Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
620–25K
1725–50K
850–75K
975–100K
5100–150K
3150K+
104 reports with mileage · 55 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.
Electrical System. Review the 37 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Visibility/wiper. Review the 36 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
15 crash reports3 fire reports7 injury reports
What owners actually said
159 reports
500 miles · Jul 21, 2015
Fuel System, Gasoline
AT THE FIRST REFUELING OF THE CAR AFTER PURCHASE, THE FUEL DOOR DID NOT OPEN WHEN THE LEVER WAS PULLED. EVENTUALLY IT DID OPEN AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS. AT THE SECOND REFUELING OF THE CAR, APPROXIMATELY 450 MILES AFTER THE FIRST TIME, ONCE AGAIN THE DOOR DID NOT OPEN. IT OPENED FINALLY AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES WITH ONE PERSON OP…
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AT THE FIRST REFUELING OF THE CAR AFTER PURCHASE, THE FUEL DOOR DID NOT OPEN WHEN THE LEVER WAS PULLED. EVENTUALLY IT DID OPEN AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS. AT THE SECOND REFUELING OF THE CAR, APPROXIMATELY 450 MILES AFTER THE FIRST TIME, ONCE AGAIN THE DOOR DID NOT OPEN. IT OPENED FINALLY AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES WITH ONE PERSON OPERATING THE LEVER AND ANOTHER FORCING THE DOOR. THE NEXT DAY, THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE FUEL DOOR PIN WAS ADJUSTED TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #10735481
1,200 miles · Jul 20, 2015
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 SUBARU LEGACY. WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE EYESIGHT SYSTEM ACTIVATED PREMATURELY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,200. MA 10/15/2015 UPDATED 11/30/2017*CN
NHTSA ODI #10735242
2,000 miles · Jul 20, 2015
SeatsVisibility/wiper
OUR WINDSHIELD DEVELOPED A CRACK THAT GREW OVER TWO DAYS AND NOW EXTENDS HALF THE WIDTH OF THE WINDSHIELD. WE DISCOVERED THIS CRACK WHEN GETTING INTO THE CAR AFTER IT WAS PARKED. THERE IS NO OBVIOUS REASON FOR THIS CRACK. WE HAVE NO MEMORY OF HITTING OR BEING HIT BY ANY OBJECT. I UNDERSTAND THAT SUCH SPONTANEOUS CRACKS HAVE APPE…
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OUR WINDSHIELD DEVELOPED A CRACK THAT GREW OVER TWO DAYS AND NOW EXTENDS HALF THE WIDTH OF THE WINDSHIELD. WE DISCOVERED THIS CRACK WHEN GETTING INTO THE CAR AFTER IT WAS PARKED. THERE IS NO OBVIOUS REASON FOR THIS CRACK. WE HAVE NO MEMORY OF HITTING OR BEING HIT BY ANY OBJECT. I UNDERSTAND THAT SUCH SPONTANEOUS CRACKS HAVE APPEARED ON OTHER SUBARU OUTBACKS AND LEGACIES.
NHTSA ODI #10735049
1,000 miles · Jul 15, 2015
Visibility/wiper
OUT OF NOWHERE THE WINDSHIELD STARTED TO CRACK - STARTED ON THE EDGE OF THE WINDSHIELD ON THE PASSENGERSIDE ABOUT 8-10 INCHES FROM THE BOTTOM - AT THIS POINT IT HAS SPREAD PAST THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD LEAVING A HORIZONTAL CRACH THAT PRETTY MUCH SPLIT MY WINDSHIELD IN HAVE - THE WINSHIELD IS CURRENTLY ON BACKORDER WITH NO ET…
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OUT OF NOWHERE THE WINDSHIELD STARTED TO CRACK - STARTED ON THE EDGE OF THE WINDSHIELD ON THE PASSENGERSIDE ABOUT 8-10 INCHES FROM THE BOTTOM - AT THIS POINT IT HAS SPREAD PAST THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD LEAVING A HORIZONTAL CRACH THAT PRETTY MUCH SPLIT MY WINDSHIELD IN HAVE - THE WINSHIELD IS CURRENTLY ON BACKORDER WITH NO ETA AS TO WHEN IT WILL BE AVAILABLE
NHTSA ODI #10734114
1,200 miles · Jul 15, 2015
Fuel/propulsion SystemStructureUnknown Or Other
GAS LID WOULD NOT RELEASE AFTER PULLING THE LEVER. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULITIPLE TIMES PRIOR WITHOUT ME REALIZING IT WAS A PROBLEM BECAUSE THE SECOND TIME I PULLED THE LEVER IT WOULD RELEASE - THIS LAST TIME IT WOULD NOT RELEASE EVEN AFTER MULTIPLE PULLS - I HAD TO PUSH THE GAS DOOR FORWARD WITH THE PALM OF MY HAND AND THEN PRY O…
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GAS LID WOULD NOT RELEASE AFTER PULLING THE LEVER. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULITIPLE TIMES PRIOR WITHOUT ME REALIZING IT WAS A PROBLEM BECAUSE THE SECOND TIME I PULLED THE LEVER IT WOULD RELEASE - THIS LAST TIME IT WOULD NOT RELEASE EVEN AFTER MULTIPLE PULLS - I HAD TO PUSH THE GAS DOOR FORWARD WITH THE PALM OF MY HAND AND THEN PRY OPEN
NHTSA ODI #10734111
2,500 miles · Jul 1, 2015
Unknown Or OtherVisibility/wiper
WITHIN A MONTH OF BUYING A BRAND NEW SUBARU LEGACY 2015, MY WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUS CRACKED WHILE DRIVING ON AN OPEN-AIR INTERSTATE AWAY FROM OTHER CARS. AT FIRST I THOUGHT MAYBE A PEBBLE HIT THE WINDSHIELD, BUT UPON LATER INSPECTION I COULD NOT FIND A DISTINCT STARTING POINT FOR THE CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD CRACK (NO DENTS OR PL…
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WITHIN A MONTH OF BUYING A BRAND NEW SUBARU LEGACY 2015, MY WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUS CRACKED WHILE DRIVING ON AN OPEN-AIR INTERSTATE AWAY FROM OTHER CARS. AT FIRST I THOUGHT MAYBE A PEBBLE HIT THE WINDSHIELD, BUT UPON LATER INSPECTION I COULD NOT FIND A DISTINCT STARTING POINT FOR THE CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD CRACK (NO DENTS OR PLACES WHERE SOMETHING MIGHT HAVE HIT MY CAR). THE CRACK INITIATED FROM THE VERY BOTTOM OF THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD AND EXTENDED ABOUT 6-8 INCHES FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD.
NHTSA ODI #10731615
1,000 miles · Jun 25, 2015
Fuel/propulsion System
FROM A SLOW ROLL MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN. PUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDDLE AND GOT NO REPLY FOR ABOUT 3-4 SECOND THEN THE CARD PULLED OUT VERY FAST THIS OFTEN. MOST OF THE TIME FROM A STOP AT A STOP SIGN. NO MOVEMENT FOR ABOUT 3-5 SECONDS. ALSO, THEN JUMPS OUT FAST. TOOK BACK TO DEALER. THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. JUNE 18,…
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FROM A SLOW ROLL MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN. PUT MY FOOT ON THE GAS PEDDLE AND GOT NO REPLY FOR ABOUT 3-4 SECOND THEN THE CARD PULLED OUT VERY FAST THIS OFTEN. MOST OF THE TIME FROM A STOP AT A STOP SIGN. NO MOVEMENT FOR ABOUT 3-5 SECONDS. ALSO, THEN JUMPS OUT FAST. TOOK BACK TO DEALER. THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. JUNE 18, 2015 CALLED MAIN OFFICE OF SUBARU.. THEY SENT ME TO A LOCAL DEALER. JUNE 24, 2015. CAR WITH THEM FOR 2 DAYS. NO RESPONSE. VERY SCAREY.
NHTSA ODI #10730500
9,500 miles · Jun 25, 2015
Visibility/wiper
THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED FROM THE LOWER PASSENGER SIDE. THREE LARGE CRACKS ONE OF WHICH IS NOW ALMOST ALL THE WAY OVER IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER. THERE WAS A CHIP WHERE THE CRACK STARTED. THE BIG PROBLEM IS THAT THE WINDSHIELDS ARE ON BACK ORDER WITH NO IDEA HOW LONG IT WILL BE TO GET A REPLACEMENT. I HAVE HAD CARS WITH ROCK CHIPS BE…
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THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED FROM THE LOWER PASSENGER SIDE. THREE LARGE CRACKS ONE OF WHICH IS NOW ALMOST ALL THE WAY OVER IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER. THERE WAS A CHIP WHERE THE CRACK STARTED. THE BIG PROBLEM IS THAT THE WINDSHIELDS ARE ON BACK ORDER WITH NO IDEA HOW LONG IT WILL BE TO GET A REPLACEMENT. I HAVE HAD CARS WITH ROCK CHIPS BEFORE AND USUALLY GET THEM FILLED, BUT THIS WINDSHIELD CRACKED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY WHILE ON A ROAD TRIP. I THINK IT IS OBVIOUS THAT SUBARU HAS A PROBLEM WITH POOR QUALITY WINDSHIELDS IF THEY CANNOT MAKE THEM FAST ENOUGH TO REPLACE ALL THE DAMAGED ONES. THE CAR DOES HAVE THE EYESIGHT SYSTEM AND THERE IS NO AFTERMARKET WINDSHIELD AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10730306
5,443 miles · Jun 17, 2015
Suspension
WHILE DRIVING OVER RUTTED ROADS BETWEEN 10-15 MPH THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE MAKES A THUMPING/CLUNKING NOISE. THE NOISE IS COMING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION AND AFTER DRIVING A LOANER THAT WAS THE SAME MODEL AND YEAR I KNOW THIS IS NOT NORMAL OPERATION. THREE SERVICE DEPARTMENTS HAVE SAID THE NOISE IS EITHER NON-EXISTENT OR NORMAL.…
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WHILE DRIVING OVER RUTTED ROADS BETWEEN 10-15 MPH THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE MAKES A THUMPING/CLUNKING NOISE. THE NOISE IS COMING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION AND AFTER DRIVING A LOANER THAT WAS THE SAME MODEL AND YEAR I KNOW THIS IS NOT NORMAL OPERATION. THREE SERVICE DEPARTMENTS HAVE SAID THE NOISE IS EITHER NON-EXISTENT OR NORMAL. FURTHERMORE THE CAR VIOLENTLY REACTS TO ANY ROAD IMPERFECTIONS AND BOUNCES ON SMOOTH ROADS.
NHTSA ODI #10725874
100 miles · Jun 12, 2015
Electrical SystemEngine
ON APRIL 11TH WE BOUGHT OUR BRAND NEW SUBARU LEGACY IT HAD MAYBE 34 MIILES ON IT (GIVE OR TAKE) MY HUSBAND DRIVES THE CAR AND A COUPLE OF DAYS HAVING THE CAR THE RADIO/BACKUP CAMERA/PHONE SYSTEM CRASHES- IT HAPPENED A COUPLE OF TIMES. ON APRIL 14TH MY HUSBAND BROUGHT THE CAR INTO SERVICE. NOW I AM GOING TO JUST SPEED THINGS UP P…
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ON APRIL 11TH WE BOUGHT OUR BRAND NEW SUBARU LEGACY IT HAD MAYBE 34 MIILES ON IT (GIVE OR TAKE) MY HUSBAND DRIVES THE CAR AND A COUPLE OF DAYS HAVING THE CAR THE RADIO/BACKUP CAMERA/PHONE SYSTEM CRASHES- IT HAPPENED A COUPLE OF TIMES. ON APRIL 14TH MY HUSBAND BROUGHT THE CAR INTO SERVICE. NOW I AM GOING TO JUST SPEED THINGS UP PUT ALL SERVICE VISITS IN ONE EXPLANATION AS I DO NOT HAVE MANY CHARACTERS LEFT. IN THE 8 TIMES THAT WE HAVE BEEN TO SERVICE WITH LOANER CARS, THEY REPLACED THE RADIO ONCE. THEY COULDN'T REPLICATE THE ISSUE, SO WE SENT THEM VIDEO OF IT. THEY HAD NO CLUE WHAT TO DO WITH IT SO THEY SENT TO JAPAN AND WAITING FOR AN ANSWER. IN THE MEANTIME, THERE IS A SWEET SMELL COMING FROM THE ENGINE. SERVICE SAYS THAT THERE IS NO LEAK AND THE SMELL IS NORMAL AND FINE. WE DO NOT AGREE. I HAVE HAD MANY NEW CARS AND THE ENGINE NEVER SMELLS LIKE THAT. WHEN MY HUSBAND PICKED UP THE CAR YESTERDAY FROM SERVICE THERE IS A HUGE DING IN THE BACK SIDE. MY HUSBAND DIDN'T NOTICE UNTIL HE GOT HOME. I HAVE ALREADY CALLED SUBARU CORPORATE AND EVERY TIME THEY SAY, "WE HAVE TO HEAR WHAT SERVICE HAS TO SAY." IT HAS BEEN TWO MONTHS AND STILL NO RESOLUTION. HOW LONG AM I SUPPOSED TO WAIT TO SEE WHAT THE NEXT STEPS ARE?
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured on July 20, 2015. The brake fluid used in these vehicles may contain excess moisture which may adversely affect the performance of the electronic stability control system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Poor performance of the electronic stability control system when it is activated may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will perform an ABS activation, then flush and replace the brake fluid, free of charge. The recall began on May 20, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTC-64.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015 and 2016 model year Subaru Legacy 4-Door and Outback vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to July 27, 2015. Transmission oil may leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the propeller shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2015. Owners may contact 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQU-56.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:driveline:driveshaft
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015 and 2016 model year Subaru Legacy 4-Door and Outback vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to July 27, 2015. Transmission oil may leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke.
Consequence: If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the propeller shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2015. Owners may contact 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQU-56.
Power Train:automatic Transmission
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015 and 2016 model year Subaru Legacy 4-Door and Outback vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to July 27, 2015. Transmission oil may leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke.
Consequence: If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the propeller shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2015. Owners may contact 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQU-56.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Outback vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Impreza vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to April 14, 2015, XV Crosstrek vehicles manufactured October 16, 2014, to April 15, 2015, and 2016 WRX vehicles manufactured March 23, 2015, and equipped with the Eyesight Driver Assist System. If the switch that activates the brake lights fails, the automatic pre-collision braking component of the driver assist system will not function.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to an obstacle in its path, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQS-54.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Outback vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Impreza vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to April 14, 2015, XV Crosstrek vehicles manufactured October 16, 2014, to April 15, 2015, and 2016 WRX vehicles manufactured March 23, 2015, and equipped with the Eyesight Driver Assist System. If the switch that activates the brake lights fails, the automatic pre-collision braking component of the driver assist system will not function.
Consequence: If the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to an obstacle in its path, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQS-54.
Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Outback vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Impreza vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to April 14, 2015, XV Crosstrek vehicles manufactured October 16, 2014, to April 15, 2015, and 2016 WRX vehicles manufactured March 23, 2015, and equipped with the Eyesight Driver Assist System. If the switch that activates the brake lights fails, the automatic pre-collision braking component of the driver assist system will not function.
Consequence: If the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to an obstacle in its path, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQS-54.
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.
2015 Subaru Legacy Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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