NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
59 reports55,000 miles · Oct 26, 2014
Air BagsStructureCrashInjury
I WAS EXITING A PARKING GARAGE AND HIT A COLUMN, THE AIRBAG WENT OFF. I WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. I SUSTAINED A C1 NECK FRACTURE AND AN ABRASION ON MY FOREHEAD. I WAS IN A NECK COLLAR FOR 3 MONTHS WITH VERY LIMITED ACTIVITY AND NO DRIVING. MY CAR WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS. I AM PRESENTLY GOING TO PHYSICAL THERAPY 2-3 T…
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I WAS EXITING A PARKING GARAGE AND HIT A COLUMN, THE AIRBAG WENT OFF. I WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. I SUSTAINED A C1 NECK FRACTURE AND AN ABRASION ON MY FOREHEAD. I WAS IN A NECK COLLAR FOR 3 MONTHS WITH VERY LIMITED ACTIVITY AND NO DRIVING. MY CAR WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS. I AM PRESENTLY GOING TO PHYSICAL THERAPY 2-3 TIMES PER WEEK FOR MY NECK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10650165
74,605 miles · Oct 5, 2014
Engine
MY X5 BMW 2007 6 CYLINDER 3.0 WITH 74,605 MAKES A TICKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE WHEN IN COLD I RECENTLY PURCHASED IT ON MARCH 9,2007 AT THE AUTO WEST BMW OF FREMONT.I HAVE TAKEN IT A COUPLE OF TIMES TO THE DEALER FOR THAT SAME REASON AND THE DEALER CLAIMS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH ONLINE AND SEEN THAT THERE IS …
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MY X5 BMW 2007 6 CYLINDER 3.0 WITH 74,605 MAKES A TICKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE WHEN IN COLD I RECENTLY PURCHASED IT ON MARCH 9,2007 AT THE AUTO WEST BMW OF FREMONT.I HAVE TAKEN IT A COUPLE OF TIMES TO THE DEALER FOR THAT SAME REASON AND THE DEALER CLAIMS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. I HAVE DONE RESEARCH ONLINE AND SEEN THAT THERE IS OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. NOW EVERY MORNING I START THE CAR IT MAKES THE SAME NOISE AFTER I RUN IT FOR A COUPLE MILES IT STOPS BUT THE DEALER SAYS THAT IS NORMAL AND I HAVE ONLY RAN IT MAX 3,000 MILES SINCE I BOUGHT IT AND I ALSO BOUGHT EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR IT BUT THEY SAY NOTHING IS WRONG THAT IS NORMAL FOR IT TO MAKE THAT NOISE . *TR
NHTSA ODI #10641548
100,000 miles · Sep 9, 2014
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO PROCEED THROUGH AN INTERSECTION. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MERGE AWAY FROM TRAFFIC AND STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE BRAKE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM COMPLETELY FAILED AND NEEDE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO PROCEED THROUGH AN INTERSECTION. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MERGE AWAY FROM TRAFFIC AND STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE BRAKE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM COMPLETELY FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 07V391000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 1/7/15*CN UPDATED 08/28/2017*CT
NHTSA ODI #10631754
30,000 miles · Aug 11, 2014
Air BagsSeat BeltsSeats
IN REGARD TO NHTSA 13V-564, MY 2007 BMW X5 HAS THE SAME FRONT PASSENGER SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE ISSUE. A WARNING LIGHT COMES ON EVERY TIME I START THE CAR THAT SAYS SEAT BELT MALFUNCTION OR SEATBELT TENSION SENSOR MALFUNCTION. THIS MUST BE A DEFECT, AS I HAVE LESS THAT 40,000 MILES AND HARDLY EVER HAVE A PASSENGER. THE RECALL WAS …
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IN REGARD TO NHTSA 13V-564, MY 2007 BMW X5 HAS THE SAME FRONT PASSENGER SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE ISSUE. A WARNING LIGHT COMES ON EVERY TIME I START THE CAR THAT SAYS SEAT BELT MALFUNCTION OR SEATBELT TENSION SENSOR MALFUNCTION. THIS MUST BE A DEFECT, AS I HAVE LESS THAT 40,000 MILES AND HARDLY EVER HAVE A PASSENGER. THE RECALL WAS ISSUED IN DECEMBER 2013 AND REFERENCES UP TO 2006 BMW X5S AS HAVING THE DEFECTIVE PART. CAN YOU PLEASE EXTEND THIS RECALL TO INCLUDE 2007 BMW X5S? IF YOU WOULD LIKE OR NEED ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE LET ME KNOW. THANK YOU. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10621394
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…
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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
84,560 miles · Feb 10, 2014
Suspension
REPLACED REAR SWAY BAR LINK TWICE WITH BECK-ARNLEY PART NUMBER 1017108. THIS PART WAS DIRECTLY SHIPPED FROM THEIR SMYRNA TENNESSEE LOCATION. BECK ARNLEY IS A MAJOR SUPPLIER OF AFTERMARKET PARTS. THE PART FAILED 2 DIFFERENT TIMES WITHIN A DAY OF INSTALL. THE LAST TIME, AFTER REPLACING THE FIRST FAILED PART. THE BALL JOINT SNA…
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REPLACED REAR SWAY BAR LINK TWICE WITH BECK-ARNLEY PART NUMBER 1017108. THIS PART WAS DIRECTLY SHIPPED FROM THEIR SMYRNA TENNESSEE LOCATION. BECK ARNLEY IS A MAJOR SUPPLIER OF AFTERMARKET PARTS. THE PART FAILED 2 DIFFERENT TIMES WITHIN A DAY OF INSTALL. THE LAST TIME, AFTER REPLACING THE FIRST FAILED PART. THE BALL JOINT SNAPPED IN TWO WHILE EXITING THE HIGHWAY, WHEN THE PART FAILED THE NOISE MADE A LOUD BANG AND THE CAR JERKED TO THE LEFT. I BELIEVE IF THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE NOT DRY, YOU COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRST TIME I INSTALLED, THIS PART SEPARATED FROM THE BALL JOINT WITH A LOUD BANK, I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN FROM A STOP LIGHT CLOSE TO HOME. DIDN'T REALIZE WHAT HAPPENED TILL I LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND SAW THE FAILED BALL JOINT. I NOTIFIED THEM, AT FIRST THEY WERE RESPONSIVE, BUT NOW THEY DON'T RESPOND TO EMAILS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10563731
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…
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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
83,000 miles · Nov 27, 2013
Suspension
THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOWERED OVERNIGHT, BUT ONCE YOU START THE VEHICLE THE SELF-LEVELING MECHANISM PUMPS THE AIR INTO THE SUSPENSION AIR BAG (MY VEHICLE USES AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM). THIS KEEPS HAPPENING. BMW FORUM SHOWS HUNDREDS OF BMW OWNERS WHO HAVE EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS…
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THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS LOWERED OVERNIGHT, BUT ONCE YOU START THE VEHICLE THE SELF-LEVELING MECHANISM PUMPS THE AIR INTO THE SUSPENSION AIR BAG (MY VEHICLE USES AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM). THIS KEEPS HAPPENING. BMW FORUM SHOWS HUNDREDS OF BMW OWNERS WHO HAVE EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESS IMMEDIATELY BY BMW. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10553983
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
63,000 miles · Jun 17, 2013
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
THE ELECTRIC WATER PUMP HAS CONSTANTLY FAILED EVEN AFTER REPLACING IT AND CAUSED ALSO DAMAGE TO FUSE BOX AND THERMOSTAT MOST OF THE TIME. BMW MUST BE FORCED TO RECALL THE 2007 X5 3.0I AND GET THIS PROBLEM FIXED ONCE AND FOR ALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10520291
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