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2008 Infiniti M35

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2008 Infiniti M35 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 60.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

27 reports with mileage · 33 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.

  • Steering. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Tires. Review the 5 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

3 crash reports1 fire reports3 injury reports

What owners actually said

60 reports
Mileage unknown · Oct 17, 2016
Air Bags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 INFINITI M35. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V349000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE …

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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 INFINITI M35. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V349000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PART DISTRIBUTION CONNECT.

NHTSA ODI #10916540

Mileage unknown · Oct 3, 2016
Air Bags

THIS COMPLAINT IS RELATED TO NHTSA RECALL 16V-349 FOR PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS. THIS RECALL WAS INITIATED IN EARLY SUMMER OF 2016 AND I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM INFINITY ABOUT THE RECALL IN AUGUST OF 2016. I WAS GIVEN AN ORIGINAL TIME FRAME OF SEPT TO OCT 2016 FOR COMPLETION OF REPAIRS ON MY CAR. NOW INFINITY IS ESTIMATING IT WILL B…

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THIS COMPLAINT IS RELATED TO NHTSA RECALL 16V-349 FOR PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS. THIS RECALL WAS INITIATED IN EARLY SUMMER OF 2016 AND I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM INFINITY ABOUT THE RECALL IN AUGUST OF 2016. I WAS GIVEN AN ORIGINAL TIME FRAME OF SEPT TO OCT 2016 FOR COMPLETION OF REPAIRS ON MY CAR. NOW INFINITY IS ESTIMATING IT WILL BE LATE NOV. 2016 OR LATER BEFORE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. IN THE MEANTIME I HAVE A CAR WHERE YOU CAN'T USE THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. AND SINCE THE POSSIBILITY OF INJURY OR DEATH IS THAT GREAT OF A RISK, HOW CAN ANYONE BE SAFE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR FRONT OR BACK. ALLOWING THE MANUFACTURER (INFINITY) TO PUSH THESE REPAIRS OUT THIS LONG WITHOUT DUE CONSIDERATION AND COMPENSATION TO THE CUSTOMERS IS TOTALLY UNREASONABLE. WHY ISN'T NHTSA HOLDING INFINITY MORE ACCOUNTABLE IN THIS MATTER?

NHTSA ODI #10911194

Mileage unknown · Sep 20, 2016
Air Bags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 INFINITI M35. THE CONTACT RECEIVED AN INTERIM RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V349000 (AIR BAGS) MORE THAN EIGHT WEEKS AGO. IT WAS UNKNOWN WHEN THE MANUFACTURER WOULD SEND THE SECOND NOTICE TO CONFIRM THAT THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN AS TO WHEN THE VEH…

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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 INFINITI M35. THE CONTACT RECEIVED AN INTERIM RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V349000 (AIR BAGS) MORE THAN EIGHT WEEKS AGO. IT WAS UNKNOWN WHEN THE MANUFACTURER WOULD SEND THE SECOND NOTICE TO CONFIRM THAT THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN AS TO WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED BY A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10908262

Mileage unknown · Aug 15, 2016
Air Bags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 INFINITI M35. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V349000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIF…

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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 INFINITI M35. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V349000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI #10896081

Mileage unknown · Aug 12, 2016
Steering

MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THE STEERING RACK IS LEAKING. THE CAR HAS 88K AND HAS BEEN MAINTAINED BY THE DEALER. THERE IS NO REASON THIS SHOULD FAIL THIS EARLY.

NHTSA ODI #10895418

120,000 miles · Aug 10, 2016
Air Bags

TAKATA RECALL INFINITI HAS NO PARTS, RECOMMENDS NOT USING CAR AND REFUSES TO PROVIDE LOANER CAR

NHTSA ODI #10894941

28,500 miles · Nov 12, 2015
Unknown Or Other

THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. WE HAVE LARGE HOLES AND CRACKS IN THE SUN ROOF. THE GLASS LOOKS AS IF IT HAS BEEN PUSHED UPWARD.

NHTSA ODI #10790067

95,000 miles · Sep 14, 2015
Air Bags

THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR (OCS) MAT IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY (CODE B1018) AND IS CAUSING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS TO BE TURNED OFF. INFINITI HAS QUOTED ME $3,250 TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM WHICH REQUIRES THE REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE FRONT PASSENGER LOWER SEAT ASSEMBLY (1\2 OF A SEAT FOR $3,250 !!!). AFTER REPEATED AT…

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THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR (OCS) MAT IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY (CODE B1018) AND IS CAUSING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS TO BE TURNED OFF. INFINITI HAS QUOTED ME $3,250 TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM WHICH REQUIRES THE REPLACEMENT OF THE ENTIRE FRONT PASSENGER LOWER SEAT ASSEMBLY (1\2 OF A SEAT FOR $3,250 !!!). AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO INFINITI USA, AND THE PRESIDENT OF INFINITI WORLDWIDE - ROLAND KRGER, INFINIT HAS SAID NO TO PROVIDING ME ANY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. ALONG WITH THE NON FUNCTIONING AIR BAG, MY WELL CARED FOR CAR HAS RUST FORMING ON THE HEADER JUST ABOVE THE WINDSHIELD. I AM WRITING TO ADVISE ON THE FAULT DESIGN AND\OR MANUFACTURE OF THE OCS AND OF INFINITI'S UNWILLINGNESS TO PROVIDE A REASONABLY PRICED REPAIR. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER INFINITI OR NISSAN PRODUCT AGAIN, AND SUGGEST YOU DO NOT.

NHTSA ODI #10763503

Mileage unknown · May 26, 2015
Unknown Or Other

WHEN IN SUNLIGHT OR EXTREME HEAT THE DASHBOARD GETS STICKY AND SHINY. IT APPEARS AS IF IT IS MELTING. WE FILED A REPORT WITH INFINITI CONSUMER AFFAIRS. WE WERE TOLD THAT IT WASN'T A PROBLEM ASSOCIATED WITH ANY PARTS FROM OUR VIN NUMBER. THE PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE AND THE GLARE ON THE WINDSHIELD IS A SAFETY ISSUE WHEN DRIVING.

NHTSA ODI #10721437

Mileage unknown · Jan 19, 2015
EquipmentSteeringSuspension

MY WIFE AND I PURCHASED A 2008 INFINITI M35X WHICH IS STILL UNDER A WARRANTY FROM INFINITI AND WAS INSPECTED PRIOR TO US TAKING OWNERSHIP. I DROVE THE CAR AND AFTER TWO DAYS I NOTICED THE CAR PULLING HARD WHEN CHANGING LANES ON THE HIGHWAY. IT DID IT MULTIPLE TIMES DURING A 30 MINUTE TRIP. I AGAIN DROVE THE CAR TODAY AND NOTIC…

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MY WIFE AND I PURCHASED A 2008 INFINITI M35X WHICH IS STILL UNDER A WARRANTY FROM INFINITI AND WAS INSPECTED PRIOR TO US TAKING OWNERSHIP. I DROVE THE CAR AND AFTER TWO DAYS I NOTICED THE CAR PULLING HARD WHEN CHANGING LANES ON THE HIGHWAY. IT DID IT MULTIPLE TIMES DURING A 30 MINUTE TRIP. I AGAIN DROVE THE CAR TODAY AND NOTICED THE ISSUE AGAIN. I HAVE OWNED OVER TEN CARS IN MY LIFE AND NONE HAVE HAD THIS STEERING / LANE SHIFTING ISSUE LIKE THIS. I HAVE ALSO HAD CARS WITH TIRES WITH EXTREME WEAR AND CARS IN DESPERATE NEED OF AN ALIGNMENT AND STILL I NEVER EXPERIENCES PULLING IN THE STEERING WHEEL LIKE THIS. MY WIFE ALSO HAD A PASSENGER DROVE THE VEHICLE AND BOTH NOTICED IT ON A SEPARATE OCCASION. I HAVE TWO CHILDREN AND AM NOW CONCERNED FOR THEIR SAFETY. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER ALONG WITH ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS ASSOCIATED WITH STEERING ISSUES WITH INFINITI MODEL M35, M35X, M45 AND M45X FROM 2006 TO 2010. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT MANY COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED WITH LITTLE TO NO EFFORT TO INFORMED CONCERNED DRIVERS/OWNERS OF ANY PROGRESS OR LACK THERE OF FOR POSSIBLE RECALL FOR OR AROUND THIS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS STEERING ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10676549

Official recalls

5

20V008000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 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.

17V028000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 10, 2017

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2012 Nissan Versa hatchbacks originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan) and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A". Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" above, Nissan is recalling certain 2009-2010 Infiniti M35 and M45 and 2009 Nissan Versa sedans and hatchbacks originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B". Additionally, if not included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Nissan is recalling certain 2005-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45, 2006-2010 Infiniti M35 and M45, and 2007-2008 Nissan Versa vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began on June 8, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

16V349000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

May 24, 2016

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45, 2003-2004 Infiniti I35, 2006-2010 Infiniti M35 and M45, and 2007-2011 Nissan Versa vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Nissan is recalling certain model year 2005-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45, 2003-2004 Infiniti I35, 2006-2008 Infiniti M35 and M45, and 2007-2008 Nissan Versa vehicles, originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Nissan is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Infiniti I35 vehicles originally sold, or registered, in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2017. All owners should receive a second notice by May 15, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

13V430000 · Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal

Sep 26, 2013

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Infiniti M35 and M45 vehicles manufactured April 4, 2004, through October 5, 2010. Over time, the accelerator pedal sensor signal may deteriorate resulting in the output of an incorrect signal causing the engine to go into fail-safe (limp home) mode.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In this fail-safe mode, throttle valve deposits may cause the engine to stall when the vehicle is coming to a stop or at idle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the accelerator pedal assembly and reprogram the engine control module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during November 2013. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

09V393000 · Tires:pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems

Oct 5, 2009

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WASHINGTON D.C., WEST VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN. THE MATERIAL IN THE NUT USED TO SECURE THE SENSOR-TRANSMITTER OF THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) MAY CORRODE AND POTENTIALLY CRACK IN AREAS WITH HEAVY CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE NUT MAY COME OUT OF THE SENSOR-TRANSMITTER AND THE TPMS LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE TPMS LAMP IS DISREGARDED AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO BE DRIVEN IN THIS CONDITION, THE TIRE WILL QUICKLY LOSE AIR PRESSURE AT A CONSISTENT RATE RESULTING IN A FLAT TIRE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE TPMS NUT WITH A NEW, MORE ROBUST NUT. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 AND INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.

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

1

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.