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2014 Jeep Wrangler

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Wrangler years

Owner complaints for the 2014 Jeep Wrangler are substantially higher than the model-year median of 265.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

469 reports with mileage · 185 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 322 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 88 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 82 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

21 crash reports24 fire reports9 injury reports

Engine complaints

322 reports
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52,000 miles · Jan 11, 2017
Engine

MY 2014 JEEP WRANGLER HAD THE OIL FILTER HOUSING FAIL AT 52000 MILES. IT LEAKED ENOUGH OIL WAS DRIPPING DOWN THE BACK OF THE ENGINE ONTO THE TRANSMISSION AND ON TO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. IT DRIPPED WHETHER PARKED OF IN MOTION.

NHTSA ODI #10944241

Mileage unknown · Jan 9, 2017
Engine

OIL FILTER ADAPTER, OIL COOLER, NOT SURE ON CORRECT TERMINOLOGY. PART NUMBER 68105583AA TO BE SPECIFIC. JUST GOT NORMAL MAINTENANCE AND MULTI POINT INSPECTION DONE AND 2 DAYS, 128 MILES LATER SMOKE STARTED GUSHING OUT FROM UNDER MY VEHICLE. I WAS DRIVING TO GET LUNCH, GOT OUT AND SURE ENOUGH OIL WAS PROFUSELY LEAKING OUT OF THE …

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OIL FILTER ADAPTER, OIL COOLER, NOT SURE ON CORRECT TERMINOLOGY. PART NUMBER 68105583AA TO BE SPECIFIC. JUST GOT NORMAL MAINTENANCE AND MULTI POINT INSPECTION DONE AND 2 DAYS, 128 MILES LATER SMOKE STARTED GUSHING OUT FROM UNDER MY VEHICLE. I WAS DRIVING TO GET LUNCH, GOT OUT AND SURE ENOUGH OIL WAS PROFUSELY LEAKING OUT OF THE BOTTOM. DROVE HOME IMMEDIATELY AND PARKED IT. HAD TO WAIT UNTIL MONDAY TO TRY AND DRIVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. STARTED HER UP AND WITHIN 5 MINUTES HAD A PUDDLE THE SIZE OF A TIRE UNDERNEATH OF OIL. MANAGED TO GET HER TO THE DEALERSHIP WITHOUT ISSUE, BUT MY SYSTEM WAS TELLING ME I HAD 0% PILLS LIKE REMAINING. OIL HAD BEEN LEAKING OUT FROM ON TOP OF THE ENGINE WORRYING ME OF A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD BUT I MANAGED TO GET IT TO THE SHOP. APPARENTLY THIS PART IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THIS IS A WIDELY KNOWN ISSUE WITH 2014 MODELS SPECIFICALLY ALL CHRYSLER MADE VEHICLES WITH THIS ENGINE. $500 FIX IS NOT FUN WHEN IT'S A KNOWN ISSUE BY THE COMPANY WHO ON 2015 MODELS FIXED IT AND NEVER ADDRESSED OR WARNED 2014 MODEL OWNERS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10943853

24,000 miles · Dec 15, 2016
EngineFireInjury

ON 12/04/2016 I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT AROUND 80MPH WHEN A LOAD EXPLOSION STOPPED MY ENGINE. I IMMEDIATE STOPPED AS SMOKE STARTED TO COME INSIDE THE CABIN. AS SOON AS I EXITED THE VEHICLE I NOTICED A BIG FIRE UNDER THE CAR AND INSURE THE HOOD. I WAS ABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT USING 3 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS. THIS REALLY COULD'VE…

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ON 12/04/2016 I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT AROUND 80MPH WHEN A LOAD EXPLOSION STOPPED MY ENGINE. I IMMEDIATE STOPPED AS SMOKE STARTED TO COME INSIDE THE CABIN. AS SOON AS I EXITED THE VEHICLE I NOTICED A BIG FIRE UNDER THE CAR AND INSURE THE HOOD. I WAS ABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT USING 3 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS. THIS REALLY COULD'VE ESCALATED QUICKLY. I NOTICED A BIG HOLE ON THE SIDE OF THE ENGINE. LOOKS LIKE IT THREW A ROD SINCE THE OIL PRESSURE WAS LOW. PROBABLY DUE TO FAULTY OIL FILTER MOUNT. THE EXACT REASON FOR THE ENGINE FAILURE AND SUBSEQUENT FIRE HASN'T BEEN DETERMINED YET AS THE DEALER WILL OT LOOK AT IT UNTIL CHRYSLER SENDS AN INVESTIGATOR TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE. CHRYSLER WILL NOT SEND AN INVESTIGATOR AND IS ASKING FOR THE DEALER TO LOOK AT IT. IT'S BEEN OVER 10 DAYS AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. SO FAR, NEITHER PARTY HAS TAKEN THE ISSUE SERIOUSLY. THE CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10935493

24,000 miles · Dec 14, 2016
EngineFire

ENGINE THREW A ROD WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10935366

30,000 miles · Dec 14, 2016
Engine

I'VE NOTICED FOR THE PAST FEW MONTHS LIKE LEAKAGE ON THE GROUND BUT HAVE YET TO PINPOINT THE EXACT LOCATION. I TOOK IT TO THE JEEP DEALERSHIP AND ASKED IF THEY HAVE HAD ANY ISSUES WITH LEAKS AND DANCED AROUND THE QUESTION AND SAID I WOULD NEED TO LEAVE IT FOR A MECHANIC TO LOOK AT IT, I ASKED IF MY WARRANTY WAS STILL VALID AND T…

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I'VE NOTICED FOR THE PAST FEW MONTHS LIKE LEAKAGE ON THE GROUND BUT HAVE YET TO PINPOINT THE EXACT LOCATION. I TOOK IT TO THE JEEP DEALERSHIP AND ASKED IF THEY HAVE HAD ANY ISSUES WITH LEAKS AND DANCED AROUND THE QUESTION AND SAID I WOULD NEED TO LEAVE IT FOR A MECHANIC TO LOOK AT IT, I ASKED IF MY WARRANTY WAS STILL VALID AND THE HAD RAN MY VIN AND SAID IT WAS EXPIRED......WHICH IS PUZZLING CAUSE I HAVE AROUND 30K MILES ON IT. SO I STILL HAVE A MYSTERY LEAK AND READING UP ON DIFFERENT FORUMS SEEMS TO BE ON ONGOING ISSUES WITH COOLING OIL LINES OR OIL FILTER ADAPTER, OIL COOLER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10935181

38,000 miles · Dec 12, 2016
Engine

3,6 OIL FILTER ADAPTER LEAKING. HAVE 38,000 ON VEHICLE, GOT OIL CHANGED ON MONDAY EVENING AND WEDNESDAY MORNING NOTICED A BURNED OIL SMELL AND A CLOUD OF SMOKE OFF MOTOR AFTER SHORT DRIVE TO WORK. HAVE OIL SLICK UNDERNEATH VEHICLE WHEN CAME OUT THAT AFTERNOON. WENT DIRECTLY BACK TO DEALERSHIP, AND THEY ADVISED THAT THEY HAD …

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3,6 OIL FILTER ADAPTER LEAKING. HAVE 38,000 ON VEHICLE, GOT OIL CHANGED ON MONDAY EVENING AND WEDNESDAY MORNING NOTICED A BURNED OIL SMELL AND A CLOUD OF SMOKE OFF MOTOR AFTER SHORT DRIVE TO WORK. HAVE OIL SLICK UNDERNEATH VEHICLE WHEN CAME OUT THAT AFTERNOON. WENT DIRECTLY BACK TO DEALERSHIP, AND THEY ADVISED THAT THEY HAD DONE NOTHING WRONG , BUT WAS A BAD OIL FILTER ADAPTER. I SEE A LOT OF THEM APPEAR TO FAIL, BUT THE TIMING IS SUSPECT. HAS THE REPLACEMENT PART BEEN UPGRADED TO PREVENT FUTURE FAILURES?

NHTSA ODI #10934763

33,428 miles · Nov 7, 2016
Engine

FOR MONTHS I SMELLED ANTIFREEZE FROM THE FRONT OF THE JEEP BUT THERE WERE NO LEAKS . AFTER A MONTH I FOUND DRIED ANTIFREEZE ON THE BOTTOM OF THE RADIATOR PASSENGER SIDE . THE JEEP WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND WAS REPAIRED BY DEALER . MY FRIEND ALSO WITH A NEW 2014 WRANGLER ALSO HAD SAME PROBLEM . THANK YOU JOEY

NHTSA ODI #10924868

48,839 miles · Oct 21, 2016
Engine

I HAVE A WRANGLER SAHARA UNLIMITED 2014. AROUND 48,000 MILES I SMELLED BURNING OIL AN NOTICED OIL LEAKING UNDER THE CARRIAGE WHEN THE CAR WAS PARKED. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY INDICATED THAT THE OIL COOLER WAS LEAKING. THE ENGINE WAS FILLED WITH OIL. THEY REPLACED THE OIL COOLER AND ADAPTER. THIS IS A POTENTIAL F…

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I HAVE A WRANGLER SAHARA UNLIMITED 2014. AROUND 48,000 MILES I SMELLED BURNING OIL AN NOTICED OIL LEAKING UNDER THE CARRIAGE WHEN THE CAR WAS PARKED. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY INDICATED THAT THE OIL COOLER WAS LEAKING. THE ENGINE WAS FILLED WITH OIL. THEY REPLACED THE OIL COOLER AND ADAPTER. THIS IS A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. I HOPE JEEP REPLACED THE DAMAGED PART WITHONE THAT WILL PREVENT THE PROBLEM FROM REOCCURRING.

NHTSA ODI #10917743

Mileage unknown · Oct 17, 2016
Engine

BURNING SMELL FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS, TOOK IT IN AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE MY OIL COOLER. ENGINE WAS FILLED WITH OIL AND IT WAS A MAJOR LEAK FROM THE BACK. PART #68105583-AE WAS PUT IN IT'S PLACE AND I HAVE A SNEAKING SUSPICION IT WAS PART #68105583-AA THAT WAS BROKEN SINCE IT WAS MADE OUT OF PLASTIC! MY JEEP HAS 32K MILES, AND IS U…

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BURNING SMELL FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS, TOOK IT IN AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE MY OIL COOLER. ENGINE WAS FILLED WITH OIL AND IT WAS A MAJOR LEAK FROM THE BACK. PART #68105583-AE WAS PUT IN IT'S PLACE AND I HAVE A SNEAKING SUSPICION IT WAS PART #68105583-AA THAT WAS BROKEN SINCE IT WAS MADE OUT OF PLASTIC! MY JEEP HAS 32K MILES, AND IS UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THIS IS TOO MUCH! RECALL PLEASE!

NHTSA ODI #10916420

50,000 miles · Oct 16, 2016
Engine

I RECENTLY STARTING TO SMELL BURNING OIL IN MY JEEP. I DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT, AND FIGURED THERE MAY HAVE BEEN A MINOR SPILL OR THE OLD OIL WAS BURNING OFF AFTER MY RECENT OIL CHANGE. BUT AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS, THE SMELL REMAINED AND I NOTICED AN OIL STAIN WHERE I PARK THIS JEEP IN MY DRIVEWAY. I THEN THOUGHT THAT MAYBE MY MEC…

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I RECENTLY STARTING TO SMELL BURNING OIL IN MY JEEP. I DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT, AND FIGURED THERE MAY HAVE BEEN A MINOR SPILL OR THE OLD OIL WAS BURNING OFF AFTER MY RECENT OIL CHANGE. BUT AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS, THE SMELL REMAINED AND I NOTICED AN OIL STAIN WHERE I PARK THIS JEEP IN MY DRIVEWAY. I THEN THOUGHT THAT MAYBE MY MECHANIC FAILED TO PROPERLY INSTALL MY OIL FILTER AFTER THE LAST OIL CHANGE. BUT TURNS OUT, THE OIL FILTER HOUSING WAS LEAKING OIL. THIS IS POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS AND NOW HAS TO BE REPLACED. AND FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND, THIS PART IS MADE FROM PLASTIC AND HAS CAUSED MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS SPECIFIC MODEL YEAR. MY SISTER, WHO HAS THE SAME YEAR AND MODEL ALSO HAD TO HAVE HERS REPLACED. I ONLY HAVE 50K HIGHWAY MILES ON THIS VEHICLE. I ALSO NOTICED THAT THE REPLACEMENT PART HAS A DIFFERENT PART NUMBER, SO JEEP MAY HAVE MADE A MODIFICATION TO THE PART. I HOPE SO!

NHTSA ODI #10916312

Official recalls

4

19V680000 · Seat Belts:front:anchorage

Sep 26, 2019

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2018 Jeep Wrangler right hand drive vehicles. The driver's seat belt buckle mounting strap may fracture and separate from the seat frame.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A separated or severed seat belt buckle strap will result in an inoperable seat belt, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's seat belt buckle, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed November 19, 2019. Owners will received a second letter and the recall began March 26, 2020. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is VA6.

19V018000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 15, 2019

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V01.

16V288000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

May 11, 2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2016 Right Hand Drive Jeep Wrangler vehicles manufactured February 16, 2010, to May 2, 2016. The clockspring assembly may become contaminated with dust and cause the air bag circuit to fail.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Failure of the air bag circuit may prevent the driver's frontal air bag from deploying in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clockspring, wheel back cover, and column shroud, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S40.

14V632000 · Tires:pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems

Oct 8, 2014

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014 Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan vehicles manufactured March 20, 2014, to April 22, 2014, and 2014 Jeep Wrangler vehicles manufactured March 21, 2014, to April 22, 2014. Due to a software error, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) may fail to learn the locations of the individual sensors while the vehicle is being driven. As a result, the low tire pressure warning light will illuminate, despite the the tire pressures being within specification. Should one of the tires lose air pressure, the driver would not be notified of the change in air pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the TPMS light illuminates because the sensors cannot be located, it could mask an actual low tire pressure condition, possibly resulting in tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the TPMS module, free of charge. The recall began on October 23, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P63.

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

4

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.

PE19008 · Seat Belt Buckle Bracket Failure

Opened Jul 29, 2019 · Closed Dec 12, 2019

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly

On July 17, 2019, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 19-008 after receiving three Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) reports alleging the driver's side seat belt buckle separated from the seat frame, rendering the seat belt non-functional. The VOQs involved model year (MY) 2015 and 2016 Jeep Wrangler (JK platform) that were configured for right-hand drive (RHD) use. On August 8, 2019, ODI issued an information request (IR) letter to FCA.The scope of the IR included all JK Wrangler produced for sale in the U.S. (both left- and right-hand drive), and amongst other things, requested any reports or allegations of driver's seat belt bracket failures on these vehicles. In its review of FCA's response, ODI determined that approximately 1.7 million JK Wrangler were produced from MY 2007 to 2018, about 16,000 of which were configured for RHD. ODI notes that the RHD Wrangler are typically used for rural postal delivery which often experience a more severe duty cycle. Also RHD JK was was not produced in MY 2007.As explained in the IR response, FCA identified three distinct populations of JK Wrangler concerning the driver's seat belt bucket bracket; specifically the MY 2007-2018 LHD (~1.7M units), the MY 2008-2010 RHD (4,563 units), and the MY 2011-2018 RHD (11,463 units) populations.FCA provided details on the designs used in each of these populations, identifying specific differences deemed pertinent to the strength and durability of each unique bracket design. FCA further reviewed its analysis of the complaint and warranty data identified under the IR, and noting that it had not identified any allegations of bracket failures on the LHD population, and only one allegation on the MY 2008-2010 RHD vehicles. By comparison, FCA identified 24 allegations of bracket failure for the MY 2011-2018 RHD JK, including two reports duplicative of the VOQs. Neither the FCA nor the VOQ reports allege an injury or fatality due to bracket failure. Based on this analysis, FCA decided to conduct a safety recall for the MY 2011-2018 RHD JK population. On September 30, 2019, FCA submitted a Defect Information Report initiating NHTSA Safety Recall 19V-680 (FCA No. VA6). Under the recall action, FCA will replace the driver's seat belt bracket on MY 2011-2018 RHD Jeep JK Wrangler. The repair will be conducted free of charge.In view of FCA's recall action, and its explanations of the scope of that action, ODI is closing PE19-008. ODI will continue to monitor the non-recalled RHD, and the LHD JK Wrangler for evidence of seat belt bracket failure and will take further action if warranted.The three VOQ reports cited above can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following reference numbers:11190251, 11218472, 11231639.

EA19001 · Electrical Overstress

Opened Apr 19, 2019 · Closed Sep 19, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect.  During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mounted in the vehicle and deploys the vehicle air bags and seat belt pretensioners in accordance with manufacturer design specifications.  The ECU in the subject vehicles contains a model DS84 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which controls the communication of the crash sensor signal, firing commands (i.e., when to deploy the airbag(s) and/or pretensioners), and fault information (e.g., diagnostic trouble codes). In September 2016, FCA announced recall 16V-668 for certain model year (MY) 2010 to 2014 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep products manufactured with the subject ZF-TRW ACU.  In this recall, FCA discussed an EOS condition that resulted in a failure of the subject DS84 ASIC, which caused air bag non-deployment.  FCA noted that the defect condition had only been observed in vehicles equipped with sensor harnessing routed across the front of the vehicle.  Other FCA vehicles that also used the subject ACU, but were not equipped with cross-car harnessing, had not experienced EOS failures, despite similar time in service. During the course of this investigation, ODI sent two separate Information Request (IR) letters to six vehicle manufactures (including FCA, Hyundai, Honda, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Toyota) and one IR letter to ZF-TRW.  These IR letters resulted in ODI receiving comprehensive data from these manufacturers and suppliers. Studies of this data found that the DS84 ASIC does not have sufficient protection against negative electrical transients or electrical overstress (“EOS”) that can be generated in certain severe crashes.  An electrical transient occurs when the electrical power supplied to a circuit changes momentarily over a short duration of time.   In these severe crash cases, the crash sensors and other powered wiring can be damaged and short circuited so as to create a negative electrical transient of sufficient intensity and duration (that are outside the vehicle manufacturer's specification) to damage the ASIC before the restraint device deployment signal is received by the SRS ECU.  This damaged signal can lead to incomplete or nondeployment of the air bags and/or pretensioners.  Airbag non-deployment and/or lack of pretensioner operation can increase the risk or severity of injury in a crash.A total of 8 fatalities and 14 injuries were associated with known EOS events. The common element in all investigated manufacturers vehicles is the SRS ECU containing a DS84 ASIC manufactured by ZF-TRW.  The risk associated with the ASIC is equally shared among all OEMS involved in the investigation.  The actual real-world risk can be mitigated by other factors which were assessed by ODI during this investigation. The first mitigating factor involves protections built into the ACU design which protect the DS84 ASIC from damage.  There are multiple strategies and levels of protection employed by different OEMs that provide effective EOS mitigation.  The two most common strategies at the ACU level are circuit protection diodes on the remote senor signal lines, and current limiting resistors that protect critical components. The second mitigating factor is found at the vehicle level and involves the location and routing of the wires leading from the crash sensors to the SRS ECU.  If the wires are well protected in a crash and are not routed with other power wires carrying large currents, the risk for an EOS event is significantly reduced or eliminated. These design specific factors combine to produce a spectrum of risk for the vehicles equipped with ACUs using the DS84 ASIC.  Given the many of years of field exposure, it is possible to divide the subject population into two groups; vehicles which have experienced EOS events, and vehicles which have not experienced EOS field events. Four of the six OEMs involved in this investigation have experienced EOS field events on at least one of their models equipped with a DS84 ASIC.  All vehicle models (including the Toyota models identified in the Failure Report Summary of the opening resume for this investigation) with field events have been recalled.  In an abundance of caution, ODI kept this investigation open five years to monitor field performance and did not identify any field events on vehicles not included in existing safety recalls. Given the spectrum of risk identified in this investigation and that all vehicles with a demonstrated unreasonable risk have been recalled, ODI is closing this investigation. ODI is closing this investigation with the following manufacturer safety recalls: 16V-668, 18E-043, 18V-137, 18V-363, and 20V-024.  With the recall actions taken by the subject vehicle and equipment manufacturers, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exists on other model or model year vehicles outside of the recall scopes. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

DP14004 · Totally Integrated Power Module Failure

Opened Sep 25, 2014 · Closed Jul 24, 2015

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System

In a letter dated August 21, 2014, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged failures associated with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) installed in Chrysler SUV?s, trucks, and vans beginning in the 2007 model year. The petitioner alleges that TIPM defects may result in engine stall, airbag non-deployment, failure of fuel pump shutoff resulting in unintended acceleration, fire, and other symptoms. On September 25, 2014, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened DP14-004 to evaluate the petition for a grant or deny decision. ODI analyzed complaint data provided by CAS as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers. In total, there were 296 complaints submitted by the petitioner in the original petition and five supplements, including 271 complaints related to the subject vehicles equipped with TIPM-7. Approximately 3 percent of CAS complaints are related to vehicles equipped with TIPM-6 and ODI?s review of these complaints did not identify any safety defect trends. ODI conducted a detailed review of complaints narratives submitted by CAS and consumers including careful analysis of vehicle repair histories, warranty claims obtained from the manufacturer and any available Customer Assistance Inquiry reports (CAIR). Analysis of the field data indicated that MY2011-2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles exhibited significantly higher complaint rates related to fuel pump relay (FPR) failures than other subject vehicles. In a September 3, 2014 letter to NHTSA, Chrysler submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) identifying a defect in the FPR within the TIPM-7 which can result in a no start or stall condition in approximately 188,723 model year (MY) 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK) and Dodge Durango (WD) vehicles manufactured from January 5, 2010 through July 20, 2011 (14V-530).In a February 24, 2015 letter, Chrysler submitted a second DIR expanding the scope of the FPR defect condition to include an additional 338,216 MY 2012 through 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured from September 17, 2010 through August 19, 2013 and MY 2012 through 2013 Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured from January 18, 2011 through August 19, 2013 (15V-115).ODI analysis of the CAS allegations of TIPM defects resulting in stall while driving, airbag non-deployment, unintended acceleration, fire and other faults identified a single defect condition related to 1 of over 60 different circuits in the TIPM assembly. The most common effect of this defect condition, related to the fuel pump relay, was a no-start concern, but it could also result in stall while driving (76 complaints). No valid evidence was presented in support of claims related to airbag non-deployment, unintended acceleration or fire resulting from TIPM faults and these claims were found to be wholly without merit based on review of the field data and design of the relevant systems and components.Except insofar as the petitioner's contentions relate to the defect condition addressed by the Chrysler recalls, the factual bases of the petitioner's contentions that any further investigation is necessary are unsupported. In our view, additional investigation is unlikely to result in a finding that a defect related to motor vehicle safety exists or a NHTSA order for the notification and remedy of a safety-related defect as alleged by the petitioner at the conclusion of the requested investigation. Therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize NHTSA's limited resources to best accomplish the agency's safety mission, the petition is den

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