Investigations
CNG TANK EXPLODING IN A FIRE
NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE07028 - closed, opened 2007-06-11 and involving the HONDA HONDA.
NHTSA investigation PE07028 is a Preliminary Evaluation opened on 2007-06-11 and currently closed. The subject of record is HONDA HONDA, which places this file inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue for HONDA. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 2007-11-20 - NHTSA updates that field whenever an Information Request goes out, a supplement is filed, or a status change is recorded in the public docket.
A Preliminary Evaluation like PE07028 is the entry point of the federal defect-investigation process. NHTSA engineers scan complaint databases, field reports, and manufacturer data to decide whether an Engineering Analysis is warranted, whether a voluntary recall is already sufficient, or whether the pattern does not rise to a defect finding.
Investigators summarized the matter as follows: "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, WE..." Investigations are the early-warning layer of the federal auto-safety system, sitting upstream of formal recalls and defect orders. Whether this one closes without action or escalates into an Engineering Analysis, the full history stays in the ODI archive so researchers, litigators, and buyers can pull the paper trail at any time. Related HONDA files, listed below, give context on whether this is an isolated concern or part of a broader pattern across the brand.
Investigation 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.
About This Investigation Type
A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first phase of NHTSA's investigation process. It is opened when the agency identifies a potential safety defect pattern, usually triggered by consumer complaints, manufacturer reports, or field monitoring. During a PE, NHTSA gathers information to determine whether a formal engineering analysis is warranted.
Other HONDA Investigations
Inaccurate Rear Passenger Seat Belt Warning Status
Loss of Motive Power
Inadvertent Deployment of Side Air Bags
Engine failure
No Restart After Auto Start/Stop Engages
Data from NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Cross-references: NHTSA recall campaign API and NHTSA FARS where fatality records overlap. PlainCars does not rate or recommend vehicles. about how PlainCars sources NHTSA data.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.