NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
643 reports2,750 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
15,800 miles · Apr 4, 2017
Unknown Or Other
WHENEVER IT RAINS, THE FRONT PASSENGER FLOOR IS FLOODED WITH WATER. I HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS ISSUE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND SUBARU OF AMERICA, THEY MADE 4 ATTEMPTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM. EVERY TIME I COMPLAINED ABOUT THE PROBLEM, THE DEALERSHIP KEEPS MY VEHICLE FOR MORE THAN 2 WEEKS, THEY TELL ME SOME CAR STORY THAT I DO NOT UNDER…
Read full complaint
WHENEVER IT RAINS, THE FRONT PASSENGER FLOOR IS FLOODED WITH WATER. I HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS ISSUE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND SUBARU OF AMERICA, THEY MADE 4 ATTEMPTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM. EVERY TIME I COMPLAINED ABOUT THE PROBLEM, THE DEALERSHIP KEEPS MY VEHICLE FOR MORE THAN 2 WEEKS, THEY TELL ME SOME CAR STORY THAT I DO NOT UNDERSTAND, REASSURE ME THAT THE PROBLEM IS FIXED, BUT THE NEXT TIME IT RAINS, I AM BACK AT THE DEALERSHIP. ALL THESE PROBLEMS HAPPENED WITHIN 18 MONTHS OF MY VEHICLE PURCHASE. AT THE MOMENT, MY CAR IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP, THIS WILL BE THE 4TH TIME THE FLOOR IS FLOODED WITH WATER. I HAVE ASKED SUBARU OF AMERICA FOR MY FULL MONEY BACK, BUT THEY KEEP TELLING ME, THAT THEY ARE INVESTIGATING THE PROBLEM AND A REPRESENTATIVE WILL REACH OUT TO ME. WHEN THE FLOOR WAS FLOODED WITH WATER, THE CAR WAS STATIONARY AND IT WAS PARKED AT A PRIVATE PROPERTY PARKING LOT (NOT A GARAGE).
NHTSA ODI #10970440
3,000 miles · Mar 17, 2017
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesCrash
THE EYESIGHT SYSTEM FAILED TO BRAKE THE CAR AUTOMATICALLY.
NHTSA ODI #10966529
Mileage unknown · Mar 4, 2017
Structure
DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR CRACKED-OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION (DOOR WAS CAUGHT BY LATCH, PREVENTING IT FROM SWINGING OPEN FULLY). ISSUE FIRST OCCURRED AT AROUND 4000MI IN EARLY OCTOBER 2016 WHEN TRAVELING ON I278 EASTBOUND AT 50MPH. DRIVER THOUGHT SOMETHING WAS STUCK IN DOORJAMB. ISSUE REOCCURRED AT 4500MI IN MID OCTOB…
Read full complaint
DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR CRACKED-OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY WHEN VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION (DOOR WAS CAUGHT BY LATCH, PREVENTING IT FROM SWINGING OPEN FULLY). ISSUE FIRST OCCURRED AT AROUND 4000MI IN EARLY OCTOBER 2016 WHEN TRAVELING ON I278 EASTBOUND AT 50MPH. DRIVER THOUGHT SOMETHING WAS STUCK IN DOORJAMB. ISSUE REOCCURRED AT 4500MI IN MID OCTOBER 2016 ON RT17 SOUTHBOUND WITH 4 PEOPLE IN TOW, TRAVELING AT 65MPH. LOCAL SERVICE CENTER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE TWO OCCURRENCES AT 4573MI ON 22 OCT. 16. DOOR LATCH MECHANISM WAS INSPECTED AND DETERMINED WORKING AS DESIGNED. ISSUE REOCCURRED 500MI AFTER DOOR LATCH MECHANISM WAS LAST INSPECTED ON I278 WESTBOUND, TRAVELING AT 20MPH. ISSUE WAS ADDRESSED AT 5071MI ON 15 NOV. 16. DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED AND NO ISSUE ENCOUNTERED SINCE REPAIR. OBSERVED CONDITIONS AT TIME OF DOOR LATCH FAILURE WERE: HUMID, 60-74F TEMPERATURES, SMOOTH ROADS, NO POTHOLES, VEHICLE WAS TURNING TWICE LEFT AND ONCE RIGHT.
NHTSA ODI #10958574
Mileage unknown · Mar 4, 2017
Seats
FRONT PASSENGER SEATS LOOSENED AT THE FLOOR LEVEL (PERHAPS FROM THEIR ANCHORAGE TO THE FLOOR OR AT THEIR TRACKS). SPECIFICALLY, REAR PART OF SEATS CAN MOVE UP AND DOWN AND FORWARD ON AN ARC WITH DRIVER AND PASSENGER IN RESPECTIVE SEATS. EVENT HAPPENS WHEN DECELERATING AND WHEN VEHICLE IS DIVING FORWARD AS A RESULT OF A BUMP. THI…
Read full complaint
FRONT PASSENGER SEATS LOOSENED AT THE FLOOR LEVEL (PERHAPS FROM THEIR ANCHORAGE TO THE FLOOR OR AT THEIR TRACKS). SPECIFICALLY, REAR PART OF SEATS CAN MOVE UP AND DOWN AND FORWARD ON AN ARC WITH DRIVER AND PASSENGER IN RESPECTIVE SEATS. EVENT HAPPENS WHEN DECELERATING AND WHEN VEHICLE IS DIVING FORWARD AS A RESULT OF A BUMP. THIS UNINTENDED SEAT MOVEMENT CAUSES THE DRIVER TO MOVE CLOSER TO THE STEERING WHEEL AND WINDSHIELD WITH THE SEAT. THE FRONT PASSENGER ALSO GETS PUSHED FORWARD TOWARD THE WINDSHIELD AND DASH. THIS ISSUE HAPPEN(S/ED) AT CITY AND HIGHWAY SPEEDS. ISSUES WERE MADE AWARE TO SERVICE TECHNICIANS AT 3748MI ON 08 OCT. 16 AND 4573MI ON 22 OCT. 16. DRIVER'S SEAT IS LOOSENING AGAIN WITH VEHICLE AT 9090MI ON 03 MAR. 17.
NHTSA ODI #10958572
Mileage unknown · Feb 26, 2017
Service Brakes
THE BREAKS LOCKED UP ON ME AS I WAS ABOUT TO PASS A TURNING CAR. THEY ALSO LOCKED UP ON ME ONCE WHEN A CAR WAS GETTING IN MY LANE. I SAW BOTH OF THESE CARS AND WAS NOT IN DANGER OF HITTING ONE OF THEM.
NHTSA ODI #10956992
10,500 miles · Feb 23, 2017
Visibility/wiper
WINDSHIELD CRACK APPEARED SUDDENLY ORIGINATING NEAR THE HEATING ELEMENT AT THE BOTTOM .DO NOT SEE ANY VISIBLE ROCK HIT MARKS . DEALERSHIP DOES NOT ACKNOWLEDGE ANY MANUFACTURING DEFECTS AND I HAVE TO GET IT REPAIRED USING MY INSURANCE .
NHTSA ODI #10956481
25,000 miles · Feb 22, 2017
Service BrakesCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE INCREASED IN SPEED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE COLLIDED INTO AN EMBANKMENT AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE W…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE INCREASED IN SPEED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE COLLIDED INTO AN EMBANKMENT AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 25,000.
NHTSA ODI #10956290
12,029 miles · Feb 22, 2017
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR DOORS FAILED TO OPEN AND REQUIRED EXCESSIVE FORCE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ICE WOULD BUILD UP, CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR DOORS FAILED TO OPEN AND REQUIRED EXCESSIVE FORCE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ICE WOULD BUILD UP, CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,029....UPDATED 03/29/17 *BF ...UPDATED 04/20/17 *BF *CN
NHTSA ODI #10956272
9,500 miles · Jan 7, 2017
Steering
INTERSTATE DRIVING. 65 MPH. NIGHTTIME DRIVING. CRUISE CONTROL OFF. SUBARU EYESIGHT STEERING CORRECTION OFF. THREE ADULT PASSENGERS. NO LUGGAGE. NO EXTRA WEIGHT. THULE ROOF CARGO CONTAINER SECURED TO THE ROOF RACKS. SUDDEN ENCOUNTER OF ICE ON ROAD. SIGNIFICANTLY DEGRADED STEERING CAPABILITY. WE WERE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 1-…
Read full complaint
INTERSTATE DRIVING. 65 MPH. NIGHTTIME DRIVING. CRUISE CONTROL OFF. SUBARU EYESIGHT STEERING CORRECTION OFF. THREE ADULT PASSENGERS. NO LUGGAGE. NO EXTRA WEIGHT. THULE ROOF CARGO CONTAINER SECURED TO THE ROOF RACKS. SUDDEN ENCOUNTER OF ICE ON ROAD. SIGNIFICANTLY DEGRADED STEERING CAPABILITY. WE WERE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 1-90 AND ENCOUNTERED AN UNEXPECTED LONG PATCH OF ICE ON A STRAIGHT SECTION OF ROAD. IT WAS VERY SMOOTH ICE WITHOUT SNOW COVER. THE CAR FELT LIKE THE REAR END WANTED TO COME AROUND AND I HAD TO COUNTER STEER TO KEEP THE CAR STRAIGHT. I IMMEDIATELY LET OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND DID NOT TOUCH THE BREAK. THE CAR THEN BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER. IT FELT LIKE THE CAR WAS CAUGHT IN DEEP ICE RUTS, BOUNCING BACK AND FORTH FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. THERE WERE NO ICE RUTS; THE ICE WAS SMOOTH. THE MOTION OF THE CAR WAS SEVERE ENOUGH THAT THE MOTION WOKE PASSENGERS. I LOST ALL CONFIDENCE THAT I COULD STEER THE CAR. I DID NOT TOUCH EITHER THE ACCELERATOR NOR THE GAS. I WAS ONLY TRYING TO REGAIN STEERING. I EVENTUALLY COASTED TO 40 MPH BEFORE I COULD REGAIN CONTROL. I HAVE DRIVEN ON ICE FOR 25+ YEARS AND HAVE NEVER ENCOUNTERED A CAR LIKE THIS. IT FELT LIKE THE CAR WAS TRYING TO STEER ITSELF AND THEN TRYING TO CORRECT ITSELF FOR AN OVER STEER. THIS LED TO ANOTHER CORRECTION BY THE VEHICLE. THIS BACK AND FORTH "MICRO" AUTO CORRECTION MADE STEERING EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS CAR. CAR HAS < 10,000 MILES. NO WRECKS. GOOD CONDITION. TIRES IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. ALL TIRES AT RECOMMENDED TIRE PRESSURE (40 PSI) THE MORNING BEFORE IN INCIDENT. THERE IS SOMETHING FUNDAMENTALLY WRONG WITH THIS CAR. IT IS A SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #10940371
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