NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
18 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jul 24, 2026
EngineUnknown Or Other
As I was accelerating out of a stop light on the morning of 7/24/2026, my check engine light came on seemingly out of nowhere. I was able to take the vehicle to an independent repair shop who identified the issue as the plastic oil cooler assembly on the vehicle being broken. My car's oil was completely empty and it would have b…
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As I was accelerating out of a stop light on the morning of 7/24/2026, my check engine light came on seemingly out of nowhere. I was able to take the vehicle to an independent repair shop who identified the issue as the plastic oil cooler assembly on the vehicle being broken. My car's oil was completely empty and it would have been but minutes until the engine completely seized up. The oil had spilled into the motor and all other nearby parts of the engine. This puts my safety and others safety at risk because the car showed no other signs of an issue other than the light coming on. Had i not checked it in time, the engine could have seized up at high speeds causing a catastrophic accident. The problem has been observed by the independent repair shop who expresses that they regularly replace these components so frequently they keep a supply in-stock, and are surprised they have not been subject to a recall.
NHTSA ODI #11752607
Mileage unknown · Oct 28, 2025
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
While driving on the highway with my 14-year-old child as a passenger, the vehicle began shaking/jerking and losing power. I activated hazard lights and exited; the car continued to struggle and is now parked due to safety concerns. O’Reilly scan P0304 (Cylinder 4 misfire). This occurred 12,703 miles after a dealer-performed tun…
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While driving on the highway with my 14-year-old child as a passenger, the vehicle began shaking/jerking and losing power. I activated hazard lights and exited; the car continued to struggle and is now parked due to safety concerns. O’Reilly scan P0304 (Cylinder 4 misfire). This occurred 12,703 miles after a dealer-performed tune-up (spark plugs x6) at Cable Dahmer CDJR (Kansas City, MO). Same-day after that service I returned, reported drivability issues, and the dealer claimed ‘no problem.’ In Feb 2025 they recommended spark plugs again; in March 2025 management emailed that my ‘tune-up appears it hasn’t been done yet’ (contradicting the invoice). The dealer now refuses to treat this as a continuation without a $199 diagnostic. Vehicle is not being driven due to safety concerns.-Engine/Ignition System-cylinder 4 misfire (spark plug/coil) causing loss of power at highway speed
NHTSA ODI #11696128
Mileage unknown · Mar 11, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineStructure
The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that the front passenger's side door panel was detaching. The contact stated that the infotainment system screen was delaminating, causing the screen touchpad to engage vehicle functions independently. Additionally, the contact stated that upon driving the vehicle out of …
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The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that the front passenger's side door panel was detaching. The contact stated that the infotainment system screen was delaminating, causing the screen touchpad to engage vehicle functions independently. Additionally, the contact stated that upon driving the vehicle out of the garage, the contact became aware that oil had leaked from the vehicle onto the ground. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the oil was leaking from the O-ring in the engine. The mechanic determined that the O-ring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA ODI #11647617
Mileage unknown · Feb 14, 2025
EnginePower Train
“Following a $4,960 transmission repair at Cable Dahmer Chrysler Dodge (July 10,2024), my vehicle has experienced serious safety concerns: 1. Immediate transmission performance issues after dealer service 2. Vehicle now diagnosed with : Oil leaking over transmission bell housing Transmission slipping Improper shifting, espec…
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“Following a $4,960 transmission repair at Cable Dahmer Chrysler Dodge (July 10,2024), my vehicle has experienced serious safety concerns: 1. Immediate transmission performance issues after dealer service 2. Vehicle now diagnosed with : Oil leaking over transmission bell housing Transmission slipping Improper shifting, especially in reverse Loose engine mount These issues create unsafe driving conditions as the vehicle: May not shift properly during critical driving situations Could potentially stall or lose power while driving Has compromised transmission function Shows signs of potential transmission failure The dealership dismissed these safety concerns when reported immediately after their service. Vehicle’s condition has continued to deteriorate, making it unsafe for regular operation. “ “During operation, the vehicle: 1. Shows irregular shifting patterns 2. Has demonstrated unpredictable performance 3. Could potentially fail during operation 4. Leaking oil poses additional safety risks The dealership’s failure to properly address these issues after their service has left the vehicle in an unsafe condition for highway operation. “
NHTSA ODI #11642695
Mileage unknown · Nov 15, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
While coming around a 35mph turn my car shut its self off. Normally it would say please put car in park but it shut off and had to panic and pull hard to make it around the turn. Put car in park then I was able to restart the car.
NHTSA ODI #11625479
Mileage unknown · Apr 9, 2024
Electrical SystemEngineService Brakes
[XXX] [XXX] ] Urgent Safety Concerns with 2017 Dodge Charger Daytona - Complaint [XXX] Hello Dodge Corporate, I am writing to express my extreme dissatisfaction and deep concern regarding the safety issues I have encountered with my 2017 Dodge Charger Daytona, which I purchased as a brand-new vehicle from Fremont Chrysler D…
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[XXX] [XXX] ] Urgent Safety Concerns with 2017 Dodge Charger Daytona - Complaint [XXX] Hello Dodge Corporate, I am writing to express my extreme dissatisfaction and deep concern regarding the safety issues I have encountered with my 2017 Dodge Charger Daytona, which I purchased as a brand-new vehicle from Fremont Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. I am reaching out to you as the first owner of this vehicle with genuine worries about its safety features and functionality. Recently, I experienced a terrifying situation while driving my Dodge Charger on the highway. At a speed of 75 mph, the vehicle unexpectedly applied the brakes on its own, putting me and other drivers at significant risk of an accident. This erratic behavior is entirely unacceptable and poses a severe threat to both my safety and the safety of others on the road. Moreover, the issues do not end there. On numerous occasions, my Dodge Charger has exhibited erratic behavior, including failure to accelerate, sudden stalling, and a complete blackout of the dashboard display. Despite repeated attempts to rectify these problems, including multiple battery replacements, the vehicle remains unreliable and unsafe to operate. Additionally, critical safety features such as the backup camera have ceased to function, further compromising my ability to operate the vehicle safely. It is pertinent to note that my Dodge Charger has only accumulated 23,000 miles since its purchase in 2017, indicating that these issues are not a result of normal wear and tear but rather a fundamental flaw in the vehicle's design or manufacturing. My attempts to address these pressing safety concerns with both the Dodge dealer and your corporate customer service department have been met with disappointment and disregard. I was informed that since my vehicle is no longer under warranty, there is nothing that can be done to remedy these life-threatening issues. This response is utterly unacceptable and fails to acknowledge the INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT
NHTSA ODI #11582008
Mileage unknown · Mar 12, 2024
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
Engine was ticking around 74k miles, it started off quiet and I was informed by a mechanic it should be fine as a lot of cars have a ticking sound. Couple thousand miles later the engine is nearly rattling and there's a thumping causing spaces of silence in the exhaust and there's also occasional hard shifting.
NHTSA ODI #11576898
103,208 miles · Aug 9, 2023
Engine
The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge became elevated and the engine overheated. The contact allowed the engine to cool down before adding coolant and then drove to her destination. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic; however, the …
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The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Charger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the temperature gauge became elevated and the engine overheated. The contact allowed the engine to cool down before adding coolant and then drove to her destination. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,208.
NHTSA ODI #11537521
Mileage unknown · Aug 4, 2023
Engine
I have a 2017 Hellcat Charger, only certain 2017 Hellcat chargers and challengers were recalled for the engine oil cooling hoses failing resulting in a rapid loss of engine oil, my car wasn’t one of the certain vehicles recalled but my car just did the exact same thing other cars were recalled for, but the dealer won’t fix my ve…
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I have a 2017 Hellcat Charger, only certain 2017 Hellcat chargers and challengers were recalled for the engine oil cooling hoses failing resulting in a rapid loss of engine oil, my car wasn’t one of the certain vehicles recalled but my car just did the exact same thing other cars were recalled for, but the dealer won’t fix my vehicle because it wasn’t one of the vehicles that were “selected for the recall” at the end of the day I shouldn’t have to come out of pocket to have an issue fixed that was recalled by the manufacturer
NHTSA ODI #11536467
Mileage unknown · Jul 8, 2023
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
I keep having electrical problems with my my radio UConnect and my powertrain. I take great care of my car only let the dealership handle my issues. I've read online that there was a recall for dodge chargers powertrain, but I've never been notified.
NHTSA ODI #11531117
Official recalls
4May 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 2015-2018 Dodge Charger pursuit police vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive and V8 engines. The front driveshaft universal joint may seize or fracture causing the shaft to detach from the vehicle.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the front driveshaft detaches from the vehicle it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began June 27, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U37.
Aug 8, 2017
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Dodge Challenger and Charger vehicles equipped with Hellcat engines. The engine oil cooler (EOC) hoses may fail resulting in a rapid loss of engine oil.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If an EOC line fails, oil may spray onto the windshield or contact a hot surface, impairing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash or fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EOC lines, free of charge. The recall began October 3, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T48.
Feb 14, 2017
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD). The front driveshaft bolts may loosen and allow the front driveshaft to disconnect, potentially causing a loss of motive power.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A loss of motive power can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace all eight front driveshaft bolts, free of charge. The recall began April 7, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T03.
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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