WHEN GO OVER 30 AND BRAKE THE CAR SHAKES BUT UNDER THEM SPEED NOTHING HAPPENS ITS REGULAR. JUST BOUGHT THE CAR 2 WEEKS AGO.
2019 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
38 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.
- Air Bags. Review the 49 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 22 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Exterior Lighting. Review the 13 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
120 reportsI WAS INVOLVED IN A BAD ACCIDENT IN WHICH MY CAR WAS HIT ON BOTH SIDES OF THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS BY 2 DIFFERENT CARS. THE ENTIRE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS RIPPED AND SCRAPED AS WELL AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS IN THE VEHICLE DEPLOYED. THE ENTIRE CAR IS TORN APART AND NOT ONE OF THE AIRBAGS ATTEMPTED TO DEPLOY DE…
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I WAS INVOLVED IN A BAD ACCIDENT IN WHICH MY CAR WAS HIT ON BOTH SIDES OF THE REAR DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS BY 2 DIFFERENT CARS. THE ENTIRE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS RIPPED AND SCRAPED AS WELL AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS IN THE VEHICLE DEPLOYED. THE ENTIRE CAR IS TORN APART AND NOT ONE OF THE AIRBAGS ATTEMPTED TO DEPLOY DESPITE BEING HIT ALL OVER. I SPUN OUT OVER 6 LANES OF TRAFFIC AS THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. EVERY SENSOR AND METER IN THE CAR WAS FLASHING AND GIVING ME AN ERROR MESSAGE IN WHICH THE CAR WAS NO LONGER OPERABLE. IF ANYONE HAD BEEN IN THE VEHICLE ALONG WITH ME, NO ONE WOULD BE SAVED.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STAND STILL, SHE SAW BLACK/BLUE SMOKE EXITING FROM THE REAR AND STATED THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHAKE AND MAKE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED AT THE MOMENT. THE CONTACT STATED DAYS LATER, THE CHECK ENGINE W…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STAND STILL, SHE SAW BLACK/BLUE SMOKE EXITING FROM THE REAR AND STATED THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHAKE AND MAKE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED AT THE MOMENT. THE CONTACT STATED DAYS LATER, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER CARL HOGAN CHEVROLET BUICK GMC (2333 HWY 45 N, COLUMBUS, MS 39705: (662) 580-0726), AND WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER WHERE SHE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND WAS TOWED TO THEIR FACILITY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 7,000.
I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR 6 MONTHS AGO 2ND OWNER AS I START THE CARIBBEAN COULD HEAR THE LIFTERS IN THE ENGINE THE CAR ONLY HAS 42000 MILES IVE OWNED A2013 CHARGER AND IT PRETTY MUCH HAD SAME PROBLEM DEALER FIXED
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR JUST SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY AND WOULDN'T CRANK WITHOUT WARNING OR ANYTHING.
TL-THE CONTACT WAS RENTING A 2019 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30MPHAN CROSSING A RAILROAD TRACK THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH THE VEHICLE WAS TBONED ON THE PASSANGER SIDE. THE OTHER VEHICLE MIGHT HAVE RAN THROUGH A STOP SIGN. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. NON OF THE AIR …
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TL-THE CONTACT WAS RENTING A 2019 DODGE CHARGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30MPHAN CROSSING A RAILROAD TRACK THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH THE VEHICLE WAS TBONED ON THE PASSANGER SIDE. THE OTHER VEHICLE MIGHT HAVE RAN THROUGH A STOP SIGN. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. NON OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED.BOTH VEHICLES WERE DRIVEN TO A NEARBY PARKING LOT AND THE DRIVER'S EXCHANGED INSURANCE INFORMATION. THE PASSANGER SIDE DOOR WAS COMPLETELY SMASHED IN AND UNABLE TO BE OPENED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN AWAY AND REQUIRED NO TOWING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,737. TF
I PURCHASED A NEW 2019 DODGE CHARGER SCATPACK. IT WAS PURCHASED AS A LEISURE CAR FOR WEEKEND USE. I'VE HAD THE VEHICLE FOR A YEAR AND A HALF AND HAS 13000 MILES. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHIMMY FROM THE FRONT BRAKES. THE FRONT VIBRATION BEGAN VERY LIGHT BUT HAS CONTINUED TO INCREASE. AT FIRST I BELIEVE THAT IT WAS PROBABLY CAUSED B…
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I PURCHASED A NEW 2019 DODGE CHARGER SCATPACK. IT WAS PURCHASED AS A LEISURE CAR FOR WEEKEND USE. I'VE HAD THE VEHICLE FOR A YEAR AND A HALF AND HAS 13000 MILES. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHIMMY FROM THE FRONT BRAKES. THE FRONT VIBRATION BEGAN VERY LIGHT BUT HAS CONTINUED TO INCREASE. AT FIRST I BELIEVE THAT IT WAS PROBABLY CAUSED BY THE FACT THAT IT WAS NOT DRIVEN TO OFTEN AND THERE WAS PROBABLY A RUST BUILDUP OF SOME KIND. HOWEVER, IN RESEARCHING THE INTERNET IT APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP LABELED THE PROBLEM AS A WEAR AND TEAR ISSUE AND FOR THAT REASON IT WOULD BE MY RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX IT. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A POOR DESIGNED PROBLEM THAT THE MANUFACTURER IS REFUSING TO RECOGNIZE. I'VE OWNED MANY CARS IN MY 58 YEAR'S OF LIFE AND I KNOW THAT A BREAK ISSUE UNFORTUNATELY TAKES LOSS OF LIFE BEFORE IT'S ADDRESSED BY THE AUTHORITIES AND OR MANUFACTURER'S. I'M HOPING THAT THESE ISSUE IS ADDRESSED AS I'VE FOUND THROUGHOUT MY RESEARCH THAT IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AND IT COMES WITH OTHER PROBLEMS LIKE BRAKE FAILURE ALSO. THE BRAKES ARE MANUFACTURED BY BREMBO BRAKE WHO HAS ALSO REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE A POSIBLE PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES.
CENSORS KEEP FLASHING OUT OF CONTROL ON AND OFF BRAKES HAVE BEEN MESSED UP SINCE DAY ONE AIR BAG CENSOR KEEPS GOING ON
THE FACTORY HALOGEN PROJECTOR HEADLAMPS ARE GROSSLY INADEQUATE FOR NIGHT TIME DRIVING. THE BEAM PATTERN IS VERY POOR, AND ILLUMINATION OF SIGNAGE TO THE RIGHT OF THE CAR IS NON-EXISTENT. THIS PRESENTS A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION. I HAVE REPLACED THE FACTORY BULBS WITH HIGHER PERFORMANCE PARTS TO NO AVAIL. INCREASING THE INTENSITY…
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THE FACTORY HALOGEN PROJECTOR HEADLAMPS ARE GROSSLY INADEQUATE FOR NIGHT TIME DRIVING. THE BEAM PATTERN IS VERY POOR, AND ILLUMINATION OF SIGNAGE TO THE RIGHT OF THE CAR IS NON-EXISTENT. THIS PRESENTS A VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION. I HAVE REPLACED THE FACTORY BULBS WITH HIGHER PERFORMANCE PARTS TO NO AVAIL. INCREASING THE INTENSITY OF A BAD BEAM PATTERN DOESN'T IMPROVE THE BEAM PATTERN. NHTSA SHOULD INVESTIGATE THE HEADLAMPS ON THE CURRENT GENERATION CHARGER. OVERALL, NHTSA SHOULD ADOPT THE ECE BEAM PATTERN. FINALLY, DRLS SHOULD BE BANNED. WITH NO BENEFIT, ALL THEY DO IS RAISE THE COST OF A VEHICLE AND CAUSE EXCESSIVE DAYTIME GLARE.
TOTAL LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING. WE WERE TRAVELING ON A MAIN ROAD DOING 30 MPH WITH AUTOS IN FRONT AND BEHIND US. SLOWED DOWN AND ATTEMPTED TO TURN ONTO SIDE STREET. IT WAS VERY HARD TO TURN ONTO THE SIDE STREET SINCE THERE WAS ABOUT 10 % OF POWER STEERING ASSIST. YOU COULD BARELY STEER INTO A PARKING SPOT. I CALLED…
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TOTAL LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING. WE WERE TRAVELING ON A MAIN ROAD DOING 30 MPH WITH AUTOS IN FRONT AND BEHIND US. SLOWED DOWN AND ATTEMPTED TO TURN ONTO SIDE STREET. IT WAS VERY HARD TO TURN ONTO THE SIDE STREET SINCE THERE WAS ABOUT 10 % OF POWER STEERING ASSIST. YOU COULD BARELY STEER INTO A PARKING SPOT. I CALLED FOR A TOW TRUCK TO DELIVER THE 2019 DODGE CHARGER SRT HELLCAT TO MY RESIDENCE. I WILL BE CALLING THE CLOSEST DODGE DEALER/ REPAIR CENTER FOR DIAGNOSTIC AND REPAIRS TO BE MADE. THANK GOD NO PEOPLE, INJURED, PROPERTIES OR VEHICLES WERE DAMAGED OR KILLED. .
Official recalls
524V198000 · Air Bags:side/window:curtain:inflator
Mar 14, 2024
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bag inflators may rupture due to a manufacturing defect.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in sharp metal fragments striking occupants, resulting in injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both side curtain air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning February 20, 2025. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 19B.
20V512000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
Aug 27, 2020
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Dodge Charger Pursuit vehicles equipped with a "stealth mode." When stealth mode is selected, the backup camera rearview image will not display when the vehicle is in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The lack of a back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update body control module software to disable stealth mode when the vehicle is shifted into "Reverse", free of charge. The recall began October 22, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W62.
19V758000 · Service Brakes; Tires; Wheels
Oct 24, 2019
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Dodge Challenger and Charger vehicles. An incompatible front wheel and brake package was installed and may allow the front tire to contact the steering knuckle, causing tire damage.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A damaged tire can suddenly lose air pressure and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front wheels and inspect and replace the front tires, as necessary. In addition, dealers will inspect the wheel alignment, adjusting it if necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began December 19, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is VB0.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Service Brakes
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Dodge Challenger and Charger vehicles. An incompatible front wheel and brake package was installed and may allow the front tire to contact the steering knuckle, causing tire damage.
Consequence: A damaged tire can suddenly lose air pressure and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front wheels and inspect and replace the front tires, as necessary. In addition, dealers will inspect the wheel alignment, adjusting it if necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began December 19, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is VB0.
Wheels
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Dodge Challenger and Charger vehicles. An incompatible front wheel and brake package was installed and may allow the front tire to contact the steering knuckle, causing tire damage.
Consequence: A damaged tire can suddenly lose air pressure and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front wheels and inspect and replace the front tires, as necessary. In addition, dealers will inspect the wheel alignment, adjusting it if necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began December 19, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is VB0.
Tires
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Dodge Challenger and Charger vehicles. An incompatible front wheel and brake package was installed and may allow the front tire to contact the steering knuckle, causing tire damage.
Consequence: A damaged tire can suddenly lose air pressure and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front wheels and inspect and replace the front tires, as necessary. In addition, dealers will inspect the wheel alignment, adjusting it if necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began December 19, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is VB0.
19V246000 · Air Bags
Mar 28, 2019
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Dodge Charger vehicles. The driver and passenger sun visors may lack the required air bag warning information. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Failure to provide the air bag warning information increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the driver and passenger sun visors, free of charge. The recall began April 17, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V35.
19V203000 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel
Mar 14, 2019
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Dodge Challenger and Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles. The instrument cluster may not properly illuminate driver warnings. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 101, "Control and Displays."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Failure of the instrument cluster to properly illuminate may prevent the driver from receiving warnings about the vehicle's systems, increasing the risk of crash.
Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the instrument cluster software, free of charge. The recall began April 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V32.
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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