NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
59 reports117,000 miles · Jun 14, 2019
Engine
MY VEHICLE HAS THE COMMONLY AND POPULARLY KNOWN WEEP HOLE COOLANT LEAK. APPARENTLY, BMW HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM IN PREVIOUS YEAR MODEL CARS, DATING BACK TO 2002. THEY HAVE KNOWN THAT THIS WAS A FLAW IN THEIR DESIGN. HOWEVER, THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALLS ON THE REPAIR OF THIS ISSUE, WHICH COSTS OWNERS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR LABOR ALO…
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MY VEHICLE HAS THE COMMONLY AND POPULARLY KNOWN WEEP HOLE COOLANT LEAK. APPARENTLY, BMW HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM IN PREVIOUS YEAR MODEL CARS, DATING BACK TO 2002. THEY HAVE KNOWN THAT THIS WAS A FLAW IN THEIR DESIGN. HOWEVER, THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALLS ON THE REPAIR OF THIS ISSUE, WHICH COSTS OWNERS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FOR LABOR ALONE FOR A RATHER 'INEXPENSIVE' PART. IT WOULD ONLY BE FAIR FOR BMW TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS COMMONLY KNOWN ISSUE THAT SEEMS TO AFFECT HUNDREDS OF OWNERS OF BMWS WITH THE SAME ENGINES. THE COOLANT LEAKS ON THE FRONT SIDE OF THE ENGINE THROUGH A RANDOM HOLE AROUND THE ENGINE. IT IS A RATHER COSTLY FIX DUE TO SEVERAL COMPONENTS NEEDING TO BE REMOVED BEFORE ONE CAN GET TO THE BROKEN PART TO BE REPLACED. IT IS UNFAIR FOR CURRENT OWNERS TO HAVE TO PAY SIGNIFICANTLY FOR A CAR THAT HAS A MAJOR DESIGN FLAW. VERY UNHAPPY WITH THIS CURRENT UNFORTUNATE DISCOVERY. MY CAR SUDDENLY LEAKED ALL THE COOLANT OUT OF THE CAR AND INTO THE ROAD AND MY DRIVEWAY. THANKFULLY I WAS ALMOST HOME WHEN IT BROKE DOWN. I COULD HAVE BEEN IN THE FREEWAY OR ON THE STREET AND IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A RISK OF GETTING HIT BY OTHER CARS IF MY CAR JUST SUDDENLY STALLED. AND I WAS DRIVING WITH BABY ON BOARD! I SUGGEST THIS BE INVESTIGATED, AS IT'S AN ISSUE THAT'S APPARENTLY VERY COMMON IN THE N62 ENGINES.
NHTSA ODI #11220177
90,000 miles · Dec 7, 2018
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
I'M GETTING WARNING LIGHTS ON MY DASH STATING MY TAILLIGHTS ARE OUT. I CHECKED BOTH TAILLIGHTS AND THE HOUSING THAT HOLDS THE BULBS ARE MELTED THROUGH. THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE THAT CAUSES THE BULBS TO OVERHEAT POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE. THIS HAPPENS IN PARK OR DRIVE. THE TAILLIGHTS WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED AND SOME TYPE …
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I'M GETTING WARNING LIGHTS ON MY DASH STATING MY TAILLIGHTS ARE OUT. I CHECKED BOTH TAILLIGHTS AND THE HOUSING THAT HOLDS THE BULBS ARE MELTED THROUGH. THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE THAT CAUSES THE BULBS TO OVERHEAT POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE. THIS HAPPENS IN PARK OR DRIVE. THE TAILLIGHTS WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED AND SOME TYPE OF CODING OR RESISTER WILL NEED TO BE INSTALLED TO PREVENT THEM FROM OVERHEATING AGAIN
NHTSA ODI #11156823
90,000 miles · Sep 22, 2018
Electrical System
INSTRUMENT PANEL IS NOR WORKING PROPERLY. UNABLE TO SET TIME AND DATE SERVICE SCHEDULE ETC. SOFTWARE IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DEFINITELY HAS DEFLECTS. CD IS NOT WORKING TOO. THESE PROBLEMS OCCYRS TWO YEARS AGO AND STILL REMAIN. *TT
NHTSA ODI #11130757
46 miles · May 21, 2017
Air BagsStructureWheelsCrashInjury
TAKATA RECALL I WAS IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT ON THE INTERSTATE GOING DOWNWARD ON THE RAMP WITH MY 2007 X5. MY TIRE BLEW OFF THE RIM CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL AND EVENTUALLY STRIKE THE SIDE WALL. WAS WEARING SEAT BELT DURING ACCIDENT,SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN ME AND HEAD HIT WINDSHIELD. DEBRIS FROM AIRBAG IN STEERING WHEEL CUT ME…
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TAKATA RECALL I WAS IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT ON THE INTERSTATE GOING DOWNWARD ON THE RAMP WITH MY 2007 X5. MY TIRE BLEW OFF THE RIM CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL AND EVENTUALLY STRIKE THE SIDE WALL. WAS WEARING SEAT BELT DURING ACCIDENT,SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN ME AND HEAD HIT WINDSHIELD. DEBRIS FROM AIRBAG IN STEERING WHEEL CUT ME IN VARIOUS PLACES. NOT ALL OF MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, ONLY STEERING WHEEL AND CURTAIN. SECOND ACCIDENT WITH A BMW TRUCK WHERE EITHER ONLY A FEW DEPLOYED OR NONE AT ALL. THIS ISSUE REALLY CAUSED A SAFETY CONCERN WITH ME BECAUSE I WAS PREGNANT AT THE TIME OF ACCIDENT AND WASN'T FULLY PROTECTED AT ALL. BMW ARE TOO GOOD OF CARS FOR THIS MAJOR FLAW. ALSO, I CONTACTED BMW AROUND DECEMBER 2015 IN REFERENCE TO RECALL AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY WOULD CALL WHEN THE PART CAME IN. CONTACTED THEM MULTIPLE TIMES AFTERWARDS AND WAS TOLD BMW STILL HASN'T SENT PART OUT. ...UPDATED 06/13/17 *BF UPDATED 09/19/217*JS
NHTSA ODI #10990820
100,921 miles · Apr 26, 2017
Electrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed Control
VEHICLE KEEPS STALLING AND ACCELERATING SHUTS OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING MAINLY IN THE CITY I COULD B TURNING OR DRIVING STRAIGHT AND SHUTS OFF AND TAKES AWHILE TO RESTART...ELECTRICAL WIRING KEEPS SHORTING OUT SUNROOF SHORTS OUT AND TAIL LIGHT KEEPS BURNING OUT...I TOOK IT TO DEALER PAID $5000 AND SAME PROBLEM …
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VEHICLE KEEPS STALLING AND ACCELERATING SHUTS OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING MAINLY IN THE CITY I COULD B TURNING OR DRIVING STRAIGHT AND SHUTS OFF AND TAKES AWHILE TO RESTART...ELECTRICAL WIRING KEEPS SHORTING OUT SUNROOF SHORTS OUT AND TAIL LIGHT KEEPS BURNING OUT...I TOOK IT TO DEALER PAID $5000 AND SAME PROBLEM CONTINUES TO OCCUR
NHTSA ODI #10980933
101,000 miles · Mar 19, 2017
EnginePower TrainService Brakes
VEHICLE EXPERIENCES DSC AND AWD AND 4X4 MALFUNCTION WHILE DRIVING. WHEN THE ERROR OCCURS WITH GAS PEDAL DEPRESSED, CAR WILL HESITATE BY GOING INTO NEUTRAL AND JUMPING BACK INTO DRIVE ACCOMPANIED BY ENGINE REVVING UP TO ABOVE 3000 RPM. WHEN THE ERROR OCCURS AND THE GAS IS NOT DEPRESSED, CAR WILL GO INTO NEUTRAL AND COAST, UNTIL I…
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VEHICLE EXPERIENCES DSC AND AWD AND 4X4 MALFUNCTION WHILE DRIVING. WHEN THE ERROR OCCURS WITH GAS PEDAL DEPRESSED, CAR WILL HESITATE BY GOING INTO NEUTRAL AND JUMPING BACK INTO DRIVE ACCOMPANIED BY ENGINE REVVING UP TO ABOVE 3000 RPM. WHEN THE ERROR OCCURS AND THE GAS IS NOT DEPRESSED, CAR WILL GO INTO NEUTRAL AND COAST, UNTIL I ENGAGE THE TRANSMISSION. IF THE CAR IS TRAVELING LESS THAN 5 MPH AND THE ERROR OCCURS, THEN THE CAR JERKS TO A HALT AND THE TRANSMISSION IS SWITCHED INTO PARK AUTOMATICALLY. THIS TYPICALLY HAPPENED IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. HAD DEALER DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, PRESUMED IT WAS DUE TO STEERING ANGLE SENSOR NEEDING TO BE REINITIALIZED, BUT THE ERROR STILL OCCURRED. OFTEN TIMES, WHEN I START MY CAR AND THE ERROR OCCURS PRIOR TO BE EVEN SELECTING A GEAR.
NHTSA ODI #10967064
95,000 miles · Mar 10, 2017
Fuel/propulsion System
RECEIVED RECALL LATER BACK IN DECEMBER 2016. CONTACTED STEVENS CREEK BMW IN SAN JOSE, CA MULTIPLE TIMES BUT ONLY RECEIVED VOICEMAIL SERVICE. LET NUMEROUS VOICE MESSAGE TO CALL BACK, BUT NEVER RECEIVED A CALL BACK ONCE. EVER SINCE, I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE RECALL. PRIVATE GARAGE HAS TOLD ME THE I…
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RECEIVED RECALL LATER BACK IN DECEMBER 2016. CONTACTED STEVENS CREEK BMW IN SAN JOSE, CA MULTIPLE TIMES BUT ONLY RECEIVED VOICEMAIL SERVICE. LET NUMEROUS VOICE MESSAGE TO CALL BACK, BUT NEVER RECEIVED A CALL BACK ONCE. EVER SINCE, I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE RECALL. PRIVATE GARAGE HAS TOLD ME THE IN-TANK FUEL PUMP NEEDS TO BE REPLACED ASAP. RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 16V-746.
NHTSA ODI #10960037
Mileage unknown · Sep 26, 2016
Air Bags
TAKATA RECALL. CONTACT HAS RECEIVED THREE LETTERS FROM MANUFACTURER ADVISING TO CONTACT DEALER FOR AN INTERIM REPAIR OF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR FAILURE. DEALER WAS UNAWARE OF RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 16V-071. DEALER SAYS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE AND CANNOT BE ORDERED. DEALER SAYS REPAIR KIT IS ISSUED SPECIFIC TO VIN AND THERE IS NOTHING …
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TAKATA RECALL. CONTACT HAS RECEIVED THREE LETTERS FROM MANUFACTURER ADVISING TO CONTACT DEALER FOR AN INTERIM REPAIR OF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR FAILURE. DEALER WAS UNAWARE OF RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 16V-071. DEALER SAYS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE AND CANNOT BE ORDERED. DEALER SAYS REPAIR KIT IS ISSUED SPECIFIC TO VIN AND THERE IS NOTHING TO DO BUT WAIT. PART HAS NOT FAILED YET BUT CONTACT FEARS DRIVING THE VEHICLE DUE TO RISK OF DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY AS DESCRIBED IN RECALL INVESTIGATION.
NHTSA ODI #10909670
Mileage unknown · Mar 31, 2016
Air Bags
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X5 SAV. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) AND THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE PARTS MIGHT NOT BECOME AVAILABLE FOR APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS TO A YEAR. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS ONLY SUPPLYING 100 PARTS PER MONTH. THE …
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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X5 SAV. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) AND THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE PARTS MIGHT NOT BECOME AVAILABLE FOR APPROXIMATELY SIX MONTHS TO A YEAR. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER WAS ONLY SUPPLYING 100 PARTS PER MONTH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE SO THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10852729
94,000 miles · Jan 8, 2016
EngineSuspension
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COIL SPRINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFAC…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COIL SPRINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
NHTSA ODI #10818927
Official recalls
5Mar 2, 2022
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
Remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. 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.
Feb 7, 2013
BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 X5 SAV vehicles, manufactured September 12, 2006, through March 18, 2010 and equipped with an 8-cylinder engine. The brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil into the hose. The contamination could result in a loss of power assist braking.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The loss of power assist in braking could increase stopping distance and lead to a vehicle crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake vacuum line with one that contains a check valve, free of charge. The recall began during March 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Service Brakes
BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 X5 SAV vehicles, manufactured September 12, 2006, through March 18, 2010 and equipped with an 8-cylinder engine. The brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil into the hose. The contamination could result in a loss of power assist braking.
Consequence: The loss of power assist in braking could increase stopping distance and lead to a vehicle crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake vacuum line with one that contains a check valve, free of charge. The recall began during March 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist
BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 X5 SAV vehicles, manufactured September 12, 2006, through March 18, 2010 and equipped with an 8-cylinder engine. The brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil into the hose. The contamination could result in a loss of power assist braking.
Consequence: The loss of power assist in braking could increase stopping distance and lead to a vehicle crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake vacuum line with one that contains a check valve, free of charge. The recall began during March 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Oct 12, 2007
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V8 ENGINES, IN CONDITIONS OF BELOW FREEZING TEMPERATURES COMBINED WITH LOW HUMIDITY, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE TO OCCUR AT THE FUEL RAILS. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE ENGINE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) COULD BE AFFECTED SO THAT ENGINE STALLING COULD RESULT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF STALLING WERE TO OCCUR, THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN VEHICLE SPEED OR ACCELERATE AND THE POWER STEERING COULD FAIL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL ATTACH TWO GROUND CABLES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 29, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Aug 29, 2007
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, "PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS." THE CAP OF THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR HAS BEEN DESIGNED IN ORDERTO RECOGNIZE A LOW FLUID LEVEL OF THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM BY TRIGGERING A RED WARNING LAMP IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. A SWITCH THAT IS ATTACHED TO THIS CAP COULD MALFUNCTION AT HIGH TEMPERATURES.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENED, THE RED WARNING LAMP IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WOULD NOT BE ACTIVATED. LOSS OF THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM MAY CAUSE INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR CAP FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2007. 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.
Illustration