NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,406 reports1,100 miles · Jul 26, 2018
Service BrakesSteering
AFTER HAVING MY BRAND JEEP FOR LESS THAN 2 MONTHS, THE SERVICE PARK BRAKE, ANTI-LOCK BRAKE, AND TRACTION LIGHT WENT OFF WHILE DRIVING. MY CAR THEN PROCEEDED TO JERK WHILE DRIVING SO I PULLED OVER AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. UPON RESTART OF THE JEEP, ALL THE LIGHTS WERE GONE AND THE JEEP DROVE FINE. 5 TO 6 MONTHS (AROUND MARCH 2017) …
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AFTER HAVING MY BRAND JEEP FOR LESS THAN 2 MONTHS, THE SERVICE PARK BRAKE, ANTI-LOCK BRAKE, AND TRACTION LIGHT WENT OFF WHILE DRIVING. MY CAR THEN PROCEEDED TO JERK WHILE DRIVING SO I PULLED OVER AND TURNED THE CAR OFF. UPON RESTART OF THE JEEP, ALL THE LIGHTS WERE GONE AND THE JEEP DROVE FINE. 5 TO 6 MONTHS (AROUND MARCH 2017) LATER THE LIGHTS WENT OFF AGAIN WHILE DRIVING AND THE WHEEL BECAME STIFF AND HARD TO TURN. SINCE THE LIGHT WENT OFF AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON BEFORE, I DID THAT BUT THE LIGHTS STAYED ON. I CALLED TO SCHEDULE AN APPT WITH THE DEALERSHIP THEN THE LIGHTS WENT OFF. THE LIGHST STAYED OFF, AS THE APPOINTMENT WAS 2 WEEKS AWAY, SO I CANCELLED IT. AS A SINGLE PARENT I CANNOT AFFORD TO WASTE MONEY FOR A DIAGNOSTIC THAT WOULD NOT SHOW AN ERROR BECAUSE THE MALFUNCTION LIGHTS WERE OFF. IN AUGUST OF 2017 THE LIGHTS CAME ONE AGAIN, THE WHEEL BECAME HARD TO STEER. THESE LIGHTS STAYED ON FOR 2-4 DAYS THEN WENT OFF. THIS OCCURENCE HAPPENED AGAIN IN BETWEEN AS WELL MY SONS BDAY WEEKEND FEBRUARY 2018. MY PARENTS WERE DRIVING THE CAR AND THIS MADE THEM UNCOMFORTABLE. SINCE THEN THE LIGHTS CAME ON MORE FREQUENTLY, USING GO OFF WITHIN A DAY OR 2, ONLY TO COME BACK ON AGAIN. IN THE PAST 3 WEEKS THE LIGHTS HAVE COME ON DAILY, CUT OFF WHILE DRIVING, AND CUT BACK ON. THE BRAKES NOW MAKE A VIBRATING SENSATION WHEN DRIVING, AND 3 TIMES WHEN BACKING UP THE PARKING BRAKE ENGAGED ITSELF. IN THE HISTORY OF OWNERHSHIP OF THIS VEHICLE I HAVE USED MY PARKING BRAKE MAYBE 3 TIMES. I AM FRUSTRATED WITH THIS VEHICLE THAT I PURCHASED BRAND NEW WITH 7 MILES ON IT TO BEING EXPERIENCING SO MANY PROBLEMS. I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE SINCE SEPT 2016 (NOT EVEN 2 FULL YEARS ALTHOUGH THIS PROBLEM STARTED EARLY ON) AND ONLY HAVE 25K MILES ON IT.
NHTSA ODI #11113828
54,500 miles · Jul 19, 2018
SteeringSuspensionUnknown Or Other
MY JEEP HAS BEEN AND LOOKED AT FOR SHAKING IN THE FRONT END WHEN GETTING TO A CERTAIN SPEED. I HAVE FOUND OUT AFTER GOING TO GET A WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND BEING TOLD IT MAY BE MY TIRES AND HAVING THEM CHANGED AND THEN TOLD IT MAY BE THE BALANCE OF THE TIRES AND HAVING THAT CHECKED THE ISSUE IS STILL PRESENT. AFTER LOOKING INTO THI…
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MY JEEP HAS BEEN AND LOOKED AT FOR SHAKING IN THE FRONT END WHEN GETTING TO A CERTAIN SPEED. I HAVE FOUND OUT AFTER GOING TO GET A WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND BEING TOLD IT MAY BE MY TIRES AND HAVING THEM CHANGED AND THEN TOLD IT MAY BE THE BALANCE OF THE TIRES AND HAVING THAT CHECKED THE ISSUE IS STILL PRESENT. AFTER LOOKING INTO THIS ISSUE MORE AND TALKING TO OTHER JEEP OWNERS ABOUT THIS THEY SAID IT IS WHAT IS CALLED THE JEEP SHAKES. AND ACCORDING TO LOOKING THIS ISSUE UP THIS IS PRESENT ON MANY JEEP YEARS AND FOR ME AS A CAR OWNER THERE IS NO RECALL TO FIX THIS ISSUE. THE COST OF FIXING THIS ISSUE CAN RANGE FROM $900 TO 1500 DOLLARS DEPENDING ON WHERE IT IS TAKEN. THE JEEP WHEN DRIVING AND REACHING 55 PLUS MPH AND IT STARTS TO SHAKE AND IF ABLE TO GET TO 65 MPH THE SHAKING CEASES.
NHTSA ODI #11112475
60,000 miles · Jul 19, 2018
Unknown Or Other
THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, OUT OF NO WHERE. MY SUNROOF WAS NOT BUSTED MY AN EXTERNAL FORCE. MY SUNROOF HAS VERY THINK GLASS. THE WHOLE IN THE GLASS IN DEAD SET IN THE MIDDLE. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ONLINE THIS HAS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL OTHER BUYERS. IT WAS 88 DEGREES OUT THAT DAY. I HA…
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THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, OUT OF NO WHERE. MY SUNROOF WAS NOT BUSTED MY AN EXTERNAL FORCE. MY SUNROOF HAS VERY THINK GLASS. THE WHOLE IN THE GLASS IN DEAD SET IN THE MIDDLE. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ONLINE THIS HAS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL OTHER BUYERS. IT WAS 88 DEGREES OUT THAT DAY. I HAVE DRIVEN MY CAR IN HOTTER CONDITIONS.
NHTSA ODI #11112357
52,000 miles · Jul 17, 2018
EngineExterior LightingSteering
ON 4 SEPARATE OCCASSIONS, WHILE IN MOTION, THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. ON EACH STALL, EVERYTHING SHUT OFF COMPLETELY INCLUDING ALL LIGHTS DASHBOARD ETC. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD (ONCE ON THE HIGHWAY) OBSTRUCTING TRAFFIC, THE CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. ONLY AFTER WAITING 3 -5 MINUTES DID THE C…
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ON 4 SEPARATE OCCASSIONS, WHILE IN MOTION, THE CAR COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN. ON EACH STALL, EVERYTHING SHUT OFF COMPLETELY INCLUDING ALL LIGHTS DASHBOARD ETC. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD (ONCE ON THE HIGHWAY) OBSTRUCTING TRAFFIC, THE CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. ONLY AFTER WAITING 3 -5 MINUTES DID THE CAR EVENTUALLY START. TWICE I WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED.
NHTSA ODI #11111987
22,000 miles · Jul 16, 2018
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A HILL AT ABOUT 20 MPH WHEN MY VEHICLE STARTED STUTTERING AND THEN SHUT OFF. THE CAR PULLED UP A MESSAGE ON THE DASH THAT SAID, ' VEHICLE MUST BE IN PARK TO START THE VEHICLE'. THIS WAS ABSOLUTELY TERRIFYING. I PLACED THE CAR IN PARK AND THEN RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED 2 MORE TIMES SINCE THEN. CA…
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I WAS DRIVING DOWN A HILL AT ABOUT 20 MPH WHEN MY VEHICLE STARTED STUTTERING AND THEN SHUT OFF. THE CAR PULLED UP A MESSAGE ON THE DASH THAT SAID, ' VEHICLE MUST BE IN PARK TO START THE VEHICLE'. THIS WAS ABSOLUTELY TERRIFYING. I PLACED THE CAR IN PARK AND THEN RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED 2 MORE TIMES SINCE THEN. CAR IS SCHEDULED TO BE SERVICED.
NHTSA ODI #11111763
39,000 miles · Jul 16, 2018
Engine
CAR SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI #11111530
34,461 miles · Jul 12, 2018
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other
MY CAR HAS A "SERVICE SHIFTER " MESSAGE POPPED UP AT 34461 MILEAGE GOING 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY JUST STRAIGHT NO TURNING NO NOTHING. THE SHIFTER LIGHTS ARE ALL LITE UP AS WEEL AND I CANNOT SEE THE MIDDLE SCREEN THAT SHOWS MY MPH IN BIG LETTERS. I CALLED JEEP STATING NOT TO WORRY ABOUT IT. TURNED CAR OFF AND TURNED BACK ON AND NO…
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MY CAR HAS A "SERVICE SHIFTER " MESSAGE POPPED UP AT 34461 MILEAGE GOING 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY JUST STRAIGHT NO TURNING NO NOTHING. THE SHIFTER LIGHTS ARE ALL LITE UP AS WEEL AND I CANNOT SEE THE MIDDLE SCREEN THAT SHOWS MY MPH IN BIG LETTERS. I CALLED JEEP STATING NOT TO WORRY ABOUT IT. TURNED CAR OFF AND TURNED BACK ON AND NO MESSAGE SECOND TIME WAS AT 36044 MILES GOING 15 MPH THROUGH A PARKING LOT AND THE SHIFTER IS ALL LITE UP AND "SERVICE SHIFTER" MESSAGE CAME BACK ON AGAIN . TURNED CAR OFF AFTER PARKING AND TURNED BACK ON AFTER A FEW HOURS AND WAS NOT ON.
NHTSA ODI #11111052
25,000 miles · Jul 12, 2018
Electrical SystemService Brakes
AUTO ON/OFF WILL STOP WORKING AND NOTIFY ME ON MY SCREEN. IT WILL STATE I NEED TO GET IT SERVICED. ALSO IT WILL POP UP THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER STOPS WORKING, AND NEED TO GET IT SERVICED. BOTH WILL DISAPPEAR AFTER ENGINE IS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON.
NHTSA ODI #11110967
32,000 miles · Jul 11, 2018
EngineFuel/propulsion System
SEVERAL TIMES IN THE PAST 3 MONTHS (6-8 TIMES), WITHOUT WARNING, THE CAR SHUTS OFF. THE ENGINE COMPLETELY STOPS REGARDLESS OF IN MOTION OR ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. IT HAS HAPPENED EACH WAY. IT SHUTS OFF, AND THE VEHICLE COMPUTER PROVIDES A MESSAGE THAT YOU MUST BE IN PARK TO START THE VEHICLE. I SHIFT TO PARK AND IT STARTS …
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SEVERAL TIMES IN THE PAST 3 MONTHS (6-8 TIMES), WITHOUT WARNING, THE CAR SHUTS OFF. THE ENGINE COMPLETELY STOPS REGARDLESS OF IN MOTION OR ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. IT HAS HAPPENED EACH WAY. IT SHUTS OFF, AND THE VEHICLE COMPUTER PROVIDES A MESSAGE THAT YOU MUST BE IN PARK TO START THE VEHICLE. I SHIFT TO PARK AND IT STARTS UP AGAIN. WHEN IT SHUTS OFF THE POWER STEERING GOES AND YOU CANNOT CONTROL THE DIRECTION OF THE VEHICLE. THERE ARE NO SYMPTOMS AND NO WARNING BUT I SEE ENOUGH OF THE SAME COMPLAINT THAT I AM REPORTING IT. IT HAS NOT HAPPENED AT HIGHWAY SPEED YET, AND I AM AFRAID IT MIGHT BASED ON THE OTHER JEEP OWNERS COMMENTS.
NHTSA ODI #11110884
62,000 miles · Jul 11, 2018
Power Train
I WAS DRIVING MY 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE LATITUDE 2.4L ON A CITY HIGHWAY WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE SERVICE TRANSMISSION LIGHT POPPED ON AND I COULD NO LONGER ACCELERATE PAST 45MPH. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO REACT QUICKLY WITH THE HAZARD LIGHTS AND MAKE MY WAY OVER TO THE SHOULDER. THE ENGINE LIGHT IS NOW ON AND IT IS TRIGGERING CODE P0887…
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I WAS DRIVING MY 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE LATITUDE 2.4L ON A CITY HIGHWAY WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE SERVICE TRANSMISSION LIGHT POPPED ON AND I COULD NO LONGER ACCELERATE PAST 45MPH. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO REACT QUICKLY WITH THE HAZARD LIGHTS AND MAKE MY WAY OVER TO THE SHOULDER. THE ENGINE LIGHT IS NOW ON AND IT IS TRIGGERING CODE P0887. I KNOW NOW THAT THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL ISSUES WITH THE 9 GEAR TRANSMISSION IN PREVIOUS YEAR MODELS AS WELL THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED. THIS IS VERY CONCERNING AND I AM AFRAID OF DRIVING MY VEHICLE ANYWHERE THAT HAS A SPEED LIMIT ABOVE 35!
NHTSA ODI #11110866
Official recalls
9May 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
2PE22009 · 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.
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