LESS THAN A YEAR AFTER OURCHASING NEW 2017 DODGE CHARGER RT THE DOOR PANELS ON ALL 4 DOORS STARTED TO BOW AND SEPARATE FROM THE PANEL
2017 Dodge Charger
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Charger years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
61 reports with mileage · 67 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 48 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Structure. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
128 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING DURING NIGHT TIME AND ATTEMPTING TO USE THE DEFROSTER, ONLY COLD AIR CAME FROM THE SYSTEM CAUSING THE FRONT WINDSHIELD TO BECOME FOGGY. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SEE THE ROADWAY CLEARLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED AFTER USING THE REAR BACKUP CAMERA, THE SYS…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING DURING NIGHT TIME AND ATTEMPTING TO USE THE DEFROSTER, ONLY COLD AIR CAME FROM THE SYSTEM CAUSING THE FRONT WINDSHIELD TO BECOME FOGGY. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SEE THE ROADWAY CLEARLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED AFTER USING THE REAR BACKUP CAMERA, THE SYSTEM HAD A GLITCH CAUSING THE IMAGE TO FREEZE AND REMAIN ON THE SCREEN. THE CONTACT CALLED HARTSVILLE CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (900 E BOBO NEWSOM HWY, HARTSVILLE, SC 29550, (843) 309-9892) AND MADE THE DEALER AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 74,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ODOR OF FUEL AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE WALK AROUND THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT FUEL WAS POURING OUT FROM THE PASSENGER REAR WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ARRIGO CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM MARGATE (2250 FL-7, MARGATE, FL 33063…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ODOR OF FUEL AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HE WALK AROUND THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT FUEL WAS POURING OUT FROM THE PASSENGER REAR WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ARRIGO CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM MARGATE (2250 FL-7, MARGATE, FL 33063) BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 38,214.
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, ONLY TOUCHING THE STEERING WHEEL (AT 70 MPH), THE RADIO CHANGES STATIONS, BEEPS CONSTANTLY, & THE SEAT WARMERS ARE TURNED OFF IN THE CONTROL CENTER. NOBODY TOUCHED ANYTHING. THE CONTROL CENTER WON'T QUIT BEEPING AS IF SOMEONE IS CHANGING THE RADIO STATION.
THE INTERIOR DOOR PANELS ON ALL FOUR DOORS ARE LIFTING OFF AND PEELING AWAY FROM THE DOORS. THE PANELS ARE PEELING MORE AND MORE EVERY WEEK. EVENTUALLY, IT LOOKS AS THOUGH THE PANELS WILL COMPLETELY COME OFF AND EXPOSE THE INNER DOORS.
THE RADIO CONTINUES TO BEEP & CHANGE STATIONS WHILE NOBODY IS TOUCHING ANYTHING. THE HEATED SEAT TURNS ITSELF OFF & THE PASSENGER SIDE TEMPERATURE RANDOMLY CHANGES ITSELF WHILE NO ONE HAS TOUCHED ANYTHING ALL WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. IT OCCURS ON CITY STREETS AND AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ALSO.
BRAND NEW VEHICLE HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES FOR BREAK PROBLEMS AND SUSPENSION PROBLEMS. MORE THAN ONE CERTIFIED DEALER HAVE REPLACED DRUMS, BREAK PADS AND TIE-ROD BUSHING WITHOUT ANY SUCCESS. THE CAR SEVERELY SHAKES AT THE FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM WHEN BREAKING, PARTICULARLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND COMING DOWN H…
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BRAND NEW VEHICLE HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES FOR BREAK PROBLEMS AND SUSPENSION PROBLEMS. MORE THAN ONE CERTIFIED DEALER HAVE REPLACED DRUMS, BREAK PADS AND TIE-ROD BUSHING WITHOUT ANY SUCCESS. THE CAR SEVERELY SHAKES AT THE FRONT SUSPENSION SYSTEM WHEN BREAKING, PARTICULARLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND COMING DOWN HILLS. THE CAR HAS BEEN AT THE CAR DEALER(S) FOR AS LONG AS OVER A MONTH ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. A DRUMMING SOUND CAN BE HEAR WHEN VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THESE SYMPTOMS. TO THE DEALER'S RESPONSE (FREMONT CDJR) NO PROBLEMS ARE FOUND. LAME EXCUSES I HAVE HEARD FROM THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT: ED MORGA/SERVICE AND PARTS DIRECTOR; [XXX]/SERVICE ADVISOR AND OTHERS STATE THAT THERE ARE NOT PROBLEMS; THAT THE VEHICLE IS TOO HEAVY FOR THIS TYPE OF BREAKING; NOISE WILL GO AWAY ONCE THE PARTS WARM-UP; SERPENTINE BELT AND OTHERS. ON THE OTHER HAND, SERVICE TECHNICIANS SUCH AS [XXX]/SHOP FOREMAN; [XXX]/ SERVICE TECHNICIAN AND OTHERS HAVE DRIVEN THE CAR ALONE WITH ME FOR TESTING; AND CORROBORATING SUCH PROBLEMS TO EXIST. THESE PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED TO THE DEALER SINCE THE SERVICE ON WITH 18,1403 MILES. VEHICLE HAS NOW 60,123 MILES AND THE PROBLEMS NEVER FIXED. A CARE CASE WAS FILED WITH FORD MOTOR COMPANY WITHOUT ANY SUCCESS (CARE CASE # [XXX]). ALSO THE ELECTRONIC SYSTEM FAILS. ALL DASHBOARD LIGHTS AND COMMANDS LOCK/FREEZE OR DISAPPEAR WITHOUT WARNING, AFFECTING THE VEHICLE'S FUNCTIONALITY. DEALER STATES THAT THIS IS A SOFTWARE UPDATE ISSUE. NEVER GOT IT RESOLVED EITHER. I'M DESPERATELY SEEKING YOUR HELP SINCE I DON'T KNOW WHERE ELSE TO TURN FOR ASSISTANCE. THESE ARE VERY SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS THAT THE DEALER HAS TAKING FOR GRANTED. SAFETY CONCERNS THAT MAY AWAIT A TRAGEDY FOR ME AND MY FAMILY AS WELL AS OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD. PLEASE ASSIST. REGARDS, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
ALL FOUR DOOR PANELS ON MY 2017 DODGE CHARGER ARE LIFTED FROM THE DOOR. THIS BEGAN TO OCCUR APPROXIMATELY 2 MONTHS AGO. I BELIEVE THAT THIS ISSUE HAPPENED WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED OUTSIDE.
ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL APPEARS TO BE SENDING ERROR CODES TO A HUM. THE CAR IS NOT GETTING ENOUGH FUEL TO ACCELERATE ON THE HIGHWAY.
THIS CAR DEFINITELY HAS A WIRING ISSUE. SOMETIMES THE CAR WON'T START. IT IS NOT THE BATTERY & IT IS NOT THE STARTER. OCCASIONALLY THE RADIO WON'T WORK. SOMETIMES WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, IT LOSES ALL POWER. SOMETIMES THE HEADLIGHTS JUST GO OUT. NOBODY CAN SEEM TO FIND THE ISSUE.
Official recalls
418V332000 · Electrical System:software; Electrical System:wiring; Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control
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.
18V281000 · Power Train:driveline:driveshaft
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.
17V496000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
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.
17V097000 · Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft
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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