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2010 Dodge Charger

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

150 reports with mileage · 82 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.

  • Electrical System. Review the 74 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 59 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 48 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

14 crash reports9 fire reports5 injury reports

Engine complaints

48 reports
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67,000 miles · Jul 6, 2015
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2010 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE KEY TURNED TO THE ACCESSORY POSITION INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE EMERGENCY LANE WHERE IT WAS SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED T…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2010 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE KEY TURNED TO THE ACCESSORY POSITION INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE EMERGENCY LANE WHERE IT WAS SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,000.

NHTSA ODI #10732069

53,484 miles · Jun 29, 2015
EngineUnknown Or Other

I WAS ATTEMPTING TO LEAVE WALMART PARKING LOT AND WITHOUT WARNING THE CAR DIED. I TOOK IT TO BE SERVICED AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS GIVING NO DIAGNOSTIC CODES. I PICKED THE CAR UP 3 DAYS LATER AND WHILE BRINGING IT HOME IT DIED 3 TIMES. I RESEARCHED FOR REPORTED COMPLAINTS AND FOUND THAT THIS APPEARS TO BE AN ONGOING ISSUE. WHY AR…

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I WAS ATTEMPTING TO LEAVE WALMART PARKING LOT AND WITHOUT WARNING THE CAR DIED. I TOOK IT TO BE SERVICED AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS GIVING NO DIAGNOSTIC CODES. I PICKED THE CAR UP 3 DAYS LATER AND WHILE BRINGING IT HOME IT DIED 3 TIMES. I RESEARCHED FOR REPORTED COMPLAINTS AND FOUND THAT THIS APPEARS TO BE AN ONGOING ISSUE. WHY ARE THESE CARS BEING SOLD? THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND I'M PAYING FOR A VEHICLE THAT I CAN'T DRIVE BECAUSE THERE IS A GREAT RISK OF BODILY HARM OR DEATH TO MYSELF AND OTHERS. THIS NEEDS TO BE ACKNOWLEDGED AND RECTIFIED!

NHTSA ODI #10731106

110,000 miles · Jan 8, 2015
Engine

AT APPROXIMATELY 95,000 MILE I HAD MY ROCKER ARM SHAFT LIFTER ASSEMBLY REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY DUE TO A BROKEN ROCKER ARM AND LOUD KNOCKING NOISES COMING FROM MY ENGINE. 10,000 MILES LATER A ROCKER ARM BROKE ON THE NEW ASSEMBLY. I RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND IT IS A KNOW PROBLEM WITH DODGE CHARGER 3.5L ENGINES. THERE IS A DEFECTIV…

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AT APPROXIMATELY 95,000 MILE I HAD MY ROCKER ARM SHAFT LIFTER ASSEMBLY REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY DUE TO A BROKEN ROCKER ARM AND LOUD KNOCKING NOISES COMING FROM MY ENGINE. 10,000 MILES LATER A ROCKER ARM BROKE ON THE NEW ASSEMBLY. I RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND IT IS A KNOW PROBLEM WITH DODGE CHARGER 3.5L ENGINES. THERE IS A DEFECTIVE PART IN THE ASSEMBLY THAT CAUSES THE ROCKER ARM TO BREAK. PEOPLE HAVE REPLACED THIS ITEM IN THEIR ENGINE NUMEROUS TIMES. THE ROCKER ARM SHAFT LIFTER ASSEMBLY SHOULD BE RECALLED. PEOPLE PAY OVER $1500 FOR THIS REPAIR JUST TO HAVE FAULTY PARTS INSTALLED AND HAVE THE SAME ISSUE OVER AND OVER AGAIN. THERE ARE MULTIPLE FORUMS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM WITH DODGE'S 3.5L ENGINE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10670953

64,000 miles · Oct 20, 2014
Engine

ON THE DAY OF PURCHASE IN APRIL 2013, I OBSERVED AND INQUIRED ABOUT A TICKING NOISE IN THE CAR'S ENGINE. THE SALESMAN STATED THAT IT WAS PROBABLY DUE FOR AN OIL CHANGE. SINCE THEN, I HAVE HAD SEVERAL OIL CHANGES, BUT THE TICKING STILL EXISTS. AFTER SPEAKING WITH A COUPLE OF MECHANICS, I WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM MAY BE BAD LIFTERS…

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ON THE DAY OF PURCHASE IN APRIL 2013, I OBSERVED AND INQUIRED ABOUT A TICKING NOISE IN THE CAR'S ENGINE. THE SALESMAN STATED THAT IT WAS PROBABLY DUE FOR AN OIL CHANGE. SINCE THEN, I HAVE HAD SEVERAL OIL CHANGES, BUT THE TICKING STILL EXISTS. AFTER SPEAKING WITH A COUPLE OF MECHANICS, I WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM MAY BE BAD LIFTERS. AS OF TODAY I CHECKED FOR POSSIBLE RECALLS ON THE CAR. NONE WERE LISTED. I AM REQUESTING THIS MATTER BE INVESTIGATED FURTHER AND A REMEDY BE PROVIDED BY THE CAR MAKER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10648785

43,000 miles · Jul 6, 2014
Engine

A WEEK AFTER PURCHASING MY 2010 DODGE CHARGER SXT 3.5L ... I DEVELOPED VIBRATION/SHAKING DURING IDLE UNTIL ABOUT 900 RPM'S. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND CYLINDER 1 WAS MISFIRING. CYLINDER HEAD, GASKET, EXHAUST MANIFOLD WERE REPLACED. THEN WENT THE EGR VALVE, THAT WAS THEN REPLACED. THE SHAKING IS STILL CURRENT AND I A…

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A WEEK AFTER PURCHASING MY 2010 DODGE CHARGER SXT 3.5L ... I DEVELOPED VIBRATION/SHAKING DURING IDLE UNTIL ABOUT 900 RPM'S. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND CYLINDER 1 WAS MISFIRING. CYLINDER HEAD, GASKET, EXHAUST MANIFOLD WERE REPLACED. THEN WENT THE EGR VALVE, THAT WAS THEN REPLACED. THE SHAKING IS STILL CURRENT AND I AM ABLE TO NOT GET ANY ANSWERS. THERE HAS TO BE A RECALL THAT IS NOT BEING ANNOUNCED. I HAVE READ MANY PEOPLE HAVING THE SHAKE ISSUE ON THEIR SAME MODEL AND YEAR AS WELL. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10608396

77,000 miles · Mar 20, 2014
Engine

THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IN ONE YEAR - THE NO. 2 CYLINDER HAS BROKE. THE DEALERSHIP CAN NOT TELL ME WHY THIS IS HAPPENING. BUT THEY DID TELL ME THAT ALL REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE REBUILT - NO NEW PARTS. THAT IS OUTRAGEOUS. ALSO, IF THE PART GOES BAD AND RETURNED TO CHRYSLER/DODGE - THEY WILL NOT MAKE IT KNOWN WHAT THE PROBLEM IS …

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THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IN ONE YEAR - THE NO. 2 CYLINDER HAS BROKE. THE DEALERSHIP CAN NOT TELL ME WHY THIS IS HAPPENING. BUT THEY DID TELL ME THAT ALL REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE REBUILT - NO NEW PARTS. THAT IS OUTRAGEOUS. ALSO, IF THE PART GOES BAD AND RETURNED TO CHRYSLER/DODGE - THEY WILL NOT MAKE IT KNOWN WHAT THE PROBLEM IS TO THE DEALERSHIP OR TO THE CONSUMER.. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE ENGINES IN THE 2010 DODGE CHARGERS. THEY ARE DECEIVING US. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10573795

50,951 miles · Apr 25, 2013
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY AS THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPLICATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR THE SAME FAILURE ON SEV…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY AS THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPLICATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR THE SAME FAILURE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,951 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10509594

17,000 miles · Jul 30, 2012
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE OIL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE STALLED. AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED BUT ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM UNLESS IT COULD BE R…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH WHEN THE OIL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE STALLED. AFTER A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED BUT ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM UNLESS IT COULD BE RECREATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 27,640.

NHTSA ODI #10468211

Official recalls

6

19V018000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 15, 2019

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially 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 4, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V01.

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.

10V200000 · Electrical System:ignition:module

May 11, 2010

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHRYSLER 300, DODGE CHALLENGER, CHARGER, JEEP COMMANDER, GRAND CHEROKEE AND DODGE RAM VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A WIRELESS IGNITION NODE (WIN) MODULE EXHIBITING A BINDING CONDITION OF THE SOLENOID LATCH.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE RESULT OF THE DEFECT COULD LEAD TO A CONDITION WHERE THE KEY MAY BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH (WIN MODULE) PRIOR TO PLACING THE SHIFTER IN PARK. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE POTENTIAL FOR UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT AND COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE WIN MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 23, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

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.

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.