NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
510 reportsMileage unknown · Nov 19, 2021
Electrical System
Our car has electrical / battery problems. It frequently will not start on its own. We have to jump start the battery about once a month, sometimes more frequently. The primary driver commutes 120 miles at least once a week (60 miles each way), thus we should not have issues with battery drain, but we do. We replaced the bat…
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Our car has electrical / battery problems. It frequently will not start on its own. We have to jump start the battery about once a month, sometimes more frequently. The primary driver commutes 120 miles at least once a week (60 miles each way), thus we should not have issues with battery drain, but we do. We replaced the battery 1 year ago and the problem still remains. The battery also drains quite quickly, for example, last week we had the back lift gate open for 15 - 20 minutes while we were in and out of the house packing up the car with all the things I needed for a work event. When we were ready to go, the car wouldn't start. This has happened to us multiple times camping in the past. Because we have had so many problems with our car starting, we keep a small battery generator charged and in the car so we can jumpstart our car if needed. Without this device, we would have been stranded in the back country tens of miles away from civilization with no cell service and no ability to get home. We've started keeping all the lights off inside the car to see if that helps, It hasn't, even with no lights on inside the car the battery has drained while packing up our car for a trip. The dealership replaced the battery in 2020 and said that was the problem, they have not looked for "parasitic drain" despite our complaints. There is no warning when this will happen, no lights appear or messages. This has been an ongoing problem that started in 2019 that continues to this day. Our safety has been put at risk multiple times with this problem by potentially leaving us completely stranded in the woods, at night in urban environments, and has prevented us from getting to work on time. I've read on numerous forums that this has been a problem with the CANs systems in this model. Please investigate.
NHTSA ODI #11441062
Mileage unknown · Nov 10, 2021
Power Train
local mechanic doing standard maintenence at 62,861 miles, checking high rpms at startup, noticed that the crankshaft pully was moving up and down , slight variance , when it should be straight. apparently a recall issue on 2016 outbacks.
NHTSA ODI #11440007
Mileage unknown · Nov 8, 2021
Electrical System
My 2015 Subaru Outback has continually experienced random battery drain. I have replaced the battery 3 times since purchasing the car from a dealership in 2017. In all cases, there was no advanced warning indicating that the battery was low, the car had been driven regularly with an average amount of mileage and no lights wer…
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My 2015 Subaru Outback has continually experienced random battery drain. I have replaced the battery 3 times since purchasing the car from a dealership in 2017. In all cases, there was no advanced warning indicating that the battery was low, the car had been driven regularly with an average amount of mileage and no lights were left on nor was there extreme weather. Most recently (11/7/2021) the tailgate was up with the car off for 30-45 minutes. It was jump started, we made it home and the next morning it had zero power. That last battery was purchased in April of 2021. The car is regularly maintained by the dealer and/or a certified mechanic.
NHTSA ODI #11439800
Mileage unknown · Oct 19, 2021
Unknown Or Other
I previously wrote to you back in mid-Sept. 2021. It was a problem with battery drainage on my Outback and the fact that many other Subaru owners were having the same problem. #[XXX] was the case # that I was assigned. I have never heard from anyone at the NHTSA I don't want to repeat everything that I previously stated. I w…
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I previously wrote to you back in mid-Sept. 2021. It was a problem with battery drainage on my Outback and the fact that many other Subaru owners were having the same problem. #[XXX] was the case # that I was assigned. I have never heard from anyone at the NHTSA I don't want to repeat everything that I previously stated. I would appreciate a response as enough time has elapsed. Thank you. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA ODI #11437276
Mileage unknown · Oct 2, 2021
Electrical System
On multiple occasions the battery completely dies over night for no apparent reason and with no warning. Nothing that draws power was left on. This is a hazard as we can be stuck someplace with no way to start our car. The battery and alternator always check out as normal (by local mechanic), yet it keeps dying to the point t…
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On multiple occasions the battery completely dies over night for no apparent reason and with no warning. Nothing that draws power was left on. This is a hazard as we can be stuck someplace with no way to start our car. The battery and alternator always check out as normal (by local mechanic), yet it keeps dying to the point that there are no dash lights, horn, emergency blinker or anything else functioning. Most recently I can't even jump start the Outback. Some design defect, (electronic/ computer) is causing the vehicles' battery to drain quickly which renders the car inoperable.
NHTSA ODI #11435250
Mileage unknown · Sep 29, 2021
Steering
Vehicle had recent periodic service performed prior to event at Gwinette Subaru, Gwinette, GA. Vehicle currently has 54K miles. The Vehicle was purcashed this year as a Dealer Certified pe-owned vehicle. While leaving the Walmart parkinglot and entering a busy intesection I lost control of the vehicle steering and I her severe k…
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Vehicle had recent periodic service performed prior to event at Gwinette Subaru, Gwinette, GA. Vehicle currently has 54K miles. The Vehicle was purcashed this year as a Dealer Certified pe-owned vehicle. While leaving the Walmart parkinglot and entering a busy intesection I lost control of the vehicle steering and I her severe knocking sounds against body of vehicle I barley was able to drive vehicle out of traffic. When I tried to exit Vehicle the driver's door would not open. I exited from the passenger door and walked around vehicle and found that my driver side tire was up aginst fender and had pust fender up agains driver door. the tire was at wired angle . When the tow truc arrived the technician removed the tire in order to move vehicle. Once tire was removed it was obvious that there was a catostrophic steering Ball Joint failure. the vehicle was taken to Gwinette Subaru where they denied it being a component failure and treated me as if it was my fault. The car did not collide with anything not have I hit any potholes to cause this failure. Gwinette Subuaru failed to take proper steps to report this component failure, But I am and will be contacting The State of Georgia Public Safety. I was actually on my way to Interstate 85 a very congested Interstate that moves at about 75-80 mph. I could of been Killed at that speed and worse there would of been multiple cars involved in a collision. Please Help Me! Damage was estimated at $4016.75
NHTSA ODI #11434848
Mileage unknown · Sep 27, 2021
Electrical System
This car has repeatedly drained the battery when completely off. I have replaced the battery thinking it was a faulty battery, only to have this occur repeatedly with a new battery. I am certain the doors are shut, lights are off, car is off and locked and nothing I have left on is in anyway draining the battery. I have even exp…
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This car has repeatedly drained the battery when completely off. I have replaced the battery thinking it was a faulty battery, only to have this occur repeatedly with a new battery. I am certain the doors are shut, lights are off, car is off and locked and nothing I have left on is in anyway draining the battery. I have even experienced this when driving the car for an hour, parking it for 30 minutes and coming back to a dead battery. The battery drops to 5v and car won’t start. The battery does charge and holds 13.5v. This is not an error with the battery as I have replaced the battery.
NHTSA ODI #11434465
Mileage unknown · Sep 23, 2021
EngineFuel/propulsion System
While driving at highway speed and traveling over about 6 hours, the car simply shut off. We were traveling on the highway in the passing lane. Without warning the car began to slow down rapidly, no dash lights on, but the engine was off. We managed to cross two lanes of traffic without power assist and once on the shoulder and …
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While driving at highway speed and traveling over about 6 hours, the car simply shut off. We were traveling on the highway in the passing lane. Without warning the car began to slow down rapidly, no dash lights on, but the engine was off. We managed to cross two lanes of traffic without power assist and once on the shoulder and slowing down, the engine lights all came on. Once fully stopped, we turned the car off, waited a few seconds and restarted. We were then able to complete our trip without difficulty. This has happened twice. The dealer has done full diagnostics twice but has been unable to find the problem. We have heard that other year Subaru outbacks have been recalled for this problem but our year isn't included.
NHTSA ODI #11434112
Mileage unknown · Sep 15, 2021
Electrical System
I have had to change my car battery three times in four years. A couple times it seemed like my battery went bad soon after having service on my car even though my battery tested okay and given a green symbol. The last date I had to replace the battery is below.
NHTSA ODI #11433147
Mileage unknown · Sep 15, 2021
Unknown Or Other
I proudly purchased my 2015 Subaru Outback, new, in April 2015. I currently have less than 18,000 miles on it. During the time I have owned my Outback, I have had to replace the battery 5 times, through no fault of my own. Subaru USA and my Subaru dealership say that I do not drive it enough. B/S. I have done some research …
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I proudly purchased my 2015 Subaru Outback, new, in April 2015. I currently have less than 18,000 miles on it. During the time I have owned my Outback, I have had to replace the battery 5 times, through no fault of my own. Subaru USA and my Subaru dealership say that I do not drive it enough. B/S. I have done some research online and have found many other Subaru owners who are constantly having battery problems and dead batteries. I understand some have filed a Class Action Suit. The problem appears to be that the battery drains down on a regular basis. Now when I put my car in my garage at night, I turn the headlights off completely, the radio off, the A/C off, and I do not set my parking brake for fear all of the above will drain my battery overnight. I am even afraid to set my car alarm. I have had to call AAA each time the battery has gone COMPLETELY DEAD. They are tired of seeing me. Fortunately for me, each time the battery has died, I was at home and my car in the garage. I am a senior citizen who is afraid my battery will die when I am not close to home. I purchased a Subaru because of its so-called reliability. I am tired of Subaru giving me the runaround and trying to make it look as though I am the problem. I, for the life of me, don't understand how this problem has been swept under the rug by Subaru for so LONG. When I chose the Outback, I had done my homework and went first to the LA Auto Show and the Outback, back then, appeared to be my dream car, which has turned into a nightmare for me. I had a Sienna for 15 years and only replaced the battery twice. PLEASE have your staff seriously look into this Subaru battery drainage problem. I am certainly not alone with this problem. Each time I go to start up my Outback, I have to hold my breath and keep my finger and toes crossed. Subaru USA has given me little or no answer to my problem. My dealership again tells me I have to drive more. The other Subaru owners must not drive enough!!!
NHTSA ODI #11433007
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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