NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
47 reportsClear category filter48,000 miles · May 18, 2019
EnginePower Train
IN TWO SEPARATE EVENTS THE CAR LOST POWER WHILE ACCELLORATING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC FROM A STAND STILL. THE GAS PEDAL BECAME UNRESPONSIVE AND THE TRANMISSION STOPPED SHIFTING. IN THE FIRST INCIDENT THE ENGINE STALLED, AND IN THE SECOND IT SPUTTERED AND ALMOST DIED DURING A HEAVY MERGE ON AN ON RAMP. NO DIAGNOST…
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IN TWO SEPARATE EVENTS THE CAR LOST POWER WHILE ACCELLORATING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC FROM A STAND STILL. THE GAS PEDAL BECAME UNRESPONSIVE AND THE TRANMISSION STOPPED SHIFTING. IN THE FIRST INCIDENT THE ENGINE STALLED, AND IN THE SECOND IT SPUTTERED AND ALMOST DIED DURING A HEAVY MERGE ON AN ON RAMP. NO DIAGNOSTIC CODES WERE THROWN, SO THE MANUFACTURER CLAIMS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. IN THE FIRST INCIDENT THE CAR WAS LEAVING THE TOLL PLAZE ON THE DULLES GREENWAY HEAD TOWARD LEESBURG, VA. UNDER FULL ACELLERATION LEAVING THE TOLL PLAZA AND EFFECTIVELY DRIVING STRAIGHT, THE CAR STARTED SHUFTING ERRATICALLY, AND EVENTUALLY LOST POWER AND STALLED. IN THE SECOND INCIDENT, ABOUT TWO MONTHS LATER, THE CAR WAS ON A DECLINE ON-RAMP MERGING INTO HEAVY TRAFFIC ON RT-270N HEADING TOWARD FREDERICK, MD. THE CAR AGAIN STARTED TO SHIFT ERRATICALLY, THEN BEGAN TO STALL, BUT I WAS ABKE TO USE THE PADDLE SHIFTERS TO SHIFT THE 'GEAR' OF THE CVT AND PREVENT STALLING. AFGER ABOUT 30 SECONDS THE CAR WAS OPERATING AS NORMAL. AGAIN, THE DEALER HAS NOT FOUND ANY DIAGNOSTIC CODES, AND INDICATES THERE IS NITHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #11208473
9,000 miles · Dec 18, 2018
Electrical SystemPower TrainWheels
HAVING PROBLEM TO REMOVE KEY FROM THE IGNITION WHEN THE CAN WAS ONLY DRIVEN FOR YEAR AND HALF AND HAS LESS THAN 10000 MILES ON.
NHTSA ODI #11162198
10,112 miles · Oct 11, 2018
Power Train
WE LIVE IN LA. WE BOUGHT OUR CAR NEW ON 5/31/17 FROM SUBARU OF SANTA MONICA. AT AROUND 6,000 MILES WE HAD ITS OIL CHANGED PRIVATELY IN DURANGO, CO, WHERE WE SPEND SUMMERS. BACK IN LA ON 12/17/17 WE WENT TO SUBARU OF SM FOR ANY REQUIRED ADDITIONAL SERVICE. THEY DECIDED TO PERFORM THE 12,000 SERVICE WITH 10,107 MILES ON THE CAR. W…
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WE LIVE IN LA. WE BOUGHT OUR CAR NEW ON 5/31/17 FROM SUBARU OF SANTA MONICA. AT AROUND 6,000 MILES WE HAD ITS OIL CHANGED PRIVATELY IN DURANGO, CO, WHERE WE SPEND SUMMERS. BACK IN LA ON 12/17/17 WE WENT TO SUBARU OF SM FOR ANY REQUIRED ADDITIONAL SERVICE. THEY DECIDED TO PERFORM THE 12,000 SERVICE WITH 10,107 MILES ON THE CAR. WHEN SERVICE WAS COMPLETED, I DROVE THE CAR OFF. IT STALLED FOR MAYBE 5-10 SECONDS (BUT DIDN'T SHUT DOWN) ABOUT 100 YARDS FROM THE SERVICE AREA. INITIALLY, IT JUST WOULDN'T GO WHEN I DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR. I THEN REPEATEDLY DEPRESSED IT AND FINALLY THE TRANSMISSION SEEMED TO 'CATCH' AND THE CAR MOVED FORWARD NORMALLY. LATER, AT MY REQUEST, MY WIFE MET WITH THE SERVICE WRITER (A LADY) TELLING HER ABOUT THE STALLING. HER RESPONSE: THIS HAPPENS ON ALL SUBARUS'THEY OCCASIONALLY STALL FOR ABOUT 5 SECONDS. SUBSEQUENTLY OUR CAR HAS STALLED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WITH MY WIFE DRIVING. AND IT ALSO HAPPENED TO ME AGAIN, THIS TIME AFTER ITS 24,000 SERVICE BY THE DURANGO SUBARU DEALER ON 10/10/18 (SEE SERVICE WRITE-UP). AS I WAS DRIVING AWAY, I STOPPED ON A DRIVEWAY BEFORE TURNING ONTO A CITY STREET. THAT'S WHEN THE CAR STALLED. [I HAD PREVIOUSLY TOLD THE SERVICE WRITER ABOUT THE STALLING, BUT THE DEALER'S MECHANIC COULDN'T GET IT TO STALL.] THE TWO DESCRIBED STALLINGS OCCURRED WHEN THE CAR WAS STOPPED AND I WAS ABOUT TO TURN ONTO A CITY STREET. WE JUST RECEIVED A CVT TRANSMISSION WARRANTY EXTENSION LETTER (SEE ENCLOSED) APPLICABLE ONLY TO 2016 AND 2017 SUBARUS (MOST MODELS) WHICH TELLS ME SUBARU KNOWS ALL ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND HAS FIXED IT ON ITS 2018 AND 2019 MODELS. I RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT THERE BE A RECALL OF ALL 2016 AND 2017 SUBARU VEHICLES DESCRIBED IN THE ENCLOSED WARRANTY EXTENSION LETTER SO THAT THIS VERY FRIGHTENING PROBLEM CAN FIXED. THANK GOD OUR OUTBACK DIDN'T STALL AT A TIME WHEN ONCOMING TRAFFIC WOULD HAVE PLOWED INTO IT.
NHTSA ODI #11139853
Mileage unknown · Mar 17, 2018
Power Train
NEW TYPE TRANSMISSION -HAPPENS ALL THE TIME, MORE SO WHEN CAR IS COOL. BACK OUT ON A DOWNHILL SLOPE HOLD BRAKE, PUT IN DRIVE. IT TAKES 1 TO 3 SECONDS FOR DRIVE TO ENGAGE BUT NOTHING SHOWS WHEN IT IS ENGAGED. YOU CAN HOWEVER HEAR THE PING OF THE ENGAGEMENT WITH WINDOW DOWN. IF YOU REMOVE FOOT FROM BRAKE AND PRESS GAS THE CAR WIL…
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NEW TYPE TRANSMISSION -HAPPENS ALL THE TIME, MORE SO WHEN CAR IS COOL. BACK OUT ON A DOWNHILL SLOPE HOLD BRAKE, PUT IN DRIVE. IT TAKES 1 TO 3 SECONDS FOR DRIVE TO ENGAGE BUT NOTHING SHOWS WHEN IT IS ENGAGED. YOU CAN HOWEVER HEAR THE PING OF THE ENGAGEMENT WITH WINDOW DOWN. IF YOU REMOVE FOOT FROM BRAKE AND PRESS GAS THE CAR WILL ROLL BACKWARDS 6-10 FEET TOWARDS ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THIS OCCURS WITH OR WITHOUT THE HILL ASSIST ON. SUBARU SAYS THIS IS NORMAL NATURE FOR THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI #11079903
250 miles · Jan 26, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Power TrainSteering
SINCE PURCHASE ON 2/19/17 FROM PARKER SUBARU CDA, COMPLAINT OF SHAKING FRONT END, WANDERING ON HIGHWAY AND FREEWAY FROM SIDE TO SIDE IN A DANGEROUS MANNER, FROM COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING IN SNOW, SLUSH AND GRAVEL AS OF 2/28/17. I HAVE BEEN VERY SPECIFIC ABOUT THE INCIDENCE. GOING IN MY DRIVEWAY AT LEAST 8 INCCIDENTS; IN SNOW OR…
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SINCE PURCHASE ON 2/19/17 FROM PARKER SUBARU CDA, COMPLAINT OF SHAKING FRONT END, WANDERING ON HIGHWAY AND FREEWAY FROM SIDE TO SIDE IN A DANGEROUS MANNER, FROM COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING IN SNOW, SLUSH AND GRAVEL AS OF 2/28/17. I HAVE BEEN VERY SPECIFIC ABOUT THE INCIDENCE. GOING IN MY DRIVEWAY AT LEAST 8 INCCIDENTS; IN SNOW OR SLUSH CONDITIONS, IN DEPTS ON ONLY A COUPLE INCHES OR LESS IN THE WINTER OF 2017. IN THE SUMMER OF 2017 THREE INCIDENTS OF COMPLETE FAILURE WAS REPORTED ON GRAVE ROAD AT SPEEDS OF 15-MPH, I HAVE HAD THE VERY SAME COMPLAINT EVERY VISIT: 2/28/17, 3/23/17, 4/6/17. 9/13/17, 10/22/17, 1/22/17- @ PARKER SUBARU CDA.
NHTSA ODI #11065219
17,800 miles · Jan 15, 2018
Power Train
I TURNED THE CAR ON WHILE IT WAS STATIONARY, AND SWITCHED TO REVERSE BUT IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. I SWITCHED IT TO DRIVE AND PRESSED THE ACCELERATION PEDAL BUT THE ENGINE WOULD ONLY REV; THE TIRES WOULD NOT MOVE. I SWITCHED THE CAR TO NEUTRAL AND CALLED BOB WADE'S SUBARU DEALERSHIP TO TOW THE CAR TO THEIR DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA ODI #11062892
15,541 miles · Jan 15, 2018
Power Train
I TURNED THE CAR ON WHILE IT WAS STATIONARY, AND SWITCHED TO REVERSE BUT IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. I SWITCHED IT TO DRIVE AND PRESSED THE ACCELERATION PEDAL BUT THE ENGINE WOULD ONLY REV; THE TIRES WOULD NOT MOVE. I SWITCHED THE CAR TO NEUTRAL AND CALLED BROWN'S MANASSAS TO TOW THE CAR TO THEIR DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA ODI #11062890
8,200 miles · Sep 20, 2017
Power Train
2017 SUBARU OUTBACK HAS 8200 MILES ON THE CAR. I WAS AT 85 MILES AN HOUR 1ST TIME ON THIS CAR. ALL OF THE SUDDEN TRANSMISSION DISENGAGED AND ENGINE RPM WENT TO 4000. GAS PEDEL WAS UNRESPONSIVE FOR 2 SECONDS. AFTER 2 SECONDS CAR SLOW DOWN AND GAS PEDAL WAS RESPONSIVE AND CAR WAS PERFORMING NORMAL. SUBARU DEALERSHIP GOING TO CHECK…
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2017 SUBARU OUTBACK HAS 8200 MILES ON THE CAR. I WAS AT 85 MILES AN HOUR 1ST TIME ON THIS CAR. ALL OF THE SUDDEN TRANSMISSION DISENGAGED AND ENGINE RPM WENT TO 4000. GAS PEDEL WAS UNRESPONSIVE FOR 2 SECONDS. AFTER 2 SECONDS CAR SLOW DOWN AND GAS PEDAL WAS RESPONSIVE AND CAR WAS PERFORMING NORMAL. SUBARU DEALERSHIP GOING TO CHECK WHAT IS WRONG.
NHTSA ODI #11024602
Mileage unknown · Sep 2, 2017
Power Train
WHEN SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO FORWARD THERE IS A CONSIDERABLE HESITATION AND THEN THE VEHICLE LURCHES FORWARD. I HAVE TAKEN IT INTO TEAM SUBARU IN NAMPA IDAHO AND THEY CANNOT DETERMINE ANY PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THAT THE HESITATION IS NORMAL. I DO NOT AGREE. BECAUSE NOT ONLY DOES IT HESITATE, BUT THE LURCH WHEN THE TRANSMISSION …
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WHEN SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO FORWARD THERE IS A CONSIDERABLE HESITATION AND THEN THE VEHICLE LURCHES FORWARD. I HAVE TAKEN IT INTO TEAM SUBARU IN NAMPA IDAHO AND THEY CANNOT DETERMINE ANY PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THAT THE HESITATION IS NORMAL. I DO NOT AGREE. BECAUSE NOT ONLY DOES IT HESITATE, BUT THE LURCH WHEN THE TRANSMISSION FINALLY ENGAGES IS CONSIDERABLE. I DID NOT NOTICE THIS UNTIL THE VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY 1000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE JUST OVER 7100 MILES ON IT NOW.
NHTSA ODI #11021211
5,000 miles · Aug 11, 2017
Power Train
SUBARU 2017 PUSH BUTTON START ALLOWS THE DRIVER TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE WITH CAR GEAR SELECTOR STILL IN DRIVE. WHEN I DID THIS, THE CAR BEGAN TO ROLL AS I EXITED. FORTUNATELY, I HAD ONE FOOT STILL IN THE CAR AND WAS ABLE TO PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL.
NHTSA ODI #11014713
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.
Oct 6, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured September 21, 2016, to September 23, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the knee guard bracket may not be properly attached to the steering beam assembly.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the knee guard is not properly attached and the driver is not wearing a seatbelt, the knee guard may not be able to properly restrain the driver's lower body in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the knee guard welding on each vehicle's steering beam, replacing the beam as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTL-72.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:knee Bolster
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured September 21, 2016, to September 23, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the knee guard bracket may not be properly attached to the steering beam assembly.
Consequence: If the knee guard is not properly attached and the driver is not wearing a seatbelt, the knee guard may not be able to properly restrain the driver's lower body in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the knee guard welding on each vehicle's steering beam, replacing the beam as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTL-72.
Steering:column
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured September 21, 2016, to September 23, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the knee guard bracket may not be properly attached to the steering beam assembly.
Consequence: If the knee guard is not properly attached and the driver is not wearing a seatbelt, the knee guard may not be able to properly restrain the driver's lower body in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the knee guard welding on each vehicle's steering beam, replacing the beam as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTL-72.
Aug 3, 2016
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2017 Outback vehicles manufactured June 20, 2016, to June 23, 2016. The affected vehicles may have improperly tightened attaching bolts for the front left and right brake calipers, wheel hubs, and the right stabilizer clamp.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If any of the front brake caliper, wheel hub or stabilizer clamp attaching bolts loosen or detach, the related components would also become loose and may detach possibly making the vehicle unstable and reducing the braking capability. These conditions would increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the bolts for proper torque, and replace any loose bolts, free of charge. The recall began on August 8, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTE-66.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:caliper
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2017 Outback vehicles manufactured June 20, 2016, to June 23, 2016. The affected vehicles may have improperly tightened attaching bolts for the front left and right brake calipers, wheel hubs, and the right stabilizer clamp.
Consequence: If any of the front brake caliper, wheel hub or stabilizer clamp attaching bolts loosen or detach, the related components would also become loose and may detach possibly making the vehicle unstable and reducing the braking capability. These conditions would increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the bolts for proper torque, and replace any loose bolts, free of charge. The recall began on August 8, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTE-66.
Suspension
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2017 Outback vehicles manufactured June 20, 2016, to June 23, 2016. The affected vehicles may have improperly tightened attaching bolts for the front left and right brake calipers, wheel hubs, and the right stabilizer clamp.
Consequence: If any of the front brake caliper, wheel hub or stabilizer clamp attaching bolts loosen or detach, the related components would also become loose and may detach possibly making the vehicle unstable and reducing the braking capability. These conditions would increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the bolts for proper torque, and replace any loose bolts, free of charge. The recall began on August 8, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTE-66.
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.
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