NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
643 reports600 miles · Jul 8, 2016
Visibility/wiper
REAR VIEW MIRROR BROKE LOOSE FROM WINDSHIELD WHILE BEING ADJUSTED. VEHICLE STATIONARY, VEHICLE OFF, PREPARING TO DRIVE AFTER BEING PARKED DURING THE WORK DAY. A CHUNK OF GLASS REMAINED ATTACHED TO THE BASE OF THE MIRROR. VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 600 MILES ON IT AND THE MIRROR HAD NOT BEEN SUBJECTED TO ANY ABNORMAL FORCES. BALL …
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REAR VIEW MIRROR BROKE LOOSE FROM WINDSHIELD WHILE BEING ADJUSTED. VEHICLE STATIONARY, VEHICLE OFF, PREPARING TO DRIVE AFTER BEING PARKED DURING THE WORK DAY. A CHUNK OF GLASS REMAINED ATTACHED TO THE BASE OF THE MIRROR. VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 600 MILES ON IT AND THE MIRROR HAD NOT BEEN SUBJECTED TO ANY ABNORMAL FORCES. BALL SOCKETS ON MIRROR SUPPORT SEEM VERY TIGHT.
NHTSA ODI #10883635
Mileage unknown · Jul 1, 2016
Engine And Engine Cooling
I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE TOXIC CHEMICALS THAT MAY HAVE BEEN USED ON THE PLASTICS INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE "NEW CAR SMELL" IS ESPECIALLY FRAGRANT, AND AFTER SITTING IN THE CAR FOR LESS THAN FIVE MINUTES, I DEVELOP A METALLIC TASTE IN MY MOUTH THAT LINGERS, EVEN IF I HAVE LEFT THE CAR. IT CAN LINGER FOR HOURS. I AM TAKING MEASURES …
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I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE TOXIC CHEMICALS THAT MAY HAVE BEEN USED ON THE PLASTICS INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE "NEW CAR SMELL" IS ESPECIALLY FRAGRANT, AND AFTER SITTING IN THE CAR FOR LESS THAN FIVE MINUTES, I DEVELOP A METALLIC TASTE IN MY MOUTH THAT LINGERS, EVEN IF I HAVE LEFT THE CAR. IT CAN LINGER FOR HOURS. I AM TAKING MEASURES TO WIPE OFF CHEMICALS THAT MAY RELEASE DURING A HOT DAY/OPEN THE WINDOWS, ETC. THIS SMELL IS SO INTENSE, HOWEVER, THAT THE TASTE IN MY MOUTH AND THE MOUTHS OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS, IS ALMOST UNBEARABLE AT TIMES. I AM CONCERNED FOR OUR HEALTH, FOR THE TOXIC GASES WE MAY BE BREATHING IN AND EVEN COMING IN CONTACT WITH. WE HAVE OWNED THE CAR SINCE APRIL 2016 (ABOUT TWO MONTHS) AND THERE IS NO SIGN OF IT GETTING BETTER. I HAVE READ THAT IT CAN TAKE UP TO 6 MONTHS FOR THE SMELL TO DIMINISH, BUT DOES THAT REALLY REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF HARMFUL CHEMICALS WE ARE BEING SUBJECTED TO? THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10882076
4,200 miles · Jun 28, 2016
Unknown Or Other
IT IS POSSIBLE TO INADVERTENTLY STOP THE CAR'S ENGINE WHEN PARKING AND TRANSMISSION PUT IN NEUTRAL. THERE IS NO VISIBLE OR AUDIBLE WARNING TO ALERT DRIVER TO SHIFT TRANSMISSION TO "PARK" POSITION OR AND/OR ENGAGE EMERGENCY BRAKE BEFORE STOPPING ENGINE AND EXITING THE VEHICLE. IF CAR IS ON A SLOPE WHEN IN "NEUTRAL", IT IS POSSI…
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IT IS POSSIBLE TO INADVERTENTLY STOP THE CAR'S ENGINE WHEN PARKING AND TRANSMISSION PUT IN NEUTRAL. THERE IS NO VISIBLE OR AUDIBLE WARNING TO ALERT DRIVER TO SHIFT TRANSMISSION TO "PARK" POSITION OR AND/OR ENGAGE EMERGENCY BRAKE BEFORE STOPPING ENGINE AND EXITING THE VEHICLE. IF CAR IS ON A SLOPE WHEN IN "NEUTRAL", IT IS POSSIBLE TO EXIT THE CAR AND FIND THE CAR STARTING TO ROLL AWAY.I BELIEVE THERE SHOULD BE SOMETHING TO PREVENT THIS, OR AT LEAST ACTIVELY ALERT THE DRIVER OF THE DANGER, AND NEED TO PUT IN "PARK", BEFORE LEAVING CAR. I HAVE HAD SOME INSTANCES OF THIS HAPPENING, BUT ALWAYS MANAGED TO NOTICE IT BEFORE THE CAR MOVED AWAY. I AM WARY OF THE RISK.
NHTSA ODI #10881286
1,400 miles · Jun 24, 2016
SteeringVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE LEFT WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,400.
NHTSA ODI #10876341
2,200 miles · Jun 6, 2016
Visibility/wiper
WINDSHIELD CRACK ON A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK LIMITED WITH EYESIGHT, PURCHASED NEW IN APRIL 2016 AND CURRENTLY HAS 2,200 MILES ON IT. WENT TO RUN A QUICK ERRAND, DID NOT NOTICE ANYTHING UNUSUAL. ON THE WAY HOME WHILE DRIVING IN A RAINSTORM, I NOTICED A 6" CRACK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD. THE CRACK RUNS FROM THE EDGE OF THE DR…
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WINDSHIELD CRACK ON A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK LIMITED WITH EYESIGHT, PURCHASED NEW IN APRIL 2016 AND CURRENTLY HAS 2,200 MILES ON IT. WENT TO RUN A QUICK ERRAND, DID NOT NOTICE ANYTHING UNUSUAL. ON THE WAY HOME WHILE DRIVING IN A RAINSTORM, I NOTICED A 6" CRACK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD. THE CRACK RUNS FROM THE EDGE OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE, ABOUT 1/3 UP FROM THE BOTTOM AND ABOUT 4' IN TOWARD THE CENTER. THE CRACK HAS GROWN TO ABOUT 18 INCHES OVERNIGHT. THERE IS EVIDENCE OF A SMALL CHIP IN THE GLASS, BUT NOTHING I WOULD EXPECT TO CAUSE A CRACK AND I DON'T RECALL ANYTHING IMPACTING THE WINDSHIELD. THIS CRACK ONLY AFFECTS THE OUTER GLASS AND DOES NOT PROPAGATE THROUGH THE LAMINATION INTO THE INNER GLASS. THERE IS EVIDENCE OF DELAMINATION OF THE GLASS IN THE AREA ADJACENT TO THE CRACK. THIS IS A WIDE CRACK. I MEASURED 0.009" IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT TO THE CHIP DAMAGE ALL THE WAY TO THE EDGE OF THE GLASS WITH A STARRETT MODEL 66 THICKNESS GAGE. IT SEEMS THE OUTER GLASS MAY BE SUBJECT TO TENSION IN THE "AS INSTALLED" CONDITION AS EVIDENCED BY THE OPENING OF THIS CRACK. THIS MAY CONTRIBUTE TO THE APPARENT DAMAGE INTOLERANCE OF THE WINDSHIELD. PICTURES OF THE DAMAGE AND MEASUREMENT ARE ATTACHED.
NHTSA ODI #10872719
13,000 miles · May 31, 2016
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other
WE PURCHASED A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK 3.6, FULLY-LOADED WITH EVERY BELL AND WHISTLE REGARDING SAFETY, COMFORT, AND CONVENIENCE IN THE MIDDLE OF DECEMBER 2015. THE SUBARU STARLINK INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM'S TECHNOLOGY FROZE CAUSING THE CLOCK TO FREEZE AT 10:37AM AS WELL AS THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM (NO VOICE COMMANDS EITHER.) THE MULTI-TOUCH…
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WE PURCHASED A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK 3.6, FULLY-LOADED WITH EVERY BELL AND WHISTLE REGARDING SAFETY, COMFORT, AND CONVENIENCE IN THE MIDDLE OF DECEMBER 2015. THE SUBARU STARLINK INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM'S TECHNOLOGY FROZE CAUSING THE CLOCK TO FREEZE AT 10:37AM AS WELL AS THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM (NO VOICE COMMANDS EITHER.) THE MULTI-TOUCH INTERFACE NOT ONLY LOST FUNCTIONALITY ACROSS THE BOARD, BUT IT AFFECTED THE MESSAGE DISPLAY BETWEEN THE TACH AND SPEEDOMETER, AS WELL AS THE TOUCH SCREEN OPTIONS DISAPPEARING FROM THE SCREEN, THE MAP WOULD NOT DISPLAY, YOU WOULD PRESS THE AUDIO BUTTON AND AFTER ABOUT 30 SECONDS, THE AUDIO SCREEN WOULD AUTOMATICALLY ENTER SPLIT-SCREEN MODE WITH THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM. WHEN TRYING TO EXIT SPLIT-SCREEN, THE SYSTEM WOULD NOT RESPOND. IF I SHUT THE RADIO OFF BY THE BUTTON, THE SYSTEM WOULD NOT SHUT DOWN. THE RADIO WOULD SAY, "AUDIO OFF - TOUCH HERE TO GO TO SOURCE SCREEN", HOWEVER THE SYSTEM WOULDN'T SHUT DOWN. THE SYSTEM WOULD STAY ON SPLIT SCREEN WITH THE MAP, ONLY THE MAP WOULD DISAPPEAR. I VIDEOTAPED WHAT WAS HAPPENING, CALLED STARLINK, SUBARU OF AMERICA, AND THE DEALER, WHO HAS BEEN AWESOME SO FAR, AND WAS TOLD THEY KNOW OF ONE OTHER VEHICLE WITH THIS SITUATION. SUBARU OF AMERICA SAID TO SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND "REBOOT" THE SYSTEM TO SEE IF THAT WOULD HELP BECAUSE IT DID IN ANOTHER INSTANCE, ALTHOUGH NOT TOTALLY CORRECTING THE PROBLEM AND ONLY ADDRESSING THE GPS FREEZE. THERE ARE A COUPLE OF TSBS (TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS) ON THE RADIO, HOWEVER NONE APPLIED TO THE SYMPTOMS BEING DISPLAYED BY MY VEHICLE. WAITING ON SUBARU OF AMERICA TO ADDRESS THIS AND A ROOF RAIL ISSUE. DEALER BELIEVES THERE WILL BE MANY MORE OF THESE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SUBARU STARLINK INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM'S TECHNOLOGY. REGARDING THE ROOF RAILS, THEY DO NOT SIT FLUSH TO THE ROOF. DEALER REPLACED LEFT SIDE ALREADY AND STILL HAPPENING, SO SUBARU HAS TO ADDRESS IT NOW.
NHTSA ODI #10871701
Mileage unknown · May 24, 2016
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V292000 (STEERING). THE CONTACT LEFT THREE MESSAGES WITH THE DEALER CONCERNING PART AVAILABILITY, BUT DID NOT RECEIVE A RESPONSE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE REMAINED PARKED FOR WEEKS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V292000 (STEERING). THE CONTACT LEFT THREE MESSAGES WITH THE DEALER CONCERNING PART AVAILABILITY, BUT DID NOT RECEIVE A RESPONSE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE REMAINED PARKED FOR WEEKS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA ODI #10870662
540 miles · May 24, 2016
Steering
STEERING RECALL- NO PARTS
NHTSA ODI #10870588
Mileage unknown · May 18, 2016
Unknown Or Other
I TOOK MY 2016 OUTBACK IN TO A DEALER PRIMARILY BECAUSE THE PASSENGER SIDE BLIND SPOT DETECTION WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, ACKNOWLEDGING THAT IT DID WORK AT TIMES. I TOOK IN WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION IN THE FORM OF RECORDED OCCURRENCES OF IT MALFUNCTIONING, BASED ON THREE TRIPS ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS TOTALING MORE THAN 150 MILES…
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I TOOK MY 2016 OUTBACK IN TO A DEALER PRIMARILY BECAUSE THE PASSENGER SIDE BLIND SPOT DETECTION WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, ACKNOWLEDGING THAT IT DID WORK AT TIMES. I TOOK IN WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION IN THE FORM OF RECORDED OCCURRENCES OF IT MALFUNCTIONING, BASED ON THREE TRIPS ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAYS TOTALING MORE THAN 150 MILES. THE DOCUMENTATION LISTED THE TYPE OF HIGHWAY, SPEED, MILES DRIVEN, WEATHER CONDITIONS (COULDS, SUN, RAIN, ETC), VEHICLE CLEANLINESS AND THE NUMBER OF SUCCESSFUL DETECTIONS OF OTHER VEHICLES IN THE BLIND SPOT AS WELL AS THE NUMBER OF DETECTIONS MISSED. IT WORKED CORRECTLY WELL LESS THAN 50% OF THE TIME ON EACH OF THE THREE TRIPS. DETECTION ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEEMS TO BE FINE. ON TWO OF THE TRIPS I HAD A SECOND VEHICLE THAT I OWN FOLLOW ME DIRECTLY. THAT VEHICLE ALSO HAS BLIND SPOT DETECTION. WHILE THE OUTBACK FAILED TO DETECT MORE THAN 50% OF THE TIME, THE OTHER VEHICLE NEVER FAILED TO DETECT ON EITHER TRIP. THE DEALER I TOOK THE CAR TO SAID THEY CHECKED IT OUT AND IT SEEMED TO WORK FINE. I CONSIDERED THAT AN INSULT TO MY INTELLIGENCE. FURTHER, THROUGH RESEARCH ON THE WEB I CAN TELL THAT AT LEAST SEVERAL OTHER OUTBACK OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM WITH DETECTION ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I BELIEVE THAT A SAFETY SYSTEM THAT IS THAT UNRELIABLE PRESENTS MORE OF A DANGER TO THE DRIVER THAN NOT HAVING ONE AT ALL. WHILE I UNDERSTAND FROM READING THE OWNER'S MANUAL IT CAN'T BE EXPECTED TO BE 100% ACCURATE ALL THE TIME, A DETECTION RATE THAT IS CONSISTENTLY LESS THAN 50% IS VERY POOR PERFORMANCE. THE VEHICLE COST MORE THAN $37,000. I PAID FOR THE ACCESSORY, AND IT SHOULD WORK.
NHTSA ODI #10865586
1,500 miles · May 14, 2016
Steering
I WAS TRYING TO LEAVE A PARKING SPACE IN A WET SATURDAY NIGHT AT A NEIGHBORHOOD SHOPPING MALL. AFTER I BACKED UP THE CAR, I SWITCHED THE GEAR TO D TRYING TO LEAVE THE SPACE. HOWEVER, THE CAR SIMPLY DOESN'T MOVE. TO REGAIN CONTROL, I TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTARTED THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI #10864887
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