NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes complaints
12 reportsClear category filter101,000 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…
Read full complaint
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
154,000 miles · Dec 10, 2015
Service BrakesCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, IT TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD AND FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT AND PAR…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, IT TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD AND FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT AND PARKING BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT, BRAKE BOOSTER, MASTER CYLINDER, AND FAULTY LIGHTS, AND SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 154,000.
NHTSA ODI #10809501
165,000 miles · Oct 31, 2015
Service Brakes
THE VEHICLE HAS NO BRAKES WHAT SO EVER. THE PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THE ONLY WAY TO GET IT TO STOP IS IF YOU PUT IT INTO NEUTRAL. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP D PATRICK, AND MATT HAS TOLD ME THAT THE RECALL REPLACEMENT PART WAS SERVICED A YEAR AND A HALF AGO (WHICH THE VEHICLE HAS SAT SINCE OCTOBER OF 2014…
Read full complaint
THE VEHICLE HAS NO BRAKES WHAT SO EVER. THE PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THE ONLY WAY TO GET IT TO STOP IS IF YOU PUT IT INTO NEUTRAL. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP D PATRICK, AND MATT HAS TOLD ME THAT THE RECALL REPLACEMENT PART WAS SERVICED A YEAR AND A HALF AGO (WHICH THE VEHICLE HAS SAT SINCE OCTOBER OF 2014) THAT EVEN THOUGH IT FAILED IT IS NOT COVERED. THERE IS A RED BRAKE LIGHT WARNING ON THE DASH, THEY SAID NO BRAKE FLUID CAME OUT DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER AND FAULTY LINES.
NHTSA ODI #10787398
73,000 miles · Oct 8, 2015
Service Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED FORCEFULLY NUMEROUS TIMES BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESUME IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V045000 …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED FORCEFULLY NUMEROUS TIMES BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESUME IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V045000 (SERVICE BRAKES, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) WHEN THE FAILURE HAD NOT YET BEEN EXPERIENCED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AFTER THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
NHTSA ODI #10780788
98,000 miles · Jul 16, 2015
Service Brakes
THE CAR LOOSES POWER TO BRAKE AND ALMOST CRASHED. THE BRAKES BECOME REALLY STIFF WHEN COMING TO A STOP AND NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU PUSH ON THEM IT DOES NOT STOP. I READ ONLINE OTHER PEOPLE HAVE CRASHED WITH THE SAME ISSUE. CALLED BMW BUT THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE,
NHTSA ODI #10734446
70,000 miles · Jan 4, 2015
Service Brakes
I HAVE THE SAME COMPLAINT THAT ANOTHER OWNER MADE UNDER NHTSA ID NUMBER 10483182. THE PLASTIC ROCKER SWITCH FOR THE ELECTROMECHANICAL PARKING/EMERGENCY BRAKE BROKE DURING THE COURSE OF NORMAL ACTUATION AND REQUIRED THE ENTIRE "EMF SWITCH" ASSEMBLY TO BE REPLACED IN ORDER TO RESUME OPERATION OF THE PARKING/EMERGENCY BRAKE. THIS S…
Read full complaint
I HAVE THE SAME COMPLAINT THAT ANOTHER OWNER MADE UNDER NHTSA ID NUMBER 10483182. THE PLASTIC ROCKER SWITCH FOR THE ELECTROMECHANICAL PARKING/EMERGENCY BRAKE BROKE DURING THE COURSE OF NORMAL ACTUATION AND REQUIRED THE ENTIRE "EMF SWITCH" ASSEMBLY TO BE REPLACED IN ORDER TO RESUME OPERATION OF THE PARKING/EMERGENCY BRAKE. THIS SWITCH APPEARS TO HAVE A DURABILITY ISSUE WHICH COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE TO BE STUCK WITH THE BRAKE SET ON OR UNABLE TO SET THE BRAKE WHEN NEEDED. WHEN I INQUIRED ABOUT ANY MODIFICATIONS TO THE SWITCH DESIGN THAT MIGHT ADDRESS THE MATTER GOING FORWARD I WAS INFORMED THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE DESIGN OF THE REPLACEMENT PART. IT SOUNDS LIKE THIS PART REMAINS APT TO FAIL PREMATURELY AND SUDDENLY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10669903
63,000 miles · Jun 19, 2014
Service Brakes
RECURRING "PARKING BRAKE MALFUNCTIONS" SINCE SUMMER 2012 WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. IT LEADS TO FAILURE TO ENGAGE PARKING BRAKE WHEN VEHICLE IS PUT IN PARK INCREASING RISK OF "ROLLING" AND IN SEVERAL INCIDENTS RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE NOT BEING ABLE TO MOVE WHEN PLACED INTO DRIVE REQUIRING MANUAL RELEASE OF PARKING BRAKE AN…
Read full complaint
RECURRING "PARKING BRAKE MALFUNCTIONS" SINCE SUMMER 2012 WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. IT LEADS TO FAILURE TO ENGAGE PARKING BRAKE WHEN VEHICLE IS PUT IN PARK INCREASING RISK OF "ROLLING" AND IN SEVERAL INCIDENTS RESULTING IN THE VEHICLE NOT BEING ABLE TO MOVE WHEN PLACED INTO DRIVE REQUIRING MANUAL RELEASE OF PARKING BRAKE AND LATER "REPAIR" BY BMW SERVICE CENTER WITH NO RESOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM . THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN INCREASING OVER THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10604504
94,000 miles · Dec 31, 2013
Service BrakesCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD ABNORMALLY WHEN DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY ST…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD ABNORMALLY WHEN DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
NHTSA ODI #10557996
30,000 miles · Jul 10, 2013
Service Brakes
ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE TOTALLY LOCK UP THE CAR. THE CAR IS TOTALLY LOCK UP, CAN'T MOVE FORWARD OR BACKWARD. HAVE TO BE TOW ON THE TOW TRUCK BED TO THE DEALER. THEY STATED IT NEEDS TO UPDATE THE CODING ON THE MODULE. THIS RE-OCCUR AGAIN ON 7/3/2013. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10524213
72,000 miles · May 1, 2013
Service Brakes
VACUUM PUMP 11667545384 NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AS IT WAS LEAKING OIL. OIL CAUSED INCREASE IN BRAKING DISTANCE, MAKING VEHICLE UNSAFE. THE RECALL 13V-045 ISSUED IN 2013 CALLED FOR VACUUM PIPE CHANGE AND NOT THE FAULTY VACUUM PUMP. VACUUM PUMP NEEDS TO BE PART OF THE RECALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10510207
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