IllustrationHave been waiting since March to get Safety Recall No. 21V-907:EGR Cooler completed. BMW of Henderson is the dealership. I called BMW customer relations and they told me each dealer is independently owned and they can’t do anything for me. This dealership is notorious for poor service.
2014 BMW 328D
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all 328D years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
110–25K
1025–50K
2250–75K
1975–100K
17100–150K
9150K+
88 reports with mileage · 63 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Engine. Review the 57 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 47 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Fuel System, Diesel. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
5 crash reports11 fire reports1 injury reports
What owners actually said
151 reportsDriving vehicle home from work and it completely lost power and died. ""Drivetrain Malfunction" error popped up on the screen. Vehicle would crank but not start. Towed to repair shop. High Pressure Fuel Pump issue is on the radar for 2014 BMW 328D, BMW has recalled less than 12000 cars. My vehicle is not currently on the recall …
Read full complaint
Driving vehicle home from work and it completely lost power and died. ""Drivetrain Malfunction" error popped up on the screen. Vehicle would crank but not start. Towed to repair shop. High Pressure Fuel Pump issue is on the radar for 2014 BMW 328D, BMW has recalled less than 12000 cars. My vehicle is not currently on the recall list.
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328D. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was exhaust fumes inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the engine was flushed; however, the failure recurred. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, D…
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328D. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was exhaust fumes inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the engine was flushed; however, the failure recurred. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.
While driving on the freeway at a high rate of speed in Pensacola, FL, my 2014 BMW 328d broke down. After several attempts to restart, the car was started in "limp mode" and we took it to a certified independent BMW mechanic, but could only drive at about 20mph in traffic with hazard lights flashing. Multiple error codes / mecha…
Read full complaint
While driving on the freeway at a high rate of speed in Pensacola, FL, my 2014 BMW 328d broke down. After several attempts to restart, the car was started in "limp mode" and we took it to a certified independent BMW mechanic, but could only drive at about 20mph in traffic with hazard lights flashing. Multiple error codes / mechanic inspection diagnosed a malfunction of the exhaust system overheating, which was melting the intake manifold. We towed the car the BMW dealership in Fort Walton Beach, FL. The service technician confirmed the problem in writing, "The tech did find the intake melted." Also, the vehicle had been losing coolant for several weeks, but the coolant was not dripping onto the ground, indicating a leak within the system. Here is where my problems begin. There are several recalls and an extended warranty that would would fix the issue, as the independent mechanic told me. They are: 1) Recall Campaign 18V-755: Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Cooler Inspection; 2) Recall 21V-907: Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Cooler N57T High Temperature; 3) SIB 01 05 20: N47T/N57T EGR Cooler Ltd Wty Extension to 10 years without mileage limit. My car was built to US spec, and sold via U.S. Military sales in Germany (I'm Active Duty USAF). I was relocated to Florida, and brought the car with me. When this happened, I was told to register my car with BMW North America to get into their warranty validation system, and I did so. However, my car does not show up as needing any recalls or warranty work, likely because it was sold in Europe. As such, the dealer wants me to pay in excess of $3,000 to fix the problem. Both an independent mechanic and dealer technician have identified the previously-known safety problems as the cause of my car's breakdown on the freeway. I am in desperate need of help to get this fixed, as I've had to rent a car for weeks, and multiple calls to BMW North America and dealership visits have produced zero progress.
DEF SCR Active Tank Fluid Level sensor fails. BMW requires entire replacement of the Active Tank for $1200 parts + $1500 for labor. This is a ridiculous repair since Volkswagen sells a repair kit for the Active Tank fluid sensor for just ~$300 in their diesel. Given the high failure rates of the Active Tank fluid sensor prese…
Read full complaint
DEF SCR Active Tank Fluid Level sensor fails. BMW requires entire replacement of the Active Tank for $1200 parts + $1500 for labor. This is a ridiculous repair since Volkswagen sells a repair kit for the Active Tank fluid sensor for just ~$300 in their diesel. Given the high failure rates of the Active Tank fluid sensor present throughout BMW diesel line-up in the USA, BMW should instead provide a repair kit to avoid such an expensive repair. The 335d and X5d had such high failure rates of the active tanks, that the extended warranties were provided to owners 120K/10years.
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328D. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired…
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328D. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced again. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer to be serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V907000 (Fuel System, Diesel). The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving at an undisclosed speed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that further inspection of the high-pressure fuel pump was required. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.
I recently got the EGR cooler replaced as part of the recall campaign safety issue, after my repair, a very strong smell of fuel and exhaust was coming into my car cabin, when I reported to BMW they said it should burn off - that it wasn’t an issue. I took it a master technician to diagnose and inspect my car and he found that t…
Read full complaint
I recently got the EGR cooler replaced as part of the recall campaign safety issue, after my repair, a very strong smell of fuel and exhaust was coming into my car cabin, when I reported to BMW they said it should burn off - that it wasn’t an issue. I took it a master technician to diagnose and inspect my car and he found that the turbo waster gate was leaking caused by all of the buildup of carbon and soot from a faulty EGR cooler. I brought this up to the dealership, and they said unfortunately this problem is not covered. I’m escalating this issue because this is a majority safety and health risk, and BMW is not taking responsibility to fix the problem.
From purchasing this vehicle form Autohaus of Orlando, there was no such mention of this open safety recall at all. In fact, I believe the Check Engine Light had been tampered with, as it was not on, but immediately came on a couple days later. On the CARFAX, it is listed as a Manufacturer Safety Recall on 11/19/2021: "- Recall…
Read full complaint
From purchasing this vehicle form Autohaus of Orlando, there was no such mention of this open safety recall at all. In fact, I believe the Check Engine Light had been tampered with, as it was not on, but immediately came on a couple days later. On the CARFAX, it is listed as a Manufacturer Safety Recall on 11/19/2021: "- Recall #21V-907:404 - EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) COOLER - Status: Remedy Not Available - Need more information about this recall? Find an authorized BMW dealer, email CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com, or call 1-800- 525-7417" 200 miles from the car dealership, the car broke down as it was rapidly leaking engine coolant, it was inoperable and ran very hot, creating the potential cause of a fire. I had to take it to the nearest BMW dealership, which was BMW of Albany in Albany, GA. They fixed the coolant leak hose, which appears to be related to the open recall, and made note of the open recall. But did nothing to fix it. It was one day after the service from their shop where the check engine light came on, and I asked them about it, and Caroline from BMW Albany said: "Spoke to the technician, it says it is probably related to the recall for your vehicle that there isn't a fix for (the open recall you and I had discussed on the vehicle)- he says you could clear the code but it would probably just come back on with time. He says its also difficult to tell from that fault code --Caroline Eva BMW of Albany" I asked "what should I do about it" and got no response back. Message even says "read" On 8/31/2022, I took it into Fields BMW in Daytona Beach, FL for a separate service, and they did not fix this issue either. On NHTSA.gov, it states the following: "If the manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for your vehicle in a timely manner, please contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at: 1-888-327-4236 or TTY: 1-800-424-9153 or file an online complaint with NHTSA." There has been no remedy in over a year and a half.
SCR Active Tank no longer reads Urea, BMW ISTA diagnostic code 805256 8051B5--Return pump: taught in volume is outside the permitted range
OEM wheels had been taken off for winter and stored outside under cover. They had been fine when taken off. When put back on, one was found to have low pressure. It was pumped to proper inflation. The next day while driving, the low pressure warning went off. The wheel was checked and ~1" crack was found from the inboard outer e…
Read full complaint
OEM wheels had been taken off for winter and stored outside under cover. They had been fine when taken off. When put back on, one was found to have low pressure. It was pumped to proper inflation. The next day while driving, the low pressure warning went off. The wheel was checked and ~1" crack was found from the inboard outer edge of the rim toward the center. Rim is a 17"x7.5 BMW alloy wheel that came with the car. There was no damage to the tire, which had been put on about 7000 miles earlier. Wheel had about 120000 miles. Safety concern is from unexpected loss of air pressure putting tire at risk of excessive wear and failure.
Official recalls
724V527000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Jul 11, 2024
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2015 6 Series Gran Coupe, 2014 5 Series Gran Turismo, 2014 5 Series Sedan, 2015 6 Series Convertible, 2015 6 Series Coupe, 2014 X5, 2013-2014 X3, 2014-2015 3 Series Sedan, 2014 4 Series Coupe, 2014 4 Series Convertible, 2014 3 Series Gran Turismo, and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury or death.
Remedy: The driver's front air bag will be replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
24V288000 · Air Bags:side/window
Apr 24, 2024
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive, M3, 328d, 328d xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive, M4), and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive) vehicles. The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, an inflator that leaks gas may only partially inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the head air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
21V907000 · Fuel System, Diesel
Nov 19, 2021
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon, 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV, and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV diesel vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. The EGR cooler may leak internally, causing coolant to mix with diesel engine soot, which could result in smoldering particles and a melting intake manifold.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A melting intake manifold increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the EGR cooler and inspect the intake manifold, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 18V-755. Vehicles previously recalled under 18V-755 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall. An interim owner notification letter was mailed on January 18, 2022. The remedy is expected to be available in June 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 6, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
21V586000 · Fuel System, Diesel:delivery:fuel Pump
Jul 29, 2021
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, X5 xDrive35d, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, and 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d vehicles. The high-pressure fuel pump may fail.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 14, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
20V185000 · Power Train:driveline:constant Velocity Joint
Mar 26, 2020
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2016 328d xDrive sedans and 2013-2015 328d xDrive station wagon vehicles. The constant-velocity joint which transfers power between the transfer case and the rear drive shaft, may become damaged, possibly resulting in loss of power to the rear wheels.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A loss of power to the rear wheels can affect vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the vehicle is parked after a loss of power to the rear wheels and the parking brake is not engaged, unintended rollaway can occur, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the constant-velocity joint and inspect the transfer case, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 22, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
18V755000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:gas Recirculation Valve (egr Valve)
Oct 25, 2018
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 BMW 328d and 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon and 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d and 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. If the EGR cooler leaks internally, the coolant can mix with diesel engine soot. The high EGR temperatures may result in these particles possibly smoldering and melting the intake manifold.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The melting intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the EGR cooler as necessary. If a leak has already occurred, the engine intake manifold will also be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
15V520000 · Exterior Lighting
Aug 17, 2015
BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, and ActiveHybrid3 vehicles manufactured October 20, 2011, to June 22, 2015, 2014-2015 328xi Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured March 21, 2013, to March 17, 2015, 2014-2015 328d, 328xd vehicles manufactured June 28, 2013, to April 21, 2015, and 2014-2015 328xd Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured July 5, 2013, to April 21, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the front side marker lights inoperative in conjunction with the parking lights or the headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or by email 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
2EA23001 · High Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
Opened Mar 17, 2023 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Diesel:delivery:fuel Pump
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-021 on October 14, 2021, to investigate incidents alleging a stall/loss of motive power as a result of high-pressure fuel pump failures in certain model year (MY) 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 heavy duty trucks equipped with 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel engines. During the investigation, ODI sought to determine if the related defect allegation was limited in scope to the recalled population. After review of information request response materials from both FCA and BMW, NHTSA determined that sufficient information to identify a comprehensive recall population could not be produced by FCA and BMW.During the investigation FCA filed recalls 22V406, 22E048, 22V767, and 22E087 which include vehicles not identified in the initial subject population by ODI. ODI also received recall 21V586, involving loss of motive power due to failed CP4 fuel pumps on certain BMW manufactured vehicles. An information request letter response received from BMW indicated that failed pumps on their vehicles were caused by an interaction between pump internal components and US market diesel fuel, leading to increased slip and eventual particle-generating wear surface. Additional work will be done to identify whether a similar root cause is associated with the FCA recalled population and if similar wear dynamics occur on pumps supplied to vehicle manufacturers other than those included in the recalled population.ODI has upgraded this investigation to an EA in order to 1) determine engineering specifications of internal pump components that are correlated with pump failure leading to loss of motive power or other safety related hazards, 2) identify vehicle populations equipped with alleged defective pump variants, 3) assess if vehicles equipped with alleged defective pump variants result in an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety and 4) gather and review any other relevant information related to high pressure fuel pump failure associated with the subject populations of recalls 21V586, 21V880, 21E094, 22V406, 22E048, 22V767, and 22E087.Review of the above information will allow NHTSA to confirm root cause and recall remedy viability, and identify and evaluate vehicle populations equipped with pump components that may pose an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID using the following complaint identification numbers: 11257550, 11351441, 11361603, 11361616, 11365300, 11365426, 11365858, 11366401, 11372337, 11373793, 11374797, 11376793, 11377871, 11378173, 11384377, 11386063, 11387018, 11399710, 11402550, 11415339, 11418868, 11418870, 11427075, 11434276, 11436807, 11437226, 11437249, 11437273, 11437292, 11437294, 11437394, 11437399, 11437403, 11437405, 11437423, 11437528, 11437565, 11437579, 11437580, 11437590, 11437679, 11437744, 11437781, 11437842, 11437993, 11438006, 11438008, 11438121, 11438138, 11438155, 11438392, 11438629, 11439359, 11439879, 11440397, 11443030, 11446542, 11448163, 11453556, 11458918, 11460558, 11469337
EA21002 · 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.