NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
28 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · May 2, 2022
Electrical System
UConnect 8.4 system screen delaminating. Essentially, out of nowhere, a large bubble appeared on my 2018 Challenger Scat Pack's center UConnect Screen. This is the third Challenger I've owned, and unfortunately for me, the only one I kept outside of the factory warranty timeframe. I have 28,000 miles on the car, and it is in fan…
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UConnect 8.4 system screen delaminating. Essentially, out of nowhere, a large bubble appeared on my 2018 Challenger Scat Pack's center UConnect Screen. This is the third Challenger I've owned, and unfortunately for me, the only one I kept outside of the factory warranty timeframe. I have 28,000 miles on the car, and it is in fantastic condition, aside from this issue. First, I contacted the dealer, and they stated that even though my miles were under the limit - due to the timeframe they could not help me. They suggested I contact Dodge Customer Support, where they advised me that it was a known issue (search google or any forum with Uconnect screen delamination) but their hands were tied as well. They recommended that I post on this website, as many were experiencing this issue and a recall was imminent. Lastly, I contacted UConnect themselves, who said the same thing. A known issue, recall pending, just need it to officially get approved before they can help. As so many are experiencing this, I hope that this issue can be resolved so I can continue to be a LOYAL Dodge customer. It is WELL known from the dealer, to customer support, to the actual manufacturer. Just looking for some help so I don't have to eat the full cost of replacement for something that is obviously (and stated by the company themselves) a production error. They claimed that they have since fixed the issue. The bubble continues to grow every day, and I'm concerned that soon I will be without the essential controls - like HVAC, safety (rear camera), driver modes, radio, maps, etc. They are all dependent on this single unit to function. I also purchased the extended warranty on my vehicle through Ally (Dodge's financing company) and they are unable to assist as it is a "pending" recall, and is not completely broken yet. Not the answer I was expecting when I hear "everything from electrical to engine, to transmission will be covered". Just want them to acknowledge the recall, fixing issue for us.
NHTSA ODI #11463135
Mileage unknown · Apr 7, 2022
Electrical SystemExterior LightingUnknown Or Other
On April 6, 2022 at approximately 2300 I was driving 65 mph on an old two lane highway when all lighting on the instrument cluster, steering wheel, touchscreen, kick panels, and both headlights went out causing me to drive off the road momentarily as I was in a curve. For several moments all of these components would light up an…
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On April 6, 2022 at approximately 2300 I was driving 65 mph on an old two lane highway when all lighting on the instrument cluster, steering wheel, touchscreen, kick panels, and both headlights went out causing me to drive off the road momentarily as I was in a curve. For several moments all of these components would light up and off erratically. During this event, my windows also began rolling up and down on their own. I immediately turned on my hazard lights and began to slow down to look for a place to pull over. This was a long and empty stretch of old highway and there was no shoulder to pull onto. At this point my hazard lights became faulty as well and would not flash at times. The safety of myself and others were at risk because during this event that lasted approximately five minutes, all aforementioned components would fault for moments at a time and there were times that I could not see the roadway or obstacles in front of me, I could not see my speed, I could not reliably use my hazard lights to warn other drivers. Other drivers would have had a near impossible time seeing me, such as the semi truck driver who almost hit me then flashed his brights and laid on his air horn when my lights had cut off. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure and none after either.
NHTSA ODI #11459948
Mileage unknown · Apr 1, 2022
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other
INCIDENT MATCHES: NHTSA 19V-203 FOR 2019 MODELS, HOWEVER THIS HAPPENED ON A 2018. WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, GAUGE CLUSTER WENT COMPLETELY BLACK, WINDOWS CRACKED OPEN AS IF DOORS HAD BEEN OPENED. WAS STILL ABLE TO OPERATE THE ACCELERATOR & BRAKE; HOWEVER, COULD NOT USE INDICATORS. SCREENS STAYED BLACK FOR 10 SECONDS, THEN RETU…
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INCIDENT MATCHES: NHTSA 19V-203 FOR 2019 MODELS, HOWEVER THIS HAPPENED ON A 2018. WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, GAUGE CLUSTER WENT COMPLETELY BLACK, WINDOWS CRACKED OPEN AS IF DOORS HAD BEEN OPENED. WAS STILL ABLE TO OPERATE THE ACCELERATOR & BRAKE; HOWEVER, COULD NOT USE INDICATORS. SCREENS STAYED BLACK FOR 10 SECONDS, THEN RETURNED TO NORMAL. HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN ONE DAY
NHTSA ODI #11459208
Mileage unknown · Jan 13, 2022
Electrical SystemEngine
The car is a 5.7 6 speed Dodge Challenger, when driving the car will not idle down when you take your foot off the gas pedal, this happens during shifts where the idle stays up and keeps the car moving forward, it also will not slow down when you are driving at speed and you lift your foot off the gas pedal, the idle will hang a…
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The car is a 5.7 6 speed Dodge Challenger, when driving the car will not idle down when you take your foot off the gas pedal, this happens during shifts where the idle stays up and keeps the car moving forward, it also will not slow down when you are driving at speed and you lift your foot off the gas pedal, the idle will hang at speed for up to 5 blocks unless the brakes are applied, 3 times I have almost been in an accident because of this. The problem has been confirmed by the Dodge dealer and a number of parts replaces with no resolve, the car was in their shop for 9 weeks before they gave it back, it started doing it again within days, they have had the car for 15 week now and counting, (total to date 24 weeks) The car only has 8000 miles on it, I bought it brand new and have not been able to drive the car due to it being unsafe. There are no warning lamps or messages and from what im told only the dealer level has inspected the car.
NHTSA ODI #11447318
Mileage unknown · Sep 23, 2021
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other
The uConnect 8.4 Display in my car has begun to delaminate. There is a large air pocket under the top portion of my display. This morning while waiting for the car to warm up so the heat would function on the climate control system, I used the display to set the defrost to on. After removing the initial frost from my windshield …
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The uConnect 8.4 Display in my car has begun to delaminate. There is a large air pocket under the top portion of my display. This morning while waiting for the car to warm up so the heat would function on the climate control system, I used the display to set the defrost to on. After removing the initial frost from my windshield and I was able to see clearly, I left the house and headed to work. While on my way to work I begun to hear confirmation beeps from my display, as if I was touching the onscreen controls. The touchscreen display began to change settings on its own. Changing my climate controls from High heat to low Cold resulting in my windshield immediately frosting up and reducing my visibility to nothing, during morning traffic. I nearly impacted another vehicle that was turning while distracted by the display and the lack of visibility it caused. I rolled down the windows and found a safe place to pull over to wipe the frost from my windshield. The entire time the display was switching thru pages and begun to call contacts from my phone change songs, and even the performance level settings. I had taken the vehicle to the dealership far prior to my warranty expiring when I initially noticed the bubble at the top of my screen, only to be told that since it was a cosmetic defect and the operation was normal that the warranty would not cover the replacement. and a replacement was $2,200. Now my vehicle warranty is expired and it has changed from a cosmetic defect to a defect that has affected the safe operation and nearly caused me to rear end another vehicle at 55 MPH. From the research I have gathered during my lunch break the display in these units operates too hot and the glue bonding the touch panel to the display itself has melted and caused the separation. It seems to be a common issue that affects any vehicle with a 8.4 uConnect display, judging by complaints on the forums. This is not only a distraction but a Major safety hazard.
NHTSA ODI #11434057
Mileage unknown · Jun 6, 2021
Electrical SystemPower Train
ON JUNE 5, 2021 VEHICLE STALLED AT STOPLIGHT ON RAMP AFTER EXITING HIGHWAY. CAR HAD POWER BUT WOULD NOT START, GEARS COULD NOT CHANGE TO PUT IN NEUTRAL TO MOVE VEHICLE. NO WARNING LIGHTS, SO SYMPTOMS TO SHOW A PROBLEM MAY EXIST. CAR WOULD NOT MOVE AND SAT IN TRAFFIC FOR OVER AN HOUR WAITING ON TOW TRUCK. BATTERY CHECKED AND VE…
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ON JUNE 5, 2021 VEHICLE STALLED AT STOPLIGHT ON RAMP AFTER EXITING HIGHWAY. CAR HAD POWER BUT WOULD NOT START, GEARS COULD NOT CHANGE TO PUT IN NEUTRAL TO MOVE VEHICLE. NO WARNING LIGHTS, SO SYMPTOMS TO SHOW A PROBLEM MAY EXIST. CAR WOULD NOT MOVE AND SAT IN TRAFFIC FOR OVER AN HOUR WAITING ON TOW TRUCK. BATTERY CHECKED AND VERIFIED IN GOOD CONDITION. NO TROUBLE CODES. RESEARCH SHOWS THAT THIS EXACT ISSUE FOR THIS EXACT MODEL CAR KNOWN UNDER RECALL 18V524000, BUT THIS SPECIFIC VIN DOES NO SHOW AN ACTIVE RECALL.
NHTSA ODI #11419854
Mileage unknown · Apr 16, 2021
Electrical System
MY SCREEN DOESNT COME ON OFTEN AND YOU CANT CHANGE THE AC OR RADIO. IT GET STUCK.
NHTSA ODI #11408424
40,000 miles · Dec 21, 2020
Electrical System
UNCONNECT SYSTEM CONSTANTLY SHUTS OFF DURING NORMAL OPERATION WHICH CAUSES ISSUES WITH NAVIGATION. THERE IS ALSO A SHORT OF SOME TYPE WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WHICH CAUSES GLITCHES IN THE SPEEDOMETER/MAIN DISPLAY SYSTEM - IT FLICKERS AND THEN RESUMES TO NORMAL ON OCCASION DURING NORMAL OPERATIONS.
NHTSA ODI #11384380
Mileage unknown · Oct 30, 2020
Electrical System
RADIO WILL NOT TURN ON. BLACK SCREEN.
NHTSA ODI #11372455
1,000 miles · Nov 21, 2019
Electrical System
THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A YEAR NOW AND STARTED THE 2ND MONTH I BOUGHT THE CAR. WHAT WILL HAPPEN IS 1 TO 2 TIMES A WEEK THE UCONNECT 8.4C NAVIGATION SCREEN WILL FREEZE ON THE SCREEN IT STARTED UP ON AND CAN NOT BE CHANGE. YOU CAN MAKE SELECTIONS ON THE SCREEN ITS STUCK ON, BUT WHEN YOU NEED TO WITH GO TO ANOTHER PAGE YOU CANT.…
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THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A YEAR NOW AND STARTED THE 2ND MONTH I BOUGHT THE CAR. WHAT WILL HAPPEN IS 1 TO 2 TIMES A WEEK THE UCONNECT 8.4C NAVIGATION SCREEN WILL FREEZE ON THE SCREEN IT STARTED UP ON AND CAN NOT BE CHANGE. YOU CAN MAKE SELECTIONS ON THE SCREEN ITS STUCK ON, BUT WHEN YOU NEED TO WITH GO TO ANOTHER PAGE YOU CANT. YOU MUST PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND TURN IT OFF THEN BACK ON TO GET THE SYSTEM TO WORK PROPERLY. I LET THE DEALER KNOW DURING AN OIL CHANGE AND THEY SAID THEY WHERE NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUES. I THEN TOOK THE CAR IN 3 MONTHS LATER AND AGAIN THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. WHEN I ASKED FOR RECORDS OF MY COMPLAINT AND THE CAR IN THE SHOP THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND THEM. I WILL BE TAKING THE CAR TO ANOTHER DEALER AS THE ONE I WAS GOING TO IS HORRIBLE. ALSO THE ISSUE HAPPENS AT ANYTIME I COULD BE STATIONARY, OR DRIVING, WHEN DRIVING IT BECOMES A SAFETY ISSUE AS I TURN OFF AND BACK ON THE CAR WHILE IN MOTION
NHTSA ODI #11281483
Official recalls
3Aug 9, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.
May 17, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Electrical System:software
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Electrical System:wiring
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
May 1, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
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