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Campaign 18V042 Posted January 9, 2018 691,726 units

2009-2013 Acura Models Recall 18V042: Air Bag Inflator

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published May 25, 2026

Recall 18V042 covers 691,726 2009-2013 Acura vehicles with passenger air bag inflators that can explode. Repair is free at any franchised Acura dealer.

Acura is recalling 691,726 2009-2013 Tsx, Zdx, and Pilot vehicles under recall 18V042 because certain frontal air bag inflators can explode after long exposure to heat and humidity. An inflator rupture can send sharp metal fragments into the driver or passengers, and Acura dealers will complete the free repair.

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What's wrong?

The passenger frontal airbag inflator is the metal canister inside the passenger-side airbag module. In a crash that commands airbag deployment, the inflator burns propellant to produce gas and fill the airbag in front of the passenger. The part has to control that pressure inside the inflator body.

On affected 2009-2013 Acura vehicles, the inflator uses non-desiccated PSAN propellant, meaning the propellant does not have a drying agent built in. Long exposure to high humidity, high temperatures, and temperature changes can break down that propellant. If the airbag deploys after that degradation, the pressure inside the inflator can rise too sharply and rupture the inflator housing instead of filling the airbag as designed.

There is no warning sign before failure. The problem sits inside the inflator, so a dashboard light or change in normal driving feel is not expected before an airbag deployment.

Who's affected?

Spans passenger cars, crossovers, wagons, and SUVs from 2009-2013, all tied to the passenger-side front air bag inflator module.

2013 Acura Tsx front air bag
2013 Honda Fcx Clarity front air bag
2013 Acura Zdx front air bag
2013 Honda Pilot front air bag
2012 Acura Tsx front air bag
Units affected691,726

A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.

What's the safety risk?

An inflator explosion can send sharp metal fragments into the driver or other occupants, causing serious injury or death. If your VIN is included, schedule the repair soon and avoid delaying because the risk occurs during air bag deployment. Repair is free at any franchised Acura dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2009-2013 Acura Tsx, Fcx Clarity, Zdx, Pilot, Fit, Accord, Cr-V, Tsx Sport Wagon, Accord Crosstour, Insight, Civic Hybrid, Fit EV, or Civic is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Acura dealer to schedule the free passenger frontal air bag inflator replacement that addresses the inflator explosion risk.
  3. Bring the recall notice if Acura has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V042 and Acura recall B0K or L0J when you call.
  4. Ask Acura customer service at 1-888-234-2138 if you need help locating a dealer or confirming which recall number applies to your VIN.
  5. Avoid carrying a front passenger until the dealer completes the air bag inflator repair.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, an Acura technician replaces the passenger frontal air bag inflator in the affected frontal air bag module. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Acura's general reimbursement plan is on file for this campaign, so documented out-of-pocket repairs tied to this inflator replacement can be submitted under that plan. Bring repair paperwork and payment records to the service desk, and ask how Acura handles the claim for recall 18V042.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

January 9, 2018 NHTSA published the recall
January 10, 2018 Dealer notification began
February 12, 2018 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)
February 16, 2018 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 18V042?

Recall 18V042 covers 691,726 2009-2013 Acura vehicles with passenger frontal air bag inflators that can explode after long-term heat and humidity exposure. Metal fragments can strike occupants, causing serious injury or death. Acura dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator for free.

What should I do if my 2009-2013 Acura vehicle is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V042. If it is, contact a franchised Acura dealer and ask for the free passenger frontal air bag inflator replacement. Reference recall number 18V042 and Acura recall numbers B0K and L0J when you call.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect repair at no cost, and Acura dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for included vehicles, regardless of where you bought the vehicle.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is an exploding passenger frontal air bag inflator. If the inflator ruptures, sharp metal fragments can strike the driver or other occupants, causing serious injury or death. The free dealer repair replaces the affected inflator.

What if I bought this vehicle used?

The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the current owner or purchase history. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included, then call a franchised Acura dealer and reference recall number 18V042.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V042000
Acura customer service1-888-234-2138
NHTSA recall #18V042
NHTSA recall # (full)18V042000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →