All Investigations » Investigation PE04018

  Defect Investigation of Oil Filter Fires

Investigation of Oil Filter Fires

Subject: Oil filter fires
Components covered:
  • Engine
  • Cooling exhaust system
Investigations Summary: This investigation was opened on Feb. 19, 2004. It was closed on Jul. 1, 2004. This investigation identified 32 incidents of oil filter leakage in the subject vehicle population, with 22 resulting in vehicle fires. All of the incidents occurred following oil changes. Honda's investigation of 14 of the fire incidents determined that "five oil filters had stacked seals (double-gasketing), and nine oil filters had distorted or pinched seals. "according to Honda, both conditions result from failure to follow necessary repair procedures. Stacked seals result from failure of the service technician to remove the old seal prior to installing the new filter and seal. Distorted or pinched seals result from failure to properly lubricate the new seal prior to installation. Oil leakage from a stacked, distorted, or pinched seal can be ignited by heat from the exhaust system, which is located near the oil filter in the subject vehicles. Honda will issue communications to its dealers warning of the necessity to follow correct procedures when replacing oil filters in the subject vehicles and of the potential for vehicle fires to result from improper repairs. Odi will continue to monitor the alleged defect in my 2003 and later cr-v vehicles. This investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists. The agency will take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
Vehicles Affected by this investigation:
  • 2003 Honda CR-V

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