NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
51 reportsClear category filter54,000 miles · Oct 17, 2013
Power Train
WHILE DRIVING, MY CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT TO THE NEXT GEAR. I PULLED OVER AND SHIFTED INTO PARK. THE CAR JERKED HARD. THEN I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND IT JERKED HARD AGAIN. I PULLED AWAY AND THE CAR HAD LOW POWER AND THEN WOULD NOT SHIFT PASSED SECOND GEAR. I PULLED OVER AGAIN AND SHIFTED THE CAR TO PARK, TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, …
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WHILE DRIVING, MY CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT TO THE NEXT GEAR. I PULLED OVER AND SHIFTED INTO PARK. THE CAR JERKED HARD. THEN I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND IT JERKED HARD AGAIN. I PULLED AWAY AND THE CAR HAD LOW POWER AND THEN WOULD NOT SHIFT PASSED SECOND GEAR. I PULLED OVER AGAIN AND SHIFTED THE CAR TO PARK, TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, TURNED IT BACK ON AND SHIFTED TO DRIVE AND IT WORKED FINE. IT'S NOW DONE THIS ABOUT 15 TIMES WHILE DRIVING AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10548240
82,000 miles · Oct 3, 2013
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES BENZ C230. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND TO ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ENGAGE PAST FIRST GEAR AS THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES BENZ C230. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND TO ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ENGAGE PAST FIRST GEAR AS THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE SPEED SENSOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10546677
35,000 miles · Sep 9, 2013
EnginePower Train
I PURCHASED MY 2007 C230 NEW FROM THE DEALERSHIP. MY CAR HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING TRANSMISSION ISSUES OF THE CAR NOT DOWN SHIFTING INTO THE NEXT GEAR AND THE CAR'S SPEED DECLINING WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAS HAPPENED DRIVING ON SURFACE STREETS AT 20MPH AND ON THE FREEWAY GOING 65MPH. I'VE EVEN ATTEMPTED TO TAKE IT OUT OF AUTOMATIC DRIV…
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I PURCHASED MY 2007 C230 NEW FROM THE DEALERSHIP. MY CAR HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING TRANSMISSION ISSUES OF THE CAR NOT DOWN SHIFTING INTO THE NEXT GEAR AND THE CAR'S SPEED DECLINING WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAS HAPPENED DRIVING ON SURFACE STREETS AT 20MPH AND ON THE FREEWAY GOING 65MPH. I'VE EVEN ATTEMPTED TO TAKE IT OUT OF AUTOMATIC DRIVE AND INTO MANUAL SHIFT AND THE CAR WILL NOT RESPOND. THE ONLY WAY TO "REBOOT" IT IS IF I PULL OVER AND TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTART IT AFTER A FEW MINUTES. THIS IS A MAJOR MECHANICAL/MANUFACTURER DEFECT AS MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED AND ONLY HAS 40,000 MILES!!! TO HAVE TO PULL OVER ON A MAJOR INTERSTATE IS NOT SAFE BY ANY MEANS. WHEN TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY INSPECTED IT AND DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A TRANSMISSION VALVE FAILURE THAT WILL NEED REPLACEMENT AT A COST OF $1300. FOR A VEHICLE THAT ONLY HAS 40,000 MILES, WELL MAINTAINED WITH REGULAR SERVICE THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. I PURCHASED A MERCEDES BASED ON THEIR RELIABILITY AND WHEN CONTACTING CORPORATE FOR REVIEW IN THE MATTER THEY SAID THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO OFFER ME A 10% DISCOUNT. I DO NOT HAVE A PROBLEM PAYING FOR REGULAR UP KEEP AND IF OTHER ITEMS NEED TO BE UPDATED/REPLACED TO KEEP THE CAR IN GOOD CONDITION BUT TO HAVE TRANSMISSION ISSUES AT 40,000 MILES IS ABSOLUTELY UNACCEPTABLE AND IS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT THAT NEEDS REVIEW AND RECALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10542684
80,000 miles · May 30, 2013
Exterior LightingPower TrainVehicle Speed Control
I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 60 MPH SUDDENLY MY CAR WAS JERKING AND SHAKING THE SPEED STARTED TO DECREASE AND THE CAR SUDDENLY TURNED OFF I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND I HAD TO TURN THE KEY TO START IT THE ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE OFF LIKE REGULAR. THE NEXT DAY I WAS ON THE FREEWAY EXITING I WA…
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I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 60 MPH SUDDENLY MY CAR WAS JERKING AND SHAKING THE SPEED STARTED TO DECREASE AND THE CAR SUDDENLY TURNED OFF I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND I HAD TO TURN THE KEY TO START IT THE ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE OFF LIKE REGULAR. THE NEXT DAY I WAS ON THE FREEWAY EXITING I WAS GOING LIKE 40 MPH WHEN I DECREASED MY SPEED TO STOP AND MAKE A TURN MY RPM WAS AT HIGH 4-5 AND MY SPEED WAS 20MPH I HAD TO STEP ON THE PEDAL ALL THE WAY JUST TO GET TO 20 MPH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10514306
75,620 miles · Mar 25, 2013
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
CAR WILL NOT GO OVER 20 MILES AFTER STOPPING. I HAVE TO PULL OVER PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND RESTART. THE CAR WILL RUN FINE FOR AWHILE AND A DAY OR SO LATER, THE PROBLEM RETURNS. THIS IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE WHEN YOUR IN TRAFFIC. I'M SO AFRAID I'M GOING TO GET HIT FROM BEHIND TRYING TO GET OFF THE ROAD. I HAVE BEEN TO 3 MECHANICS AND T…
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CAR WILL NOT GO OVER 20 MILES AFTER STOPPING. I HAVE TO PULL OVER PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND RESTART. THE CAR WILL RUN FINE FOR AWHILE AND A DAY OR SO LATER, THE PROBLEM RETURNS. THIS IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE WHEN YOUR IN TRAFFIC. I'M SO AFRAID I'M GOING TO GET HIT FROM BEHIND TRYING TO GET OFF THE ROAD. I HAVE BEEN TO 3 MECHANICS AND TOLD THEY CANNOT FIX THE PROBLEM DUE THE THEFT DETERRENT ON THE CAR. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT AT MERCEDES ON FRIDAY AND HAVE BEEN TOLD IT WILL BE APPROX. $2000.00 TO REPLACE THE PLATE IN THE TRANSMISSION. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10504443
38,000 miles · Mar 7, 2013
Power Train
MY ORIGINAL COMPLAINT WAS ON 08/16/2012 (NUMBER 10473170).... AGAIN, THE TRANSMISSION GEAR INDICATOR WENT BLANK. CAR WENT INTO "LIMP HOME" MODE. THIS TIME REMOVING THE KEY AND RESTARTING DID NOT RESET THE MODULE AND I HAD THE REPAIR DONE. THE REPAIR ON THIS WAS ALMOST $2000! IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION SPEED SENSOR WHICH IS PA…
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MY ORIGINAL COMPLAINT WAS ON 08/16/2012 (NUMBER 10473170).... AGAIN, THE TRANSMISSION GEAR INDICATOR WENT BLANK. CAR WENT INTO "LIMP HOME" MODE. THIS TIME REMOVING THE KEY AND RESTARTING DID NOT RESET THE MODULE AND I HAD THE REPAIR DONE. THE REPAIR ON THIS WAS ALMOST $2000! IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION SPEED SENSOR WHICH IS PART OF THE ELECTRICAL CONDUCTOR PLATE ASSEMBLY. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE REP ADMITTED THAT THEY HAVE MANY REPAIRS WITH TRANSMISSION CONTROL PROBLEMS AND ENCOURAGED ME TO BUY AN EXTENDED WARRANTY! ONLINE THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE 2006- 2007 C230'S WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. THERE IS CLEARLY A DEFECT GOING ON AND I TOO WOULD LIKE A RECALL INVESTIGATION THROUGH THE NHTSA. MB NEEDS TO ADMIT THIS IS A PROBLEM AND RECALL ALL THE VEHICLES WITH THIS DEFECT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10501969
86,000 miles · Feb 5, 2013
Power Train
I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND WHEN I ACCELERATED THE CAR DIDN'T CHANGE FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR AND THE TACHOMETER WAS READING VERY HIGH SINCE I WAS TRYING TO ACCELERATE. SINCE THE CAR WOULDN'T EXCEL I PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. WHEN I TURNED IT ON AGAIN IT WAS OKAY. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE MERCEDES DEALERSHIP 1/8/…
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
NHTSA ODI #10496420
9,392 miles · Dec 7, 2012
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES BENZ C230. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED TO 4,000 HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 20 MPH. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURE. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC THAT WAS UNABLE TO LOCA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES BENZ C230. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED TO 4,000 HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 20 MPH. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURE. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC THAT WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A FAILURE CODE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK THE DEALER AND A SECOND DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED WHICH LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE TRANSMISSION CONDUCTOR PLATE. THE DEALER FLUSHED THE TRANSMISSION AND REPLACED THE CONDUCTOR PLATE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE VEHICLE STILL WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 20 MPH. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SHOULDER, TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO GAIN ACCELERATION ABILITIES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,392 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 32,000.
NHTSA ODI #10487705
100,000 miles · Nov 29, 2012
Power Train
I HAVE PERIODICALLY HAD THIS PROBLEM. FROM A STOP, THE CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE. IT FEELS LIKE IT IS STUCK IN A HIGHER GEAR. OR, THE OPPOSITE HAPPENS. I WILL ACCELERATE, AND THE CAR WILL NOT CHANGE FROM SECOND TO THIRD GEAR. I HAVE TO PULL OVER AND RESTART THE ENGINE, AND THEN IT WORKS. I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ONLINE FROM…
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I HAVE PERIODICALLY HAD THIS PROBLEM. FROM A STOP, THE CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE. IT FEELS LIKE IT IS STUCK IN A HIGHER GEAR. OR, THE OPPOSITE HAPPENS. I WILL ACCELERATE, AND THE CAR WILL NOT CHANGE FROM SECOND TO THIRD GEAR. I HAVE TO PULL OVER AND RESTART THE ENGINE, AND THEN IT WORKS. I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ONLINE FROM OTHER OWNERS THAT THEY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I TOOK IT TO MB AND PAID 1450.34 TO GET THE ELECTRIC HYDRO CONTROL UNIT IN MY TRANSMISSION REPLACED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10486442
102,000 miles · Nov 27, 2012
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
I PURCHASED MY CAR BRAND NEW, IT WAS NEVER PREVIOUSLY OWNED AND DIRECTLY FROM A MERCEDES BENZ DEALER. I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH SPEED AND GEAR SHIFTING BACK IN MAY 2012. WHEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY NORMAL SPEED (55MPH) THE CAR WOULD BEGIN TO SLOW DOWN NO MATTER HOW MUCH I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR THE CAR WOULD SLOW TO A CO…
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I PURCHASED MY CAR BRAND NEW, IT WAS NEVER PREVIOUSLY OWNED AND DIRECTLY FROM A MERCEDES BENZ DEALER. I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH SPEED AND GEAR SHIFTING BACK IN MAY 2012. WHEN DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY NORMAL SPEED (55MPH) THE CAR WOULD BEGIN TO SLOW DOWN NO MATTER HOW MUCH I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR THE CAR WOULD SLOW TO A COMPLETE STOP. I WOULD HAVE TO ATTEMPT TO PULL OVER OFF THE FREEWAY, TURN THE CAR COMPLETELY OFF, LET IT SIT AND THEN START IT AGAIN AND THE CAR WOULD RUN NORMAL. WHEN I GET OFF THE FREEWAY OR NOW EVEN WHEN I AM DRIVING ON A BACK ROAD GOING 35 MPH THE CAR WOULD SHAKE AS I CAME TO A STOP SIGN OR TRAFFIC LIGHT (AS IF I WAS DRIVING A STICK SHIFT AND DIDN'T PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL OR PRESS THE CLUTCH) AND THEN IT WOULD SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY. NOW I AM HAVING A THIRD ISSUE IN ADDITION TO THESE ISSUES WHERE THE CAR WILL SHIFT GEARS ON IT'S OWN AND I'M DRIVING IN AUTOMATIC MODE NOT AS A 5 SPEED. THIS IS COMPLETELY RIDICULOUS FOR ME TO HAVE TRANSMISSION ISSUE ON A MERCEDES BENZ THAT I PURCHASED NEW. I TOOK IT TO A DEALER WHO CLAIMS THAT I HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION DUE TO ONE SMALL PIECE WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION SYSTEM. I HAVE CHECKED ONLINE AND HAVE SEEN THAT HUNDREDS OF OTHER BENZ OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH NO RESOLUTION FROM THE MANUFACTURER. I AM REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION AND A RECALL. THIS IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD THAT A CAR WILL COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WHILE ON A FREEWAY AND THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHEN I HAVE ALMOST COLLIDED WITH OTHER CARS DUE TO THE IMMEDIATE DECLINE IN SPEED. I HAVE TO ALWAYS FIND A WAY TO PULL OVER TO SHUT OFF THE CAR. I PURCHASED THIS CAR BECAUSE OF THE QUALITY THAT IT SHOULD PROVIDE. PLEASE FOLLOW UP WITH ME REGARDING THIS ISSUE I AM EXTREMELY CONCERNED THAT REQUESTS ARE BEING IGNORED BY THE MANUFACTURER AND NO ONE IS LOOKING INTO THIS MATTER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10486287
Official recalls
5Nov 19, 2024
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models and model years. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and can detach.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached sunroof panel can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2025. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall number 22V-954. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2024120001/2/3.
Dec 23, 2022
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 C-Class, CLK, E-Class, and CLS vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The glass sunroof panel may not be properly secured and may detach.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached sunroof panel may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sunroof panel as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 3, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall expands NHTSA recall number 19V-918. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2023010004, 2023010005, and 2023010006.
Mar 19, 2021
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2007 C350, C230, C280, CLK350, E320CDI, E350 Wagon, E350, 2006 C55 AMG, CLK500, CLS500, CLS55 AMG, E500 Wagon, E500, E55 AMG, 2007 CLK550, CLS550, CLS63 AMG, E550, E63 AMG, and E63 Wagon AMG vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly causing the glass panel to detach from the vehicle.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 7, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. This recall is an expansion of recall number 19V-918. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021040012.
Dec 20, 2019
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles. The bonding between the glass panel and the sliding roof frame may deteriorate, possibly resulting in the glass panel detaching from the vehicle. For a full list of the affected models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RMISC-19V918-4126.pdf
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached glass panel can separate from the vehicle and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the glass panel bonding and replace the sliding roof, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 10, 2020. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2020040011.
Feb 11, 2016
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC. (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 ML320 BlueTec 4Matic, GL320 BlueTec 4Matic and R320 CDI 4Matic, 2011 E350 Cabriolet and E550 Cabriolet, 2009-2011 ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML550 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and C63 AMG, 2010-2011 ML450 4Matic Hybrid, E350 Coupe, E350 4Matic, E550 Coupe, E550 4Matic, and E63 AMG, 2011-2012 GL350 BlueTec 4Matic and R350 BlueTec 4Matic, 2009-2012 GL450 4Matic, GL550 4Matic and R350 4Matic, 2007-2008 SLK280, SLK350, and SLK55 AMG, 2011-2014 SLS AMG Coupe, 2012 SLS AMG Cabriolet, 2013-2014 SLS AMG GT and SLS AMG GT Cabriolet, 2005 C230 Kompressor and C320, 2006-2007 C230, 2006-2011 C350, 2008-2011 C300 and C300 4Matic, 2010-2012 GLK350 and GLK350 4Matic and 2007-2008 Chrysler Crossfire vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: MBUSA will their notify owners, and Fiat Chrysler will notify the affected Chrysler owners. Dealers for the respective brands will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. This recall began November 2016. Mercedes-Benz owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372 and Chrysler owners may contact Fiat Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
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
1EA21002 · 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.