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2016 Ford Edge

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Ford Edge do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 724.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

488 reports with mileage · 419 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.

  • Engine. Review the 317 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 102 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 99 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

17 crash reports3 fire reports15 injury reports

What owners actually said

907 reports
7,300 miles · Sep 19, 2017
Power Train

THROTTLE BODY FAILURE - WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, THERE WAS A CLUNK SOUND AND A WRENCH SYMBOL APPEARED ON OUR DISPLAY AND THE CAR LOST ALL POWER. WE COULD NOT ACCELERATE AND HAD TO CAREFULLY COAST TO NEAREST OFFRAMP. WE TRIED TO RESTART CAR AND IT DID TURNOVER BUT THE SAME PROBLEM REPEATED AFTER ABOUT ONE MINUTE. IT APPEA…

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THROTTLE BODY FAILURE - WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, THERE WAS A CLUNK SOUND AND A WRENCH SYMBOL APPEARED ON OUR DISPLAY AND THE CAR LOST ALL POWER. WE COULD NOT ACCELERATE AND HAD TO CAREFULLY COAST TO NEAREST OFFRAMP. WE TRIED TO RESTART CAR AND IT DID TURNOVER BUT THE SAME PROBLEM REPEATED AFTER ABOUT ONE MINUTE. IT APPEARS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH A VARIETY OF FORD MODELS. NO RECALL ON OUR VEHICLE. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #11024287

7,000 miles · Aug 29, 2017
Structure

THE RESISTANCE REQUIRED TO STOP THE DOWNWARD MOVEMENT OF THE POWERED LIFT GATE TO TOO GREAT. IF THE GATE WERE TO CLOSE ON A CHILD OR SMALL ANIMAL IT WOULD CAUSE INJURY. GATE WORKS ACCORDING TO FORD SPECS. HOWEVER A SMALL SOFTWARE CHANGE COULD CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I AM A MALE AND IT TAKES SEVERAL POUNDS OF RESISTANCE FOR ME T…

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THE RESISTANCE REQUIRED TO STOP THE DOWNWARD MOVEMENT OF THE POWERED LIFT GATE TO TOO GREAT. IF THE GATE WERE TO CLOSE ON A CHILD OR SMALL ANIMAL IT WOULD CAUSE INJURY. GATE WORKS ACCORDING TO FORD SPECS. HOWEVER A SMALL SOFTWARE CHANGE COULD CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I AM A MALE AND IT TAKES SEVERAL POUNDS OF RESISTANCE FOR ME TO CAUSE THE GATE TO REVERSE. MY WIFE CAN NOT STOP THE DOWNWARD MOVEMENT UNLESS SHE IS STANDING UNDER THE GATE. DEALER STATES THAT SEVERAL OWNERS HAVE REPORTED THE PROBLEM. IF THIS ISSUE IS NOT CORRECT SOMEBODY OR ANIMAL ARE GOING TO BE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED.

NHTSA ODI #11020381

2,931 miles · Aug 25, 2017
Steering

ADAPTIVE STEERING FAULT SERVICE REQUIRED LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND THEN GOES AWAY WHEN SHUT OFF AND STARTED.

NHTSA ODI #11019804

Mileage unknown · Aug 21, 2017
Steering

ADAPTIVE STEERING ISSUE. LIGHT HAS INTERMITTENTLY CAME ON AND OFF, BUT YESTERDAY THE WHEEL WAS AT 90 DEGREES TO DRIVE STRAIGHT. SEEMS LIKE SAFETY COULD BE AN ISSUE. ESPECIALLY IF YOU WERE AT A LIGHT AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS STRAIGHT AND YOU SIDE SWIPED THE CAR IN THE NEXT LANE. THIS MORNING THE LIGHT WAS OFF AND I'M CURREN…

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ADAPTIVE STEERING ISSUE. LIGHT HAS INTERMITTENTLY CAME ON AND OFF, BUT YESTERDAY THE WHEEL WAS AT 90 DEGREES TO DRIVE STRAIGHT. SEEMS LIKE SAFETY COULD BE AN ISSUE. ESPECIALLY IF YOU WERE AT A LIGHT AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS STRAIGHT AND YOU SIDE SWIPED THE CAR IN THE NEXT LANE. THIS MORNING THE LIGHT WAS OFF AND I'M CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER HAVE THEM CHECK AND HOPEFULLY RESOLVE THE ISSUE. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE FOR MY FAMILY AND I WANT TO ENSURE SAFETY IS NOT AN ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #11016495

8,740 miles · Aug 17, 2017
Steering

MY 2016 FORD EDGE SPORT WITH 8745 MILES ON IT IS EXPERIENCING ADAPTIVE POWER STEERING ISSUES. AT APPROX. 5000 MILES THE WARNING LIGHT STARTING COMING ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY AND AS OF YESTERDAY THE LIGHT IS NOW STEADY AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS NOW NOT ALIGNED WITH THE DIRECTION THE WHEELS ARE POINTED WHILE DRIVING. THIS FEEL U…

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MY 2016 FORD EDGE SPORT WITH 8745 MILES ON IT IS EXPERIENCING ADAPTIVE POWER STEERING ISSUES. AT APPROX. 5000 MILES THE WARNING LIGHT STARTING COMING ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY AND AS OF YESTERDAY THE LIGHT IS NOW STEADY AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS NOW NOT ALIGNED WITH THE DIRECTION THE WHEELS ARE POINTED WHILE DRIVING. THIS FEEL UNSAFE AND I CANT GET FORD TO LOOK AT IT UNTIL AUG 23, 2017

NHTSA ODI #11015937

13,000 miles · Aug 14, 2017
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

MY VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATING ON A STRAIGHT SECTION OF ROAD DURING RUSH HOUR (HAD AT LEAST A HALF TANK OF GAS). I WAS PUSHING NORMALLY ON THE GAS PEDAL TO KEEP MOVING AND SUDDENLY, WITHOUT WARNING, THE CAR DECELERATED AND LOST POWER AS IF I RAN OUT OF GAS. IT CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. NO LIMP MODE, I HAD TO COAST TO A PLACE TO P…

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MY VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATING ON A STRAIGHT SECTION OF ROAD DURING RUSH HOUR (HAD AT LEAST A HALF TANK OF GAS). I WAS PUSHING NORMALLY ON THE GAS PEDAL TO KEEP MOVING AND SUDDENLY, WITHOUT WARNING, THE CAR DECELERATED AND LOST POWER AS IF I RAN OUT OF GAS. IT CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. NO LIMP MODE, I HAD TO COAST TO A PLACE TO PULL OVER. POWER WAS ON AND ALL COMPONENTS WERE WORKING EXCEPT THERE WAS NO GAS WHEN I PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL. THE WRENCH ICON LIT UP ON THE DASHBOARD. WHEN I TURNED OFF AND THEN RESTARTED THE ENGINE THE GAS PEDAL WORKED SO I PUT IT IN "DRIVE" AND ACCELERATED CAUTIOUSLY. AFTER FIVE MINUTES, I LOST POWER AGAIN, JUST BEFORE ENTERING A MAJOR HIGHWAY. THE SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER COULD HAVE KILLED ME ON A HIGHWAY, OR IN THE MIDDLE OF ANY BUSY INTERSECTION, NOT TO MENTION HARM OTHER DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS. I TOOK IT TO FORD SERVICE THE NEXT DAY AND THEY SAID I HAD A BAD THROTTLE BODY. IT WAS NOT CONTAMINATED, IT JUST FAILED. THEY STATED THAT THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THEY SAW A FAILED THROTTLE BODY IN A 2016 EDGE. (13,000 MILES). MY HUSBAND SAID IT HAPPENED TO HIM ONCE EARLIER THIS YEAR, AND HE IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOR ADVICE. HE WAS INSTRUCTED TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND IT SHOULD BE FINE AFTER STARTING IT BACK UP. IT WORKED. THAT MAY BE A SHORT TERM SOLUTION - TO GET HOME. IT IS NOT A SOLUTION TO THIS LIFE THREATENING PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #11015233

6,350 miles · Aug 11, 2017
Vehicle Speed Control

I ENTERED ON TO I-95 INTERSTATE ON RAMP. I LOOKED BACK OVER MY LEFT SHOULDER TO MERGE SAFELY ALONG WITH ACCELERATING AND THE CAR DECELERATED. MY 18 YEAR OLD SON WAS WITH ME AND HE SAID YOU NEED TO ACCELERATE. I TOLD HIM I COULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE DASHBOARD DISPLAYED A WRENCH ICON ALONG WITH A MESSAGE SAYING SEE OWNERS MANUA…

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I ENTERED ON TO I-95 INTERSTATE ON RAMP. I LOOKED BACK OVER MY LEFT SHOULDER TO MERGE SAFELY ALONG WITH ACCELERATING AND THE CAR DECELERATED. MY 18 YEAR OLD SON WAS WITH ME AND HE SAID YOU NEED TO ACCELERATE. I TOLD HIM I COULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE DASHBOARD DISPLAYED A WRENCH ICON ALONG WITH A MESSAGE SAYING SEE OWNERS MANUAL. AFTER BARLEY BEING ABLE TO PULL OVER TO SAFETY I SHUT THE ENGINE OFF WAITED A FEW MINUTES AND RESTARTED IT. WE WERE ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR AND GET HOME. WHEN I CALLED THE DEALER THEY SAID IT'S THE THROTTLE BODY. I HAVE A 2016 FORD EDGE WITH 6,400 MILES.

NHTSA ODI #11014767

11,000 miles · Aug 9, 2017
Air BagsElectrical SystemVehicle Speed Control

THE INCIDENT HAS HAPPENED FOUR TIMES, SO FAR, TWICE WITHIN TWO MINUTES. DRIVING DOWN A STRAIGHT, FLAT ROAD AND THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN. ACCELERATOR DOES NOT WORK, AIR BAG SENSORS DEACTIVATE, COMPLETE LOSS OF CONTROL. CARS BEHIND HAD TO SWERVE INTO A DITCH TO AVOID HITTING MY CAR BECAUSE THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF WITH NO…

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THE INCIDENT HAS HAPPENED FOUR TIMES, SO FAR, TWICE WITHIN TWO MINUTES. DRIVING DOWN A STRAIGHT, FLAT ROAD AND THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN. ACCELERATOR DOES NOT WORK, AIR BAG SENSORS DEACTIVATE, COMPLETE LOSS OF CONTROL. CARS BEHIND HAD TO SWERVE INTO A DITCH TO AVOID HITTING MY CAR BECAUSE THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF WITH NO NOTICE, GOING 50 MPH. NOW HAPPENS EVERY TIME I DRIVE VEHICLE FOR LONGER THAN 20-25 MINUTES. HILL START ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE MESSAGE APPEARS AND CAR SHUTS DOWN WITHOUT WARNING TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEEDS. SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT APPEARS AND SERVICE ENGINE NOTIFICATION. AIRBAG SENSOR OFF LIGHT ILLUMINATES. I'VE FOUND THIS HAS BEEN A KNOWN PROBLEM SINCE 2002 AND THERE HAVE BEEN NO RECALLS. THEY ARE STILL MANUFACTURING MALFUNCTIONING ETB IN VEHICLES AND SOMEONE IS GOING TO DIE. THANKFULLY, I WAS NOT ON THE EXPRESSWAY. I HAVE THIS ISSUE DOCUMENTED ON VIDEO, AS IT HAPPENS EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY 2016 FORD EDGE. HTTPS://WWW.LAW360.COM/ARTICLES/893102/FORD-HIT-WITH-THROTTLE-DECELERATION-DEFECT-CLASS-ACTION HTTP://WWW.CARCOMPLAINTS.COM/NEWS/2014/FORD-TO-FIX-CARS-LIMP-HOME.SHTML HTTPS://WWW.CARGURUS.COM/CARS/DISCUSSION-T35446_DS471580 HTTP://WWW.AUTOREMARKETING.COM/RETAIL/FORD-TO-REMEDY-ETB-ISSUE-WITHOUT-OFFICIAL-RECALL

NHTSA ODI #11013877

14,280 miles · Aug 6, 2017
Unknown Or Other

LEFT A LOCAL BUSINESS HEADING TO ANOTHER BUSINESS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF A FAIRLY BUSY HIGHWAY, WHEN I PULLED OUT IN THE INTERSECTION, CAR LOST ALL POWER. HILL SIDE ASSIST LIGHT CAME ON, WRENCH, CAR WAS RUNNING, BUT YET SEEMED DISENGAGED AS IF IT WERE IN NEUTRAL OR HAD NO POWER GOING TO TRANSMISSION OR WHEELS. WAS ABLE TO COAST TO…

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LEFT A LOCAL BUSINESS HEADING TO ANOTHER BUSINESS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF A FAIRLY BUSY HIGHWAY, WHEN I PULLED OUT IN THE INTERSECTION, CAR LOST ALL POWER. HILL SIDE ASSIST LIGHT CAME ON, WRENCH, CAR WAS RUNNING, BUT YET SEEMED DISENGAGED AS IF IT WERE IN NEUTRAL OR HAD NO POWER GOING TO TRANSMISSION OR WHEELS. WAS ABLE TO COAST TO SIDE OF THE STREET, WHERE I RESTARTED THE CAR ONCE WITH NO CHANGE, SHUT CAR OFF AGAIN AND LEFT A BIT LONGER BEFORE WE STARTING, CAR CRANKED OVER VERY HARD, DID ALLOW ME TO BE ABLE TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY INTO THE GAS STATION, STILL NOT AT THIS POINT RUNNING LIKE IT SHOULD, CONTACTED LOCAL DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPT, AFTER SITTING APPROX 5 PLUS MINS, CAR STARTED, ALL DASH LIGHTS WENT OUT EXCEPT THE ENGINE LIGHT. TOLD TO BRING CAR IN TO BE CHECKED OUT ASAP. FROM WHAT I'VE READ ON LINE THIS SEEMS TO BE A FAIRLY COMMON PROBLEM,BUT A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN AND ALL POWER SEEMS TO BE GONE AND YOU COASTING IN BUSY TRAFFIC AREAS TRYING TO GET OUT OF THE OTHER TRAFFICS WAY AND PREVENT A ACCIDENT. VERY UNHAPPY WITH OUR VEHICLE AT THIS POINT, HAVE LOST A LOT OF FAITH IN WHAT I CAN EXPECT, A PERSON, FAMILY COULD EASILY BE KILLED BY THE CAR PERFORMANCE. ALSO HAD A ISSUE WITH MANY DASH LIGHTS COMING ON AFTER CAR HAD BEEN PARKED AT A BUSINESS AND RESTARTED, THIS HAPPENED ON 3/26/17, APPROX 12000 MILES ON CAR. HILLSIDE START ASSIST LIGHT CAME ON, WRENCH, AIRBAG SYMBOL, STABLITY CONTROL, ABS LIGHTS AND STAYED ON OUR WHOLE TRIP HOME APPROX 14 MILES, WHEN CAR WAS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED AFTER A BIT, ALL LIGHTS STAYED OFF, GARAGE INFORMED, NOTHING DONE ABOUT THIS ISSUE, ALSO HAVE ISSUES AT OUR LOCAL KWIK TRIP CAR SOMETIMES WON'T START, NOT DETECTING THE KEY, SEEMS THEY PUT OUT TO STRONG OF RADIO SIGNALS, KEY HAS TO BE PLACED BY TRANSMITER TO GET CAR TO START.

NHTSA ODI #11013078

6,000 miles · Aug 3, 2017
Steering

ADAPTIVE STEERING WHEEL FAULT WHILE MAKING SHARP U-TURN OR WHEN TURNING WHILE PARKING. THE MESSAGE APPEARS AND ALSO SOME NOISE AND STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION IS FELT. I'VE FOUND AN INTERNET FORUM WHERE MANY PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. HTTP://WWW.FORDEDGEFORUM.COM/TOPIC/21044-ADAPTIVE-STEERING-FAULT MY CONCERN IT'S VERY DANGEROU…

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ADAPTIVE STEERING WHEEL FAULT WHILE MAKING SHARP U-TURN OR WHEN TURNING WHILE PARKING. THE MESSAGE APPEARS AND ALSO SOME NOISE AND STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION IS FELT. I'VE FOUND AN INTERNET FORUM WHERE MANY PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. HTTP://WWW.FORDEDGEFORUM.COM/TOPIC/21044-ADAPTIVE-STEERING-FAULT MY CONCERN IT'S VERY DANGEROUS FOR THE CAR OWNER AND SURROUNDING

NHTSA ODI #11012684

Official recalls

7

25V572000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Sep 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.

25V544000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

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.

22V413000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl); Power Train:shift Linkage/cable/rod

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.

20V469000 · Service Brakes; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

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.

19V632000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System

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.

17V123000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

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.

16V733000 · Electronic Stability Control (esc); Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip

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

3

DP26008 · 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.