NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
18 reportsMileage unknown · Oct 10, 2023
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz R350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of …
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The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz R350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer 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. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA ODI #11549143
Mileage unknown · Jan 12, 2023
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz R350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the r…
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The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz R350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V315000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. 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. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA ODI #11501416
80,200 miles · Mar 15, 2022
Service Brakes, Air
The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz R350. The vehicle had previously had the wheel speed sensors replaced eight times since September 2016. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the ABS inadvertently engaged, causing the front end of the vehicle to dip while the brake pedal was depressed. Additionally, there were gr…
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The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz R350. The vehicle had previously had the wheel speed sensors replaced eight times since September 2016. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the ABS inadvertently engaged, causing the front end of the vehicle to dip while the brake pedal was depressed. Additionally, there were grinding sounds coming from the vehicle as it came to a full stop. The ABS and Traction Control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the wheel speed sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle remained with the mechanic, awaiting diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,200. Consumer's complaint is a result of several measures but mainly to the continued wheel speed sensor failures which account to a total of eight (8) newly installed brake sensors (Sept 2016 to Nov 2021). Consumer has experienced several times at highway speeds. The vehicle's repeated wheel speed sensor issues are most likely attributed to an undetermined and undefined malfunction.
NHTSA ODI #11456844
100,000 miles · Aug 15, 2019
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ R350. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO LOBER MERCEDES-BENZ (4255 WEST TOUHY AVENUE, LINCOLNWOOD, IL 60712, (847)-675-1000) TO BE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS). WHEN THE CONTACT ARRIVED AT THE DEALER FOR THE SCHEDULED REPAIR, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PART WAS N…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ R350. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO LOBER MERCEDES-BENZ (4255 WEST TOUHY AVENUE, LINCOLNWOOD, IL 60712, (847)-675-1000) TO BE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS). WHEN THE CONTACT ARRIVED AT THE DEALER FOR THE SCHEDULED REPAIR, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA ODI #11244142
Mileage unknown · Jun 19, 2019
Air Bags
"TAKATA RECALL" FOR A YEAR AND A HALF, I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO HAVE MY CAR REPAIRED, BUT MERCEDES BENZ HERE IN RENO (AND FAIRFIELD, CALIFORNIA AS WELL) HAS REFUSED TO REPAIR IT WITH THE STATEMENT THAT PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. I HAVE CALLED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND BEEN TOLD THE PARTS ARE IN STOCK. I HAVE MADE APPOINTMENTS, BUT…
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"TAKATA RECALL" FOR A YEAR AND A HALF, I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO HAVE MY CAR REPAIRED, BUT MERCEDES BENZ HERE IN RENO (AND FAIRFIELD, CALIFORNIA AS WELL) HAS REFUSED TO REPAIR IT WITH THE STATEMENT THAT PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. I HAVE CALLED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND BEEN TOLD THE PARTS ARE IN STOCK. I HAVE MADE APPOINTMENTS, BUT WHEN I SHOW UP FOR THE REPAIR, I AM TOLD PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. THIS MONTH, JUNE 4, 2019, I SHOWED UP FOR AN APPOINTMENT MADE IN CONNECTION WITH THE RECALL NOTICE AND WAS TOLD THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. ON JUNE 14, I HAD AN APPOINTMENT IN FAIRFIELD, CALIFORNIA; I SHOWED UP; AND AGAIN WAS TOLD NO PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. I HAD ANOTHER APPOINTMENT ON JUNE 24; BUT AGAIN, I RECEIVED A CALL FROM V. CRUZ OF MERCEDES BENZ AND TOLD NO PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. THIS PROCESS HAS BEEN GOING FOR A YEAR AND A HALF. OF LATE, I HAVE RECEIVED E-MAIL NOTICES (SECOND NOTICE, RECALL REMINDER, THIRD NOTICE, RECALL REMINDER) OF WHICH I HAVE MADE APPOINTMENTS (AS DESCRIBED ABOVE) BUT ONLY TO BE TURNED AWAY WITH THE STATEMENT, NO PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. IT IS VERY DISHEARTENING TO KNOW THERE IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION IN MY CAR THAT COULD INJURE MY GRANDCHILDREN OR LOVED ONES AND TO BE SUBJECT TO THE KIND OF GAMES THAT MERCEDES BENZ SEEMS TO BE PLAYING. ON ONE HAND, THEY SEND OUT NOTICES AS IF THEY ARE DOING ALL THEY CAN TO TAKE CARE OF THE RECALL PROBLEM; BUT ON THE OTHER HAND, THEY CONSISTENTLY DO NOTHING. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MY OPTIONS. HOW SERIOUS IS THE RECALL? AM I PLACING MY GRANDCHILDREN AND LOVED ONES AT RISK? PLEASE LET ME KNOW. AND THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR GIVING THIS MATTER YOUR ATTENTION.
NHTSA ODI #11221197
Mileage unknown · Nov 29, 2018
Air Bags
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ R350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS). AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN…
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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MERCEDES-BENZ R350. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V081000 (AIR BAGS). AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11154833
Mileage unknown · Jun 4, 2018
Air Bags
TAKATA RECALL REMEDY REMAINS UNAVAILABLE. LETTERS FROM MERCEDES BENZ CLAIMED THAT THE REMEDY WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN JUNE 2018. WELL, THEY FIRST SAID MARCH 2018, THEN SAID THAT WAS AN ERROR. THINKING IS HARD. IT IS JUNE 2018, AND NO REMEDY. MERCEDES CONTINUES TO PRODUCE AND EARN MONEY ON TENS OF THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES EACH MONTH…
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TAKATA RECALL REMEDY REMAINS UNAVAILABLE. LETTERS FROM MERCEDES BENZ CLAIMED THAT THE REMEDY WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN JUNE 2018. WELL, THEY FIRST SAID MARCH 2018, THEN SAID THAT WAS AN ERROR. THINKING IS HARD. IT IS JUNE 2018, AND NO REMEDY. MERCEDES CONTINUES TO PRODUCE AND EARN MONEY ON TENS OF THOUSANDS OF VEHICLES EACH MONTH. THEY COULD NOT BE INCONVENIENCED TO PRODUCE PARTS FOR THEIR OLD BUCKETS OF JUNK THAT MAY SAVE CUSTOMERS' LIVES. THIS IS MERCEDES AFTER ALL. A COLD ACTUARIAL CALCULATION OF DELAYING THIS RECALL SO THAT SOME OF THE CARS ARE SALVAGED VERSUS ANY LAWSUITS RESULTING FROM INJURED CUSTOMERS. MERCEDES, I HOPE THAT YOUR ABYSMAL APPROACH TO MAKING AND STANDING BEHIND VEHICLES IS EXPOSED. WE WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER OF THIS MAKE. NHTSA, YOU CONTINUE TO BE ONE OF THE LOWEST PERFORMING GOVERNMENT AGENCIES IN THE HISTORY OF HUMANITY. CONGRATULATIONS. HOW DOES IT FEEL TO CAPITULATE TO AUTOMAKERS' EVERY WHIM AT THE EXPENSE OF AMERICAN LIVES? I HOPE THAT IT DOES NOT FEEL GOOD, OR AT LEAST THAT YOU FEEL SOMETHING.
NHTSA ODI #11099885
83,500 miles · May 27, 2018
Air Bags
TAKATA RECALL, AS I RECEIVED 2 RECALL LETTERS THAT HAS LIED TO ME AND KEEP GIVING ME NO TIME TABLE ON WHEN IT WILL BE REPAIRED, FIRST LETTER I RECEIVED WAS DECEMBER 2017 IT STATED THE AIRBAGS WILL BE REPAIRED IN MARCH 2018, THEN I RECEIVED ANOTHER LETTER THE FOLLOWING MONTH JANUARY 2018 THE SECOND LETTER NOW STATES IT WILL B…
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TAKATA RECALL, AS I RECEIVED 2 RECALL LETTERS THAT HAS LIED TO ME AND KEEP GIVING ME NO TIME TABLE ON WHEN IT WILL BE REPAIRED, FIRST LETTER I RECEIVED WAS DECEMBER 2017 IT STATED THE AIRBAGS WILL BE REPAIRED IN MARCH 2018, THEN I RECEIVED ANOTHER LETTER THE FOLLOWING MONTH JANUARY 2018 THE SECOND LETTER NOW STATES IT WILL BE REPAIRED SOMETIME IN SEPTEMBER 2018, NOW I STRONGLY BELIEVE I'M BEING STALLED HOPING THAT I WILL GIVE UP AND IMPATIENT , HOPING THAT I WILL TURN IN THE VEHICLE AND THEY WONT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT ME DOWN THE ROAD, BOTH RECALL LETTERS STATES THE RISK WHICH IS 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.I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR AND SHOULD NOT BE FORCE TO DRIVE IT TIL THEY REPLACE THE AIRBAGS AND I RISK MY LIFE AND OTHERS ,MY CAR HAS DEPRECIATED DRAMATICALLY BECAUSE OF THIS RECALL, I CAN'T GET A GOOD TRADE OFFER BECAUSE OF THIS RECALL, THIS CAR SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN SOLD TO ME IN THE FIRST PLACE THIS RECALL WAS PUT IN BEFORE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE , THE DEALER DIDN'T DISCLOSE THIS INFORMATION AT ALL, MERCEDES AND WHERE I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM IS NOT COOPERATING, THIS LOAN SHOULD B BOUGHT BACK , OR ALL THE PAYMENTS I MADE ON THIS CAR SHOULD BE REFUNDED TO ME
NHTSA ODI #11098137
56,000 miles · Mar 2, 2018
Air BagsElectrical SystemUnknown Or Other
TAKATA RECALL
NHTSA ODI #11075814
89,547 miles · Feb 6, 2018
Air BagsEngine
TAKATA RECALL THIS VEHICLE HAS AIRBAGS SAFETY RECALL BY TAKATA, THE DEFECTED AIRBAGS ON THIS CAR WAS DISCOVERED 2015, THIS SAFETY RECALL SHOULD HAVE BEEN DISCLOSED TO ME BEFORE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN DISCLOSED TO ME BEFORE I EVEN WENT ON A TEST DRIVE, THIS CAR SHOULDN'T HAVE BEEN SOLD AT ALL UNTIL THE AI…
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TAKATA RECALL THIS VEHICLE HAS AIRBAGS SAFETY RECALL BY TAKATA, THE DEFECTED AIRBAGS ON THIS CAR WAS DISCOVERED 2015, THIS SAFETY RECALL SHOULD HAVE BEEN DISCLOSED TO ME BEFORE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN DISCLOSED TO ME BEFORE I EVEN WENT ON A TEST DRIVE, THIS CAR SHOULDN'T HAVE BEEN SOLD AT ALL UNTIL THE AIRBAGS ARE REPLACED THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF,MY INSURANCE IS HIGH BECAUSE OF THE SAFETY ISSUE AGAIN THIS CAR SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN SOLD TO ME NOR SOLD AT ALL UNTIL THE AIRBAGS ARE REPLACED , DUE TO THE UNSAFETYNESS OF THIS VEHICLE THIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE BOUGHT BACK FROM MERCEDES OR ALLY BANK I WAS LIED TO BY MERCEDES, I WAS TOLD THAT THE AIRBAGS WILL BE REPLACED 3/2018 ,NOW I'M BEING TOLD THAT THE AIRBAGS WONT BE REPLACE TIL 9/2018 ,THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE ESPECIALLY FOR 7 MORE MONTHS AND RISK MY LIFE AND WHOEVER IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT WITH DEFECTED AIRBAGS , MERCEDES KNOWS WHAT THE RISKS ARE FOR DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN THIS CONDITION THEY ARE AWARE OF WHEN THE AIRBAGS EXPLODE DURING AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT MERCEDES KNOW IT WILL CAUSE METAL FRAGMENTS STRIKING THE FRONT OCCUPANTS THAT WILL RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY AND DEATH , MERCEDES KNOWS THIS AND YET THEY ARE BEING UNCOOPERATIVE AND NOT HANDLING THIS IN A PROFESSIONAL MANNER , ALREADY THERE HAVE BEEN 180 INCIDENTS AND 20 DEATHS, THERES NO WAY IN HELL I'M GONNA BE THE 21ST DEATH . MY VEHICLE BEEN IN FOR SERVICE 4 DIFFERENT TIMES FOR THE SAME ISSUE IN THE ENGINE AND THE ISSUE STILL EXIST, HAD I KNOWN ABOUT THIS SAFETY RECALL. I WOULD HAVE NEVER BOUGHT THIS CAR , SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE I'M NOT GONNA CONTINUE TO DRIVE AN UNSAFE VEHICLE THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN DISCLOSED TO ME BEFORE I PURCHASED IT AND RISK MY LIFE, MY WIFE HAS DEVELOPED HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE BECAUSE OF THIS BEING SCARED AND AFRAID WHILE BEING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #11067164
Official recalls
3Apr 26, 2024
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML, GL, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 24, 2024. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MMUSA's number for this recall is 2024050001/2. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 22V-315.
May 9, 2022
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML-Class, GL-Class, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2022050014, 2022050015 2022090006, & 2022090007.
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.