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2016 Jeep Cherokee

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Cherokee years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee are substantially higher than the model-year median of 113.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

872 reports with mileage · 534 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.

  • Power Train. Review the 629 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 314 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 297 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

37 crash reports14 fire reports19 injury reports

Service Brakes complaints

92 reports
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Mileage unknown · Oct 25, 2021
Service Brakes

My parking brake doesnt want to disingauge. Was parked for 3 days and rain season just started in california. Big safety issue. Never had a problem with my brake system till now. Im gonna have to miss work now,i do not have any transportation to get to work,i was reliaing on my jeep but i dont know whats gonna happen, maybe some…

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My parking brake doesnt want to disingauge. Was parked for 3 days and rain season just started in california. Big safety issue. Never had a problem with my brake system till now. Im gonna have to miss work now,i do not have any transportation to get to work,i was reliaing on my jeep but i dont know whats gonna happen, maybe someone can look into this issue or give me a clue of what to due. STRONGLY SUGGEST ALL JEEP CHEROKEE OWNERS TO ALSO SPEAK UP AS THIS IS A BIG SAFETY CONCERN THAT CAN CAUSE A BIG ACCIDENT!!!

NHTSA ODI #11438001

Mileage unknown · Aug 30, 2021
Forward Collision AvoidanceService Brakes

My 2016 Jeep Cherokee with 42100 miles on it locked up much like a brake locking up. The auto park brake feature is always applied when parked and has always worked fine until now. My wife was pulling out of the garage had just started to back up and the Jeep would not move. I was in the house she came inside and told me her iss…

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My 2016 Jeep Cherokee with 42100 miles on it locked up much like a brake locking up. The auto park brake feature is always applied when parked and has always worked fine until now. My wife was pulling out of the garage had just started to back up and the Jeep would not move. I was in the house she came inside and told me her issue with the Jeep. I went out and tried it, and had the same issue. I put it in reverse and tried to give it some more gas.. Jeep lurched some like the brakes were locked. Had no brake light though. I turned the engine off and restarted, made sure the brake light was out.. same thing.. I gave it more gas this time and something gave. I took it for a 30 mile drive.. it was on a Sunday, no shops open to talk to about it. On the 30 mile drive I had no issues even after stopping and restarting several times. Monday I called the service department where we purchased the Jeep. They said a two month wait to get it in. I called another dealer he said he could look at it but if it has no issues for me and he had no issues nothing he could do. So now my wife who is suppose to drive 350 miles to watch some of our Grandkids for a month while our Daughter is recovering from surgery is afraid to drive her Jeep. If I drive it and it has issues while she is out of town leaving me stranded on the side of the road.. It will be a big hassle. I do have the MOPAR extended lifetime warranty.. but if they cannot duplicate the issue at a service department they can't fix it.. what to do?

NHTSA ODI #11431132

Mileage unknown · Aug 4, 2021
Service Brakes

Basically the parking brake would not release and the car was un drivable. Towed to dealership . Told the ABS module failed and now requires a complete brake job- recalibrate, replace rotors and pads. At a cost of $2000+ This seems to be the same exact problem that occurred 9 months ago. At that time we replaced the tire…

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Basically the parking brake would not release and the car was un drivable. Towed to dealership . Told the ABS module failed and now requires a complete brake job- recalibrate, replace rotors and pads. At a cost of $2000+ This seems to be the same exact problem that occurred 9 months ago. At that time we replaced the tires due to the wear they incurred. That was @ about 25,000 miles. The Jeep now has about 30,000 miles. 08

NHTSA ODI #11427707

Mileage unknown · Mar 8, 2021
Electrical SystemService Brakes

I HAD MY CAR TOWED ON THE MORNING OF FEB. 20TH FROM MY HOME TO THE MALL OF GA CHRYSLER, DODGE AND JEEP IN BUFORD, GEORGIA. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT IT WAS THE BRAKING SYSTEM AND IT WOULD COST ABOUT $860.00 TO FIX. PART WOULDN'T BE IN UNTIL MARCH 3RD. OK, THEN GET A CALL SAYING THAT OIL GOT IN THE BOOSTER PUMP AND THEY HA…

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I HAD MY CAR TOWED ON THE MORNING OF FEB. 20TH FROM MY HOME TO THE MALL OF GA CHRYSLER, DODGE AND JEEP IN BUFORD, GEORGIA. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT IT WAS THE BRAKING SYSTEM AND IT WOULD COST ABOUT $860.00 TO FIX. PART WOULDN'T BE IN UNTIL MARCH 3RD. OK, THEN GET A CALL SAYING THAT OIL GOT IN THE BOOSTER PUMP AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE VACUUM PUMP ALSO AND THIS IS GOING TO COST AN ADDITIONAL $1,200.00. TOLD THEM TO GO AHEAD WITH REPAIRS. THEY WOULD ONLY CREDIT ME FOR 2 DAYS OF A RENTAL CAR AND I HAD TO PAY $350.00 OUT OF POCKET TO HAVE TRANSPORTATION WHILE MY CAR IS IN THEIR SERVICE DEPT WHERE I PURCHASED THIS CAR BRAND NEW OFF THEIR LOT. GOT CAR BACK MARCH 5TH 2021. ON MARCH 7TH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE BRAKES MADE A LOUD POPPING SOUND, STEERING IS VERY TIGHT AND NOT COMFORTABLE DRIVING. DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE AT ALL. I CALLED MON. MORN AND NO CALL BACK YET.

NHTSA ODI #11399692

42,600 miles · Mar 8, 2021
Electrical SystemService BrakesSteering

I WAS DRIVING MY 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT AND WHEN I GOT TO MY FRIENDS GATED ENTRANCE. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK SO I COULD ENTER THE GATE CODE ON TO THE KEY PAD. WHEN I WENT TO PUT THE CAR BACK INTO DRIVE- THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WENT ON BY ITSELF AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. THE CAR WOULD NOT GO IN TO ANY GEAR SO I COULDN'T PUT IT IN NEUTRA…

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I WAS DRIVING MY 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT AND WHEN I GOT TO MY FRIENDS GATED ENTRANCE. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK SO I COULD ENTER THE GATE CODE ON TO THE KEY PAD. WHEN I WENT TO PUT THE CAR BACK INTO DRIVE- THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WENT ON BY ITSELF AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. THE CAR WOULD NOT GO IN TO ANY GEAR SO I COULDN'T PUT IT IN NEUTRAL TO PUSH IT OUT OF THE WAY FOR RESIDENTS TRYING TO ENTER. I HAD TO CALL FOR A TOW TRUCK AND WAIT AN HOUR DIRECTING TRAFFIC... HAD IT TOWED TO MY NEIGHBORHOOD BECAUSE DEALERSHIP WAS CLOSED. NEXT MORNING HAD IT TOWED TO CHRYSLER, DODGE, JEEP IN BUFORD, GA.

NHTSA ODI #11399686

42,503 miles · Mar 1, 2021
Electrical SystemPower TrainService Brakes

MY 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE LIMITED HAS A PARKING BRAKE ISSUE. MY PARKING BRAKE WILL NOT DISENGAGE, THE CAR WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD OR BACK, THE LIGHT REMAINS LIT UP ON THE DASHBOARD. MY JEEP IS INOPERABLE DUE TO THIS ISSUE. I WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT IN TRAFFIC AND MY CAR REFUSED TO MOVE AT ALL. IT FINALLY MOVED OUT OF PARK IN 30 MINUTES…

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MY 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE LIMITED HAS A PARKING BRAKE ISSUE. MY PARKING BRAKE WILL NOT DISENGAGE, THE CAR WILL NOT MOVE FORWARD OR BACK, THE LIGHT REMAINS LIT UP ON THE DASHBOARD. MY JEEP IS INOPERABLE DUE TO THIS ISSUE. I WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT IN TRAFFIC AND MY CAR REFUSED TO MOVE AT ALL. IT FINALLY MOVED OUT OF PARK IN 30 MINUTES. THE NEXT DAY MY CAR DID THE SAME THING AGAIN WHILE I WAS TRYING TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AT THE STORE. IT HAD TO BE TOWED TO A JEEP DEALERSHIP. THESE TWO INCIDENTS CAUSED ME TO BE STUCK DANGEROUSLY IN TRAFFIC AT A STREET LIGHT, AND THEN AGAIN AT THE GROCERY STORE IN THE PARKING LOT. AS OF NOW I AM WITHOUT MY CAR, BEING TOLD WATER GOT IN THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE MODULE. I AM TOLD IT ALSO REQUIRES A ELECTRONIC PARK BRAKE SWITCH NOW TOO. MY CAR HAS42504 ACTUAL MILES ON IT CURRENTLY. I BOUT IT WITH 42098 MILES ON IT ON JUNE 25TH 2020.

NHTSA ODI #11398607

80,000 miles · Feb 19, 2021
Service BrakesCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH AND APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER IT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE AS SHE REAR ENDED TWO VEHICLES. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE STEERING WHEEL AND KNEE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AS A WELL AS THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. NO WA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH AND APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER IT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE AS SHE REAR ENDED TWO VEHICLES. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE STEERING WHEEL AND KNEE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AS A WELL AS THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HER LEGS AND CHEST, SHE ALSO HAD WHIPLASH AND A VERY BAD MIGRAINE. THE CONTACT STATED THE OCCUPANT IN THE OTHER VEHICLE HAD SUSTAINED WHIPLASH. EMERGENCY OFFICIALS WERE ALERTED. THE CONTACT STATED SHE REFUSED TO GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM DUE TO COVID-19. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNIDENTIFIED SALVAGE YARD WHERE IT WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE LOCAL DEALER (MAK HAIK FORD 10333 KATY FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77024) WAS NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.*DT*JB*DT*JB

NHTSA ODI #11397012

91,081 miles · Feb 11, 2021
Air BagsPower TrainService Brakes

SEVERAL DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS LIT UP AT THE SAME TIME (WITH ALARMS SOUNDING CONTINUOUSLY): CHECK ENGINE; PARKING BRAKE; SERVICE AIRBAG SYSTEM, TRACTION CONTROL OFF, SEATBELT WARNING GEAR INDICATOR LIGHTS WERE ALL ON AT THE SAME TIME: P, R, N. D AND THE MANUAL SHIFT +/- INDICATOR (ALL LIT RED) THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIF…

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SEVERAL DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS LIT UP AT THE SAME TIME (WITH ALARMS SOUNDING CONTINUOUSLY): CHECK ENGINE; PARKING BRAKE; SERVICE AIRBAG SYSTEM, TRACTION CONTROL OFF, SEATBELT WARNING GEAR INDICATOR LIGHTS WERE ALL ON AT THE SAME TIME: P, R, N. D AND THE MANUAL SHIFT +/- INDICATOR (ALL LIT RED) THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT (OUT OF WHAT FELT LIKE 3RD GEAR) WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY. A FEW TIMES, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT SHIFT OUT OF NEUTRAL, AND I COULD NOT GET THE CAR TO MOVE (AFTER COMING TO A STOP) ON THE OFF RAMP AND ON THE SIDE STREETS. KEY FOB WOULD NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK THE DOORS OR SET THE ALARM

NHTSA ODI #11395677

Mileage unknown · Jan 17, 2021
Electrical SystemService BrakesUnknown Or Other

1. THE NEW BATTERY WAS COMPLETELY DEAD ON MY 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE LATITUDE AND BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY ON MAY 28, 2020 AND ON 1-17-21 THE NEW BATTERY IS COMPLETELY DEAD. 2. WHEN BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVE WAY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE COMES ON AND BRAKES THE CAR, I DISENGAGED THE BRAKE AND CONTINUED OUT OF DRIVE WAY AND WILL DO IT AGAIN. T…

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1. THE NEW BATTERY WAS COMPLETELY DEAD ON MY 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE LATITUDE AND BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY ON MAY 28, 2020 AND ON 1-17-21 THE NEW BATTERY IS COMPLETELY DEAD. 2. WHEN BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVE WAY THE EMERGENCY BRAKE COMES ON AND BRAKES THE CAR, I DISENGAGED THE BRAKE AND CONTINUED OUT OF DRIVE WAY AND WILL DO IT AGAIN. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON 3 OCCASIONS.

NHTSA ODI #11388579

26,400 miles · Sep 13, 2020
EnginePower TrainService Brakes

TRANSMISSION POPS OUT OF GEAR WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY , VEHICLE COMES TO A STOP AND ROLLS BACK AND WHEN PUT IN GEAR IT TAKES MORE THAN 10 SECONDS TO ENGAGE AFTER GAS IS APPLIED.VEHICLE ALSO STALLS OUT WHEN YOU COME TO A STOP, ONCE IT STALLS OUT YOU HAVE TO PUT VEHICLE IN PARK AND TURN IGNITION OFF AND TRY TO TURN IT ON AGAIN AL…

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TRANSMISSION POPS OUT OF GEAR WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY , VEHICLE COMES TO A STOP AND ROLLS BACK AND WHEN PUT IN GEAR IT TAKES MORE THAN 10 SECONDS TO ENGAGE AFTER GAS IS APPLIED.VEHICLE ALSO STALLS OUT WHEN YOU COME TO A STOP, ONCE IT STALLS OUT YOU HAVE TO PUT VEHICLE IN PARK AND TURN IGNITION OFF AND TRY TO TURN IT ON AGAIN ALMOST GOT HIT FROM BEHIND COUPLE TIMES.ENGINE HAS EXTERNAL HEAD GASKET LEAKS VEHICLE HAD LESS THAN 20K ONCE TRANSMISSION START ACTING UP AND LEAKING COOLANT FROM ENGINE BETWEEN CYLINDER HEAD AND BLOCK ALL AROUND ENGINE.THERE HAS BEEN A LEAK FROM THE CABIN OR DOORS FROM DAY ONE WHEN CAR WAS NEW ONCE YOU GET TO 45+MPH AND BRAKES ALSO CHATTER I HAD THE BRAKES REPLACED 3 TIMES LESS THAN 30,000 MIES ON THE CAR THE CHATTERING KEEPS COMING BACK.VEHICLE STALLS AND TRANSMISSION POPS OUT OG GEAR ON THE HIGHWAY.IT THROUGHS A TRANSMISSION FAULT CODE AND TURNS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON FAULT CODE P0887-00 TCM CIRCUIT FALT IM SCARED TO DRIVE HE VEHICLE AND JEEP WONT DO ANYTHING. IM SCARE FOR MY LIFE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE ITS DANGEROUS PLEASE HELP

NHTSA ODI #11354810

Official recalls

9

23V338000 · Electrical System:wiring: Rear Compartment/trunk; Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate

May 11, 2023

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a power liftgate. An electrical short in the power liftgate module may lead to a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will relocate the power liftgate module and add a water shield. In addition, dealers will inspect for corrosion and replace the module and electrical connectors, if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 1, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 49A. This recall supersedes recalls 15V-393 and 15V-826. Vehicles repaired under the prior recalls will still need to have the new remedy performed.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a power liftgate. An electrical short in the power liftgate module may lead to a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.

Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will relocate the power liftgate module and add a water shield. In addition, dealers will inspect for corrosion and replace the module and electrical connectors, if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 1, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 49A. This recall supersedes recalls 15V-393 and 15V-826. Vehicles repaired under the prior recalls will still need to have the new remedy performed.

Electrical System:wiring: Rear Compartment/trunk

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a power liftgate. An electrical short in the power liftgate module may lead to a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.

Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will relocate the power liftgate module and add a water shield. In addition, dealers will inspect for corrosion and replace the module and electrical connectors, if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 1, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 49A. This recall supersedes recalls 15V-393 and 15V-826. Vehicles repaired under the prior recalls will still need to have the new remedy performed.

23V302000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Apr 27, 2023

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may become damaged and disengage the transmission and differential, resulting in a loss of drive power or loss of park function.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. A loss of park function can cause an unintended vehicle rollaway which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 11, 2023. Owners may contact FCA USA LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 45A. This recall expands previous recall number 20V-343.

20V343000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:driveline:differential Unit

Jun 11, 2020

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU). Relative movement in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft may cause some input spline teeth to wear off, which may eventually cause a loss of engagement between the transmission and the differential inside the PTU. If this occurs, power cannot be transferred between the front wheels and the transmission which results in a loss of drive while the vehicle is in motion and a loss of the Park function while stationary.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A loss of drive can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. A loss of the Park function can cause unintended vehicle rollaway which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update that will maintain vehicle propulsion by engaging rear wheel drive and prevent rolling in Park by activating the electronic parking brake if a failed input spline occurs. This recall began July 14, 2020. Owners may contact FCA USA LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is W47.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Power Train:driveline:differential Unit

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU). Relative movement in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft may cause some input spline teeth to wear off, which may eventually cause a loss of engagement between the transmission and the differential inside the PTU. If this occurs, power cannot be transferred between the front wheels and the transmission which results in a loss of drive while the vehicle is in motion and a loss of the Park function while stationary.

Consequence: A loss of drive can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. A loss of the Park function can cause unintended vehicle rollaway which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update that will maintain vehicle propulsion by engaging rear wheel drive and prevent rolling in Park by activating the electronic parking brake if a failed input spline occurs. This recall began July 14, 2020. Owners may contact FCA USA LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is W47.

Power Train:automatic Transmission

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU). Relative movement in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft may cause some input spline teeth to wear off, which may eventually cause a loss of engagement between the transmission and the differential inside the PTU. If this occurs, power cannot be transferred between the front wheels and the transmission which results in a loss of drive while the vehicle is in motion and a loss of the Park function while stationary.

Consequence: A loss of drive can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. A loss of the Park function can cause unintended vehicle rollaway which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update that will maintain vehicle propulsion by engaging rear wheel drive and prevent rolling in Park by activating the electronic parking brake if a failed input spline occurs. This recall began July 14, 2020. Owners may contact FCA USA LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is W47.

18V332000 · Electrical System:software; Electrical System:wiring; Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control

May 17, 2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Electrical System:software

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

Electrical System:wiring

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

17V824000 · Equipment

Dec 21, 2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

16V590000 · Seats; Seats:mid/rear Assembly

Aug 10, 2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 29, 2013, to February 5, 2016. The seat fasteners on the first or second row seats may not have been tightened to the proper torque specification.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Loose fasteners may allow the seats to move, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupants in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seats or seat sets, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during September 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall S63.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Seats:mid/rear Assembly

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 29, 2013, to February 5, 2016. The seat fasteners on the first or second row seats may not have been tightened to the proper torque specification.

Consequence: Loose fasteners may allow the seats to move, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupants in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seats or seat sets, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during September 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall S63.

Seats

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 29, 2013, to February 5, 2016. The seat fasteners on the first or second row seats may not have been tightened to the proper torque specification.

Consequence: Loose fasteners may allow the seats to move, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupants in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seats or seat sets, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during September 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall S63.

16V284000 · Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft

May 11, 2016

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured October 3, 2015, to March 22, 2016. The right halfshaft may have been incorrectly manufactured causing it to fracture without warning.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fractured halfshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right halfshaft, free of charge. The recall began on June 30, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler's customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall number is S39.

16V287000 · Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft

May 11, 2016

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured September 30, 2015, to October 2, 2015. The left halfshaft may have been incorrectly manufactured causing it to fracture without warning.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fractured halfshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left halfshaft, free of charge. The recall began on June 30, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler's customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall number is S38.

15V826000 · Electrical System:wiring: Rear Compartment/trunk; Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate

Dec 9, 2015

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 18, 2015, to September 10, 2015 and equipped with the power liftgate option. In the affected vehicles, water may leak into the Power Liftgate Control Module and result in a high resistance short circuit.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A short circuit in the module increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the module and connectors for corrosion, replacing the damaged components as necessary. The mastic shield will be removed and the module will be covered with a water shield. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R67. This recall is superseded by NHTSA recall 23V-338.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 18, 2015, to September 10, 2015 and equipped with the power liftgate option. In the affected vehicles, water may leak into the Power Liftgate Control Module and result in a high resistance short circuit.

Consequence: A short circuit in the module increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the module and connectors for corrosion, replacing the damaged components as necessary. The mastic shield will be removed and the module will be covered with a water shield. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R67. This recall is superseded by NHTSA recall 23V-338.

Electrical System:wiring: Rear Compartment/trunk

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 18, 2015, to September 10, 2015 and equipped with the power liftgate option. In the affected vehicles, water may leak into the Power Liftgate Control Module and result in a high resistance short circuit.

Consequence: A short circuit in the module increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the module and connectors for corrosion, replacing the damaged components as necessary. The mastic shield will be removed and the module will be covered with a water shield. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R67. This recall is superseded by NHTSA recall 23V-338.

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

2

PE22009 · Electronic Parking Brake Water Ingress

Opened Jul 22, 2022 · Closed Oct 29, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Parking Brake:electrical; Parking Brake:electrical:control Module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened investigation PE22-009 after having received 80 complaints on model years 2014-2020 Jeep Cherokees alleging the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) inadvertently activated while the vehicle was in motion.During this investigation, the subject vehicles were updated to include only Model Years (MY) 2014-2016, while MY 2017-2020 were considered peers.Based on related repair invoices, ODI believed the EPB module was damaged by water leaking into the vehicle. When the EPB inadvertently activates, it can cause a stalling condition bringing the vehicle to a stop. ODI was aware of recall 15V-393 that addresses water ingress affecting the power liftgate module on nearly the same population of vehicles subject of this investigation. The liftgate module can potentially catch fire as a result of the water damage. Both the liftgate and EPB modules are located in a similar area of the vehicle.  On May 11, 2016, the manufacturer released a Technical Service Bulleting (ODI #10191415, FCA #08-060-16) that instructs dealers on replacing the EPB module and inspecting the electrical connector for corrosion if a customer describes having the EPB not releasing.  This Preliminary Evaluation was opened to assess the scope, frequency, and safety-related consequences of the alleged defect. On September 8th, 2022, ODI sent an information request letter to Fiat Chrysler US LLC (FCA) requesting pertinent information on the subject 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee and Peer 2017-2020 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. FCA Provided its full response on October 27th, 2022 after ODI granted a one-week extension.  ODI has reviewed the information FCA provided as well as new reports submitted to NHTSA’s Vehicle Owner Questionnaire database.  Based on a review of all available information, ODI has identified evidence supporting a total of 1,655 subject vehicles that likely experienced a failure of the subject EPB.  Within the subject vehicle complaints, ODI identified the 2014 Model Year (MY) Jeep Cherokee as having the highest rate of failure, while also being the oldest group of vehicles in this investigation.  The 2014 Jeep Cherokees that likely experienced a failure of the subject EPB represent an incident rate of approximately 0.58%.  The average Time In Service (TIS) at failure was 2.6 years and the oldest failure occurred at 8.5 years in service.  The 2014 population of vehicles is at 9 years in service.  All other MY Jeep Cherokee vehicles (both subject and peer) within this investigation had significantly lower failure rates than the 2014 MY Jeep Cherokee. ODI has reviewed all the information available at this time, and identified four allegations of a crash, three allegations of injuries, and one allegation of a fire.Two of the crash allegations alleged injuries, and the alleged injuries were minor severity.All of the alleged injuries appeared to be consistent with hard braking and did not need medical attention.  There was no supporting information that demonstrated a fire had occurred on the vehicle. In its response to ODI, FCA provided its assessment of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles, stating that it does not believe the alleged defect poses an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.  FCA states the majority of incidents involving the EPB inadvertently activating occurred while the vehicle was stationary and that a small number of incidents occurred while the vehicle was backing up or at low speeds. This is consistent with ODI’s observations. Based on the analysis conducted by ODI, this investigation will be closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. NHTSA reserves the right take additional actions if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Parking Brake:electrical

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened investigation PE22-009 after having received 80 complaints on model years 2014-2020 Jeep Cherokees alleging the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) inadvertently activated while the vehicle was in motion.During this investigation, the subject vehicles were updated to include only Model Years (MY) 2014-2016, while MY 2017-2020 were considered peers.Based on related repair invoices, ODI believed the EPB module was damaged by water leaking into the vehicle. When the EPB inadvertently activates, it can cause a stalling condition bringing the vehicle to a stop. ODI was aware of recall 15V-393 that addresses water ingress affecting the power liftgate module on nearly the same population of vehicles subject of this investigation. The liftgate module can potentially catch fire as a result of the water damage. Both the liftgate and EPB modules are located in a similar area of the vehicle.  On May 11, 2016, the manufacturer released a Technical Service Bulleting (ODI #10191415, FCA #08-060-16) that instructs dealers on replacing the EPB module and inspecting the electrical connector for corrosion if a customer describes having the EPB not releasing.  This Preliminary Evaluation was opened to assess the scope, frequency, and safety-related consequences of the alleged defect. On September 8th, 2022, ODI sent an information request letter to Fiat Chrysler US LLC (FCA) requesting pertinent information on the subject 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee and Peer 2017-2020 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. FCA Provided its full response on October 27th, 2022 after ODI granted a one-week extension.  ODI has reviewed the information FCA provided as well as new reports submitted to NHTSA’s Vehicle Owner Questionnaire database.  Based on a review of all available information, ODI has identified evidence supporting a total of 1,655 subject vehicles that likely experienced a failure of the subject EPB.  Within the subject vehicle complaints, ODI identified the 2014 Model Year (MY) Jeep Cherokee as having the highest rate of failure, while also being the oldest group of vehicles in this investigation.  The 2014 Jeep Cherokees that likely experienced a failure of the subject EPB represent an incident rate of approximately 0.58%.  The average Time In Service (TIS) at failure was 2.6 years and the oldest failure occurred at 8.5 years in service.  The 2014 population of vehicles is at 9 years in service.  All other MY Jeep Cherokee vehicles (both subject and peer) within this investigation had significantly lower failure rates than the 2014 MY Jeep Cherokee. ODI has reviewed all the information available at this time, and identified four allegations of a crash, three allegations of injuries, and one allegation of a fire.Two of the crash allegations alleged injuries, and the alleged injuries were minor severity.All of the alleged injuries appeared to be consistent with hard braking and did not need medical attention.  There was no supporting information that demonstrated a fire had occurred on the vehicle. In its response to ODI, FCA provided its assessment of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles, stating that it does not believe the alleged defect poses an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.  FCA states the majority of incidents involving the EPB inadvertently activating occurred while the vehicle was stationary and that a small number of incidents occurred while the vehicle was backing up or at low speeds. This is consistent with ODI’s observations. Based on the analysis conducted by ODI, this investigation will be closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. NHTSA reserves the right take additional actions if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Parking Brake:electrical:control Module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened investigation PE22-009 after having received 80 complaints on model years 2014-2020 Jeep Cherokees alleging the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) inadvertently activated while the vehicle was in motion.During this investigation, the subject vehicles were updated to include only Model Years (MY) 2014-2016, while MY 2017-2020 were considered peers.Based on related repair invoices, ODI believed the EPB module was damaged by water leaking into the vehicle. When the EPB inadvertently activates, it can cause a stalling condition bringing the vehicle to a stop. ODI was aware of recall 15V-393 that addresses water ingress affecting the power liftgate module on nearly the same population of vehicles subject of this investigation. The liftgate module can potentially catch fire as a result of the water damage. Both the liftgate and EPB modules are located in a similar area of the vehicle.  On May 11, 2016, the manufacturer released a Technical Service Bulleting (ODI #10191415, FCA #08-060-16) that instructs dealers on replacing the EPB module and inspecting the electrical connector for corrosion if a customer describes having the EPB not releasing.  This Preliminary Evaluation was opened to assess the scope, frequency, and safety-related consequences of the alleged defect. On September 8th, 2022, ODI sent an information request letter to Fiat Chrysler US LLC (FCA) requesting pertinent information on the subject 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee and Peer 2017-2020 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. FCA Provided its full response on October 27th, 2022 after ODI granted a one-week extension.  ODI has reviewed the information FCA provided as well as new reports submitted to NHTSA’s Vehicle Owner Questionnaire database.  Based on a review of all available information, ODI has identified evidence supporting a total of 1,655 subject vehicles that likely experienced a failure of the subject EPB.  Within the subject vehicle complaints, ODI identified the 2014 Model Year (MY) Jeep Cherokee as having the highest rate of failure, while also being the oldest group of vehicles in this investigation.  The 2014 Jeep Cherokees that likely experienced a failure of the subject EPB represent an incident rate of approximately 0.58%.  The average Time In Service (TIS) at failure was 2.6 years and the oldest failure occurred at 8.5 years in service.  The 2014 population of vehicles is at 9 years in service.  All other MY Jeep Cherokee vehicles (both subject and peer) within this investigation had significantly lower failure rates than the 2014 MY Jeep Cherokee. ODI has reviewed all the information available at this time, and identified four allegations of a crash, three allegations of injuries, and one allegation of a fire.Two of the crash allegations alleged injuries, and the alleged injuries were minor severity.All of the alleged injuries appeared to be consistent with hard braking and did not need medical attention.  There was no supporting information that demonstrated a fire had occurred on the vehicle. In its response to ODI, FCA provided its assessment of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles, stating that it does not believe the alleged defect poses an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.  FCA states the majority of incidents involving the EPB inadvertently activating occurred while the vehicle was stationary and that a small number of incidents occurred while the vehicle was backing up or at low speeds. This is consistent with ODI’s observations. Based on the analysis conducted by ODI, this investigation will be closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. NHTSA reserves the right take additional actions if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI 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.