NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
45 reports84,000 miles · Jul 29, 2021
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
The contact owns a 2009 BMW M3. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the driver’s and passenger’s side turn signal failed to illuminate. Additionally, the headlights and dashboard lights would flicker on and off. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the electrical wiring insulation was frayed and damaged. The cause…
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The contact owns a 2009 BMW M3. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the driver’s and passenger’s side turn signal failed to illuminate. Additionally, the headlights and dashboard lights would flicker on and off. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the electrical wiring insulation was frayed and damaged. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
NHTSA ODI #11427001
45,000 miles · Mar 17, 2020
Air Bags
I RECEIVED A RECALL FOR THE AIRBAG ON MY CAR. I CONTACTED BMW TO REPLACE BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPLACE AT THAT TIME. I HAVE TRIED TO CONTACT THEM SINCE TO ARRANGE REPLACEMENT AND THEY HAVE NOT RETURNED MY CALLS.
NHTSA ODI #11318530
Mileage unknown · Jan 5, 2018
Air Bags
TAKATA RECALL - I HAVE BEEN WAITING 2 YEARS TO HAVE THIS RECALL DONE. I WAS ONCE SCHEDULED TO GET THE SERVICE AND THEN AFTER I DROPPED OFF THE CAR THEY CALLED ME BACK AND STATED THAT THEY DIDNT HAVE THE PART IN.
NHTSA ODI #11060803
67,000 miles · Jul 4, 2017
Engine
TAKATA RECALL DRIVING MY CAR FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES ON THE LOCAL STREET AND STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, LIGHT TURNS GREEN, I TRY TO ACCELERATE AND ENGINE FELT SLUGGISH AND SHUTS OFF. TOWED THE CAR TO MRF ENGINEERING AND CAR NEEDED AN "ENGINE REPLACEMENT" AS MY ROD BEARINGS CAUSED THE ENGINE TO FAIL. COSTED ROUGHLY AROUND $19,000 IN P…
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TAKATA RECALL DRIVING MY CAR FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES ON THE LOCAL STREET AND STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, LIGHT TURNS GREEN, I TRY TO ACCELERATE AND ENGINE FELT SLUGGISH AND SHUTS OFF. TOWED THE CAR TO MRF ENGINEERING AND CAR NEEDED AN "ENGINE REPLACEMENT" AS MY ROD BEARINGS CAUSED THE ENGINE TO FAIL. COSTED ROUGHLY AROUND $19,000 IN PARTS AND LABOR.
NHTSA ODI #11002983
58,500 miles · May 23, 2017
Electrical System
VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS WERE DEAD DESPITE A GOOD BATTERY. WAS SOLVED BY REMOVING GLOVE BOX AND FUS BOX AND PUSHING ON THE BATTERY CABLE THAT GOES INTO THE FUSE BOX TO GET A CONNECTION. THIS IS A KNOW ISSUE FOR BMW AND A RECALL WAS ISSUED ON OTHER 3-SERIES VEHICLES (2007 - 2011) WITH THE SAME PART NUM…
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VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS WERE DEAD DESPITE A GOOD BATTERY. WAS SOLVED BY REMOVING GLOVE BOX AND FUS BOX AND PUSHING ON THE BATTERY CABLE THAT GOES INTO THE FUSE BOX TO GET A CONNECTION. THIS IS A KNOW ISSUE FOR BMW AND A RECALL WAS ISSUED ON OTHER 3-SERIES VEHICLES (2007 - 2011) WITH THE SAME PART NUMBERS, BUT WILL NOT COVER M3. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS LOSS OF POWER TO FUSE BOX WHILE DRIVING CAN SHUT DOWN THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI #10991274
Mileage unknown · Apr 5, 2017
Air Bags
I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR OVER ONE YEAR FOR MY RECALL TO BE PERFORMED BY MY LOCAL BMW SERVICE CENTER. I RECEIVED A LETTER STATING IT WAS GOING TO BE TAKEN CARE OF IN MAY OF 2016 (LETTER WAS DATED MARCH OF 2016). I DRIVE MY CAR ON A DAILY BASIS AND RUN THE RISK OF INJURY DUE TO THE DEFECTIVE AIRBAG. I WILL NOT ALLOW FAMILY MEMBERS…
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I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR OVER ONE YEAR FOR MY RECALL TO BE PERFORMED BY MY LOCAL BMW SERVICE CENTER. I RECEIVED A LETTER STATING IT WAS GOING TO BE TAKEN CARE OF IN MAY OF 2016 (LETTER WAS DATED MARCH OF 2016). I DRIVE MY CAR ON A DAILY BASIS AND RUN THE RISK OF INJURY DUE TO THE DEFECTIVE AIRBAG. I WILL NOT ALLOW FAMILY MEMBERS TO DRIVE MY DANGEROUS VEHICLE AND NOW WORRIED I HAVE TO SELL MY CAR. IF I SELL MY CAR I SHALL DIVULGE THAT THERE IS A RECALL BY BMW AND THAT IT HAS NOT BEEN PERFORMED. I CANNOT DRIVE THIS VEHICLE ANYLONGER.
NHTSA ODI #10970756
Mileage unknown · Dec 13, 2016
Air Bags
TAKATA RECALL - I RECEIVED NOTICE OF MY DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR BUT THE BMW STILL DOES NOT HAVE THE PART. THIS CAR IS MY DAILY DRIVER AND I DO NOT HAVE THE LUXURY TO HAVE A SECOND CAR. I AM DRIVING A CAR THAT IS PUTTING MY LIFE AT RISK. BMW STATES THEY DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH, YET THEY HAVE PLENTY TO SELL MIL…
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TAKATA RECALL - I RECEIVED NOTICE OF MY DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR BUT THE BMW STILL DOES NOT HAVE THE PART. THIS CAR IS MY DAILY DRIVER AND I DO NOT HAVE THE LUXURY TO HAVE A SECOND CAR. I AM DRIVING A CAR THAT IS PUTTING MY LIFE AT RISK. BMW STATES THEY DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH, YET THEY HAVE PLENTY TO SELL MILLIONS OF NEW CARS. I FIND THIS ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS! MY WIFE'S TOYOTA WAS ALSO RECALLED AND IT TOOK A FEW MONTHS TO GET REPLACED, BUT NOT BMW. I WOULD LIKE TO SUGGEST A CHANGE TO RECALLS WHERE MANUFACTURES WOULD HAVE TO STOP OR REDUCE THE PRODUCTION NUMBERS OF NEW CARS FOR UNTIL ALL RECALLS HAVE BEEN SATISFIED FOR EXTREMELY DANGEROUS RECALLS. MAYBE THEN WE CAN HAVE MANUFACTURES TAKE THE ISSUE SERIOUSLY.
NHTSA ODI #10935144
65,000 miles · Dec 9, 2016
Air Bags
TAKATA RECALL HASN'T HAPPENED. WHAT IS THE PROBLEM. I GUESS IF YOU WAIT WE WON'T BE ABLE TO COMPLAIN AFTER IT KILLS US IN AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI #10934034
44,300 miles · Oct 21, 2016
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineService Brakes
THE CAR SUDDENLY VIBRATED AND THE WHEELS LOCKED UP AND SKIDDED SLIGHTLY SIDEWAYS BEFORE GOING INTO A REDUCED POWER MODE. IF IT HAD BEEN RAINING OR SNOWING, OR AT A HIGHER SPEED ON HIGHWAY THE SITUATION COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY. I HAD THE CAR TAKEN TO THE DEALER. I WAS TOLD A THE THROTTLE ACTUATOR VALVE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CAR HAS …
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THE CAR SUDDENLY VIBRATED AND THE WHEELS LOCKED UP AND SKIDDED SLIGHTLY SIDEWAYS BEFORE GOING INTO A REDUCED POWER MODE. IF IT HAD BEEN RAINING OR SNOWING, OR AT A HIGHER SPEED ON HIGHWAY THE SITUATION COULD HAVE BEEN DEADLY. I HAD THE CAR TAKEN TO THE DEALER. I WAS TOLD A THE THROTTLE ACTUATOR VALVE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CAR HAS ONLY 44K MILES BUT HAS SURPASSED THE 4 YEARS OF WARRANTY. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THOUSANDS OF CARS AFFECTED. BMW REFUSES TO RECALL AND REPAIR THE ITEM IF THE CAR IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THE COST FOR REPAIR IS $3000.00 THE PART ALONE IS $1200.00 WHICH I WAS QUOTED. MY VEHICLE IS ALSO AFFECTED BY THE TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL.
NHTSA ODI #10917999
Mileage unknown · May 4, 2016
Air Bags
TAKATA RECALL, REPLACEMENT AIR BAGS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. BMW HAS NO IDEA WHEN THEY WILL BE. THIS IS NOT RIGHT, I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO DRIVE THIS CAR WITH THIS DEFECT.
NHTSA ODI #10863153
Official recalls
5Jan 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.
Jun 19, 2019
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009 328i and 328xi, 2009-2011 335d, 2008-2012 M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible, and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. The connection of the positive battery cable at the fuse box terminal may degrade, resulting in an intermittent loss of electrical power.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and secure the positive battery cable connector, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of a previous recall, number 18V-314.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009 328i and 328xi, 2009-2011 335d, 2008-2012 M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible, and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. The connection of the positive battery cable at the fuse box terminal may degrade, resulting in an intermittent loss of electrical power.
Consequence: A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and secure the positive battery cable connector, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of a previous recall, number 18V-314.
Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009 328i and 328xi, 2009-2011 335d, 2008-2012 M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible, and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. The connection of the positive battery cable at the fuse box terminal may degrade, resulting in an intermittent loss of electrical power.
Consequence: A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and secure the positive battery cable connector, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of a previous recall, number 18V-314.
Electrical System
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009 328i and 328xi, 2009-2011 335d, 2008-2012 M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible, and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. The connection of the positive battery cable at the fuse box terminal may degrade, resulting in an intermittent loss of electrical power.
Consequence: A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and secure the positive battery cable connector, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of a previous recall, number 18V-314.
Oct 25, 2017
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system 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 replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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.
Nov 14, 2008
BMW IS RECALLING 2,500 MY 2008-2009 M3 PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH AN OPTIONAL DOUBLE CLUTCH TRANSMISSION. THE PROBLEM INVOLVES THE DOUBLE CLUTCH GEARBOX. IN A SITUATION OF RAPID VEHICLE DECELERATION, THE TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE MAY PERFORM A MULTISTAGE DOWNSHIFT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THAT SITUATION, AT LOW VEHICLE SPEEDS, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE ENGINE TO STALL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT WITH UPDATED SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 3, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
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.
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