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2007 Mercedes Benz SLK280

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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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: 13 of 23 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.

  • Air Bags. Review the 17 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 1 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

0 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports

What owners actually said

23 reports
Mileage unknown · Feb 19, 2026
Air Bags

I am the owner of a 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK280 with VIN: [XXX]. My vehicle was part of the Takata airbag recall, but the airbags were never replaced. Currently, the NHTSA recall status for my VIN shows "no active recalls," even though the repair was not completed. This creates a serious safety risk. I request that NHTSA investig…

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I am the owner of a 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK280 with VIN: [XXX]. My vehicle was part of the Takata airbag recall, but the airbags were never replaced. Currently, the NHTSA recall status for my VIN shows "no active recalls," even though the repair was not completed. This creates a serious safety risk. I request that NHTSA investigate why my VIN is marked as remedied or closed despite the airbags not being replaced. I urge NHTSA to take appropriate action to ensure the recall is properly addressed for my vehicle and others in similar situations. Thank you for your attention to this important safety matter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11719266

29,000 miles · Jul 19, 2018
Air Bags

TAKATA RECALL. THERE WAS A NHTSA CAMPAIGN TO RECALL MY VEHICLE'S AIRBAGS-- NUMBER 16V081000. I WAS CONTACTED BY MAIL NUMEROUS TIMES MY MERCEDES NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS, INDICATING THERE WAS A RECALL AND THE REPLACEMENT AIRBAG WAS ON ORDER. THEY INDICATED I WOULD BE CONTACTED LATER WHEN THE PARTS BECAME AVAILABLE AT MY LOCAL MERCE…

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TAKATA RECALL. THERE WAS A NHTSA CAMPAIGN TO RECALL MY VEHICLE'S AIRBAGS-- NUMBER 16V081000. I WAS CONTACTED BY MAIL NUMEROUS TIMES MY MERCEDES NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS, INDICATING THERE WAS A RECALL AND THE REPLACEMENT AIRBAG WAS ON ORDER. THEY INDICATED I WOULD BE CONTACTED LATER WHEN THE PARTS BECAME AVAILABLE AT MY LOCAL MERCEDES DEALER. I WAS CONTACTED LOCALLY AND THEY SAID THE PART WAS ON ORDER, I WOULD BE NOTIFIED WHEN IT ARRIVED. NO NOTIFICATION OCCURRED. RECENTLY I CALLED THE DEALER'S PARTS DEPARTMENT AND THEY INDICATED THEY HAD MY VEHICLE'S AIRBAG IN STOCK. I CONTACTED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THEY INDICATED "THE CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN CLOSED" (AS OF MARCH 2018). I CALLED THE NATIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER AND THEY CONFIRMED THE CAMPAIGN WAS CLOSED. THEIR REASON WAS THAT THEY HAD DONE AN "EXPERIMENT" ON MERCEDES SLKS AND DETERMINED THAT A RECALL WAS NOT NEEDED. THAT IS, THEY CHANGED THEIR MINDS ABOUT THE TAKATA AIRBAG IN THE CAR. I AM CHECKING WITH YOU TO VERIFY THAT MERCEDES WAS PERMITTED BY YOU TO CLOSE THEIR TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL FOR THE MERCEDES 2007 SLK 280 MODEL AND THAT IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. I ALSO NOTE THAT NATIONAL MERCEDES NEVER CONTACTED ME REGARDING THE CLOSING OF THE RECALL CAMPAIGN. THANK YOU FOR YOUR RESPONSE.

NHTSA ODI #11112365

12,600 miles · Jun 12, 2018
Air Bags

I REMAIN UNABLE TO OBTAIN REPLACEMENT TAKEDA AIRBAGS FROM MERCEDES BENZ FOR THE PAST 3 YEARS. WHEN I LAST FILED A COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA ON 12/26/2017 (COMPLAINT NUMBER 11056636) I WAS INFORMED BY MERCEDES, [XXX] , VP CUSTOMER SERVICES THAT MY CAR REPLACEMENT AIRBAGS WOULD BE AVAILABLE BY JUNE 30, 2018 AND THAT MERCEDES WOULD BE C…

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I REMAIN UNABLE TO OBTAIN REPLACEMENT TAKEDA AIRBAGS FROM MERCEDES BENZ FOR THE PAST 3 YEARS. WHEN I LAST FILED A COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA ON 12/26/2017 (COMPLAINT NUMBER 11056636) I WAS INFORMED BY MERCEDES, [XXX] , VP CUSTOMER SERVICES THAT MY CAR REPLACEMENT AIRBAGS WOULD BE AVAILABLE BY JUNE 30, 2018 AND THAT MERCEDES WOULD BE CALLING ME TO MAKE THE APPOINTMENT FOR "REPLACEMENT FREE AIRBAGS".TO BE INSTALLED IN MY CAR-NO CALL, NO AIRBAGS. I HAVE WAITED 3 YEARS. MY CARE REMAINS IN MY GARAGE. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS NOT PROTECTING ME AGAINST A FOREIGN COMPANY DOING HARM IN AMERICA, TAKEDA-WHO KNEW THE AIRBAGS WERE DANGEROUS WHEN THEY SOLD ME MY $56,000 USELESS CAR SITTING IN MY GARAGE, 2007 SLK WITH 12, 600 MILES ON IT. IT WAS MORE IMPORTANT FOR MERCEDES AND TAKEDA TO MAKE A PROFIT THAN FOR ME TO BE IN A SAFE CAR. I NEED ASSISTANCE TO OBTAIN SAFE AIRBAGS FOR MY CAR SO THAT I WILL NOT BE ANOTHER STATISTIC FOR TAKEDA-NO JOKE. PLEASE DO NOT LET THEM OFF THE HOOK. THEY MUST BE HELD RESPONSIBLE/ACCOUNTABLE. MY CAR IS PARKED IN MY GARAGE FOR 3 YEARS! HELP ME PLEASE. THANK YOU, [XXX] , MD, PHD, JD INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #11101507

Mileage unknown · May 21, 2018
Air Bags

2007 MERCEDES BENZ SLK 280. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TAKATA AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD *JS

NHTSA ODI #11097368

Mileage unknown · May 15, 2018
Air Bags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK280. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED IN FEBRUARY OF 2016. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS CITY, MO), THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE D…

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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK280. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED IN FEBRUARY OF 2016. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER (MERCEDES-BENZ OF KANSAS CITY IN KANSAS CITY, MO), THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE DEFECT WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT

NHTSA ODI #11093975

11,000 miles · Dec 26, 2017
Air Bags

I AM UNABLE TO GET REPLACEMENT AIR BAGS AND WAS ADVISED TO FILE A COMPLAINT. I CALLED 2 DEALERSHIPS TODAY, AGAIN (MERCEDES BENZ MASSAPEQUA AND ROCKVILLE CENTER) AND NEITHER HAS RECEIVED THE AIRBAGS FROM TAKEDA.

NHTSA ODI #11056636

12 miles · Dec 19, 2017
Air Bags

TAKATA RECALL

NHTSA ODI #11055600

Mileage unknown · Dec 6, 2017
Air Bags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK280. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. SULLIVAN-PARKHILL IMPORTS (4…

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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK280. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. SULLIVAN-PARKHILL IMPORTS (401 W MARKETVIEW DR, CHAMPAIGN, IL) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11052834

Mileage unknown · Nov 13, 2017
Air Bags

TAKATA RECALL: THE MERCADES DEALERSHIP DOES NOT HAVE REPLACEMENT AIRBAGS AND DOES NOT KNOW WHEN THEY MIGHT BE AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11045805

Mileage unknown · Oct 27, 2017
Air Bags

TAKATA RECALL EITHER THESE AIRBAGS ARE SAFE AND THE RECALL NEEDS TO BE RESCINDED OR THE AIRBAGS ARE UNSAFE? IF DEEMED UNSAFE THEN ALL INVENTORIES AND PRODUCTION NEEDS TO BE DIRECTED TOWARDS RESOLVING THIS ISSUE. AIRBAG PRODUCTION SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO CORRECT THIS RECALL INSTEAD OF NEW CAR PRODUCTION. COULD THIS BE A STALL …

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TAKATA RECALL EITHER THESE AIRBAGS ARE SAFE AND THE RECALL NEEDS TO BE RESCINDED OR THE AIRBAGS ARE UNSAFE? IF DEEMED UNSAFE THEN ALL INVENTORIES AND PRODUCTION NEEDS TO BE DIRECTED TOWARDS RESOLVING THIS ISSUE. AIRBAG PRODUCTION SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO CORRECT THIS RECALL INSTEAD OF NEW CAR PRODUCTION. COULD THIS BE A STALL TACTIC BY THE AUTO MANUFACTURERS? EVERY YEAR THAT PASSES A CERTAIN % OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES END THEIR USEFUL LIVES. MANUFACTURERS THEREFORE RECOGNIZE A LOWER REPLACEMENT COST. EVEN THOUGH A LARGE MONETARY SETTLEMENT WAS DIRECTED TO THE MANUFACTURERS. IF THERE IS A DECISION TO BE MADE REGARDING SAFETY, THEN THERE IS NO DECISION TO BE MADE- ALWAYS TAKE THE SAFE COURSE. ORDER ALL AIRBAG PRODUCTION TO BE DIRECTED TO THIS RECALL! FIX THIS PROBLEM! THANK YOU

NHTSA ODI #11040331

Official recalls

2

22V168000 · Electronic Stability Control (esc):control Module:software; Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:engine Control Module (ecu/ecm):software; Exterior Lighting:lighting Control Module:software

Mar 18, 2022

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2010 E350, 2014 G550, 2008-2009 C300, 2008 C350, 2009 CLK550, 2007 SL550, SLK280, and 2008 SLK350 vehicles. Various control units may have been updated with incorrect software configuration during a service repair. This can result in various system failures, such as loss of drive power, reduced exterior lighting, or loss of dynamic control functions, including stability and traction control.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Various system failures, such as loss of drive power, reduced exterior lighting, or loss of dynamic control functions including stability and traction control, can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the software configuration on the affected control units, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 3, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040003.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:engine Control Module (ecu/ecm):software

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2010 E350, 2014 G550, 2008-2009 C300, 2008 C350, 2009 CLK550, 2007 SL550, SLK280, and 2008 SLK350 vehicles. Various control units may have been updated with incorrect software configuration during a service repair. This can result in various system failures, such as loss of drive power, reduced exterior lighting, or loss of dynamic control functions, including stability and traction control.

Consequence: Various system failures, such as loss of drive power, reduced exterior lighting, or loss of dynamic control functions including stability and traction control, can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the software configuration on the affected control units, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 3, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040003.

Electronic Stability Control (esc):control Module:software

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2010 E350, 2014 G550, 2008-2009 C300, 2008 C350, 2009 CLK550, 2007 SL550, SLK280, and 2008 SLK350 vehicles. Various control units may have been updated with incorrect software configuration during a service repair. This can result in various system failures, such as loss of drive power, reduced exterior lighting, or loss of dynamic control functions, including stability and traction control.

Consequence: Various system failures, such as loss of drive power, reduced exterior lighting, or loss of dynamic control functions including stability and traction control, can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the software configuration on the affected control units, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 3, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040003.

Exterior Lighting:lighting Control Module:software

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2010 E350, 2014 G550, 2008-2009 C300, 2008 C350, 2009 CLK550, 2007 SL550, SLK280, and 2008 SLK350 vehicles. Various control units may have been updated with incorrect software configuration during a service repair. This can result in various system failures, such as loss of drive power, reduced exterior lighting, or loss of dynamic control functions, including stability and traction control.

Consequence: Various system failures, such as loss of drive power, reduced exterior lighting, or loss of dynamic control functions including stability and traction control, can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the software configuration on the affected control units, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 3, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022040003.

16V081000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

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

1

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.