IllustrationIs a driving risk with this recall. Sometimes the vehicle tends to veer away.
2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 25.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Range Rover Sport years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 19 of 59 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Steering. Review the 22 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Suspension. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 8 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
2 crash reports0 fire reports1 injury reports
Suspension complaints
12 reportsRange Rover has. Recall with no remedy. Going on a year now.
There is a recall on the Range Rover that does not have a remedy. This is a vehicle that generates income off renting out which can not be done until recall is resolved.
My 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is subject to NHTSA Recall 25V-514 (Manufacturer Recall D019), issued August 8, 2025, which remains unresolved as of today. The recall concerns a front suspension upper knuckle joint that may develop a crack, potentially leading to detachment of the upper suspension arm and loss of vehicle co…
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My 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport is subject to NHTSA Recall 25V-514 (Manufacturer Recall D019), issued August 8, 2025, which remains unresolved as of today. The recall concerns a front suspension upper knuckle joint that may develop a crack, potentially leading to detachment of the upper suspension arm and loss of vehicle control. Despite the recall being issued approximately nine months ago, the remedy is listed as "not yet available." The dealer has confirmed no fix or inspection appointment can be completed at this time. No repair timeline has been communicated by Jaguar Land Rover North America. Because this recall involves a potential loss of vehicle controllability and crash risk, the vehicle has been taken out of service and cannot be safely operated. The manufacturer has failed to provide parts or a remedy within a reasonable timeframe, leaving the owner without the use of a drivable vehicle. This complaint is filed to document the manufacturer's failure to make a remedy available for a safety-critical open recall and to request federal oversight of the resolution timeline for Recall 25V-514.
Land Rover's refusal to provide resolution to their Safety REcall DO019, or NHTSA 25V-514 according to their own guidelines. See attached letter.
JLR issued a recall on August 8, 2025, for the front suspension upper knuckle joint, and there are still no parts available to fix the issue. JLR states the issue "may lead to detachment of the upper suspension arm" and "may compromise the vehicle’s controllability and increase the risk of a crash." I have regularly been in …
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JLR issued a recall on August 8, 2025, for the front suspension upper knuckle joint, and there are still no parts available to fix the issue. JLR states the issue "may lead to detachment of the upper suspension arm" and "may compromise the vehicle’s controllability and increase the risk of a crash." I have regularly been in touch with my local JLR dealership, and they shrug their shoulders and say "oh well." My vehicle is readily available for inspection, but the dealer is not interested in seeing it until parts are available. How many months must I be driving with a potentially catastrophic failure pending?
There is an open recall on my knuckle 2017 range rover, I've been waiting for repairs, and I'm being told that they haven't been made yet. I first of of this from Carfax and not the manufacturer’s, they have never sent me anything. What's the next steps, it's been months and I'm not comfortable driving
Hi there, I purchased this car used with approximately 78,000 miles on it and this incident occurred at 94,000 miles. The car is equipped with a system call ACE (Active Cornering Enhancement) system. The system sends hydraulic fluids to each cornering of the car to help stabilize it around corners. Land Rover installed steel …
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Hi there, I purchased this car used with approximately 78,000 miles on it and this incident occurred at 94,000 miles. The car is equipped with a system call ACE (Active Cornering Enhancement) system. The system sends hydraulic fluids to each cornering of the car to help stabilize it around corners. Land Rover installed steel hard lines to deliver the fluids to each corner. They also tucked the lines to the side of the car and added a cover to protect the lines. However, that only caused these lines to fail, because moisture containing salt in the winters can travel to these lines and causes them to rust and no matter how much under carriage wash is performed, no clean water can get to them to wash away the salt. My lines failed on me and that cost me $4,400 in repairs at Lake Bluff Land Rover in the state of Illinois. They informed me there's more lines that need to be replaced which will cost an additional $5,500 in repair. When I complained to Land Rover that they should have installed stainless steel lines instead of steel to prevent this from happening, they assured me if this will become a common issue, they would perform a recall and issue a refund. When I spoke to the technicians at the Land Rover dealership, they told me they are getting a lot of cars with the same issue. I do not have the resources to investigate this issue nor the authority, but NHTSA does. Would you please look into this matter? It's a big safety concern and it's a huge mistake on Land Rover which they are avoiding to taking responsibility for. Thank you. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
A safety recall was issued in September 2025 for my vehicle. I contacted my local dealership (Pasadena Land Rover / Range Rover) and was informed that recall parts were not available. In the first week of December, the front right suspension began making a clunking noise, consistent with the recall defect. When I contacted the …
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A safety recall was issued in September 2025 for my vehicle. I contacted my local dealership (Pasadena Land Rover / Range Rover) and was informed that recall parts were not available. In the first week of December, the front right suspension began making a clunking noise, consistent with the recall defect. When I contacted the dealership, I was told that I would be required to pay out of pocket for diagnostic work, even though the vehicle has an open safety recall, and that reimbursement is not guaranteed due to parts unavailability. As a result, the vehicle cannot be repaired under the recall, and I am being asked to assume financial responsibility for diagnosing a known safety defect while continuing to operate an unrepaired vehicle.
Front Suspension Knuckle Crack was knocking and ready to break on my 2017 Range Rover. I had to bring it into an independent service center due to the inability of the dealer (JLR Newport Beach, CA) to get me in (I was told 200 cars were in front of me and it would be an undetermined period of time before they could get to me). …
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Front Suspension Knuckle Crack was knocking and ready to break on my 2017 Range Rover. I had to bring it into an independent service center due to the inability of the dealer (JLR Newport Beach, CA) to get me in (I was told 200 cars were in front of me and it would be an undetermined period of time before they could get to me). The suspension and steering were affected and I had to have it repaired immediately by Custom European in Huntington Beach, Ca. He used original parts and it cost me $1,500.00 (799.57 parts, 660.00 labor, tax 60.42). The vehicle has not been inspected yet. When I received the SAFETY RECALL letter from JLR in Newport, I tried to get in for inspection but to no avail. Same situation, 100's of cars in front of me. When I called Range Rover of North America, I was told your computer system has been down for over two months and that I should call back every week to see if it's working (by Jared). Jared told me because I had the safety recall corrected already, this was the only way to get reimbursed but NOTHING could be done while the computer system was down. The SAFETY RECALL letter specifically says reimbursement is available but Jared said nothing is available without the computer system, which as I mentioned earlier has been down for two months. Telling me to call back weekly to see if it's up again is not the resolution I was seeking. JLR cannot inspect because they have no place to log the information since your "computer system is down." This is a classic case of "we can't do anything without our computer" but you can call us back (basically hoping I'll forget and go away). I spent good money on this safety recall and need to be reimbursed properly. Range Rover of North America and JLR of Newport Beach are doing NOTHING to address that situation with those of us that took care of the problem before it was too late. Please tell me how this should end. Thank you. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Official recalls
625V514000 · Steering:linkages:knuckle:spindle:arm
Aug 8, 2025
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles. The front suspension upper knuckle joint may crack, which can result in suspension arm detachment.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Suspension arm detachment can cause a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the front suspension knuckles and install a retaining bracket or replace the knuckle, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 11, 2026. Owners may contact Land Rover's customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's numbers for this recall are D019, N759, D041, and D027. This recall expands and replaces previous NHTSA recall number 24V840.
22V219000 · Seat Belts:front:retractor
Apr 5, 2022
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles. The driver's seat belt emergency locking retractor may not lock as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies" and 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: During hard braking before a crash, the seat belt emergency locking retractor may not lock as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 29, 2022. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N678. This recall replaces NHTSA recall number 19V-350. Vehicles previously inspected under recall 19V-350 that did not receive a replacement seat belt assembly will need to have this new recall remedy performed.
19V350000 · Seat Belts
May 9, 2019
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles. The driver's seat belt Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) may not lock as designed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 209, "Seat Belt Assemblies."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the driver brakes prior to a crash, the ELR will not lock at the correct g-force level, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Land Rover will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat belt assembly, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2019. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N333.
18V337000 · Electrical System:software; Fuel System, Gasoline
May 23, 2018
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2017 Land Rover Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, and Discovery vehicles. The fuel gauge on these vehicles may indicate that the fuel level is low and illuminate the warning lamp, when the fuel tank actually has more fuel. The engine management software may also cut off the engine when the vehicle has traveled approximately 17 more miles.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the engine were to shut off, it can cause loss of power brake assistance. An engine stall would cause a loss of drive power. Both scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Land Rover will notify owners, and dealers will install a software update to correct the fuel level reading, free of charge. The recall began on June 22, 2018. Owners may Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N206.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:software
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2017 Land Rover Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, and Discovery vehicles. The fuel gauge on these vehicles may indicate that the fuel level is low and illuminate the warning lamp, when the fuel tank actually has more fuel. The engine management software may also cut off the engine when the vehicle has traveled approximately 17 more miles.
Consequence: If the engine were to shut off, it can cause loss of power brake assistance. An engine stall would cause a loss of drive power. Both scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Land Rover will notify owners, and dealers will install a software update to correct the fuel level reading, free of charge. The recall began on June 22, 2018. Owners may Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N206.
Fuel System, Gasoline
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2017 Land Rover Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, and Discovery vehicles. The fuel gauge on these vehicles may indicate that the fuel level is low and illuminate the warning lamp, when the fuel tank actually has more fuel. The engine management software may also cut off the engine when the vehicle has traveled approximately 17 more miles.
Consequence: If the engine were to shut off, it can cause loss of power brake assistance. An engine stall would cause a loss of drive power. Both scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Land Rover will notify owners, and dealers will install a software update to correct the fuel level reading, free of charge. The recall began on June 22, 2018. Owners may Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N206.
17V679000 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel
Oct 26, 2017
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2017 Land Rover Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles. The instrument cluster (IC) may intermittently go blank.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A blank instrument cluster will not show important information like vehicle speed, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Land Rover will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 19, 2017. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N124.
16V942000 · Seat Belts:pretensioner
Dec 29, 2016
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain model year 2017 Land Rover Discovery Sport vehicles and 2016-2017 Land Rover Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles. The affected vehicles have seatbelt pretensioners that may not function properly in the event of a crash.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the front seat seatbelt pretensioners do not function properly, the seat occupants may not be adequately restrained in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Land Rover will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seat belt assemblies, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 20, 2017. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is P095.
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
3EA26003 · Front Steering Knuckle Fractures
Opened Apr 24, 2026 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Steering:linkages:knuckle:spindle:arm
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is upgrading its Preliminary Evaluation (PE25006) of front steering knuckle fractures on model year (MY) 2014 through 2017 Range Rover Sport vehicles to an Engineering Analysis. ODI opened PE25006 on June 27, 2025, after receiving 12 Vehicle Owner's Questionnaire (VOQ) reports of the front aluminum steering knuckles fracturing in these vehicles. The reports describe the fractures occurring at the joint where the steering knuckle attaches to the upper control arm ball joint in one or both steering knuckles. Fracture of the front suspension knuckle can lead to detachment of the upper suspension arm. Detachment of the upper suspension arm results in the driver’s inability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. ODI reviewed information supplied by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) in response to Information Request letters as well as reviewed the data with JLR on numerous occasions. ODI further reviewed relevant data on a peer vehicle with a significantly similar steering knuckle design, the MY 2014 through 2017 Range Rover. Much of the information is contradictory and requires a deeper analysis that is available in an Engineering Analysis. On August 5, 2025, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) filed safety recall 25V514. This recall covers certain MY 2014 and all MY 2015-2017 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles. The remedy for recall 25V514 addresses knuckles with and without a visible fracture. Knuckles that have developed a visible fracture will be replaced with a new knuckle of a substantially similar design. Knuckles with no fracture visibly present will have a brace attached to the upper portion of the front steering knuckle. JLR states that the purpose of the brace is to prevent the component from completely separating should a fracture develop. NHTSA continues to receive allegations of fractures occurring in the front steering knuckles of Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles. Two of the most recent VOQs received by ODI involve front steering knuckle fractures occurring on MY 2020 and MY 2021 Range Rover L405 vehicles. ODI will continue to investigate the component design and assess the potential safety risk as part of this Engineering Analysis and evaluate the recall remedies for Recall 25V514. Further, the scope of this Engineering Analysis will be expanded to include MY 2018-2022 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles as they have a substantially similar component design. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
PE25006 · Front Steering Knuckle Fractures
Opened Jun 27, 2025 · Closed Apr 24, 2026
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:linkages:knuckle:spindle:arm
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is upgrading its Preliminary Evaluation (PE25006) of front steering knuckle fractures on model year (MY) 2014 through 2017 Range Rover Sport vehicles to an Engineering Analysis. ODI opened PE25006 on June 27, 2025, after receiving 12 Vehicle Owner's Questionnaire (VOQ) reports of the front aluminum steering knuckles fracturing in these vehicles. The reports describe the fractures occurring at the joint where the steering knuckle attaches to the upper control arm ball joint in one or both steering knuckles. Fracture of the front suspension knuckle can lead to detachment of the upper suspension arm. Detachment of the upper suspension arm results in the driver’s inability to control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. ODI reviewed information supplied by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) in response to Information Request letters as well as reviewed the data with JLR on numerous occasions. ODI further reviewed relevant data on a peer vehicle with a significantly similar steering knuckle design, the MY 2014 through 2017 Range Rover. Much of the information is contradictory and requires a deeper analysis that is available in an Engineering Analysis. On August 5, 2025, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) filed safety recall 25V514. This recall covers certain MY 2014 and all MY 2015-2017 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles. The remedy for recall 25V514 addresses knuckles with and without a visible fracture. Knuckles that have developed a visible fracture will be replaced with a new knuckle of a substantially similar design. Knuckles with no fracture visibly present will have a brace fitted to the upper portion of the front steering knuckle. JLR states that the purpose of the brace is to prevent the component from completely separating should a fracture develop. NHTSA continues to receive allegations of fractures occurring in the front steering knuckles of Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles. ODI will close PE25006 and continue to investigate the component design and assess the potential safety risk as part of an Engineering Analysis (EA26003) and evaluate the recall remedies for Recall 25V514. Further, the scope of this Engineering Analysis will be expanded to include MY 2018-2022 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles as they have a substantially similar component design. 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.