a safety recall.
- As of November 24, 2020, Honda has received 104 warranty claims (16 involving fire), 13 field reports (seven involving fire), and 87 reports of thermal events related to this safety defect.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
Honda Recalls a Recall on 2002-06 CR-V Models for Fire Hazard
What started out as a recall on CR-V power window master switches has resulted in a recall of that recall because the recall fix (NHTSA ID 12V-486) of applying butyl tape to seal the power window master switch (PWMS) from moisture was “insufficient.”
The butyl tape could separate from the master switch if improperly applied. Moisture can then enter through an open driver’s window and reach the switch on the door. Over time, moisture can cause electrical resistance in the switch, which ultimately can cause the switch to overheat and melt, damaging the switch made in Japan by Nidec Mobility and potentially damaging an associated wire harness. If a switch melts, it could produce smoke and increase the risk of a fire.
Registered owners of all affected 2002-06 CR-V vehicles will be contacted by mail and asked to take their vehicle to an authorized Honda dealer. The dealer will replace the PWMS with a redesigned unit that is not susceptible to moisture entry. The dealer also will inspect the associated wire harness for damage and replace if necessary. The inspection and repairs will be performed for free as is required by US law.
Owners who have paid to have these repairs completed at their own expense will be eligible for reimbursement, in accord with the recall reimbursement plan on file with NHTSA. The recall is expected to begin January 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda’s number for this recall is P9D.
CR-V Recall Chronology:
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.