IllustrationSRVD SYSTEM KEEPING GETTING DISABLED FROM NO REASON, RANDOMLY.
2015 Subaru Outback
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Outback years
Owner complaints for the 2015 Subaru Outback are substantially higher than the model-year median of 207.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Outback years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1810–25K
6925–50K
5350–75K
2675–100K
8100–150K
6150K+
343 reports with mileage · 167 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.
- Visibility/wiper. Review the 130 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 127 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 47 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
20 crash reports5 fire reports13 injury reports
Unknown Or Other complaints
108 reportsSUNROOF EXLOSION. ON FEBRUARY 1, 2016 MY WIFE WAS DRIVING TO WORK AT ABOUT 8:00 AM RUSH HOUR AND WHILE IN THE MOVING LINE ENTERING THE EASTWARD US I69 AT THE TEXAS HWY 6 SOUTH ENTRANCE IN SUGAR LAND TEXAS, AT AN AVERAGE SPEED BETWEEN 5-10 MPG THE SUNROOF OF OUR 2016 SUBARU 3.6R WITH 11305 MILES EXPLODED AND SHATTERED INTO HUNDR…
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SUNROOF EXLOSION. ON FEBRUARY 1, 2016 MY WIFE WAS DRIVING TO WORK AT ABOUT 8:00 AM RUSH HOUR AND WHILE IN THE MOVING LINE ENTERING THE EASTWARD US I69 AT THE TEXAS HWY 6 SOUTH ENTRANCE IN SUGAR LAND TEXAS, AT AN AVERAGE SPEED BETWEEN 5-10 MPG THE SUNROOF OF OUR 2016 SUBARU 3.6R WITH 11305 MILES EXPLODED AND SHATTERED INTO HUNDREDS OF SMALL PIECES THAT COLLECTED ON THE SUNLIGHT PROTECTIVE SCREEN. AFTER I TALKED TO MY WIFE AND VERIFIED THAT SHE HAD RECEIVED NO DAMAGE FROM THE INCIDENT I CALLED THE GILLMAN SOUTHWEST HOUSTON SUBARU DEALERSHIP WHERE WE BOUGHT THE CAR ON MAY 30 2015 AND MADE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT FOR THE NEXT DAY. DURING THE SERVICE CHECK-IN ON FEBRUARY 2, 2016 TOGETHER WITH THE GILLMAN SERVICE CONSULTANT WE LOOKED AS THOROUGHLY AS IT WAS POSSIBLE THROUGH THE GLASS DEBRIS TO TRY TO FIND ANY FOREIGN OBJECT THAT MIGHT HAVE CAUSED THE DAMAGED BUT WE DID NOT FIND ANYTHING. I VERY SPECIFICALLY REQUESTED THAT WHEN THE SUNROOF WAS TAKEN OUT OF THE CAR FOR REPLACEMENT THAT THEY PERFORM ANOTHER SEARCH SINCE IT WOULD BE EASIER TO DO THE SEARCH WITH THE SUNROOF ASSEMBLY OUT ON THE FLOOR. WHEN THE CAR WAS REPAIRED AND RETURNED THE GILLMAN REPRESENTATIVE CONFIRMED THAT THEY HAD DONE ANOTHER SEARCH BUT FAILED TO FIND ANY FOREIGN OBJECT ON THE GLASS DEBRIS. BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT HAVE A SUNROOF ON STOCK I LEFT THE CAR ON THE DEALERSHIP UNTIL FEBRUARY 5, 2016 WHEN THE CAR WAS RETURNED. DURING THE CHECKOUT I WAS INFORMED THAT THE REPAIRS WERE NOT COVERED UNDER THE CAR WARRANTY BECAUSE IT WAS ASSUMED THAT A FOREIGN OBJECT HAD CAUSED THE DAMAGE AND I WAS CHARGED $666.34 THE DECEMBER 2017 EDITION OF CONSUMER REPORTS MADE ME REALIZE THAT THIS IS A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE REPORTED.
THERE IS A CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD THAT SHOWED UP ABOUT 5 MONTHS AND HAS INCREASED IN SIZE. BEFORE BRINING IT TO THE DEALER (NAPOLEON SUBARU IN SCHAUMBURG, IL), I HAD THE VEHICLE CHECKED BY A LOCAL MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THE CRACK WAS DUE TO THE FAULTY WINDSHIELD AND NOT BECAUSE OF ANY IMPACT. THERE HAS BEEN NO IMPACT TO THE WI…
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THERE IS A CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD THAT SHOWED UP ABOUT 5 MONTHS AND HAS INCREASED IN SIZE. BEFORE BRINING IT TO THE DEALER (NAPOLEON SUBARU IN SCHAUMBURG, IL), I HAD THE VEHICLE CHECKED BY A LOCAL MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD THE CRACK WAS DUE TO THE FAULTY WINDSHIELD AND NOT BECAUSE OF ANY IMPACT. THERE HAS BEEN NO IMPACT TO THE WINDSHIELD TO MY KNOWLEDGE AND YET THE CRACK APPEARED AND HAS SPREAD. SUBARU DEALER SAID THAT THE CRACK MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY AN IMPACT BUT AGAIN I DON'T RECOLLECT ANY IMPACT THAT COULD CAUSE THIS. THE SUBARU DEALER SAID HE DID HIS PEN POINT CHECK AND THE CRACK WAS NOT CAUSED BY SUBARU'S FAULT. WHAT THE SUBARU DEALER TOLD ME ABOUT THE PEN POINT CHECK MAKES NO SENSE TO ME ESPECIALLY AS THERE HAS BEEN NO IMPACT TO MY WINDSHIELD. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT SUBARU AND THE DEALER ARE LYING ABOUT THE FAULTY WINDSHIELD AND ARE REFUSING TO REPLACE IT (WHICH I AM ASSUMING IS ALSO A FAULTY OEM PART). I HAVE OWNED SEVERAL CARS BEFORE AND I'VE NEVER HAD THIS ISSUE BEFORE. I REPEAT, NEVER BEFORE ON ANY CAR, ESPECIALLY A NEW CAR. I CHECKED WITH A LOCAL MECHANIC AND AGAIN, WAS TOLD THIS WAS LIKELY CAUSED BY FAULTY WINDSHIELD. EITHER TO AVOID ADMITTING FAULT OR TO AVOID PAYING FOR A RECALL FOR THIS ITEM OR FOR AVOIDING LIABILITY IN A LAWSUIT, I DON'T KNOW BUT I FEEL LIKE SUBARU IS DELIBERATELY LYING OR MISREPRESENTING THE FACTS ABOUT IT. I DON'T KNOW WHAT I SHOULD EXPECT FROM WRITING THIS COMPLAINT BUT I AM WRITING BECAUSE I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED WITH THIS. WE WERE CONSIDERING A SUBARU FORRESTER FOR NEXT YEAR BUT I AM NOT GOING TO DO THAT NOW GIVEN HOW BADLY SUBARU IS TREATING ME ON THIS FAULT OF THEIRS. I SUSPECT SUBARU WILL NOT DO THE RIGHT THING DESPITE IT BEING SUBARU'S FAULT AT PUTTING IN A BAD WINDSHIELD AND INSTEAD PUSH THE COST TO THE CAR BUYERS. I CAN BE REACHED ON THE CELL AT [XXX]. THANKS. [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
VOICE ACTIVATED NAVIGATION SYSTEM. THE VOICE ACTIVATED NAVIGATION SYSTEM IS EXTREMELY UNRELIABLE. THIS COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT WHILE DRIVING. I
PASSENGER SIDE BLIND SPOT INDICATOR IS INTERMITTENT (PERHAPS 50%). IT DOES NOT ALWAYS INDICATE THAT AN OBJECT IS IN IT'S VIEW WHEN IT ACTUALLY IS. IF YOU DEPEND UPON THIS DEVICE TO MAKE LANE CHANGES, YOU COULD HAVE A COLLISION. IT FAILS WHILE MOVING AT ANY SPEED ABOVE ABOUT 5-10 MPH AND WEATHER DOES NOT SEEM TO BE A FACTOR. I HA…
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PASSENGER SIDE BLIND SPOT INDICATOR IS INTERMITTENT (PERHAPS 50%). IT DOES NOT ALWAYS INDICATE THAT AN OBJECT IS IN IT'S VIEW WHEN IT ACTUALLY IS. IF YOU DEPEND UPON THIS DEVICE TO MAKE LANE CHANGES, YOU COULD HAVE A COLLISION. IT FAILS WHILE MOVING AT ANY SPEED ABOVE ABOUT 5-10 MPH AND WEATHER DOES NOT SEEM TO BE A FACTOR. I HAVE HAD IT IN TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES AND HE IS UNABLE TO FIX IT EVEN AFTER REPLACING BOTH BLIND SPOT SENSORS. THIS PROBLEM STARTED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BRAND NEW AND CONTINUES TO DATE. THE DEALER GAVE ME A 2016 LOANER MODEL WHEN WORKING ON MY CAR AND IT HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM.
I HAVE AN INTERMITTENT ISSUE WITH SLIDING THE DRIVER'S WINDOW, IT GOES UP AND RAPIDLY GOES DOWN, IT LOOKS LIKE IT DOESN'T FIT TO THE UPPER FRAME, IT IS ESPECIALLY INCONVENIENT WHILE RAINING. THAT PROBLEM APPEARS WHILE DRIVING OR PARKING.
BLIND SPOT DETECTION (ALSO CALLED SRVD) DID NOT WORK WHEN WE PICKED UP THE NEW CAR IN FEB 2015 THE FIRST TIME FROM DEALER. WE DID NOT NOTICE IT AT THE TIME. WE BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. THEY REPLACED A PART AT NO CHARGE UNDER WARRANTY. THE SRVD FEATURE WORKED FOR 6 MONTHS. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE SRVD. IT FAI…
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BLIND SPOT DETECTION (ALSO CALLED SRVD) DID NOT WORK WHEN WE PICKED UP THE NEW CAR IN FEB 2015 THE FIRST TIME FROM DEALER. WE DID NOT NOTICE IT AT THE TIME. WE BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. THEY REPLACED A PART AT NO CHARGE UNDER WARRANTY. THE SRVD FEATURE WORKED FOR 6 MONTHS. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE SRVD. IT FAILED AGAIN JUST 2 MONTHS LATER. WE ARE GOING BACK INTO THE SHOP FOR THE 3RD TIME TO FIX THE SRVD.
RIGHT REAR PASSGER WINDOW BLEW OUT AND SHATTERED WHILE DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY.
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY WITH THE SUNROOF CLOSED, THE SUNROOF GLASS SHATTERED SENDING MOST OF THE GLASS OUT OF THE CAR, BUT SOME LANDED ON THE DRIVER, PASSENGER, AND CENTER ARMREST. THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES WITHIN A MILE OF IT. WE WERE WEARING SUNGLASSES WHICH PROTECTED OUR EYES. THE CAUSE WAS AND STILL REMAINS UNKNOWN.
SUBARU REAR VEHICLE DETECTION (SRVD) SYSTEM HAS FAILED AFTER OWNING CAR FOR 16 MONTHS. THE 2015 OUTBACK HAS VERY BAD BLIND SPOTS AND PRESENTS A VERY UNSAFE CONDITION WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE IN TRAFFIC WITH THIS SYSTEM INOPERATIVE.
Official recalls
516V292000 · Steering:column
May 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.
16V251000 · Electronic Stability Control (esc)
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.
15V502000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:driveline:driveshaft
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.
15V366000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch; Forward Collision Avoidance: Crash Imminent Braking
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.
14V577000 · Trailer Hitches
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.