NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
70 reports165,000 miles · Jan 7, 2016
Electrical SystemEngine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 INFINITI I35. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE WHEN ABNORMAL PRESSURE WAS PLACED ONTO THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE STARTER KEY. THE VE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 INFINITI I35. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO START THE VEHICLE WHEN ABNORMAL PRESSURE WAS PLACED ONTO THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE STARTER KEY. THE VEHICLE WAS INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT HAD A CERTIFIED MECHANIC DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAM SHAFT SENSORS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM STALLED AS WELL. THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S FAILURES WERE SIMILAR TO THE CONSEQUENCE MENTIONED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.
NHTSA ODI #10818777
141,000 miles · Dec 8, 2015
Engine
PISTON RINGS ARE FAILING IN THIS VEHICLE. MANY OTHER VEHICLES THAT USE THIS SAME ENGINE MAY HAVE THE SAME PISTON RINGS, SUCH AS THE INFINITI G35, OR NISSAN MAXIMA WHICH USE THE 3.5L VQ35DE ENGINE OF SIMILAR YEARS. THE PISTON RINGS WERE ORIGINALLY DESIGNED FOR THE VQ30 BLOCK, AND WERE FITTED TO VQ35DE PISTONS. THESE RINGS ARE NOT…
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PISTON RINGS ARE FAILING IN THIS VEHICLE. MANY OTHER VEHICLES THAT USE THIS SAME ENGINE MAY HAVE THE SAME PISTON RINGS, SUCH AS THE INFINITI G35, OR NISSAN MAXIMA WHICH USE THE 3.5L VQ35DE ENGINE OF SIMILAR YEARS. THE PISTON RINGS WERE ORIGINALLY DESIGNED FOR THE VQ30 BLOCK, AND WERE FITTED TO VQ35DE PISTONS. THESE RINGS ARE NOT CAPABLE OF CONSISTENTLY HANDLING THE HIGHER COMPRESSION RATIO OF THE VQ35DE ENGINE FOUND IN THIS CAR. SYMPTOMS INCLUDE RANDOM MISFIRING OF CYLINDERS, WHETHER THE CAR IS IN MOTION OR STATIONARY, INCREASED OIL CONSUMPTION (UP TO 2 QTS/1000MI), LOSS OF ENGINE POWER THAT CAN RESULT IN A CRASH, DAMAGE TO INTERNAL ENGINE COMPONENTS,
NHTSA ODI #10808949
140,000 miles · Oct 5, 2015
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 INFINITI I35. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER ONE ATTEMPT. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON ONE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VIN WAS NOT IN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 INFINITI I35. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER ONE ATTEMPT. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON ONE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA ODI #10779935
125,000 miles · May 1, 2015
Air Bags
I RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE TO HAVE AN AUTHORIZED DEALER REPAIR THE AIR BAG SYSTEM. AS I HAVE NO INFINITI DEALER IN MY VICINITY, I AM REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR TIME AND FUEL TO TAKE MY CAR TO THE NEAREST INFINITI DEALER, PERHAPS BAKERSFIELD, CA. MY LOCAL NISSAN SAID THEY CANNOT PERFORM THIS REPAIR! PLEASE ADVISE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10714029
160,000 miles · Apr 5, 2015
Air BagsEnginePower TrainCrashInjury
I OWN A 2002 INFINITI I35. WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MILES PER HOUR, MAKING A LEFT TURN, I WAS HIT ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE (T-BONED). NON OF MY AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND I WAS SEVERELY INJURED. I SUSTAINED INJURIES TO MY NECK, BOTH SHOULDERS AND MY BACK. THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE ILLEGALLY RAN A STOP SIGN. MY V…
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I OWN A 2002 INFINITI I35. WHILE I WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MILES PER HOUR, MAKING A LEFT TURN, I WAS HIT ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE (T-BONED). NON OF MY AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND I WAS SEVERELY INJURED. I SUSTAINED INJURIES TO MY NECK, BOTH SHOULDERS AND MY BACK. THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE ILLEGALLY RAN A STOP SIGN. MY VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MY RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. AS A DIRECT AND PROXIMATE RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT I HAVE BEEN PERMANENTLY DISABLED AND CONSTANTLY DEALING WITH THE PAIN. I'M SURE I WOULD BE IN MUCH BETTER SHAPE IF THE AIRBAG WOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. I CALLED THE POLICE AND REPORTED THE ACCIDENT WHEN IT HAPPENED. I HAVE NOT INFORMED MY MANUFACTURER OF THE ISSUES THAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED AS OF YET. MY VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS ABOUT 166,000 MILES. ANOTHER ISSUE MY 2002 INFINITI I35 WAS HAVING, NOT RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT REFERENCED ABOVE, WAS STALLING WITHOUT WARNING ON SEVERAL DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. THIS HAPPENS SOMETIMES WHEN I AM DRIVING. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE LIGHTS ON MY DASH PANEL BLINK ON AND OFF RAPIDLY FOR A FEW SECONDS AND THEN TURNS OFF COMPLETELY. MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP AT THAT TIME AS WELL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10703745
Mileage unknown · Nov 19, 2014
Unknown Or Other
I CALLED MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THEY REFUSE TO SERVICE THE RECALL OVER THE WEEKEND, MAKING IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE FOR SOMEONE WHO WORKS FULL TIME ON AN HOURLY BASIS TO GET THIS CHANGE DONE WITHOUT ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10659459
Mileage unknown · Sep 9, 2014
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 INFINITI I35. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V361000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE...UPDATED 09/30/14 *BF UPDATED 10/08/14
NHTSA ODI #10631965
Mileage unknown · Sep 2, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineEngine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 INFINITI I35. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ACTIVATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 INFINITI I35. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ACTIVATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR, ENGINE SPEED SIGNAL, CATALYST SYSTEM, AND IGNITION SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10630196
Mileage unknown · Jul 22, 2014
Air Bags
AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10615412
185,000 miles · Feb 27, 2014
Visibility
GOVERNMENT REPORTS INDICATE THAT 85% OF ALL ACCIDENTS OCCURR DURING LOW LIGHT SITUATIONS. THE NEW PLASTIC LIGHTS, THAT COME ON EVERY AUTOMOBILE, ARE ECONOMICALLY UNREASONABLE TO REPLACE WHEN THEY GET SAND BLASTED OR FOGGED OVER FROM EXPOSURE TO THE SUN AND OTHER ELEMENTS OF NATURE. THE LIGHTS FOR MY 2002 VEHICLE ARE $1,000.00 EA…
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GOVERNMENT REPORTS INDICATE THAT 85% OF ALL ACCIDENTS OCCURR DURING LOW LIGHT SITUATIONS. THE NEW PLASTIC LIGHTS, THAT COME ON EVERY AUTOMOBILE, ARE ECONOMICALLY UNREASONABLE TO REPLACE WHEN THEY GET SAND BLASTED OR FOGGED OVER FROM EXPOSURE TO THE SUN AND OTHER ELEMENTS OF NATURE. THE LIGHTS FOR MY 2002 VEHICLE ARE $1,000.00 EACH. THE LIGHTS ARE ALL SANDBLASTED AND FOGGY AND DO NOT EMIT LIGHT WELL. I CAN'T AFFORD TO REPLACE THE LIGHTS WHEN THE LIGHTS COST ALMOST AS MUCH AS THE CAR. THE MANUFACTURERS SHOULD MAKE THE COMPONENTS ECONOMICALLY FEASABLE TO REPLACE OR MAKE THEM OUT OF GLASS WHICH WILL NOT FOG OVER. IF NOT THAT THEN THE MANUFACTURERS SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING THE LIGHTS FREE AS LONG AS THE VEHICLE IS DRIVABLE AND ON THE ROAD LEGALLY REGISTERED FOR THAT FUNCTION. ONCE THE LIGHTS HAVE BECOME FOGGED,OR BLASTED, POLISHING THEM ONLY LASTS FOR AROUND 30 DAYS. REPETITIVE POLISHING WILL CHANGE THE OPTICS OF THE LIGHT AND EVENTUALLY YOU WILL POLISH CLEAR THROUGH THE PLASTIC. THESE LIGHTS ARE A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY EITHER THE MANUFACTURERS OR THE GOVERNMENT.
NHTSA ODI #10567179
Official recalls
5Jan 9, 2020
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, 2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35, 2002-2003 Inifiniti QX4, 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 and 2006-2010 M35 and M45 vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated, frontal passenger air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators with alternate desiccated inflators, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 888-737-9511 or Infiniti customer service at 888-810-3715.
May 15, 2015
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4 and I35, 2003 FX35 and FX45, and 2001 I30 vehicles. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: On December 18, 2015 Nissan informed NHTSA of an amendment of this recall to remove 2004-2005 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 vehicles.
Nov 17, 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR OR CAM POSITION SENSOR MAY HAVE AN IMPROPER SOLDER JOINT DUE TO SOLDER DEFORMATION CAUSED BY HEAT STRESS ACCELERATED BY THE EXISTENCE OF FLUX RESIDUE DURING THE SOLDERING PROCESS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON, CREATE A NO START CONDITION, CAUSE REDUCED ENGINE POWER, OR CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANK POSITION SENSORS. CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR(S), AND IN SOME CASES, THE VARIABLE TIMING CONTROL SENSOR(S). VEHICLES INVOLVED IN A PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGN, 01V357, ARE ALSO INCLUDED IN THIS NEW CAMPAIGN. THE REPLACEMENT SENSORS USED IN THAT CAMPAIGN ARE ALSO AFFECTED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.
May 30, 2002
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE PIN AT THE END OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION TRANSVERSE LINK (LOWER CONTROL ARM) COULD BREAK WHERE IT IS MOUNTED TO THE FRAME.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CAN CAUSE A KNOCKING SOUND AND ABNORMAL STEERING. THIS COULD RESULT IN DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSVERSE LINKS ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES WITH NEW ONES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 29, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.
Feb 12, 2002
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM, THE STOPPER FOR THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WILL PREVENT EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT OF THE ACCELERATOR POSITION SENSOR. IF THE DRIVER APPLIES OVERLY EXCESSIVE FORCE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHILE AT THE SAME TIME PUSHING IT TO THE RIGHT, THE PEDAL CAN "OVER TRAVEL" DUE TO THE DESIGN OF THE PEDAL STOPPER.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS WILL CAUSE THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP TO COME ON AND THE ENGINE SPEED TO BE SEVERELY LIMITED. IF THIS OCCURS UNEXPECTEDLY, IT COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW ACCELERATOR PEDAL STOPPER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 11, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 800-662-6200.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
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