TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25-35 MPH, THE AUTOMATIC SUNROOF INDEPENDENTLY OPENED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND THE SUNROOF WAS CLOSED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE SUNROOF SWITCH WAS REPLACED. THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25-35 MPH, THE AUTOMATIC SUNROOF INDEPENDENTLY OPENED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND THE SUNROOF WAS CLOSED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE SUNROOF SWITCH WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.
NHTSA ODI #10352032
15,000 miles · Oct 14, 2004
Visibility
THERE IS AN AIR LEAK IN THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WINDOW. I AM WORRIED THIS IS GOING TO CONSISTENTLY GET WORSE AND HAVE MY WINDOW SHATTER AT SOME POINT. AFTER READING ANOTHER COMPLAINT OF THE SAME PROBLEM I FELT COMPELLED TO FILE ONE OF MY OWN. I REPORTED THIS TO MY DEALER AND THEY HAVE NOT LOOKED INTO THE PROBLEM. WHILE IN FOR S…
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THERE IS AN AIR LEAK IN THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WINDOW. I AM WORRIED THIS IS GOING TO CONSISTENTLY GET WORSE AND HAVE MY WINDOW SHATTER AT SOME POINT. AFTER READING ANOTHER COMPLAINT OF THE SAME PROBLEM I FELT COMPELLED TO FILE ONE OF MY OWN. I REPORTED THIS TO MY DEALER AND THEY HAVE NOT LOOKED INTO THE PROBLEM. WHILE IN FOR SERVICE, ANOTHER CUSTOMER WAS COMPALINING OF THE SAME PROBLEM. EVERY PERSON THAT SITS IN THE BACK SEAT NOTICES A VERY DISTINCT AIR LEAK IN THIS WINDOW. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10095795
30,000 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Visibility
I OWN A 2002 MAXIMA. RECENTLY WE HAD A COLD SNAP AND THE LINE FROM THE WINDSHIELD WASHER RO MY WIPERS FROZE UP. THE WASHER HAD THE CORRECT WASHER FLUID-RATED DOWN TO -25 DEGREES AND THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS ABOUT 11 DEGREES. MY DEALERSHIP REGULARLY MAINTAINS MY VEHICLES FLUIDS. I CALLED THE SULLIVAN BROS. NISSAN DEALERSHI…
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I OWN A 2002 MAXIMA. RECENTLY WE HAD A COLD SNAP AND THE LINE FROM THE WINDSHIELD WASHER RO MY WIPERS FROZE UP. THE WASHER HAD THE CORRECT WASHER FLUID-RATED DOWN TO -25 DEGREES AND THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS ABOUT 11 DEGREES. MY DEALERSHIP REGULARLY MAINTAINS MY VEHICLES FLUIDS. I CALLED THE SULLIVAN BROS. NISSAN DEALERSHIP IN KINGSTON MASS. AND THEY SAID THEY HAD MANY REPORTS OF THE SAME PROBLEM FROM OTHERR NISSAN OWNERS WITH MAXIMAS NEAR OR AT THE SAME AGE AS MINE. THE DEALER SUGGESTED RUNNING THE CAR FOR 20 MINUTES OR SO TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. I HAD ALREADY WARMED UP THE CAR BEFORE DRIVING IT, BUT FOLLOWED THE DEALER'S DIRECTION. IN FACT ,I RAN THE CAR FOR 45 MINUTES MORE SINCER THE LINE WAS STILL FROZEN AFTER 20 MINUTES. DRIVING TO WORK UNDER THESE CONDITIONS WAS NEAR IMPOSSIBLE AND EXTREMLY DANGEROUS. I COULD BARELY SEE IN FRONT OF ME AND HAD TO DRIVE IN AN UNSAFE CONDTION AND STOP AS FREQUENTLY IN MANY UNSSAFE LOCATIONS TO TRY AND CLEAN OFF MY WINDSHIELD. I AND ANYYBODY DRIVING A MAXIMA OR ANY OTHER VEEHICLE WITH THIS PROBLEM IS PUTTING THEMSELVES AND OTHES IN INNINENT DANGER. THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM SEEM TO BE THAT THE WASHER LINE IS DIRECTLY ATTACHED TO THE FENDER AS IT RUNS UP TO THE FRONT OF THE CAR. IT IS EXPOSED, UNNESSASARILLY, TO WHEATHER TEMPERATURE VARIANCES AND IT IS SO FAR AWLAY FROM THE ENGINE THAT ANY HEAT THAT MIGHT HELP IS PREVENTED FRM HELPING BY DISTANCE. MY FEELING IS THAT IF THE LINE WERE CLOSER TO THE ENGINE OR OFF THE METAL OF THE FENDER ,OR EVEN INSULTED , IT COULD PREVENT THIS DANGEROS PROBLEM. ANY ARGUMENT THAT THESE WERE EXTEME CONDITIONS THAT WOULD EFFECT ANY CAR IS UNFOUNDED. NEIGBORS AND RELATIVES EASILY DROVE THEIR VEHICLES WITHOUT THIS PROBLEM AND THEY WERE IN THE SAME WEATHER CONDITIONS. I HOPE THAT NISSAN HAS A RECALL ON THEIR MAXIMA'S WITH THE SAME DESIGN FLAW. I HOPE THET I HAVE WRITTEN TO THE ORGANIZATION THAT CAN HELP ME AND PERHAPS THOUSANDS OF OTHER QUICKY RESOLVE THIS UNSAFE CONDITION.
NHTSA ODI #10054223
24,650 miles · Jan 2, 2004
Visibility
FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW WILL NOT REMAIN CLOSE. THE FRONT WINDOW HAS AN AUTOMATIC UP FEATURE THAT ALLOWS YOU TO PUT THE WINDOW UP WITH ONE CLICK OF THE BUTTON. WHEN ACTIVATED THE WINDOW GOES UP CLOSES AND THEN IT COMES BACK DOWN 4 INCHES. CAR HAS 24,000 MILES AND UNDER WARRANTY BUT NISSAN WILL NOT COVER ADJUSTMENT OF WINDOW OR …
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FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW WILL NOT REMAIN CLOSE. THE FRONT WINDOW HAS AN AUTOMATIC UP FEATURE THAT ALLOWS YOU TO PUT THE WINDOW UP WITH ONE CLICK OF THE BUTTON. WHEN ACTIVATED THE WINDOW GOES UP CLOSES AND THEN IT COMES BACK DOWN 4 INCHES. CAR HAS 24,000 MILES AND UNDER WARRANTY BUT NISSAN WILL NOT COVER ADJUSTMENT OF WINDOW OR REPLACEMENT OF MALFUNCTIONING PART STATING IT IS A SERVICE ITEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10051496
1 miles · Nov 1, 2003
Visibility
RIGHT-REAR QUARTER WINDOW HAS A SEVERE PROBLEM WITH WIND NOISE. THIS IS VERY FRUSTRATING AND HAS BEEN REPORTED TO NISSAN'S DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM ADEQUATELY. ONE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME IT WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND NOTHING CAN BE DONE. NONSENSE. PLEASE HELP. THANK YOU! *LA
NHTSA ODI #10045243
Mileage unknown · Apr 2, 2003
Visibility
AFTER BUYING CAR I NOTICED AN AIR LEAK SOUND COMING FROM THE BACK DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW. BEFORE I COULD BRING IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP THE BACK WINDOW COMPLETELY SHATTERED WHILE DRIVING HOME ONE NIGHT. THE ENTIRE BACK SEAT WAS COVERED IN GLASS. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS IN THE BACK SEAT. SERIOUS INJURY WOULD HAVE OCCURRED. NO EVIDE…
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AFTER BUYING CAR I NOTICED AN AIR LEAK SOUND COMING FROM THE BACK DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW. BEFORE I COULD BRING IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP THE BACK WINDOW COMPLETELY SHATTERED WHILE DRIVING HOME ONE NIGHT. THE ENTIRE BACK SEAT WAS COVERED IN GLASS. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS IN THE BACK SEAT. SERIOUS INJURY WOULD HAVE OCCURRED. NO EVIDENCE OF AN OBJECT BREAKING THE WINDOW. DEFINITELY A DEFECT WITH THE WINDOW. *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10013845
17,458 miles · Mar 26, 2003
Visibility
LEFT HAND DOOR MIRROR VIBRATES EXCESSIVELY WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. CREATES SAFETY HAZARD, ESPECIALLY AT HIGH SPEEDS AND AT NIGHT OR IN BAD WEATHER.*JB
NHTSA ODI #10011050
Mileage unknown · Jun 25, 2002
Visibility
ON TWO OCCASIONS (SO FAR) WHILE DRIVING WITH THE SUNROOF CLOSED, THE SUNROOF HAS OPENED BY ITSELF. BOTH TIMES THE BACK OF THE SUNROOF OPENED, INSTEAD OF THE ENTIRE PANEL SLIDING OPEN. THE SUNROOF SWITCH DID WORK TO CLOSE IT. I HAVE NOT YET TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THIS DEFECT NOR HAVE I CONTACTED NISSAN.*AK
NHTSA ODI #763430
Mileage unknown · Mar 6, 2002
Visibility
SUNROOF OPENS ON IT'S OWN AND ALLOWS RAIN AND WIND INTO CAR. JIM SIGEL AUTOMOTIVE REQUESTED A REPLACEMENT SWITCH FROM NISSAN. NISSAN WOULD NOT SEND NEW ONE AND WOULD NOT DISCUSS SITUATION WITH JIM SIGEL TEXHNICIAN! I E-MAILED NISSAN TWICE, ASKING THEM TO RESOLVE MY PROBLEM. TO DATE THEY HAVE NOT RESPONDED TO MY REQUEST. MY E-M…
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SUNROOF OPENS ON IT'S OWN AND ALLOWS RAIN AND WIND INTO CAR. JIM SIGEL AUTOMOTIVE REQUESTED A REPLACEMENT SWITCH FROM NISSAN. NISSAN WOULD NOT SEND NEW ONE AND WOULD NOT DISCUSS SITUATION WITH JIM SIGEL TEXHNICIAN! I E-MAILED NISSAN TWICE, ASKING THEM TO RESOLVE MY PROBLEM. TO DATE THEY HAVE NOT RESPONDED TO MY REQUEST. MY E-MAIL WAS SENT TO NNACUSTOMERAFFAIRS@NISSAN-USA.COM. JIM SIGEL TEXH. TOOK ANOTHER SWITCH OUT OF ANOTHER MAXIMA ON THE LOT AND REPLACED THE SWITCH IN MY CAR. IT APPEARS THE SWITCHES ARE BOTH DEFECTIVE. THE ONLY RECOURSE I HAVE AT THIS TIME IS TO DISCONNECT THE MOONROOF OPERATING GEAR! THIS IS CLEARLY A SATEDTY SITUATION, DUE TO THE INTEGRITOY OF THE ROOF AND THE TREMENDOUS (UNEXPECTED) RUSHING OF WIND WHEN THE UNIT OPENS ON IT'S OWN. NISSAN TECH. WOULD NOT DISCUSS ANYTHING WITH JIM SIGEL TECH, OTHER THAN THERE MAY BE A PROBLEM IN MORE 2002 MAXIMAS WITH MOONROOF THAN MINE. PLEASE CONTACT NISSAN AND RESOLVE THIS ISSUE ASAP. THANKS. *AK
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, 2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35, 2002-2003 Inifiniti QX4, 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 and 2006-2010 M35 and M45 vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated, frontal passenger air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators with alternate desiccated inflators, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 888-737-9511 or Infiniti customer service at 888-810-3715.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4 and I35, 2003 FX35 and FX45, and 2001 I30 vehicles. Upon deployment of the passenger side 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 passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: On December 18, 2015 Nissan informed NHTSA of an amendment of this recall to remove 2004-2005 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 vehicles.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR OR CAM POSITION SENSOR MAY HAVE AN IMPROPER SOLDER JOINT DUE TO SOLDER DEFORMATION CAUSED BY HEAT STRESS ACCELERATED BY THE EXISTENCE OF FLUX RESIDUE DURING THE SOLDERING PROCESS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON, CREATE A NO START CONDITION, CAUSE REDUCED ENGINE POWER, OR CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANK POSITION SENSORS. CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR(S), AND IN SOME CASES, THE VARIABLE TIMING CONTROL SENSOR(S). VEHICLES INVOLVED IN A PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGN, 01V357, ARE ALSO INCLUDED IN THIS NEW CAMPAIGN. THE REPLACEMENT SENSORS USED IN THAT CAMPAIGN ARE ALSO AFFECTED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE PIN AT THE END OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION TRANSVERSE LINK (LOWER CONTROL ARM) COULD BREAK WHERE IT IS MOUNTED TO THE FRAME.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CAN CAUSE A KNOCKING SOUND AND ABNORMAL STEERING. THIS COULD RESULT IN DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSVERSE LINKS ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES WITH NEW ONES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 29, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AN ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM, THE STOPPER FOR THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WILL PREVENT EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT OF THE ACCELERATOR POSITION SENSOR. IF THE DRIVER APPLIES OVERLY EXCESSIVE FORCE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHILE AT THE SAME TIME PUSHING IT TO THE RIGHT, THE PEDAL CAN "OVER TRAVEL" DUE TO THE DESIGN OF THE PEDAL STOPPER.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS WILL CAUSE THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP TO COME ON AND THE ENGINE SPEED TO BE SEVERELY LIMITED. IF THIS OCCURS UNEXPECTEDLY, IT COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW ACCELERATOR PEDAL STOPPER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 11, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 800-662-6200.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM, THE ODOMETER IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES REGISTERS DISTANCE IN KILOMETERS INSTEAD OF MILES AS IS SPECIFIED IN THE DESIGN. THE ODOMETER DOES NOT HAVE A LABEL THAT INDICATES "KILOMETERS" OR "KM" AS REQUIRED BY FMVSS NO. 101, "CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Not supplied
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ODOMETER TO DETERMINE IF IT IS CORRECT AND, IF NOT, WILL REPLACE THE SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER ASSEMBLY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 12, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
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.
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