Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1290–25K
10925–50K
7450–75K
2075–100K
15100–150K
4150K+
351 reports with mileage · 292 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.
Electrical System. Review the 309 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Visibility/wiper. Review the 83 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine. Review the 53 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
22 crash reports3 fire reports8 injury reports
What owners actually said
643 reports
1,500 miles · Sep 13, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System
I DESCEND A STEEP, CROOKED COUNTRY ROAD TO REACH MY HOUSE AND LOCK MY TRANSMISSION IN SECOND GEAR TO AVOID HAVING TO APPLY BRAKES. IN LOW IDLE, THE VEHICLE SPEED IS WELL CONTROLLED BUT WHEN THE FUEL CONTROL SHIFTS TO HIGH IDLE THE ENGINE SPEED INCREASES FROM 2000 TO ABOUT 3500 RPM WITH A CORRESPONDING INCREASE IN VEHICLE SPEED W…
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I DESCEND A STEEP, CROOKED COUNTRY ROAD TO REACH MY HOUSE AND LOCK MY TRANSMISSION IN SECOND GEAR TO AVOID HAVING TO APPLY BRAKES. IN LOW IDLE, THE VEHICLE SPEED IS WELL CONTROLLED BUT WHEN THE FUEL CONTROL SHIFTS TO HIGH IDLE THE ENGINE SPEED INCREASES FROM 2000 TO ABOUT 3500 RPM WITH A CORRESPONDING INCREASE IN VEHICLE SPEED WHICH REQUIRES RAPID, SHARP BRAKE APPLICATION. DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS THIS IS ONLY MILDLY IRRITATING BUT WHEN THE ROADS ARE COVERED WITH ICE AND SNOW THIS WINTER SUDDEN BRAKE APPLICATION WILL BECOME VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE OF THE SHARP CURVES AND STEEP DROP-OFFS. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LOW AND HIGH IDLE SETTINGS IS EXCESSIVE AND SUBARU SHOULD BE FORCED TO CORRECT THIS DESIGN DEFICIENCY. I HAVE LIVED IN THIS LOCATION FOR OVER TWENTY YEARS AND DRIVEN THIS ROAD WITH ABOUT SIX OTHER VEHICLES WITHOUT DIFFICULTY BUT I DREAD THE APPROACH OF THIS WINTER. THE DEALER ADMITS THAT THIS IS A FREQUENT COMPLAINT BUT BEYOND THEIR CONTROL BECAUSE IT IS GOVERNED BY A COMPUTER IN THE FUEL CONTROL SYSTEM.
NHTSA ODI #10906222
10,000 miles · Sep 9, 2016
Forward Collision Avoidance
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED HESITATION WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED DECELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED HESITATION WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED DECELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,000.
NHTSA ODI #10905034
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…
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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 · Sep 4, 2016
Power Train
WHEN I BACK UP AND STOP AND PUT TRANSMISSION INTO DRIVE THERE IS A 3 TO 4 SECOND HESITATION BEFORE THE VEHICLE GOES FORWARD. THIS HESITATION PUTS ME INTO RISK AS I BACK OUT OF DRIVEWAY ONTO A BUSY URBAN STREET. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THIS THE WAY THE CVT TRANSMISSION WORKS. THE PROBLEM WAS BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE DEALER THE…
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WHEN I BACK UP AND STOP AND PUT TRANSMISSION INTO DRIVE THERE IS A 3 TO 4 SECOND HESITATION BEFORE THE VEHICLE GOES FORWARD. THIS HESITATION PUTS ME INTO RISK AS I BACK OUT OF DRIVEWAY ONTO A BUSY URBAN STREET. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THIS THE WAY THE CVT TRANSMISSION WORKS. THE PROBLEM WAS BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE DEALER THE 1ST WEEK THAT I PURCHASED THE CAR ON 09/30/2015. THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS WHEN GOING FROM A QUICK REVERSE TO DRIVE.
NHTSA ODI #10903519
1,800 miles · Sep 2, 2016
Unknown Or Other
VEHICLE WARNING LIGHTS IN PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR DO NOT ACTIVATE FOR SEMI-TRUCKS WITH TRAILERS, BUT DO ACTIVATE FOR CARS AND LIGHT TRUCKS. I TRIED DURING A 40 KM. TRIP ON A FOUR LANE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. IF PASSED A CAR OR LIGHT DUTY TRUCK THEN THE LIGHT NOTIFIED ME THAT THERE WAS A VEHICLE IN THE BLIND SPOT, BUT IF I PASSED A TRA…
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VEHICLE WARNING LIGHTS IN PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR DO NOT ACTIVATE FOR SEMI-TRUCKS WITH TRAILERS, BUT DO ACTIVATE FOR CARS AND LIGHT TRUCKS. I TRIED DURING A 40 KM. TRIP ON A FOUR LANE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. IF PASSED A CAR OR LIGHT DUTY TRUCK THEN THE LIGHT NOTIFIED ME THAT THERE WAS A VEHICLE IN THE BLIND SPOT, BUT IF I PASSED A TRACTOR-TRAILER UNIT IT DID NOT PICK IT UP AND THE LIGHTS DID NOT COME ON. I REPEATED MY SMALL EXPERIMENT FOR 40 KM. AND EVERY TIME WAS THE SAME. I THINK THAT THE TRACTOR TRAILER WOULD DO A LOT MORE DAMAGE THAT A SMALL CAR.
NHTSA ODI #10903268
472 miles · Sep 1, 2016
Unknown Or Other
HAVE 2016 OUTBACK BUILT ON JUNE 15,2016. WINDSHIELD CRACKED AT 750 KM. MARK. TRAVELING ON PAVED ROAD AND NO KNOW STONES HIT WINDSHIELD. PAID FOR THROUGH INSURANCE COMPANY WITH A $300.00 DEDUCTIBLE. NOW READ OF ALL THE OTHER WINDSHIELD PROBLEMS. CRACK STARTED IN BLACK AREA JUST ABOVE PASSENGER SIDE WIPER.
NHTSA ODI #10903175
2,628 miles · Jul 20, 2016
Service Brakes
A FEW TIMES WHILE SLOWING DOWN OR PUTTING ON THE BRAKES I FOUND MY FOOT WAS ALSO ON THE GAS PEDAL. I FIND THAT THE GAS PEDAL AND BRAKE PEDAL ARE VERY CLOSE AND AT THE SAME HEIGHT. THE LAST TIME AT THE DEALER I ASKED TO CHECK OUT THE BRAKE PEDAL AND WAS TOLD EVERY THING WAS IN ORDER.
NHTSA ODI #10886151
250 miles · Jul 16, 2016
Structure
TOOK DELIVERY OF OUR CAR IN THE RAIN - DEALERSHIP DID NOT HAVE IT WAITING IN A SHOWROOM - SO DIDN'T NOTICE SCRATCH ON BOTH SIDES (IT IS BLACK) TIL GOT IT HOME AND CLEANED IT UP. DEALERSHIP ON RECHECK BUFFED OUT THE WHOLE CAR - STILL THERE - DISAPPOINTED - A LOT OF MONEY FOR A VEHICLE TO HAVE SUCH AN ELEMENTARY TROUBLE.
NHTSA ODI #10885208
250 miles · Jul 16, 2016
Vehicle Speed Control
WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE BASICALLY FOR THE SAFETY FEATURES "EYE SIGHT" AND ENHANCED SAFETY SYSTEM.I.E. CRUISE THAT AUTOMATICALLY KEEPS YOU A CERTAIN DISTANCE FROM THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF YOU AND STOPS WHEN THE CAR IN FRONT STOPS - TROUBLE IS YOU ARE GOING ALONG AND THERE IS A LINE OF CARS STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT - THE CAR DOES NOT…
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WE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE BASICALLY FOR THE SAFETY FEATURES "EYE SIGHT" AND ENHANCED SAFETY SYSTEM.I.E. CRUISE THAT AUTOMATICALLY KEEPS YOU A CERTAIN DISTANCE FROM THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF YOU AND STOPS WHEN THE CAR IN FRONT STOPS - TROUBLE IS YOU ARE GOING ALONG AND THERE IS A LINE OF CARS STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT - THE CAR DOES NOT ACT LIKE IT IS GOING TO STOP AND CERTAINLY DOES NOT KEEP THE "4 CAR DISTANCE" UNTIL YOU GET SCARED AND BRAKE - NOT GOING TO CRASH TO SEE IF IT WILL ACTUALLY STOP.
NHTSA ODI #10885207
250 miles · Jul 16, 2016
Exterior Lighting
THERE IS A GLARE ON THE INFO SCREEN THAT MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO READ MOST DAYLIGHT TIMES, NEEDS TO BE RECESSED AND/OR HOODED, THE AREA BELOW THAT SAYS TEMP AND TIME IS PLAIN UNREADABLE -ALSO VERY SMALL. HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM ON SUBARU FORUM FOR YEARS - SEEMS TIME TO ADDRESS BEFORE SOMEONE HAS A CRASH WITH THIS VEHICLE THEY BOUG…
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THERE IS A GLARE ON THE INFO SCREEN THAT MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO READ MOST DAYLIGHT TIMES, NEEDS TO BE RECESSED AND/OR HOODED, THE AREA BELOW THAT SAYS TEMP AND TIME IS PLAIN UNREADABLE -ALSO VERY SMALL. HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM ON SUBARU FORUM FOR YEARS - SEEMS TIME TO ADDRESS BEFORE SOMEONE HAS A CRASH WITH THIS VEHICLE THEY BOUGHT BECAUSE IT WAS SO SAFE.
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.
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.
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.
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
1
EA21002 · 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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