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2003 Nissan Maxima

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Maxima years

Owner complaints for the 2003 Nissan Maxima are substantially higher than the model-year median of 99.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

147 reports with mileage · 59 unknown

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.

  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 54 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 43 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 35 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

13 crash reports2 fire reports10 injury reports

What owners actually said

206 reports
57,000 miles · Sep 27, 2007
Fuel System, Gasoline

THE MURANO LOST ACCELERATION ON THE INTERSTATE AND WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR; IT CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP ON THE EXIT RAMP BETWEEN I-95 NORTH AND I-26 TOWARD CHARLESTON, SC. I WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE CAR AND HAD TO BE PUSHED "OUT OF HARM'S WAY BY A TRUCKER, AND A COUPLE WHO STOPPED TO HELP. I WAS BROUGHT TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP …

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THE MURANO LOST ACCELERATION ON THE INTERSTATE AND WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR; IT CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP ON THE EXIT RAMP BETWEEN I-95 NORTH AND I-26 TOWARD CHARLESTON, SC. I WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE CAR AND HAD TO BE PUSHED "OUT OF HARM'S WAY BY A TRUCKER, AND A COUPLE WHO STOPPED TO HELP. I WAS BROUGHT TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP (20 MILES AWAY IN ORANGEBURG, SC). THE SERVICE DEPT. DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL PUMP SHUT DOWN, STOPPED WORKING. THE PART HAD TO BE ORDERED, AND I HAD TO PAY FOR A RENTAL CAR FROM ENTERPRISE , SO THAT I COULD DRIVE THE REMAINING 3 HOURS BACK TO MY HOME IN TRAVELERS REST (GREENVILLE,-SPARTANBURG AREA). THE PART ARRIVED ON 9-25-2007, AND I DROVE 3 HOURS BACK TO ORANGEBURG TO PICK UP MY CAR AND RETURN THE RENTAL). MY HUSBAND ASKED FOR THE "OLD FUEL PUMP". I HAD TO PAY $350.00 FOR THE PART AND LABOR AND $100 FOR TOWING. THE INSURANCE CO. REIMBURSED FOR TOWING. MY HUSBAND THOUGHT IT HIGHLY UNUSUAL FOR THE FUEL PUMP TO GO AT SUCH LOW MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE (57,000). THIS WAS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10204324

5,000 miles · Jul 31, 2007
Exterior Lighting

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHT CONTROL SENSOR DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY ACTIVATE. THE SENSOR ACTIVATES WHEN CONDITIONS ARE COMPLETELY DARK. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, HOWEVER, THE CONTACT FIRST REALIZED IT AT 5,000 MILES. SHE HAS ATT…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHT CONTROL SENSOR DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY ACTIVATE. THE SENSOR ACTIVATES WHEN CONDITIONS ARE COMPLETELY DARK. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, HOWEVER, THE CONTACT FIRST REALIZED IT AT 5,000 MILES. SHE HAS ATTEMPTED TO SPEAK WITH THE DEALER ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND WAS INFORMED THAT SOMEONE WOULD RETURN HER CALL. HER CALL HAS NOT YET BEEN RETURNED. THE VIN, PURCHASE DATE, POWERTRAIN, AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 35,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000. UPDATED 02-01-08 *BF UPDATED 02/01/08 *TR

NHTSA ODI #10197919

24,000 miles · Jun 27, 2007
Tires

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE TIRE DEFLATED THROUGH ITS SIDEWALL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE, BUT THE NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE. THE TIRES WERE GOODYEAR AND THE DOT NUMBER, TIRE LINE, PURCHASE DATE, AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE TIRE DEFLATED THROUGH ITS SIDEWALL. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE, BUT THE NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE. THE TIRES WERE GOODYEAR AND THE DOT NUMBER, TIRE LINE, PURCHASE DATE, AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.

NHTSA ODI #10194741

22,000 miles · May 10, 2007
Electrical SystemSeatsVisibility

ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS; DURING WARRANTY PERIOD AND I HAD TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES BECAUSE THE DRIVER' S AND FRONT PASSENGER'S SEATS QUIT WORKING AND REQUIRED ELECTRICAL REPAIRS. THE POWER SUN ROOF ALSO QUIT WORKING AND REQUIRED ELECTRICAL REPAIRS DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD. MY CAR WAS NO LONGER COVERED …

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ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS; DURING WARRANTY PERIOD AND I HAD TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES BECAUSE THE DRIVER' S AND FRONT PASSENGER'S SEATS QUIT WORKING AND REQUIRED ELECTRICAL REPAIRS. THE POWER SUN ROOF ALSO QUIT WORKING AND REQUIRED ELECTRICAL REPAIRS DURING THE WARRANTY PERIOD. MY CAR WAS NO LONGER COVERED BY WARRANTY, AND POWER WINDOWS HAVE NOW QUIT WORKING. I HAD SO MANY DIFFERENT ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS SINCE PURCHASING THE CAR THAT I COULD NOT HELP BUT TO THINK THEY WEREALL CONNECTED TO THE SAME COMMON PROBLEM, AND IT MADE ME WONDER WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT. ALSO, DURING THE 2ND YEAR OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD, THE BATTERY WENT COMPLETELY DEAD FOR NO APPARENT REASON, AND IT WAS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY, HOWEVER, THEY TOWED MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP , EARLY IN THE MORNING, AND YET HAD TO KEEP THE CAR OVER NIGHT. I DIDN'T KNOW IF REPAIRS TO WIRING WERE PERFORMED OR NOT, BUT THEY DIDN'T ADMIT TO ANY UNDERLYING ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, YET THEY COULDN'T EXPLAIN WHY THE BATTERY BECAME DEAD, OR WHY IT REQUIRED MORE THAN 24 HOURS TO REPLACE A DEAD BATTERY. WERE THESE COCCURENCE'S COMMENLY REPORTED FOR THIS MODEL YEAR. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10190441

66,000 miles · Apr 16, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH. THE CONTACT BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL AUTO ZONE AND THE CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS FOUND TO BE THE ENGINE LIGHT SENSOR. THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALER ON APRIL 16, 2007 AND THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL RE…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH. THE CONTACT BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL AUTO ZONE AND THE CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS FOUND TO BE THE ENGINE LIGHT SENSOR. THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALER ON APRIL 16, 2007 AND THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL REPAIR WAS ALREADY REMEDIED. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY OWNED. THE CURRENT MILEAGEWAS 67,700, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10188004

110,000 miles · Jan 10, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingStructure

NOTICED A BANG SOUND FROM FRONT OF CAR ON ACCELERATION AND BRAKING. DISCOVERED FRONT ENGINE MOTOR MOUNT IS LEAKING FLUID, IS LOOSE AND CANNOT BE TIGHTENED. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10178363

89,948 miles · Aug 17, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE HAD DIFFICULTIES STARTING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO REPLACED THE CRANKCASE POSITION SENSOR. AFTERWARDS, THE CHECK ENGINE CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 03V455000, REGARDING THE ENGINE …

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE HAD DIFFICULTIES STARTING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO REPLACED THE CRANKCASE POSITION SENSOR. AFTERWARDS, THE CHECK ENGINE CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 03V455000, REGARDING THE ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.

NHTSA ODI #10165737

Mileage unknown · Jul 14, 2006
Tires

ON FEBRUARY 14TH OF THIS YEAR, DURING A REGULAR TIRE INFLATION INSPECTION, I NOTED THREE BULGES ON THE OUTSIDE SIDEWALL OF THE LEFT FRONT NITTO 450, 225X50X17 TIRE. I IMMEDIATELY KNEW THAT I WAS HAVING A TIRE FAILURE AND THAT IT MUST BE REPLACED ASAP. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE CAR TO DISCOUNT TIRE WHERE THE TIRE HAD BEEN PURCHASED …

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ON FEBRUARY 14TH OF THIS YEAR, DURING A REGULAR TIRE INFLATION INSPECTION, I NOTED THREE BULGES ON THE OUTSIDE SIDEWALL OF THE LEFT FRONT NITTO 450, 225X50X17 TIRE. I IMMEDIATELY KNEW THAT I WAS HAVING A TIRE FAILURE AND THAT IT MUST BE REPLACED ASAP. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE CAR TO DISCOUNT TIRE WHERE THE TIRE HAD BEEN PURCHASED AND THEY REPLACED BOTH FRONT TIRES FOR SOMETHING OVER $300. THE DEFECTIVE TIRE HAS MOSTLY HIGHWAY MILES ON IT AND WAS PURCHASED APRIL 6, 2004. I AM RETIRED AND MOST OF THE MILES WERE ACCUMULATED WHILE ON VACATION. THE TIRE HAD LESS THAN 20,000 MILES ON IT AND HAD SUBSTANTIAL TREAD REMAINING. THE TIRE WAS WELL MAINTAINED AND I CONSIDER ITS FAILURE PREMATURE. SUBSEQUENTLY, I E-MAILED NITTO CUSTOMER SERVICE AND WROTE THE NORTH AMERICAN PRESIDENT OF TOYO, THE TIRE MANUFACTURER. THE E-MAIL AND FOLLOW UP LETTER WERE FORWARDED IN FEBRUARY OF THIS YEAR AND ELICITED NO RESPONSE FROM NITTO OR TOYO. I RETAINED THE TIRE AND HAVE IT IN PROTECTED STORAGE. I AM A FAST DRIVER AND SHUDDER TO THINK WHAT MIGHT HAVE HAPPENED IF THE TIRE HAD FAILED AT SPEED. I AM DEEPLY DISAPPOINTED IN THE LACK OF CARE OR RESPONSE FROM NITTO OR TOYO. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10162418

Mileage unknown · Jun 27, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling

THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN MY CAR, 2003 ALTIMA WAS LESS THAN A YEAR OLD. DURING THE SUMMER OF 2004, THE CAR WOULD NOT START. IT HAD A FULL TANK OF GAS, THE BATTERY WAS FINE AND IT WAS EARLY IN THE MORNING AROUND 8AM. I ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE CAR ON AND I GOT NOTHING. IT FINALLY STARTED AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR OF TRYING TO P…

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THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN MY CAR, 2003 ALTIMA WAS LESS THAN A YEAR OLD. DURING THE SUMMER OF 2004, THE CAR WOULD NOT START. IT HAD A FULL TANK OF GAS, THE BATTERY WAS FINE AND IT WAS EARLY IN THE MORNING AROUND 8AM. I ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE CAR ON AND I GOT NOTHING. IT FINALLY STARTED AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR OF TRYING TO PUMP THE GAS WITHOUT TRYING TO FLOOD THE ENGINE. I CHALKED IT UP TO A HOPEFULLY ONE TIME EVENT. IT HAS HAPPENED 4 MORE TIMES SINCE THEN. AGAIN IN THE FALL OF 2004 AND I DID TAKE IT TO THE DEALER IN ARLINGTON, VA AND THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG. IT HAPPENED TWICE IN 2005 AND MOST RECENTLY AROUND MEMORIAL DAY AND JUST THIS PAST WEEK. I KEEP THE MAINTENANCE UP ON THE VEHICLE EVERY, PUT "GOOD" GAS IN THE CAR BUT I STILL HAVE THESE ISSUES. THE VEHICLE INFORMATION SECTION OF THIS COMPLAINT ONLY HAD MAXIMA GLE AND FRONTIER LISTED AS VEHICLE TYPE, NOT THE ALTIMA. I SUBMITTED MAXIMA JUST TO GET THROUGH THE COMPLAINT. MY CAR IS AGAIN A 2003 NISSIAN ALTIMA. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10160849

Mileage unknown · Apr 24, 2006
Equipment

I BOUGHT A 2003 MAXIMA SE OCTOBER 2005. MY LEFT SIDE SPEAKERS WOULD CUT IN AND OUT ONLY ON THE CD PLAYER. I FOUND THE TSB ON THIS AND HAD ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 5 DAYS. SALESMAN TOLD ME I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR A NEW ONE AND HAD TO GET THE MANAGER TO SEND MY RADIO OFF TO A PLACE TO GET REPAIRED. ONE MONTH LATER IT QUIT WORKING …

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I BOUGHT A 2003 MAXIMA SE OCTOBER 2005. MY LEFT SIDE SPEAKERS WOULD CUT IN AND OUT ONLY ON THE CD PLAYER. I FOUND THE TSB ON THIS AND HAD ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 5 DAYS. SALESMAN TOLD ME I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR A NEW ONE AND HAD TO GET THE MANAGER TO SEND MY RADIO OFF TO A PLACE TO GET REPAIRED. ONE MONTH LATER IT QUIT WORKING AGAIN. I HAVE READ ON NUMEROUS WEB SITES ABOUT THE WAY NISSAN TREATS PEOPLE WITH THIS PROBLEM. I CANNOT AFFORD TO SHELL OUT $600 FOR A NEW NISSAN RADIO THAT WILL BREAK IN A FEW MONTHS ANYWAY. AND AN AFTERMARKET RADIO TAKES AWAY FROM THAT ORIGINAL LOOK FOR ME. CAN THEY NOT REPLACE IT WITH THE 2002 RADIO (A NEW ONE ) BECAUSE I HAVEN'T HEARD ANY COMPLAINTS ON THAT YEAR. THE DEALERSHIP WAS CROWN PONTIAC IN HOOVER, ALABAMA. THEY PROMISED ME A TOUCH UP ON THE FRONT BUMPER AND HOOD BECAUSE OF THE PAINT CHIPS AND TO REDO THE TITANIUM WHEELS BECAUSE THE FINISH WAS RUBBED OFF AND THE RIMS WERE TURNING BLACK. NO TOUCH UP, HAD A GUY COME AND FIX 3 OF THE WHEELS AND TOLD ME TO BRING THE OTHER ONE TO THE SHOP AND HE WOULD HAVE TO WORK ON IT OVERNIGHT FOR $100. SO I HAVE ONE RIM THAT DOES NOT MATCH. I HAD TO SHELL OUT $80 FOR FLOOR MATS. EVEN BOUGHT THE $1800 EXTENDED WARRANTY. SO FOR SPENDING $22000 ON A 2003 CAR, BROKEN CD PLAYER, UGLY RIM, HALF THE PAINT IS MISSING FROM THE TOUCH UP I NEVER RECEIVED. THEY WERE SO NICE BEFORE I GOT THE CAR, BUT AS SOON AS THE PAPER WAS SIGNED, ALL I GOT WAS SORRY THAT WILL COST YOU. ALL I WANT IS FOR MY CD PLAYER TO WORK AND REDO ONE RIM. I CANNOT GET THAT OR EVEN 1 OF 2 WOULD BE OKAY. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10155934

Official recalls

3

20V008000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 9, 2020

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.

15V287000 · Air Bags

May 15, 2015

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.

03V455000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Nov 17, 2003

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.

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.