NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
51 reportsMileage unknown · Aug 4, 2016
Air Bags
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 135I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. TH…
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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 135I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 09/08/16*LJ UPDATED 09/28/16.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10893119
67,500 miles · May 26, 2016
Air Bags
TAKATA RECALL BMW HAS STONEWALLED ME! THEY SAY I CAN HAVE A LOANER. WONDERFUL, EXCEPT IT'S NOT A BMW SINCE ALL LATE MODEL BMWS HAVE BEEN RECALLED. I CAN'T SELL MY CAR BECAUSE NO ONE WOULD WANT IT PENDING A RECALL THAT HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED BY BMW OR TAKATA. WHEN I INQUIRED ABOUT THE RECALL LOANER AGREEMENT, I WAS TOLD …
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TAKATA RECALL BMW HAS STONEWALLED ME! THEY SAY I CAN HAVE A LOANER. WONDERFUL, EXCEPT IT'S NOT A BMW SINCE ALL LATE MODEL BMWS HAVE BEEN RECALLED. I CAN'T SELL MY CAR BECAUSE NO ONE WOULD WANT IT PENDING A RECALL THAT HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED BY BMW OR TAKATA. WHEN I INQUIRED ABOUT THE RECALL LOANER AGREEMENT, I WAS TOLD I WOULD NEED TO SIGN AN AGREEMENT FOR A 2-3 YEAR RENTAL AND NOT DRIVE MY CAR EXCEPT FOR A WEEKLY STARTUP AND BACK AND FORTH IN THE DRIVEWAY TO BE SURE THE BATTERY WAS GOOD. I AM NOW LOOKING INTO A CLASS ACTION SUIT. I HAVE SEVERAL FRIENDS WITH MORE RECENT MODELS SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL AND THEY ARE HOPPING MAD AND READY TO GO TO COURT. IT IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE THAT NEITHER COMPANY, BMW AND TAKATA, HAVE OWNED UP AND SHOWN WHAT THEY WILL DO ABOUT IT. INSTEAD, ALL WE CUSTOMERS HEAR IS "YES, IT'S A TERRIBLE SITUATION, BUT THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO BUT OFFER YOU THE LOANER." WELL, THERE IS SOMETHING WE OWNERS CAN DO. WE ARE A LITIGIOUS BUNCH!!
NHTSA ODI #10871091
68,000 miles · Mar 12, 2016
Exterior Lighting
AFTER HITTING ROAD POTHOLE ADAPTIVE HEADLIGHT WARNING LIGHT ON DASH ILLUMINATED. PLACEMENT OF COMPLETE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY QUOTED AT OVER $2100 PLUS TAX. DEALER REPAIRED HEADLAMP MECHANISM MORE THAN ONCE FOR ABOUT $700 EACH TIME BUT PROBLEM WITH WATER INTRUSION RESULTING IN ADAPTIVE HEADLAMP WARNING LIGHT OCCURRED AFTER CAR WENT T…
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AFTER HITTING ROAD POTHOLE ADAPTIVE HEADLIGHT WARNING LIGHT ON DASH ILLUMINATED. PLACEMENT OF COMPLETE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY QUOTED AT OVER $2100 PLUS TAX. DEALER REPAIRED HEADLAMP MECHANISM MORE THAN ONCE FOR ABOUT $700 EACH TIME BUT PROBLEM WITH WATER INTRUSION RESULTING IN ADAPTIVE HEADLAMP WARNING LIGHT OCCURRED AFTER CAR WENT THROUGH AUTOMATED CAR WASH (EACH TIME AFTER REPAIR IT ONLY TOOK ONE WASH TO SET OFF THE WARNING). MECHANISM CLEARLY IS AFFECTED BY WATER INTRUSION. GOOD THING IS HEADLAMP STILL WORKS AND CAR RUNS FINE. BAD THING IS THAT PROPER REPAIR IS EXORBITANT AND ADAPTIVE HEADLAMP WARNING LAMP IS BLOCKING OTHER KEY DISPLAY INFORMATION -- TIME, TEMPERATURE, RADIO STATION INFO, STATUS OF BLUETOOTH. VERY ANNOYING AND DEALER SAYS THERE'S NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE WITHOUT REPAIRING THE HEADLIGHT. I FEEL LIKE I AM ALMOST BEING FORCED TO MAKE THE REPAIR SIMPLY TO RESTORE VEHICLE DASHBOARD INFORMATION. AGAIN, HEADLAMP WORKS, JUST NOT THE ADAPTIVE MECHANISM. I WANTED ERROR "CODED OUT" BUT DEALER REFUSED SAYING IT MUST BE REPAIRED.
NHTSA ODI #10846267
44,100 miles · Nov 11, 2015
Air BagsSeat Belts
AIR BAG LIGHT WAS ON ALL THE TIME. POSSIBLE LOOSE CONTACT PIN TENSION FOR LEFT SIDE AIRBAG CIRCUIT. DRIVERS SEAT AIRBAG CONTACTS ON WIRING HARNESS SIDE HAD TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI #10789829
58,000 miles · Aug 28, 2015
Wheels
THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL WAS CRACKED AT 5 PLACES AROUND THE CIRCUMFERENCE AND LOST TIRE PRESSURE, DISCOVERED BY COSTCO TIRE CENTER IN EVERETT WASHINGTON WHEN BROUGHT IT IN, IN AUGUST 2014, THINKING THAT THE TIRE GOT A NAIL. BMW SEATTLE DECLINED TO COVER THE TIRE BY WARRANTY STATING THAT I BOUGHT IN 2009 AND IT IS ABOVE 5 YEARS SO N…
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THE REAR RIGHT WHEEL WAS CRACKED AT 5 PLACES AROUND THE CIRCUMFERENCE AND LOST TIRE PRESSURE, DISCOVERED BY COSTCO TIRE CENTER IN EVERETT WASHINGTON WHEN BROUGHT IT IN, IN AUGUST 2014, THINKING THAT THE TIRE GOT A NAIL. BMW SEATTLE DECLINED TO COVER THE TIRE BY WARRANTY STATING THAT I BOUGHT IN 2009 AND IT IS ABOVE 5 YEARS SO NO WARRANTY ON IT, I HAD TO BUY THE AFTER MARKET SET OF RIMS (VMR MODEL 701) THAT DOES NOT FIT TOTALLY WITH THE CAR AND WOULD LIKE TO REVERT TO USE THE ORIGINAL SET WITH A REPLACED REAR RIGHT RIM. I TOOK PICTURES AND SENT IN 2 DAYS AGO TO BMW AS THE SET OF RIMS I BOUGHT FOR THE CAR DO NOT REALLY FIT. THE ORIGINAL CRACKED RIM HAS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AS SHOWN IN MY PHOTOS TAKEN FROM INSIDE THE RIM LOOKING OUT: THE ALUMINUM MATERIAL SHOW A RIDDLE IRREGULARITY AT SEVERAL PLACES. BMW CALLS ME TODAY TO RE-ITERATE THE REFUSAL FOR THE RIM REPLACEMENT.
NHTSA ODI #10759946
52,867 miles · Jun 27, 2015
Fuel/propulsion System
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND THE WATER PUMP WENT OUT. THE CAR OVERHEATED AND THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON TELLING ME TO TURN THE CAR OFF. BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER THE CAR STALLED AND I WAS UNABLE TO PROPEL IT FORWARD ANY LONGER. I PULLED OVER AND HAD TO GET IT TOWED.
NHTSA ODI #10730810
30,000 miles · Dec 9, 2014
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 135I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LED TAIL LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE MANUFACTURERS RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURE. T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 135I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LED TAIL LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE MANUFACTURERS RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
NHTSA ODI #10663118
38,000 miles · Nov 7, 2013
Wheels
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 135I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ALLOY WHEELS HAD CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN VERIFIED THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE WHEELS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 135I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ALLOY WHEELS HAD CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN VERIFIED THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE WHEELS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 38,000.
NHTSA ODI #10551413
2,000 miles · May 24, 2013
Fuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 135 I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILED. THE HIGH PRESSURE PUMP WAS REPLACED TWICE, HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND EXTENDED THE MANU…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 135 I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILED. THE HIGH PRESSURE PUMP WAS REPLACED TWICE, HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND EXTENDED THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 34,000.
NHTSA ODI #10513405
50,000 miles · Feb 6, 2013
Wheels
WENT TO HAVE A 'SLOW LEAK' FIXED (PASSENGER REAR), AND THEY DISCOVERED I HAVE A CRACK ON THE INSIDE OF THE RIM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10496577
Official recalls
4Jan 15, 2020
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Aug 6, 2019
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2012 BMW 128i, 135i, 135is Coupes and 128i, 135i Convertible vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors in the blower-regulator wiring harness may overheat.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the blower-regulator wiring harness, and replace it with a new part, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of an earlier recall number 17V-676.
Feb 5, 2016
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Feb 7, 2013
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Electrical System
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Illustration