NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Air Bags complaints
10 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jan 4, 2026
Air Bags
Almost after I took ownership of my vehicle in August 2024 from Lexus of Pembroke Pines, I noticed a light on the dashboard that would light intermittently. I purchased an extended warranty for almost four thousand dollars at the time of sale, thank God, as this car has needed a lot of work that I was never told about nor was an…
Read full complaint
Almost after I took ownership of my vehicle in August 2024 from Lexus of Pembroke Pines, I noticed a light on the dashboard that would light intermittently. I purchased an extended warranty for almost four thousand dollars at the time of sale, thank God, as this car has needed a lot of work that I was never told about nor was anything in the CARFAX indicating so many issues. Subaru of Pembroke Pines service department took vehicle in to work on the air bag sensor as that is what seemed to be the issue. In the sixteen months that I have been paying off a loan, the car has been in service for at least a combined ten months plus. They have changed the sensor twice and have changed the harness twice to no avail and that has been covered by the warranty. Now Subaru wants to take apart the car to trace wires to try to find out why the light still won't go out. The warranty company is refusing to take responsibility for the payment for the work and I cannot and will not pay out of my pocket. Subaru wants me to take my car back and drive it. I DO NOT WANT TO DIE FROM A FAULTY AIRBAG. There is something grossly wrong with the vehicle, the service department and especially the warranty company. Please help me get my vehicle fixed without having to be further raped financially. Subaru is trying to get me to purchase yet another vehicle AND I was told by the service lane manager that I should never have been sold that car. IT IS DANGEROUS. My files you are requesting are in my car which is at the dealership.
NHTSA ODI #11708698
44,343 miles · Apr 8, 2021
Air BagsBack Over PreventionPower TrainCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS WIFE HAD ATTEMPTED TO PARK THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE JUMPED A CURB AND HIT A TREE; HOWEVER, HIS WIFE WAS UNSURE IF ANY WARNING LIGHTS HAD ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAIL…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS WIFE HAD ATTEMPTED TO PARK THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WHILE AT A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE JUMPED A CURB AND HIT A TREE; HOWEVER, HIS WIFE WAS UNSURE IF ANY WARNING LIGHTS HAD ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT AND THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS NOT INJURED. THE POLICE WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE DAMAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED UNDER RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V794000 (POWER TRAIN) WHERE IT WAS SERVICED BY NORTH END SUBARU(757 CHASE RD, LUNENBURG, MA 01462). THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER HAD YET TO BE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 44,343.
NHTSA ODI #11407039
14,200 miles · Oct 27, 2020
Air BagsCrashInjury
WIFE HAD AN ACCIDENT WHERE SHE PULLED IN FRONT OF LARGE F350 TRUCK, HIT ON PASSENGER SIDE. SHE WAS GOING 15 MPH, AND TRUCK WAS GOING 50-60 MPH. THE SIDE CURTAIN AND FRONT AIRBAG ON PASSENGER SIDE DEPLOYED. HER CAR ALSO HIT A SIGN AND TREE, CAVING IN THE FRONT OF VEHICLE. HER DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND SHE WAS SEVER…
Read full complaint
WIFE HAD AN ACCIDENT WHERE SHE PULLED IN FRONT OF LARGE F350 TRUCK, HIT ON PASSENGER SIDE. SHE WAS GOING 15 MPH, AND TRUCK WAS GOING 50-60 MPH. THE SIDE CURTAIN AND FRONT AIRBAG ON PASSENGER SIDE DEPLOYED. HER CAR ALSO HIT A SIGN AND TREE, CAVING IN THE FRONT OF VEHICLE. HER DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND SHE WAS SEVERELY INJURED AND SPENT 8 DAYS IN HOSPITAL. LOST PARTIAL DENTURES, ANOTHER TOOTH AND BENT HER IMPLANT WHEN HER FACE HIT STEERING WHEEL. SHE HAD ABOUT 150 STITCHES TO FACE AND HAS PERMANENT SCARING TO FACE AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE OF AIRBAG TO DEPLOY. SHE WAS WEARING SEAT BELT AND HAS BRUISES TO SHOW FOR IT. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. AIRBAG IS MADE BY TAKATA. COULD NOT FIND ANY OPEN RECALLS ON AIRBAG. INITIAL IMPACT WAS TO RIGHT SIDE, AND THEN FRONT OF HER 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK STRUCK TREE AND SIGN. AIRBAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED.
NHTSA ODI #11366703
58,000 miles · Nov 28, 2018
Air Bags
PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG IS EXPANDING OUT. DASH IS SPLITTING. CONCERN FOR PREMATURE ACTIVATION.
NHTSA ODI #11154540
Mileage unknown · Apr 3, 2018
Air Bags
TAKATA RECALL (UNKNOWN WHETHER MY SPECIFIC VEHICLE AIRBAGS ARE SUBJECT TO RECALL) PURCHASED AS NEW CAR.
NHTSA ODI #11083176
Mileage unknown · Aug 8, 2017
Air Bags
TAKATA RECALL
NHTSA ODI #11013647
4,000 miles · Jun 8, 2017
Air BagsVehicle Speed ControlCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A UTILITY POLE. THE FRONT END WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED; HOWEVER, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A UTILITY POLE. THE FRONT END WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED; HOWEVER, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000. UPDATED 08/09/17*LJ UPDATED 10/13/2017*JS
NHTSA ODI #10994003
2,750 miles · Apr 8, 2017
Air BagsStructureCrashInjury
HIT DEER WITH RIGHT FRONT FENDER AT ABOUT 40 MPH ON A DRY, STRAIGHT HWY. IMPACT WAS MINOR, SHEET METAL DAMAGE ONLY,NO FLUID LOSS OR SUSPENSION SYSTEM DAMAGE BUT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED VIOLENTLY, MUCH SMOKE. SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEFLATE MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO EXIT VEHICLE. AIRBAG IMPACT ON LEFT EAR HAS DAMAGED HEARING, PROBABLY …
Read full complaint
HIT DEER WITH RIGHT FRONT FENDER AT ABOUT 40 MPH ON A DRY, STRAIGHT HWY. IMPACT WAS MINOR, SHEET METAL DAMAGE ONLY,NO FLUID LOSS OR SUSPENSION SYSTEM DAMAGE BUT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED VIOLENTLY, MUCH SMOKE. SIDE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEFLATE MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT TO EXIT VEHICLE. AIRBAG IMPACT ON LEFT EAR HAS DAMAGED HEARING, PROBABLY PERMANENTLY. CLEARWATER COUNTY IDAHO SHERIFFS OFFICE CASE NUMBER P2017-00350.
NHTSA ODI #10971465
1,100 miles · Sep 9, 2016
Air BagsVehicle Speed ControlCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS SECURED IN PARK WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD INDEPENDENTLY WHEN THE BRAKE WAS RELEASED. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER THEN SHIFTED INTO REVERSE AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY IN REVERSE. T…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS SECURED IN PARK WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD INDEPENDENTLY WHEN THE BRAKE WAS RELEASED. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE DRIVER THEN SHIFTED INTO REVERSE AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY IN REVERSE. THE DRIVER SHIFTED INTO DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED FORWARD AGAIN AND CRASHED INTO THE SIDE OF A BUILDING. THE VEHICLE JUMPED A CURB AND CRASHED INTO A TREE COMING TO A STOP. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER; HOWEVER, A DIAGNOSTIC TEST SHOWED NO FAULT CODES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,100.
NHTSA ODI #10904945
Mileage unknown · Jan 5, 2016
Air Bags
TAKATA RECALL-WANTED TO PURCHASE A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK 3.6L, AND AFTER MULTIPLE INQUIRIES, FINALLY WAS TOLD THAT TAKATA AIRBAGS STILL BEING USED IN THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT WHEREAS OTHER MANUFACTURERS' AIRBAGS ARE NOW BEING USED IN DRIVERS AND SIDE CURTAIN PARTS OF THE AUTO. SO PASSENGER FRONT SEATS ARE STILL VULNERABLE. WE WOUL…
Read full complaint
TAKATA RECALL-WANTED TO PURCHASE A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK 3.6L, AND AFTER MULTIPLE INQUIRIES, FINALLY WAS TOLD THAT TAKATA AIRBAGS STILL BEING USED IN THE PASSENGER FRONT SEAT WHEREAS OTHER MANUFACTURERS' AIRBAGS ARE NOW BEING USED IN DRIVERS AND SIDE CURTAIN PARTS OF THE AUTO. SO PASSENGER FRONT SEATS ARE STILL VULNERABLE. WE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THIS MIX OF AIRBAG MANUFACTURERS IS KNOWN TO ALL CONSUMERS SO THEY KNOW THE RISK THEY ARE PURCHASING. WE DECLINED TO BUY THE SUBARU OUTBACK THIS YEAR UNTIL WE FIND A MANUFACTURER WHO USES NO TAKATA AIRBAGS.
NHTSA ODI #10818039
Official recalls
4Dec 19, 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Outback vehicles. A replacement air bag control module may have been installed that is not compatible with the passenger air bag module, possibly affecting air bag deployment.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating passenger frontal air bag deployment, the air bag may not deploy properly, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 3, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUX-09.
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.
Nov 24, 2015
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016 Legacy vehicles manufactured October 24, 2015, to November 16, 2015, and Outback vehicles manufactured October 24, 2015, to November 17, 2015. Due to the improper tightening of the securing nuts, the drive shaft may separate from the rear differential.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the drive shaft detaches from the rear differential, it may strike the fuel tank and result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the fastening nuts, and tighten or replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 10, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is WQV-57.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Power Train:driveline:differential Unit
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016 Legacy vehicles manufactured October 24, 2015, to November 16, 2015, and Outback vehicles manufactured October 24, 2015, to November 17, 2015. Due to the improper tightening of the securing nuts, the drive shaft may separate from the rear differential.
Consequence: If the drive shaft detaches from the rear differential, it may strike the fuel tank and result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the fastening nuts, and tighten or replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 10, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is WQV-57.
Power Train:driveline:driveshaft
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016 Legacy vehicles manufactured October 24, 2015, to November 16, 2015, and Outback vehicles manufactured October 24, 2015, to November 17, 2015. Due to the improper tightening of the securing nuts, the drive shaft may separate from the rear differential.
Consequence: If the drive shaft detaches from the rear differential, it may strike the fuel tank and result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the fastening nuts, and tighten or replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 10, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is WQV-57.
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: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.
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.
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.
Illustration