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2009 Chrysler 300

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2009 Chrysler 300 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 90.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Compare all 300 years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

45 reports with mileage · 38 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Air Bags. Review the 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 8 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

3 crash reports1 fire reports1 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

25 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jun 16, 2020
Electrical SystemEngine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHRYSLER 300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS CALLED TO THE RESIDENCE TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIMING BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. TH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHRYSLER 300. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS CALLED TO THE RESIDENCE TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIMING BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE ALTERNATOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11329227

175,000 miles · Feb 6, 2020
Electrical SystemSeats

DRIVERS SIDE SEAT WARMER BURNED A HOLE THROUGH THE SEAT COVER AND BURNED A HOLE THROUGH THE COAT I WAS WEARING. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN I FELT 'PINCHING' ON MY LOWER BACK AND SMELLED A BURNING ODOR. I TURNED OFF THE SEAT WARMER AND DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME. I WAS INSTRUCTED BY BY MY LOCAL CHRYSLER DEALER TO CALL CHRYSLER…

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DRIVERS SIDE SEAT WARMER BURNED A HOLE THROUGH THE SEAT COVER AND BURNED A HOLE THROUGH THE COAT I WAS WEARING. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN I FELT 'PINCHING' ON MY LOWER BACK AND SMELLED A BURNING ODOR. I TURNED OFF THE SEAT WARMER AND DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME. I WAS INSTRUCTED BY BY MY LOCAL CHRYSLER DEALER TO CALL CHRYSLER DIRECTLY AND GET CASE NUMBER. DID SO.. CASE NUMBER 75085832. NEVER RECEIVED A CALL BACK AFTER 4 FOLLOW UP CALLS. DEALER WILL NOT FIX UNTIL CHRYSLER LOOKS AT IT.

NHTSA ODI #11307462

80,121 miles · Dec 25, 2018
Electrical System

THIS CAR HAS A PLASTIC KEY FOB USED AS THE KEY. SOMETIMES I TURN THE KEY AND NOTHING HAPPENS. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY REPEATEDLY IN THE FOB ITSELF. I WISH IT HAD A METAL KEY SO I COULD FIGURE OUT IF IT IS SOMETHING IN THE IGNITION OR IN THE FOB ITSELF. I'M AFRAID I AM GOING TO LOSE POWER WHEN DRIVING AND CRASH. THE DEAL…

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THIS CAR HAS A PLASTIC KEY FOB USED AS THE KEY. SOMETIMES I TURN THE KEY AND NOTHING HAPPENS. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY REPEATEDLY IN THE FOB ITSELF. I WISH IT HAD A METAL KEY SO I COULD FIGURE OUT IF IT IS SOMETHING IN THE IGNITION OR IN THE FOB ITSELF. I'M AFRAID I AM GOING TO LOSE POWER WHEN DRIVING AND CRASH. THE DEALER SAID A NEW IGNITION IS OVER $1000 BUT I AM NOT CONVINCED THIS WILL SOLVE MY ISSUE. I AM ALSO AFRAID AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM COULD MAKE MY AIRBAGS NOT WORK OR A FIRE INSIDE. I KNOW CHRYSLER HAS RECALLED 2 MILLION CARS FOR IGNITION ISSUES BUT MINE HAS NOT BEEN INCLUDED THUS FAR AND I'M NOT SURE WHY. I DO NOT THINK THE PROBLEM WILL MAGICALLY CORRECT ITSELF, BUT IT IS INTERMITTENT WITH NO RHYME OR REASON JUST DEPENDS

NHTSA ODI #11163342

51,800 miles · Dec 23, 2018
Electrical System

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. THE ENGINE, INTERIOR LIGHTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTS, POWER STEERING, AND POWER BRAKES ALL SHUT DOWN. THE CAR EFFECTIVELY WAS MOVING ON A BUSY HIGHWAY WITH NO POWER. I HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE ROAD SIDE THRU TRAFFIC AND THE CAR HAD TO RESTART THE CAR. THIS HAS STARTED TO HAPP…

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WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. THE ENGINE, INTERIOR LIGHTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTS, POWER STEERING, AND POWER BRAKES ALL SHUT DOWN. THE CAR EFFECTIVELY WAS MOVING ON A BUSY HIGHWAY WITH NO POWER. I HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE ROAD SIDE THRU TRAFFIC AND THE CAR HAD TO RESTART THE CAR. THIS HAS STARTED TO HAPPEN FREQUENTLY. I NOTICED THAT THERE WERE RECALLS ON YEARS PRIOR TO AND AFTER THIS YEAR FOR IGNITION KEY ISSUES. I ONLY USE THE KEY WHILE DRIVING WITH NO KEY RING ATTACHED. IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS THIS HAS OCCURRED 4 TIMES WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEED. IN THE YEAR THAT I HAVE OWNED IT, THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LOWER SPEEDS BUT LESS FREQUENTLY. I AM NOW WORKING EVENING HOURS AND THE LIGHTS SHUTTING DOWN HAS BECOME A BIGGER ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #11163173

123,000 miles · Nov 5, 2018
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHRYSLER 300. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO VERO BEACH DODGE (CURRENTLY RENAMED VATLAND CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM, LOCATED AT 855 SOUTH, US-1, VERO BEACH, FL 32962, (772) 567-6633) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHRYSLER 300. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO VERO BEACH DODGE (CURRENTLY RENAMED VATLAND CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM, LOCATED AT 855 SOUTH, US-1, VERO BEACH, FL 32962, (772) 567-6633) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11145376

15 miles · Apr 29, 2018
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine

HORN KEEP ON SOUNDING ...CAR SHAKE WHEN DRIVEN TO STOP.HORN DOESNT WORK WHEN APPLIED SOUND RATHER IN ANOTHER TIME ON ITS OWN.THERE IS A SOUND KEEP ON COMING WHEN AC IS APPLIED ETC....

NHTSA ODI #11090908

Mileage unknown · Feb 18, 2017
Electrical SystemUnknown Or OtherVisibility/wiper

ON FEBRUARY 10,2017 THE CAR WOULD NOT START. I GOT A CHARGE AND DROVE IT HOME. THE NEXT MORNING THE CAR STARTED. AFTER DRIVING FOR A WHILE I REALIZED MY TURN SIGNALS DIDN'T WORK. IT BEGAN RAINING AND I REALIZED THE WIPERS DIDN'T WORK. AFTER CHECKING FURTHER I FOUND MY HORN DIDN'T WORK EITHER.

NHTSA ODI #10955445

80,000 miles · Aug 26, 2016
Electrical System

CAR WAS CUTTING OUT AT RANDOM TIMES WHILE DRIVING. SOMETIMES IT WOULD RESTART ITSELF WITHIN 5 SECONDS SOMETIMES I HAD TO THROW IT IN NEUTRAL AND RESTART IT. SOMETIMES ALL THE LIGHTS WOULD COME ON THE DASH, SOMETIMES NO LIGHTS. WAS NOT GENERATING A CODE. IT HAPPENED AT ALL SPEEDS, VERY DANGEROUS. TWICE I TOOK IT IN AND THEY COULD…

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CAR WAS CUTTING OUT AT RANDOM TIMES WHILE DRIVING. SOMETIMES IT WOULD RESTART ITSELF WITHIN 5 SECONDS SOMETIMES I HAD TO THROW IT IN NEUTRAL AND RESTART IT. SOMETIMES ALL THE LIGHTS WOULD COME ON THE DASH, SOMETIMES NO LIGHTS. WAS NOT GENERATING A CODE. IT HAPPENED AT ALL SPEEDS, VERY DANGEROUS. TWICE I TOOK IT IN AND THEY COULDN'T FIX IT. I THOUGHT ABOUT IT AND WAS SUSPICIOUS OF THE KEY. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK, STARTED IT AND TAPPED ON THE KEY. THE CAR STALLED. I DID THIS WHILE DRIVING ALSO. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, TOLD THEM WHAT I DISCOVERED AND THEY REPLACED THE WINN(?) MODULE FOR THE SMALL SUM OF $472.00. THE MODULE IS WHERE THE KEY GOES IN. IT'S MY UNDERSTANDING THAT SOME OTHER CHRYSLER VEHICLES HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM. THEY OBVIOUSLY DIDN'T GET MINE. THIS HAPPENED THIS SUMMER.

NHTSA ODI #10898718

65,000 miles · Nov 2, 2015
Electrical System

2009 CHRYSLER 300. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SUDDEN POWER LOSS WHILE DRIVING. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED ALL OF THE ELECTRONICS IN THE VEHICLE WENT DEAD. THERE WAS NO WARNING. HE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. ON SUNDAY MARCH 21, 2016, THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER AGAIN, WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. THE ENGINE INSTANTLY…

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2009 CHRYSLER 300. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SUDDEN POWER LOSS WHILE DRIVING. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED ALL OF THE ELECTRONICS IN THE VEHICLE WENT DEAD. THERE WAS NO WARNING. HE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. ON SUNDAY MARCH 21, 2016, THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER AGAIN, WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. THE ENGINE INSTANTLY STOPPED RUNNING, FORCING THE CONSUMER TO MAN HANDLE THE VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER STEERING OR BRAKES. UPDATED 04/21/16. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10806913

Mileage unknown · Oct 26, 2015
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHRYSLER 300. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HORN BECAME INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V313000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHRYSLER 300. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HORN BECAME INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V313000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10785922

Official recalls

5

18V021000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 9, 2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Chrysler is also recalling certain 2009 RAM 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and 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: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U03.

16V352000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

May 24, 2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.

15V313000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

May 26, 2015

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Dodge Ram 2500, 2004-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 and Durango, 2006-2009 Dodge Ram 3500, 2008-2010 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2005-2010 Chrysler 300, 300C, 300S, and SRT8, 2006-2010 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Magnum, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could 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: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler and Dodge owners and Mitsubishi will notify the affected Raider owners. Dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began for Chrylser on June 8, 2015. The recall for Mitsubishi started on June 24, 2015. Chrysler and Dodge owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Mitsubishi owners may call 1-888-648-7820. Chrysler's number for this recall is R25. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V817 in its entirety. Vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well.

09V420000 · Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs

Oct 29, 2009

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REAR WHEEL DRIVE. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITHOUT A FRONT WHEEL SPINDLE NUT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: WHILE DRIVING, A TIRE AND WHEEL SEPARATION COULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY AND IF FOUND WITHOUT A SPINDLE NUT IT WILL BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 2, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-835-1403.

08V642000 · Tires:pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems

Dec 5, 2008

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 175 MY 2009 DODGE CHARGER, CHALLENGER, AND CHRYSLER 300 VEHICLES. THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR (TPM) SENSORS MAY NOT TRANSMIT THE ACTUAL TIRE PRESSURE. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE DRIVER NOT BEING AWARE OF LOW TIRE PRESSURE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE WITH LOW TIRE PRESSURE COULD RESULT IN TIRE DAMAGE AND CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TPM SENSORS. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON FEBRUARY 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

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

1

EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.