NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
16 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · May 25, 2026
EnginePower TrainSteering
On [XXX], my 2017 Land Rover Range Rover HSE Td6 diesel (VIN: [XXX] ) suffered a complete, catastrophic engine failure without warning at approximately 70 mph on [XXX] . My wife and our two infant sons (ages [XXX] and [XXX] ) were passengers. There were no prior warning lights or symptoms. The engine stopped instantaneously, el…
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On [XXX], my 2017 Land Rover Range Rover HSE Td6 diesel (VIN: [XXX] ) suffered a complete, catastrophic engine failure without warning at approximately 70 mph on [XXX] . My wife and our two infant sons (ages [XXX] and [XXX] ) were passengers. There were no prior warning lights or symptoms. The engine stopped instantaneously, eliminating power steering and power brakes while I was overtaking a semi-truck in the passing lane. We narrowly reached the shoulder safely. The odometer read 79,018 miles — inside both limits of the federally mandated 8-year/80,000-mile emissions warranty under 40 CFR §85.2103. The vehicle was 7 years old at time of failure. Hoehn Land Rover Carlsbad diagnosed complete engine failure caused by timing chain guide failure — a known defect pattern in the Ingenium diesel engine. The service manager stated failures like this "aren't that rare" with these engines. Repair estimate: $28,000–$30,000. Jaguar Land Rover North America (Case #[XXX]) denied the warranty claim entirely, offering $800, without ever evaluating the claim under the active federal emissions warranty. Their denial cited only the expired extended CPO warranty and a maintenance gap — neither of which constitutes valid grounds for denying an emissions warranty claim under 40 CFR §85.2103(d), as the manufacturer cannot demonstrate the maintenance gap caused a documented design defect. This failure pattern is documented in JLR Technical Service Bulletins LTB00735 and SSM74184. Land Rover Korea issued a recall for the same timing chain failure in 2020. No equivalent recall was issued in the United States for identical vehicles with identical engines. JLR has refused all requests for review or reconsideration for 24 months. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11739888
Mileage unknown · Mar 5, 2026
Steering
The contact owns a 2017 Land Rover Range Rover. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V514000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the …
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The contact owns a 2017 Land Rover Range Rover. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V514000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA ODI #11722186
Mileage unknown · Feb 17, 2026
Lane DepartureSteering
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The steering and driver assistance system appear to be malfunctioning. The vehicle intermittently pulls to the right during lane changes, creating resistance in the steering wheel. Additionally, the blind spot monitoring indicator…
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What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The steering and driver assistance system appear to be malfunctioning. The vehicle intermittently pulls to the right during lane changes, creating resistance in the steering wheel. Additionally, the blind spot monitoring indicator remains illuminated when the vehicle is stopped. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? While driving at freeway speeds, the vehicle unexpectedly pulled to the right when attempting to change lanes. This required immediate corrective steering to maintain lane position. The condition creates a loss of driver confidence and could result in unintended lane departure or collision. The unexpected steering behavior poses a serious safety risk to myself, passengers, and surrounding vehicles. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? The issue has been experienced multiple times. The vehicle recently had front control arms replaced, but the steering pull and blind spot indicator issue have persisted intermittently. The concern has not yet been fully diagnosed or confirmed as resolved. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has not been inspected by police. It has been serviced by a dealer for suspension-related work. There is an open recall (NHTSA Recall Number 25V-514) with no remedy currently available. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? A small yellow blind spot indicator light remains illuminated in the side mirrors when the vehicle is stopped. There are no other consistent dashboard warning messages. The symptoms began intermittently prior to the steering pull event and have continued periodically.
NHTSA ODI #11718628
Mileage unknown · Feb 13, 2026
SteeringSuspensionWheels
On February/12/2026 I was slowing down normally in a 25mph zone to stop at a red light and just before the moment that my vehicle actually came to a stop I heard a loud breaking sound coming from the front and I felt my vehicle's nose dip down on the passenger side. It was obvious that something major broke so I did not proceed …
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On February/12/2026 I was slowing down normally in a 25mph zone to stop at a red light and just before the moment that my vehicle actually came to a stop I heard a loud breaking sound coming from the front and I felt my vehicle's nose dip down on the passenger side. It was obvious that something major broke so I did not proceed or attempt to drive from that point. I turned on my 4 way flashers and a few angry drivers at the same light expressed their displeasure with me for not proceeding when the light turned green by using finger signals as they drove around me. One passerby in the lane to my right told me that my wheel had come off! The police showed up a few minutes later and they called for a recovery truck. While waiting for the tow truck my husband arrived and he looked at the damage. The damage was an obvious failure of a major suspension / steering component as you could see that the top part of the steering knuckle had broken away from the suspension and the tire was laying out at a 45+ degree angle. Also while waiting for the tow truck I looked up to see if there are any recalls on my vehicle was horrified to learn that there is a major recall for the steering knuckle on my car. I have not received a recall letter or a notification about this serious safety issue which is almost as scary as the thought of this failure happening at highway speeds! After dragging my vehicle on to the flatbed I had the driver tow my vehicle directly to the dealership where I purchased my vehicle when new. >Front passenger steering knuckle break away failure. My vehicle is not repaired at this time so it is available for inspection at the dealership of origin. >Everyone on the road including myself was at risk if this failure happened at normal highway speed because my car would have been uncontrollable! >Has not been inspected at this time as this just happened. >There were no symptoms, drive-ability issues, or warning lights or any indication until the moment of failure!
NHTSA ODI #11717732
Mileage unknown · Jan 22, 2026
Steering
The contact owns a 2017 Land Rover Range Rover. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V514000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceed…
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The contact owns a 2017 Land Rover Range Rover. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V514000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA ODI #11712637
53,000 miles · Dec 30, 2025
Steering
The contact owns a 2017 Land Rover Range Rover. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and coming to a stop, the vehicle made an abnormal, loud knocking sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V514000(Steering); however, the parts to do t…
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The contact owns a 2017 Land Rover Range Rover. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and coming to a stop, the vehicle made an abnormal, loud knocking sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V514000(Steering); however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that the recall remedy parts were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.
NHTSA ODI #11707765
81,364 miles · Dec 15, 2025
Steering
The contact owns a 2017 Land Rover Range Rover. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V514000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel vibrated, and there was an abnormal cracking sound coming f…
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The contact owns a 2017 Land Rover Range Rover. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V514000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel vibrated, and there was an abnormal cracking sound coming from the vehicle. The suspension warning light was illuminated, and a message to not exceed 30 MPH was displayed. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The failure had progressively gotten worse, and the contact was afraid to continue driving the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 81,364.
NHTSA ODI #11705087
Mileage unknown · Nov 18, 2025
Steering
The contact owns a 2017 Land Rover Range Rover. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V514000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was inspected, and the contact was informed that no failure was found. The contact was un…
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The contact owns a 2017 Land Rover Range Rover. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V514000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was inspected, and the contact was informed that no failure was found. The contact was unable to complete the vehicle inspection and registration in the State of California due to the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA ODI #11700168
128,000 miles · Nov 18, 2025
Steering
The contact owns a 2017 Land Rover Range Rover. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V514000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the steering…
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The contact owns a 2017 Land Rover Range Rover. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V514000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that the steering wheel was shaking abnormally while driving at various speeds and while the vehicle was idling. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.
NHTSA ODI #11700165
Mileage unknown · Oct 30, 2025
Steering
The contact owns a 2017 Land Rover Range Rover. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V514000 (STEERING). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle, especially…
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The contact owns a 2017 Land Rover Range Rover. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V514000 (STEERING). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle, especially while driving over small bumps in the roadway. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while in reverse(R) and turning the steering wheel to the left, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the wheel well. No warning lights were illuminated. Most recently, while driving uphill, the brake pad wear warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the abnormal sounds persisted and were getting louder. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA ODI #11696616
Official recalls
8Aug 13, 2026
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Range Rover vehicles. The front suspension knuckles may have been replaced with incorrect parts during a prior recall remedy repair.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An incorrect suspension knuckle may not perform as expected, possibly resulting in a loss of vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front suspension knuckles, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed October 9, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Land Rover's customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is D148.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Aug 4, 2017
Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Land Rover) is recalling one 2017 Land Rover Range Rover vehicle. A bolt used to attach the high pressure fuel pump may be too long. As a result, the fuel pump may not be properly secured and the fuel line may crack and leak.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fuel line crack may leak fuel into the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Land Rover will notify the owner, and a dealer will replace both fuel pumps and the associated fuel lines, free of charge. The recall began September 16, 2017. Owners may contact Land Rover customer service at 1-800-637-6837. Land Rover's number for this recall is N074.
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.
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