NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
127 reportsClear category filter50,000 miles · Aug 8, 2019
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other
VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. AFTER JUMPING THE BATTERY VEHICLE STARTED, AAA PERFORMED ROADSIDE TESTING AND DETERMINED THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR ARE WORKING PROPERLY AND ARE SUFFICIENTLY CHARGED. CAR WOULD NOT START FOR UNEXPLAINED REASONS. PREVIOUS SERVICE HISTORY LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THERE IS AN ONGOING ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THIS V…
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VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. AFTER JUMPING THE BATTERY VEHICLE STARTED, AAA PERFORMED ROADSIDE TESTING AND DETERMINED THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR ARE WORKING PROPERLY AND ARE SUFFICIENTLY CHARGED. CAR WOULD NOT START FOR UNEXPLAINED REASONS. PREVIOUS SERVICE HISTORY LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THERE IS AN ONGOING ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE. PREVIOUSLY THE AIRBAG LIGHT WOULD FREQUENTLY ILLUMINATE. DEALERSHIP STATED IT WAS DUE TO ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCE AND THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG.
NHTSA ODI #11242446
30,000 miles · Aug 5, 2019
Electrical System
WHEN VEHICLE IS LEFT FOR TWO DAYS OR MORE (SUCH AS IN MY GARAGE OR AT A REMOTE TRAIL HEAD PARKING LOT) THE BATTERY COMPLETELY DRAINS. THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE OR FOUR TIMES AND NO LIGHTS OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT WAS LEFT TURNED ON. BATTERY HAS BEEN CHECKED AT AUTO PARTS STORE AND NO PROBLEMS AND IT RECHARGES TO A FULL CHARGE.
NHTSA ODI #11241751
31,200 miles · Jul 11, 2019
Electrical System
SAFETY ISSUE: CAR HORN DOES NOT WORK (NO SOUND) WHEN DRIVING STRAIGHT AHEAD AND STEERING WHEEL IS STRAIGHT. FOR HORN TO WORK I MUST TURN THE STEERING WHEEL EITHER TO THE RIGHT TO THE 2:00 O'CLOCK POSITION AND BEYOND OR TO THE LEFT TO THE 10:00 O'CLOCK POSITION AND BEYOND.
NHTSA ODI #11232330
25,000 miles · Jun 11, 2019
Electrical SystemUnknown Or OtherVisibility/wiper
HELLO, MY WINDSHIELD BROKE ABOUT 6 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. I DON'T KNOW HOW OR WHY. IT WAS JUST BROKEN ONE MORNING WHEN I WENT OUT TO MY CAR. I FIGURED A ROCK OR SOMETHING HIT IT. THERE WAS NO RECALL AT THE TIME AND SO I HAD IT REPLACED WITH A OEM WINDSHIELD. MY SECOND WINDSHIELD JUST BROKE A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO…
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HELLO, MY WINDSHIELD BROKE ABOUT 6 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. I DON'T KNOW HOW OR WHY. IT WAS JUST BROKEN ONE MORNING WHEN I WENT OUT TO MY CAR. I FIGURED A ROCK OR SOMETHING HIT IT. THERE WAS NO RECALL AT THE TIME AND SO I HAD IT REPLACED WITH A OEM WINDSHIELD. MY SECOND WINDSHIELD JUST BROKE A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO WHILE CHANGING MY WIPERS YOU CAN SEE WHERE THE CERAMIC WIPER HEATER DELAMINATED INSIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD. IT TURNED BRIGHT RED. I HAVE OWNED ALOT OF CARS AND NEVER SEEN A WINDSHIELD THAT IS SO FRAGILE. I HAVE CHANGED MANY, MANY WIPER BLADES AND I KNOW WHAT A QUALITY WINDSHIELD IS. I SET THE WIPER BLADE HOLDER DOWN ON THE WINDSHIELD GENTLY AND IT CRACKED, THE CRACK GREW ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD IN A DAY OR SO. RIDICULOUS. THESE WINDSHIELDS RUN ABOUT 500 BUCKS AND SHOULD BE BETTER QUALITY. I ALSO HAVE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WHERE MY CAR CLOCK WILL NOT SET... CURRENTLY. IT TOOK THEM 3 YEARS TO FIGURE OUT THE STEERING RETAINING PIN WAS BROKEN EVEN THOUGH I WAS COMPLAINING ABOUT IT SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR. THE REAR GATE STOPPED OPENING AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE STRUTS ON A 3 YEAR OLD CAR. THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE FRONT END BUT MY DEALER SAID "WAIT UNTIL IT GETS WORSE" CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT? THANKS,
NHTSA ODI #11219361
20,000 miles · May 22, 2019
Electrical System
MY VEHICLE HAS HAD REPEATED DEAD BATTERY PROBLEMS. IN FEB THE DEALER SAID I NEEDED A NEW BATTERY AND CHARGED ME $174. ON 5/20/19 MY BATTERY WAS DEAD. I HAD IT JUMPED AND THEN DROVE OVER 40 MILES. ON 5/22/19 IT WAS DEAD AGAIN. THE DEALER SAID I DON'T DRIVE ENOUGH. MANY OTHERS HAVE CLEARLY HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I THINK I HAVE A L…
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MY VEHICLE HAS HAD REPEATED DEAD BATTERY PROBLEMS. IN FEB THE DEALER SAID I NEEDED A NEW BATTERY AND CHARGED ME $174. ON 5/20/19 MY BATTERY WAS DEAD. I HAD IT JUMPED AND THEN DROVE OVER 40 MILES. ON 5/22/19 IT WAS DEAD AGAIN. THE DEALER SAID I DON'T DRIVE ENOUGH. MANY OTHERS HAVE CLEARLY HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I THINK I HAVE A LEMON.
NHTSA ODI #11209386
30,000 miles · Feb 12, 2019
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
THE CAR WOULD STALL WHEN COASTING TO A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN A FEW TIMES AND HAVE BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND CAN'T REPLICATED THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND CAN CAUSE AN UNSAFE AND HUGE ACCIDENT WITH MY FAMILY. THE CAR WOULD DIE WHILE IN DRIVE AND SOMETIMES CAN'T BE RESTARTED. IT'S HAPPENING AGAIN AND AFRAID…
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THE CAR WOULD STALL WHEN COASTING TO A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN A FEW TIMES AND HAVE BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND CAN'T REPLICATED THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND CAN CAUSE AN UNSAFE AND HUGE ACCIDENT WITH MY FAMILY. THE CAR WOULD DIE WHILE IN DRIVE AND SOMETIMES CAN'T BE RESTARTED. IT'S HAPPENING AGAIN AND AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR SINCE THE DEALER WILL SAY NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. IT LOOKS LIKE IT'S RELATED TO IDLE BEING LOW OR THE CVT ACTING UP WHEN TAKING THE FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL AND TRY TO ACCELERATE FROM A DEAD STOP OR COASTING TO A STOP. THIS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES DURING FACTORY WARRANTY WINDOW.
NHTSA ODI #11176539
35,000 miles · Aug 1, 2018
Electrical System
I HAVE HAD 3 RADIOS REPLACED IN MY 2015 OUTBACK, SINCE 12-8-17 PROBLEMS INCLUDE , NAVIGATION GOING OUT, THE SIRIUSXM GOING OUT, NOW THE REPLACEMENT UNIT( BOTH REMANUFACTURED) HAS A 'CHIRP' SOUND COMING OUT OF IT WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ON ALL CHANNELS. VERY DISTRACTING AS YOU LOOK DOWN AT THE DASH TO CHECK FOR WARNINGS, TAKIN…
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I HAVE HAD 3 RADIOS REPLACED IN MY 2015 OUTBACK, SINCE 12-8-17 PROBLEMS INCLUDE , NAVIGATION GOING OUT, THE SIRIUSXM GOING OUT, NOW THE REPLACEMENT UNIT( BOTH REMANUFACTURED) HAS A 'CHIRP' SOUND COMING OUT OF IT WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ON ALL CHANNELS. VERY DISTRACTING AS YOU LOOK DOWN AT THE DASH TO CHECK FOR WARNINGS, TAKING YOUR EYES OFF THE ROAD.THIS REPLACEMENT UNIT IS LESS THAN A WEEK OLD( REPLACED ON 7-26-18. SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE CONTACTED 8-1-18. FIRST NOTICED ON 7-29-17.
NHTSA ODI #11115211
57,000 miles · May 21, 2018
Electrical System
MY CAR WAS PARKED AT A PIER. GOT INTO CAR AND WOULD NOT START. DID NOT SEEM LIKE A BATTERY ISSUE, HOWEVER, AS IT SOUNDED AS IF IT WOULD START TO TURN OVER, BUT THEN JUST CLICKED OFF. THEN I PUSHED THE BUTTON TO THE DRIVER'S SEAT WINDOW AND IT GOT STUCK HALF WAY UP, BUT THE OTHER WINDOWS WERE OKAY AT THAT TIME. THEN THE WHEE…
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MY CAR WAS PARKED AT A PIER. GOT INTO CAR AND WOULD NOT START. DID NOT SEEM LIKE A BATTERY ISSUE, HOWEVER, AS IT SOUNDED AS IF IT WOULD START TO TURN OVER, BUT THEN JUST CLICKED OFF. THEN I PUSHED THE BUTTON TO THE DRIVER'S SEAT WINDOW AND IT GOT STUCK HALF WAY UP, BUT THE OTHER WINDOWS WERE OKAY AT THAT TIME. THEN THE WHEEL LOCKED UP AND THE BREAK WOULD NOT BUDGE. THEN AFTER TRYING TO TURN THE CAR ON AGAIN, THE OTHER WINDOWS STOPPED WORKING. EACH TIME BEFORE TRYING TO START IT AGAIN, I WAITED A FEW MINUTES. THEN AFTER TRYING TO START THE CAR AGAIN, ALL THE LOCKS FROZE AND WE WERE STUCK INSIDE THE VEHICLE! INSIDE LOCKS AND LEVER DID NOT WORK! LUCKILY, THE DRIVER'S SEAT WINDOW WAS STUCK HALF WAY DOWN, SO I TOOK MY MANUAL KEY OUT OF THE ACCESS KEY, AND STUCK MY HAND AND ARM OUT THE WINDOW TO OPEN THE CAR FROM THE OUTSIDE. IT WAS ALSO LUCK THAT MY FRIEND WAS WITH ME, AS SHE HAD TO PULL THE INSIDE KNOB AT THE SAME TIME (AS I COULD NOT REACH IT) SO I COULD OPEN THE DOOR. THEN 2 MEN WALKED BY AND OFFERED THEIR ASSISTANCE. WHERE ABLE TO JUMP START THE CAR AND GET IT GOING. THE PROBLEM STILL WAS NOT SOLVED, HOWEVER, AS NOW MY PARKING BREAK WAS STUCK ON AND I COULD NOT TURN IT OFF. THEN I INADVERTENTLY TURNED THE CAR OFF, AND IT MIRACULOUSLY TURNED RIGHT BACK ON AND ALL SOFTWARE DEFICIENCIES WERE CLEARED SO I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME. THIS ALL HAPPENED OVER A PERIOD OF 5 HOURS, DURING WHICH TIME I HAD CALLED AAA FOR A TOW, MY EX-HUSBAND FOR A RIDE (AS AAA WOULD NOT ALLOW MY DOG TO RIDE IN THE TOW TRUCK) AND I WAS 1HR 20 MIN FROM HOME WHICH AS THE EVENING CREPT IN, WAS SLOWLY BECOMING AN UNSAFE AREA AND WE WERE GETTING MORE AND MORE SCARED. WHAT IF I HAD BEEN ALONE? WHAT IF MY WINDOW WAS NOT HALF WAY DOWN? WHAT IF I HAD BROKEN DOWN IN AN UNSAFE PLACE FROM THE GET GO? THIS CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE!
NHTSA ODI #11097025
35,000 miles · Mar 27, 2018
Electrical System
BATTERY PERIODICALLY GOES DEAD OVERNIGHT
NHTSA ODI #11081529
30,000 miles · Feb 3, 2018
Electrical System
THE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM FREEZES UP ABOUT EVERY OTHER DAY AND THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING AGAIN FOR THE LAST MONTH. REAR BACKUP CAMERA STAYS ON AT TIMES. SCREEN FREEZES AND HARD KNOB CONTROLS OF INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM WILL NOT WORK WHEN TOUCH SCREEN IS FROZEN. THIS IS THE SECOND MODULE THAT HAS BEEN INSTALLED DUE TO THESE ISSUES AND PR…
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THE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM FREEZES UP ABOUT EVERY OTHER DAY AND THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING AGAIN FOR THE LAST MONTH. REAR BACKUP CAMERA STAYS ON AT TIMES. SCREEN FREEZES AND HARD KNOB CONTROLS OF INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM WILL NOT WORK WHEN TOUCH SCREEN IS FROZEN. THIS IS THE SECOND MODULE THAT HAS BEEN INSTALLED DUE TO THESE ISSUES AND PROBLEMS CONTINUE.
NHTSA ODI #11066768
Official recalls
5May 11, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to May 6, 2016. The steering column on the affected vehicles may have been improperly machined, and as a result, turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lot number on the steering column, replacing the steering column, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 or by visiting http://www.wtd65.service-campaign.com. Subaru's number for this recall is WTD-65. Note: Until the vehicles have been inspected, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles.
Apr 27, 2016
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.
Aug 10, 2015
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.
Jun 12, 2015
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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Forward Collision Avoidance: Crash Imminent Braking
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.
Sep 19, 2014
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Outback vehicles manufactured January 22, 2014, to August 18, 2014, and equipped with a Subaru accessory trailer hitch assembly. During installation, the trailer hitch mounting nuts may have been overtightened, potentially resulting in failure of the trailer hitch mounting studs.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The mounting nut(s) may not provide sufficient force to remain attached to the studs or the studs themselves might break. If this were to happen while a trailer is being towed, the driver might not be able to operate the vehicle as desired or the trailer may detach from the vehicle. Either situation could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace all eight mounting nuts for the trailer hitch assembly, and will inspect all eight mounting studs for damage, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2014. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQN-50.
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.
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