NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
38 reportsClear category filter36,000 miles · Jul 30, 2020
Electrical SystemSteering
ADAPTIVE STEERING FAULT SERVICE REQUIRED LIGHT IS ON. CAR PULLS TO THE RIGHT EVER SINCE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE AT 37,000 MILES AND FORD REFUSES TO REPAIR THIS SAFETY MALFUNCTION UNDER ANY TYPE OF WARRANTY. I PURCHASED EXTENDED PLATINUM INSURANCE COVERAGE BECAUSE I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE USED 1 YEAR AGO. LIGHT COMES O…
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ADAPTIVE STEERING FAULT SERVICE REQUIRED LIGHT IS ON. CAR PULLS TO THE RIGHT EVER SINCE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE AT 37,000 MILES AND FORD REFUSES TO REPAIR THIS SAFETY MALFUNCTION UNDER ANY TYPE OF WARRANTY. I PURCHASED EXTENDED PLATINUM INSURANCE COVERAGE BECAUSE I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE USED 1 YEAR AGO. LIGHT COMES ON EVERYTHING I TURN THE VEHICLE ON. I'M CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY DRIVING, ESPECIALLY AT HIGH SPEEDS ON THE FREEWAY.
NHTSA ODI #11342331
63,500 miles · Jan 13, 2020
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE INTERSTATE, THREE DIFFERENT TIMES IT SUDDENLY, WITHOUT WARNING, LOST ALL POWER AND SHUTDOWN THE CAR. NO POWER, LIGHTS, POWER STEERING, ETC. I HAD TO COAST TO A STOP ON A MAJOR INTERSTATE. ONCE I WAS STOPPED, TURNED OFF THE CAR AND IT RESTARTED LIKE NOTHING HAPPENED. THESE EVENTS WERE VERY D…
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WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE INTERSTATE, THREE DIFFERENT TIMES IT SUDDENLY, WITHOUT WARNING, LOST ALL POWER AND SHUTDOWN THE CAR. NO POWER, LIGHTS, POWER STEERING, ETC. I HAD TO COAST TO A STOP ON A MAJOR INTERSTATE. ONCE I WAS STOPPED, TURNED OFF THE CAR AND IT RESTARTED LIKE NOTHING HAPPENED. THESE EVENTS WERE VERY DANGEROUS. ONCE WAS WHEN IT WAS RAINING SO WHEN THE CAR LOST POWER, THE WIPERS STOPPED AT 70 MPH SO I HAD TO NAVIGATE TO THE SHOULDER WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO SEE. A SECOND TIME WAS AT NIGHT DRIVING 70 MPH, WHEN IT SHUTDOWN, I LOST HEADLIGHTS AND I COULDN'T SEE. IT WAS TERRIFYING AS I WAS IN A REMOTE AREA OF I-49 WITHOUT ANY LIGHTING TO NAVIGATE TO THE SHOULDER. AGAIN, ONCE STOPPED AND PUT IN PARK, IT RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY. PLEASE NOTE, I'M NOT THE OWNER OF THIS CAR. I WAS DRIVING IT AS A LOANER FROM A USED CAR DEALERSHIP. THIS PROBLEM WAS SO SERIOUS I AM REPORTING DIRECTLY TO THE NHTSA AS THIS CAR HAD NO RECALLS TO ADDRESS. SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET INJURIES OR DIE. I WAS TERRIFIED.
NHTSA ODI #11298960
80,000 miles · Oct 21, 2019
Electrical System
WHEN PARKED AND LOCKED, THE REAR HATCH WILL UNLOCK WHEN DRIVER GONE, OR AT NIGHT. REAR HATCH DOOR WILL NOT CLOSE BY ANY SWITCH. A DANGER TO PERSONAL SAFETY AND THEFT.
NHTSA ODI #11269936
Mileage unknown · Aug 9, 2019
Electrical System
WHEN I AM DRIVING, MY VOLUME FOR THE RADIO WILL INCREASE VERY QUICKLY WHILE HAVE MY HANDS ON THE STEERING WHEEL. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING OR PARKED AND IT WILL ACCELERATE AS HIGH AS IT CAN GO. THIS CAN BE STARTLING, BECAUSE I AM NOT EXPECTING THE SOUND TO GET EXTREMELY LOUD, QUICKLY. I HAVE GONE INTO THE SETTINGS AND TURNED THE SE…
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WHEN I AM DRIVING, MY VOLUME FOR THE RADIO WILL INCREASE VERY QUICKLY WHILE HAVE MY HANDS ON THE STEERING WHEEL. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING OR PARKED AND IT WILL ACCELERATE AS HIGH AS IT CAN GO. THIS CAN BE STARTLING, BECAUSE I AM NOT EXPECTING THE SOUND TO GET EXTREMELY LOUD, QUICKLY. I HAVE GONE INTO THE SETTINGS AND TURNED THE SETTING TO OFF WHEN IT ASKS ABOUT THE VOLUME INCREASING WHEN WE ACCELERATE THE GAS. HOWEVER, THIS DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. ALTHOUGH I CHOSE A DATE AT THE BOTTOM AS TO WHEN THIS HAPPENED, IT'S NOT ACCURATE. IT IS VERY RANDOM AND UNPREDICTABLE WHEN THE VOLUME INCREASES.
NHTSA ODI #11242756
20,000 miles · Jul 4, 2019
Electrical SystemStructure
VEHICLE HAS A MOTION SENSOR UNDER THE REAR AREA THAT ENABLES THE HATCH TO OPEN AND CLOSE WHEN YOU SLIDE YOU FOOT UNDER THE BUMPER IF YOU HAVE THE KEY FOB ON YOU. WHEN YOU BEGIN LOADING PACKAGES IF YOUR FOOT MOVES NEAR THE SENSOR THE HATCH CAN CLOSE DOWN SUDDENLY AND HIT YOU IN THE HEAD OR BACK IF YOU ARE TURNING TO EMPTY A CART.…
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VEHICLE HAS A MOTION SENSOR UNDER THE REAR AREA THAT ENABLES THE HATCH TO OPEN AND CLOSE WHEN YOU SLIDE YOU FOOT UNDER THE BUMPER IF YOU HAVE THE KEY FOB ON YOU. WHEN YOU BEGIN LOADING PACKAGES IF YOUR FOOT MOVES NEAR THE SENSOR THE HATCH CAN CLOSE DOWN SUDDENLY AND HIT YOU IN THE HEAD OR BACK IF YOU ARE TURNING TO EMPTY A CART. THERE SEEMS TO BE NO WAY FOR THE USER TO SHUT OFF THE MOTION SENSOR. A GOOGLE SEARCH REVEALS MANY COMPLAINTS PEOPLE HAVE MADE ON THIS TOPIC. SEVERAL FORD PRODUCTS HAVE THE SAME SYSTEM. VEHICLE IS PARKED WHEN THIS HAPPENS.
NHTSA ODI #11229422
Mileage unknown · Jun 28, 2019
Electrical System
THE REAR LIGHTS ACROSS THE REAR OF THE CAR, GET FILLED WITH WATER.. THIS STARTED APPROX 2 YEARS AGO WITH SOME CONDENSATION, EACH TIME I WAS TOLD THIS WAS NORMAL AND IT WOULD DRY AFTER SOME TIME. RECENTLY IT HAS GOTTEN A LOT WORSE, AND THE WATER FILLS UP OVER THE BULBS AND DOESN'T DRY. PICTURES WERE TAKEN BY THE DEALER AND SUBMI…
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THE REAR LIGHTS ACROSS THE REAR OF THE CAR, GET FILLED WITH WATER.. THIS STARTED APPROX 2 YEARS AGO WITH SOME CONDENSATION, EACH TIME I WAS TOLD THIS WAS NORMAL AND IT WOULD DRY AFTER SOME TIME. RECENTLY IT HAS GOTTEN A LOT WORSE, AND THE WATER FILLS UP OVER THE BULBS AND DOESN'T DRY. PICTURES WERE TAKEN BY THE DEALER AND SUBMITTED TO BOTH WARRANTY CO'S. ONLY TO BE REJECTED.. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE
NHTSA ODI #11228304
9,036 miles · Mar 13, 2019
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)
WHEN COMING TO A STOP AT AN INTERSECTION THE PROXIMITY SENSORS GO OFF INADVERTENTLY FREQUENTLY WHEN THERE IS NO OBJECT THERE. WE HAVE TAKEN IT TO FORD SERVICE SEVERAL TIMES ONLY TO BE TOLD EVERYTHING CHECKS OUT OKAY. THIS HAPPENS ON A DAILY BASIS AND IS VERY ANNOYING AND MAKES US NOT TRUST THE SENSORS SINCE THEY SENSE OBJECTS …
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WHEN COMING TO A STOP AT AN INTERSECTION THE PROXIMITY SENSORS GO OFF INADVERTENTLY FREQUENTLY WHEN THERE IS NO OBJECT THERE. WE HAVE TAKEN IT TO FORD SERVICE SEVERAL TIMES ONLY TO BE TOLD EVERYTHING CHECKS OUT OKAY. THIS HAPPENS ON A DAILY BASIS AND IS VERY ANNOYING AND MAKES US NOT TRUST THE SENSORS SINCE THEY SENSE OBJECTS THAT ARE NOT VISIBLE. THIS USUALLY HAPPENS WHEN SLOWING DOWN FOR A STOP SIGN AT AN INTERSECTION OR STOP LIGHT. IT CAN GO OFF ON EITHER SIDE EVEN THROUGH NO OTHER VEHICLES OR OBJECTS ARE THERE. MY WIFE HAS RECORDED THIS ON HER PHONE TO SHOW THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT BUT SO FAR THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DUPLICATE IT. WHEN WE SHOWED THEM THE VIDEO THEY SAID THEY HAD ANOTHER PERSON RECORD A VIDEO OF THE SAME ISSUE ON ANOTHER FORD EDGE UNDER SLOWING OR COMING TO A STOP AT AN INTERSECTION. THIS REPORT WANTS A SPECIFIC DATE REPORTED WHEN THIS HAPPENED HOWEVER AS MENTIONED THIS HAPPENS ON A REGULAR BASIS AND HAS DONE SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED NEW FROM FORD COUNTRY IN HENDERSON, NV. WE HAVE TAKEN IT INTO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS TRYING TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM TAKEN CARE OF BOTH GAUDIN FORD IN LAS VEGAS,NV AND FORD COUNTRY WHERE WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN HENDERSON, NV
NHTSA ODI #11186333
37,000 miles · Oct 12, 2018
Electrical SystemEngine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EDGE. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE INCREASED TO "HOT" AND THE "COOLANT OVERHEATED" MESSAGE DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PARK CITY FORD (3333 INWOOD RD, DALLAS, TX) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT AN ELECTRICAL VOLTAGE SURGE HAD DAMAGED THE BATTERY, WIRE HARNESS, FUSE BOX,…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EDGE. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE INCREASED TO "HOT" AND THE "COOLANT OVERHEATED" MESSAGE DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PARK CITY FORD (3333 INWOOD RD, DALLAS, TX) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT AN ELECTRICAL VOLTAGE SURGE HAD DAMAGED THE BATTERY, WIRE HARNESS, FUSE BOX, AND COOLING FAN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000.
NHTSA ODI #11139945
45,000 miles · Aug 28, 2018
Electrical System
THE CAR WAS PARKED. THE HEAD LIGHTS TURNED ON/OFF A COUPLE OF TIMES, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS TURNED ON/OFF, AND THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR WINDOWS OPENED AND CLOSED SPONTANEOUSLY. BOTH KEY FOBS WERE IN THE HOUSE AT LEAST 40 FEET FROM THE CAR. THE CAR DOES NOT HAVE REMOTE START OPTION. THE CAR WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF AN ATTACHED …
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THE CAR WAS PARKED. THE HEAD LIGHTS TURNED ON/OFF A COUPLE OF TIMES, THE INTERIOR LIGHTS TURNED ON/OFF, AND THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR WINDOWS OPENED AND CLOSED SPONTANEOUSLY. BOTH KEY FOBS WERE IN THE HOUSE AT LEAST 40 FEET FROM THE CAR. THE CAR DOES NOT HAVE REMOTE START OPTION. THE CAR WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF AN ATTACHED GARAGE. THE HOUSE IS IN A RURAL AREA AT LEAST 1/4 MILE FROM THE NEAREST HOUSE. THE OBVIOUS CONCERN IS SECURITY WITH REGARD TO THEFT IN AN URBAN SETTING. ALSO POSSIBLE WATER DAMAGE IF THIS WAS TO OCCUR DURING A RAINSTORM. IT WAS WITNESSED BY THREE DIFFERENT PEOPLE. THE ONLY "RF" DEVICES ACTIVE IN THE HOUSE WERE A CORDLESS PHONE, TWO CELL PHONES, AND A WIFI ROUTER.
NHTSA ODI #11123052
55,000 miles · Aug 24, 2018
Electrical System
I BOUGHT A 2016 EDGE TITANIUM LAST YEAR. THE WRENCH ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THIS WEEK. WHEN I TOOK THE EDGE TO THE DEALER, THE FIRST THING THE DEALERSHIP DID WAS LOOK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND EXPLAINED THAT MY WIRES AND SENSORS WERE CHEWED BY RABBITS OR MICE. I LEARNED THE ELECTRICAL WIRING SYSTEM IS SOY BASED. I ASKED …
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I BOUGHT A 2016 EDGE TITANIUM LAST YEAR. THE WRENCH ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THIS WEEK. WHEN I TOOK THE EDGE TO THE DEALER, THE FIRST THING THE DEALERSHIP DID WAS LOOK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND EXPLAINED THAT MY WIRES AND SENSORS WERE CHEWED BY RABBITS OR MICE. I LEARNED THE ELECTRICAL WIRING SYSTEM IS SOY BASED. I ASKED IF THE DEALER COULD REPLACE THE WIRES AND SENSORS WITH NON-SOY PRODUCTS AND WAS TOLD FORD DOES NOT MAKE A NON-SOY BASED WIRING SYSTEM. I LIVE IN COLORADO AND WE USE OUR VEHICLES OUT SIDE FOR CAMPING, VACATIONS, AND DRIVING. ANIMALS APPARENTLY LOVE SOY. THERE ARE PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR ANIMALS TO DESTROY WIRING SYSTEMS WHERE I LIVE. THIS COST ME $1,050. THIS ALSO HAPPENED TO MY BROTHER WHO LIVES IN MISSOURI. HE HAD A 2016 FORD FUSION. IT WAS PARKED IN HIS DRIVEWAY 4 WEEKS. HE COULD NOT START HIS CAR AND HAD IT TOWED TO HIS DEALERSHIP. HE WAS INFORMED HE HAD TO HAVE HIS ELECTRICAL WIRING AND SENSORS REPLACED, WHICH COST HIM $2,000. THIS NEVER HAPPENED TO ME BEFORE, OR MY BROTHER, AND I HAVE PURCHASED FORDS SINCE THE 1970S. I FEEL FORD SHOULD OFFER THE OPTION TO REPLACE THESE DEFECTIVE WIRING SYSTEMS WITH A NON-SOY PRODUCT AND REIMBURSE US FOR THIS DAMAGE. WHEN THE DEALERSHIP IS DONE WITH THE REPAIR, I WILL BE HAPPY TO PROVIDE THE REPAIR BILL.
NHTSA ODI #11122156
Official recalls
7Sep 3, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Lincoln MKC, Mustang, F-350 SD, F-250 SD, F-450 SD, 2015-2017 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, 2015-2018 Edge, Transit Connect, 2016-2019 F-550 SD, Transit, 2017-2019 Econoline, and 2019 Ranger vehicles. The rearview camera may display a distorted, inverted, or blank image when the vehicle is in reverse.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rearview camera that displays an inverted, distorted, or blank image can reduce the driver’s view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 13, 2026. Ford owners will receive letters in phases, beginning January 2026 and June 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S89. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V270. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 8, 2025.
Aug 22, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The rear brake jounce hose may rupture and leak brake fluid.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A brake fluid leak can extend the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the brake jounce hoses and adjust brake jounce hoses with no damage present, free of charge. Interim owner letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed September 8, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated August 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S87.
Jun 10, 2022
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:shift Linkage/cable/rod
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Consequence: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Escape, 2013-2018 C-Max, 2013-2016 Fusion, 2013-2021 Transit Connect, and 2015-2018 Edge vehicles. The bushing that attaches the shifter cable to the transmission may degrade or detach.
Consequence: A damaged or missing bushing may prevent the vehicle from shifting into the intended gear, and cause the vehicle to move in an unexpected direction. Additionally, the vehicle may roll after the driver selects the 'Park' position. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the under hood shift bushing and add a protective cap over the shift cable bushing, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters, informing owners of the safety risk, were mailed July 1, 2022. Remedy parts are expected to be available in 4th Quarter 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed October 27, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S43.
Aug 10, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Edge and 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture prematurely.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A ruptured front brake hose will cause a brake fluid leak, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front brake hoses with the new hoses that have a revised braid material, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S42.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Service Brakes
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Edge and 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture prematurely.
Consequence: A ruptured front brake hose will cause a brake fluid leak, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front brake hoses with the new hoses that have a revised braid material, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S42.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford Edge and 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles. The front brake hoses may rupture prematurely.
Consequence: A ruptured front brake hose will cause a brake fluid leak, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front brake hoses with the new hoses that have a revised braid material, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S42.
Aug 29, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 Ford Edge, and 2016 Lincoln MKX vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Road salt or other contaminants may corrode the electric power steering gear motor attachment bolts.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the bolts corrode, the steering gear motor may detach from the gear housing resulting in a loss of power steering assist, requiring a greater steering effort, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear motor bolts and apply a wax sealer. If any of the steering gear motor attachment bolts are broken or missing, a new steering gear will be installed in the vehicle. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began October 18, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S26.
Feb 27, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX vehicles and 2017 Lincoln Continental vehicles. In the event of a crash, the driver's frontal air bag may not fully inflate or the air bag cushion may detach from the air bag module. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: During deployment, if the air bag does not fully inflate or the cushion detaches, there is an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began June 16, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17C02.
Oct 12, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured February 9, 2015, to August 12, 2016. During dealer servicing, the affected vehicles may be have been updated with incorrect Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software. This software can cause the ESC system to lose engine torque control, and not provide any warning lamps to warn the driver if there was an ABS or ESC system malfunction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems" and number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the operator is not warned of an ABS or ESC malfunction and the ESC loses engine torque control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS module, and update the service software, free of charge. The recall begin November 22, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C14.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured February 9, 2015, to August 12, 2016. During dealer servicing, the affected vehicles may be have been updated with incorrect Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software. This software can cause the ESC system to lose engine torque control, and not provide any warning lamps to warn the driver if there was an ABS or ESC system malfunction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems" and number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Consequence: If the operator is not warned of an ABS or ESC malfunction and the ESC loses engine torque control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS module, and update the service software, free of charge. The recall begin November 22, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C14.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured February 9, 2015, to August 12, 2016. During dealer servicing, the affected vehicles may be have been updated with incorrect Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) software. This software can cause the ESC system to lose engine torque control, and not provide any warning lamps to warn the driver if there was an ABS or ESC system malfunction. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems" and number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Consequence: If the operator is not warned of an ABS or ESC malfunction and the ESC loses engine torque control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS module, and update the service software, free of charge. The recall begin November 22, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16C14.
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
3DP26008 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 3, 2026 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition on August 5, 2026, requesting a defect investigation into the 2.0 Liter EcoBoost engine on model year 2015-2018 Ford Edge vehicles. The petition alleges that engine coolant intrusion results in a significant loss of engine power, accompanied by an "Engine Coolant Over Temperature" warning message. The petition further alleges that after the vehicle has sat and cooled down, the engine runs roughly and generates a check engine light for a cylinder misfire. This defect petition is being opened to evaluate the issue and determine whether to grant or deny the petition. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11754989.
PE24027 · Loss Of Braking Caused By Rear Brake Hose Failure
Opened Oct 3, 2024 · Closed Oct 30, 2025
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
On October 3, 2024, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation to investigate instances of rear brake hose ruptures causing a sudden and unexpected loss of braking in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company. The complaints allege that, without warning, the vehicle lost its ability to brake causing an unanticipated increase in the vehicle’s stopping distance. The complaints also allege that, prior to the rear brake hose rupture event, the vehicle had been serviced under recall 20V-469. Recall 20V469 involved MY 2015-2018 Ford Edge and MY 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles which may experience front brake hose ruptures causing increased brake pedal travel and a reduction in the rate of deceleration. Ford identified the cause of this safety defect as a consistent localized failure of the internal reinforcement braid of the brake hose due to cyclic fatigue via tensile/bending and torsional inputs during suspension and steering articulations. Ford also identified that only 88% of suspension articulation was utilized on the front brake hose test rig during life cycle testing. These findings, along with ODI’s identification of an emerging trend involving rear brake hose ruptures, prompted the opening of this investigation. ODI identified 64 Vehicle Owners Questionnaires related to this investigation, 2 involving a crash. These consumers were interviewed and reported experiencing sudden loss of braking ability while traveling at low and highway speeds without any prior warning such as a “low brake fluid” warning indicator. Consumers reported that, as they tried to stop their vehicle, the brake pedal traveling to the floorboard and the vehicle required more stopping distance than anticipated or considered normal. Consumers also observed brake fluid present on the rear tires and roadway near the rear tires immediately after the incident. Some consumers provided photographs of the rear brake hose ruptures which depicted a similar rupture pattern and location (near the crimp on the dynamic section of the brake hose). 1 photograph showed an installation alignment mark pulled out near the crimp suggesting exposure to unanticipated tensile forces pulling the hose away from the crimp. During this investigation, Ford responded to Information Request Letters detailing information such as warranty claim data, brake hose specifications and engineering drawings, production part changes logs, and Ford’s assessments of potential root cause. Ford reported that the front and rear brake jounce hoses equipped on the subject vehicle population utilized the same construction and material. Therefore, Ford’s analysis consisted of a comparison between the front and rear hoses demonstrating that the rear hose bend radii in full jounce and full rebound were larger than the front hose. Ford also described that the two hoses are exposed to different loading environments as the rear brake hose is exposed to suspension inputs only, while the front hose is exposed to both suspension and steering inputs; thus, the rear hose is subjected to lower tension and fatigue loads. However, it is important to point out that larger bend radii alone do not necessarily mean a brake hose can withstand the dynamic loading requirements of a brake hose (as discussed earlier, the defect identified in the front brake hoses were attributed to the hose material). Rear brake hose failures were identified through exemplar vehicle and parts inspections conducted by NHTSA’s Vehicle Research and Testing Center. Ford stated that its investigation did not identify any specific or common root cause for this safety defect, and that brake hoses can fail for many reasons including contact with road debris, improper vehicle servicing, and fatigue, as well as vehicle age and miles in service. Based on its assessment of failure rates and warranty claims, Ford concluded that the rear brake hose ruptures did not present an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety because consumers would experience a progressive leak accompanied by a red brake warning indicator within the instrument panel and would not experience a total loss of braking due to the diagonally split brake system. Note that these assessments are contrary to the consumer experiences described above. As previously described, consumers described a sudden, unexpected loss of braking ability with no prior warning in their instrument cluster (not a progressive leak) and an increase in anticipated vehicle stopping distance (presenting an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety). ODI conveyed these perspectives and investigative findings to Ford during a technical discussion on July 23, 2025. On August 22, 2025, Ford submittedrecall 25V-544 which included MY 2015-2018 Ford Edge and MY 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles, for a total recall population of 499,129 vehicles. As described in the Part 573, in September 2024, Ford concluded that this concern did not present an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety and closed its investigation into allegations involving rear brake jounce hose ruptures within this vehicle population. Ford reopened this investigation in July 2025 following the technical discussion with ODI referenced above. Ford identified the safety defect as a rupture of the rear brake jounce hose resulting in an increase in pedal travel and increase in vehicle stopping distance elevating the risk of a crash. To date, Ford has not fully determined the root cause of this safety defect and is currently working to develop a remedy program. In view of the recall action taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Service Brakes
On October 3, 2024, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation to investigate instances of rear brake hose ruptures causing a sudden and unexpected loss of braking in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company. The complaints allege that, without warning, the vehicle lost its ability to brake causing an unanticipated increase in the vehicle’s stopping distance. The complaints also allege that, prior to the rear brake hose rupture event, the vehicle had been serviced under recall 20V-469. Recall 20V469 involved MY 2015-2018 Ford Edge and MY 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles which may experience front brake hose ruptures causing increased brake pedal travel and a reduction in the rate of deceleration. Ford identified the cause of this safety defect as a consistent localized failure of the internal reinforcement braid of the brake hose due to cyclic fatigue via tensile/bending and torsional inputs during suspension and steering articulations. Ford also identified that only 88% of suspension articulation was utilized on the front brake hose test rig during life cycle testing. These findings, along with ODI’s identification of an emerging trend involving rear brake hose ruptures, prompted the opening of this investigation. ODI identified 64 Vehicle Owners Questionnaires related to this investigation, 2 involving a crash. These consumers were interviewed and reported experiencing sudden loss of braking ability while traveling at low and highway speeds without any prior warning such as a “low brake fluid” warning indicator. Consumers reported that, as they tried to stop their vehicle, the brake pedal traveling to the floorboard and the vehicle required more stopping distance than anticipated or considered normal. Consumers also observed brake fluid present on the rear tires and roadway near the rear tires immediately after the incident. Some consumers provided photographs of the rear brake hose ruptures which depicted a similar rupture pattern and location (near the crimp on the dynamic section of the brake hose). 1 photograph showed an installation alignment mark pulled out near the crimp suggesting exposure to unanticipated tensile forces pulling the hose away from the crimp. During this investigation, Ford responded to Information Request Letters detailing information such as warranty claim data, brake hose specifications and engineering drawings, production part changes logs, and Ford’s assessments of potential root cause. Ford reported that the front and rear brake jounce hoses equipped on the subject vehicle population utilized the same construction and material. Therefore, Ford’s analysis consisted of a comparison between the front and rear hoses demonstrating that the rear hose bend radii in full jounce and full rebound were larger than the front hose. Ford also described that the two hoses are exposed to different loading environments as the rear brake hose is exposed to suspension inputs only, while the front hose is exposed to both suspension and steering inputs; thus, the rear hose is subjected to lower tension and fatigue loads. However, it is important to point out that larger bend radii alone do not necessarily mean a brake hose can withstand the dynamic loading requirements of a brake hose (as discussed earlier, the defect identified in the front brake hoses were attributed to the hose material). Rear brake hose failures were identified through exemplar vehicle and parts inspections conducted by NHTSA’s Vehicle Research and Testing Center. Ford stated that its investigation did not identify any specific or common root cause for this safety defect, and that brake hoses can fail for many reasons including contact with road debris, improper vehicle servicing, and fatigue, as well as vehicle age and miles in service. Based on its assessment of failure rates and warranty claims, Ford concluded that the rear brake hose ruptures did not present an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety because consumers would experience a progressive leak accompanied by a red brake warning indicator within the instrument panel and would not experience a total loss of braking due to the diagonally split brake system. Note that these assessments are contrary to the consumer experiences described above. As previously described, consumers described a sudden, unexpected loss of braking ability with no prior warning in their instrument cluster (not a progressive leak) and an increase in anticipated vehicle stopping distance (presenting an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety). ODI conveyed these perspectives and investigative findings to Ford during a technical discussion on July 23, 2025. On August 22, 2025, Ford submittedrecall 25V-544 which included MY 2015-2018 Ford Edge and MY 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles, for a total recall population of 499,129 vehicles. As described in the Part 573, in September 2024, Ford concluded that this concern did not present an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety and closed its investigation into allegations involving rear brake jounce hose ruptures within this vehicle population. Ford reopened this investigation in July 2025 following the technical discussion with ODI referenced above. Ford identified the safety defect as a rupture of the rear brake jounce hose resulting in an increase in pedal travel and increase in vehicle stopping distance elevating the risk of a crash. To date, Ford has not fully determined the root cause of this safety defect and is currently working to develop a remedy program. In view of the recall action taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
On October 3, 2024, NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation to investigate instances of rear brake hose ruptures causing a sudden and unexpected loss of braking in model year (MY) 2015-2017 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company. The complaints allege that, without warning, the vehicle lost its ability to brake causing an unanticipated increase in the vehicle’s stopping distance. The complaints also allege that, prior to the rear brake hose rupture event, the vehicle had been serviced under recall 20V-469. Recall 20V469 involved MY 2015-2018 Ford Edge and MY 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles which may experience front brake hose ruptures causing increased brake pedal travel and a reduction in the rate of deceleration. Ford identified the cause of this safety defect as a consistent localized failure of the internal reinforcement braid of the brake hose due to cyclic fatigue via tensile/bending and torsional inputs during suspension and steering articulations. Ford also identified that only 88% of suspension articulation was utilized on the front brake hose test rig during life cycle testing. These findings, along with ODI’s identification of an emerging trend involving rear brake hose ruptures, prompted the opening of this investigation. ODI identified 64 Vehicle Owners Questionnaires related to this investigation, 2 involving a crash. These consumers were interviewed and reported experiencing sudden loss of braking ability while traveling at low and highway speeds without any prior warning such as a “low brake fluid” warning indicator. Consumers reported that, as they tried to stop their vehicle, the brake pedal traveling to the floorboard and the vehicle required more stopping distance than anticipated or considered normal. Consumers also observed brake fluid present on the rear tires and roadway near the rear tires immediately after the incident. Some consumers provided photographs of the rear brake hose ruptures which depicted a similar rupture pattern and location (near the crimp on the dynamic section of the brake hose). 1 photograph showed an installation alignment mark pulled out near the crimp suggesting exposure to unanticipated tensile forces pulling the hose away from the crimp. During this investigation, Ford responded to Information Request Letters detailing information such as warranty claim data, brake hose specifications and engineering drawings, production part changes logs, and Ford’s assessments of potential root cause. Ford reported that the front and rear brake jounce hoses equipped on the subject vehicle population utilized the same construction and material. Therefore, Ford’s analysis consisted of a comparison between the front and rear hoses demonstrating that the rear hose bend radii in full jounce and full rebound were larger than the front hose. Ford also described that the two hoses are exposed to different loading environments as the rear brake hose is exposed to suspension inputs only, while the front hose is exposed to both suspension and steering inputs; thus, the rear hose is subjected to lower tension and fatigue loads. However, it is important to point out that larger bend radii alone do not necessarily mean a brake hose can withstand the dynamic loading requirements of a brake hose (as discussed earlier, the defect identified in the front brake hoses were attributed to the hose material). Rear brake hose failures were identified through exemplar vehicle and parts inspections conducted by NHTSA’s Vehicle Research and Testing Center. Ford stated that its investigation did not identify any specific or common root cause for this safety defect, and that brake hoses can fail for many reasons including contact with road debris, improper vehicle servicing, and fatigue, as well as vehicle age and miles in service. Based on its assessment of failure rates and warranty claims, Ford concluded that the rear brake hose ruptures did not present an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety because consumers would experience a progressive leak accompanied by a red brake warning indicator within the instrument panel and would not experience a total loss of braking due to the diagonally split brake system. Note that these assessments are contrary to the consumer experiences described above. As previously described, consumers described a sudden, unexpected loss of braking ability with no prior warning in their instrument cluster (not a progressive leak) and an increase in anticipated vehicle stopping distance (presenting an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety). ODI conveyed these perspectives and investigative findings to Ford during a technical discussion on July 23, 2025. On August 22, 2025, Ford submittedrecall 25V-544 which included MY 2015-2018 Ford Edge and MY 2016-2018 Lincoln MKX vehicles, for a total recall population of 499,129 vehicles. As described in the Part 573, in September 2024, Ford concluded that this concern did not present an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety and closed its investigation into allegations involving rear brake jounce hose ruptures within this vehicle population. Ford reopened this investigation in July 2025 following the technical discussion with ODI referenced above. Ford identified the safety defect as a rupture of the rear brake jounce hose resulting in an increase in pedal travel and increase in vehicle stopping distance elevating the risk of a crash. To date, Ford has not fully determined the root cause of this safety defect and is currently working to develop a remedy program. In view of the recall action taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
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.