NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Unknown Or Other complaints
28 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Aug 7, 2022
Electrical SystemSeatsUnknown Or OtherCrashFire
The vehicle was parked in driveway sat for 10minutes then the headlights started flashing on and off when we got near the car they stopped we move the away lights would go again. So we opened doors to find the front passenger floorboard and edge of front passenger seat begin to burn. At this point we have not been told a cause o…
Read full complaint
The vehicle was parked in driveway sat for 10minutes then the headlights started flashing on and off when we got near the car they stopped we move the away lights would go again. So we opened doors to find the front passenger floorboard and edge of front passenger seat begin to burn. At this point we have not been told a cause of the fire. I surance and chrysler corporate are looking into it
NHTSA ODI #11477987
Mileage unknown · Jun 22, 2022
Unknown Or Other
Uconnect delaminated Screen
NHTSA ODI #11470501
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…
Read full complaint
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…
Read full complaint
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 · Dec 7, 2021
Unknown Or Other
* Component: UConnect 4C 8.4" Screen is delaminating. Reaching out to others in the region, this is a common occurrence, possibly brought on by excessive heat/humidity. * Safety: Not directly related to safety. * Problem has been confirmed by dealer as being a part that would need to be replaced to fix. * Problem has not been i…
Read full complaint
* Component: UConnect 4C 8.4" Screen is delaminating. Reaching out to others in the region, this is a common occurrence, possibly brought on by excessive heat/humidity. * Safety: Not directly related to safety. * Problem has been confirmed by dealer as being a part that would need to be replaced to fix. * Problem has not been inspected by any party other than manufacturer's dealer. * There was no warning/indication of the issue, it just started occurring. Issue started in July 2021, leading to an issue potentially caused by excessive heat.
NHTSA ODI #11442971
Mileage unknown · Nov 15, 2021
Unknown Or Other
Uconnect screen is delaminating. It’s causing safety hazards due to driver distraction because of the radio volume randomly going full blast ( scaring me half to death) , heat turns itself up all the way full blast ( that’s very dangerous especially when you have little kids in the car), it will switch to the back up cam while d…
Read full complaint
Uconnect screen is delaminating. It’s causing safety hazards due to driver distraction because of the radio volume randomly going full blast ( scaring me half to death) , heat turns itself up all the way full blast ( that’s very dangerous especially when you have little kids in the car), it will switch to the back up cam while driving ( scaring the crap out me me at times) randomly placing calls when Bluetooth is active, the list can go on. It will literally look like someone is touching the screen pressing on stuff, although no one is touching it. It’s almost caused me to get in several accidents from being distracted which this. I contacted Uconnect when this first started to happen and the said I was out of my 36,000 mile warranty ( I had 38,000 miles) and the couldn’t help me. It’s only getting worse
NHTSA ODI #11440555
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 …
Read full complaint
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 · Sep 3, 2021
Unknown Or Other
The touchscreen failed and started to delaminates. It has phantom touches and presses buttons randomly. It's very distracting while driving as it turns different controls on and off such as the climate (AC on and off, high heat then low cold), heated seats on and off, steering wheel heat on and off, also randomly calls when Blue…
Read full complaint
The touchscreen failed and started to delaminates. It has phantom touches and presses buttons randomly. It's very distracting while driving as it turns different controls on and off such as the climate (AC on and off, high heat then low cold), heated seats on and off, steering wheel heat on and off, also randomly calls when Bluetooth is connected. when the screen starts doing phantom touches it is very distracting to the driver. Also, as the glue melts, it leaks onto the wiring of all the components under the screen including the AC, all the parking sensor and traction control off controls. Car is out of warranty
NHTSA ODI #11431687
25,000 miles · Jan 23, 2021
Power TrainUnknown Or Other
IN MOTION 40MPH ON SURFACE STREETS THE CAR MADE A BIG BANG THEN FOLLOWING SUPER LOAD CHATTERING AND VIBRATION FEEL FROM THE TRANSMISSION DUE TO THE CLUTCH COMPLETELY BREAKING APART NOT ALLOWING TO THE CAR TO GO INTO ANY GEAR ONLY 25000MILES ON THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI #11389561
25,000 miles · Jan 22, 2021
Power TrainUnknown Or Other
MANUAL TRANSMISSION GEAR SHIFTER GETS STUCK IN GEAR AND WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF GEAR WHILE MAKING GEAR SHIFT CHANGE STARTED HAPPENING AT 19000 MILES THEN AT 25000 MILES THE CLUTCH SHATTERED INTO A 100 PIECES MAKEING A LOUD BANG AND NONE STOP CHATTERING WHILE DRIVING IN 3RD GEAR AT 40MPH ON CITY STREET CAUSING COMPLETE CLUTCH FAILU…
Read full complaint
MANUAL TRANSMISSION GEAR SHIFTER GETS STUCK IN GEAR AND WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF GEAR WHILE MAKING GEAR SHIFT CHANGE STARTED HAPPENING AT 19000 MILES THEN AT 25000 MILES THE CLUTCH SHATTERED INTO A 100 PIECES MAKEING A LOUD BANG AND NONE STOP CHATTERING WHILE DRIVING IN 3RD GEAR AT 40MPH ON CITY STREET CAUSING COMPLETE CLUTCH FAILURE AN UNABLE TO SHIFT INTO ANY GEAR AFTER THE CLUTCH FAILURE ONLY LEAVING NEUTRAL AVAILABLE. CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO QUICKLY COAST AND PULL OVER 3 LANES AND PARK BEFORE GETTING STUCK IN A MOVING LANE. DEALER WON'T COVER THE FAULTY SHATTERED CLUTCH UNDER ITS 36000 3 YEAR BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY. SAYING IT'S NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR IF IT WAS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR THE CLUTCH WOULD BE WORN AND INTACT AND SLIPPING NOT SHATTERED IN PIECES DUE TO THE SEVER FAILURE OF THE CLUTCH THE FLYWHEEL AND RELEASE THROW OUT BEARINGS WERE ALSO SEVERELY DAMAGED AND NEEDED REPLACING AS WELL
NHTSA ODI #11389347
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.
Illustration