NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes complaints
23 reportsClear category filter18,000 miles · Aug 14, 2020
Forward Collision AvoidanceService Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED ON THREE OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING 25-35 MPH, THE AUTOMATIC COLLISION BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED WHEN THERE WAS NO OBJECT PRESENT. THE CONTACT MENTIONED IT HAPPENED WHILE APPROACHING A CURVE. ADDITIONALLY, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO THE FLOORBOARD HOWEVER, AFTER PUM…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED ON THREE OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING 25-35 MPH, THE AUTOMATIC COLLISION BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED WHEN THERE WAS NO OBJECT PRESENT. THE CONTACT MENTIONED IT HAPPENED WHILE APPROACHING A CURVE. ADDITIONALLY, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO THE FLOORBOARD HOWEVER, AFTER PUMPING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE BRAKES WORKED AS DESIGNED. THE AUTOMATIC COLLISION WARNING INDICATOR WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WYATT JOHNSON SUBARU (2425 WILMA RUDOLPH BLVD, CLARKSVILLE, TN 37040, (931) 648-4300) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WORKED AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 18,000.
NHTSA ODI #11349311
39,960 miles · May 16, 2020
Service Brakes
TWICE, DURING A TIME PERIOD OF 10 MINUTES, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED SUDDENLY WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED. I COULD HEAR AND FEEL THE ACCELERATOR KICK IN WHEN MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE -- THE VEHICLE WAS PROPELLED FORWARD. FIRST AT A STOP SIGN BEFORE PULLING OUT ONTO A BUSY CITY STREET, THEN 10 MINUTES LATER WHEN STOPPING TO ALLOW C…
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TWICE, DURING A TIME PERIOD OF 10 MINUTES, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED SUDDENLY WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED. I COULD HEAR AND FEEL THE ACCELERATOR KICK IN WHEN MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE -- THE VEHICLE WAS PROPELLED FORWARD. FIRST AT A STOP SIGN BEFORE PULLING OUT ONTO A BUSY CITY STREET, THEN 10 MINUTES LATER WHEN STOPPING TO ALLOW CROSS TRAFFIC TO CLEAR BEFORE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT. PAVEMENT WAS DRY (NO ICE, SNOW, OR WATER). I KNOW THAT MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AND NOT THE ACCELERATOR. CALLED THE DEALER AND BROUGHT IT IN IMMEDIATELY. OVER ABOUT A 3-WEEK PERIOD, THE DEALER EVALUATED THE VEHICLE AND HAD A SAFETY ENGINEER FROM CORPORATE COME IN TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE, AND THE CONCLUSION WAS THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR, AND NOTHING SHOWED UP ON THE VEHICLE LOGS/DATA TO INDICATE A PROBLEM. I SAID I REFUSED TO DRIVE THE CAR ANYMORE. WE DECIDED TO TRADE IT IN, AND THEY DIDN'T GIVE US ANY TRADE IN ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THEY SAID NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THEY DID GIVE US $2,500 COUPON TOWARDS A BRAND NEW, 2020, VEHICLE, WHICH WE USED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11324821
36,000 miles · May 16, 2020
EnginePower TrainService Brakes
OUTBACK ACCELERATES BY ITSELF RANDOMLY. I NOTICE MOST WHEN APPROACHING STOP SIGN AND SWITCH FOOT FROM GAS PEDAL TO BRAKE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11324814
35,000 miles · Dec 1, 2019
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesUnknown Or Other
KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION. THE CAR DRIVES, TURNS OFF, AND TURNS ON LIKE NORMAL HOWEVER, WHEN THE CAR IS PUT INTO PARK, TURNED OFF, AND THE THE KEY IS ATTEMPTED TO BE REMOVED THE KEY DOES NOT COME OUT. IT ONLY COMES OUT AFTER SOMETIMES AN HOUR OR MORE OF PUTTING THE CAR INTO DRIVE AND THEN INTO PARK AGAIN. THIS HAPPENS EVERY…
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KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION. THE CAR DRIVES, TURNS OFF, AND TURNS ON LIKE NORMAL HOWEVER, WHEN THE CAR IS PUT INTO PARK, TURNED OFF, AND THE THE KEY IS ATTEMPTED TO BE REMOVED THE KEY DOES NOT COME OUT. IT ONLY COMES OUT AFTER SOMETIMES AN HOUR OR MORE OF PUTTING THE CAR INTO DRIVE AND THEN INTO PARK AGAIN. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I ATTEMPT TO REMOVE THE KEY.
NHTSA ODI #11283201
15,000 miles · Mar 15, 2019
Service Brakes
I HAD TWO SIGNIFICANT BRAKING PROBLEMS WITHIN TWO DAYS. BOTH DAYS WERE CLEAR AND SUNNY, WITH NO SNOW, ICE OR RAIN. THE FIRST OCCURRED WHEN MY WIFE AND I WERE ON A LOCAL STREET. I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE TO STOP AT AN INTERSECTION. INSTEAD OF STOPPING, THE CAR ACCELERATED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. FORTUNATELY, THE DRIVER COMING TO MY R…
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I HAD TWO SIGNIFICANT BRAKING PROBLEMS WITHIN TWO DAYS. BOTH DAYS WERE CLEAR AND SUNNY, WITH NO SNOW, ICE OR RAIN. THE FIRST OCCURRED WHEN MY WIFE AND I WERE ON A LOCAL STREET. I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE TO STOP AT AN INTERSECTION. INSTEAD OF STOPPING, THE CAR ACCELERATED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. FORTUNATELY, THE DRIVER COMING TO MY RIGHT WAS ABLE TO STOP BEFORE PLOWING INTO MY CAR. MY WIFE AND I AVOIDED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. THE FOLLOWING DAY WE WERE COMING UP TO A RED LIGHT BEHIND ANOTHER CAR IN THE TURN LANE. I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE - CAREFULLY SO I DIDN'T ACCELERATE - AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR. EYESIGHT ASSISTED BRAKING STOPPED THE CAR BEFORE I REAR-ENDED THE CAR IN FRONT. SINCE IT WAS A TURN LANE, THE CAR IN FRONT MOVED UP AND I SLOWLY MOVED FORWARD. ONCE AGAIN THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT DOWN TO THE FLOOR AND ASSISTED BRAKING STOPPED THE CAR. I PULLED OVER ONTO A SIDE STREET AND THE BRAKES WORKED, BUT WERE SPONGY. FOR THE REST OF THE WAY HOME, ABOUT 3 MILES, THE BRAKES WORKED OK. AFTER THE SECOND INCIDENT MY WIFE AND I DISCUSSED WHAT HAPPENED. WE CAME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT WE BOTH HAD SIMILAR EXPERIENCES, TO A LESSER EXTENT, WITH THE CAR ACCELERATING WHEN BRAKING. WE BOTH THOUGHT THAT WE DID SOMETHING WRONG, BUT AFTER THE DRAMATIC ACCELERATION INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC REALIZED THAT IT WAS THE CAR. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. OVER A FEW DAYS TIME THEY COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM AND REFERRED IT TO SUBARU CUSTOMER CARE. IT'S FOUR WEEKS SINCE THE FIRST INCIDENT AND THEY'RE NO CLOSER TO IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #11187129
20,500 miles · Aug 6, 2018
Service BrakesVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY STOPPED, IT ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED CHEST AND STOMACH IN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY STOPPED, IT ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED CHEST AND STOMACH INJURIES AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WRIST INJURIES, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO YARK SUBARU (6141 CENTRAL AVE, TOLEDO, OH 43615). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,500.
NHTSA ODI #11115884
Mileage unknown · Mar 27, 2018
Service Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT INTERMITTENTLY WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT THEN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HEUBERGER SUBARU (1080 MOTOR CITY DR., COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80905 (719) 475-1920) WHERE THE BRAKES NEEDED TO …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT INTERMITTENTLY WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT THEN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HEUBERGER SUBARU (1080 MOTOR CITY DR., COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80905 (719) 475-1920) WHERE THE BRAKES NEEDED TO BE FLUSHED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT THEN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE NO DIAGNOSTIC FAILURE CODES WERE FOUND AND THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE WHERE THE FIELD ENGINEER ALONG WITH TECHNICIAN INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT NO FAILURE HAD OCCURRED, AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE WARMED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11081481
2,831 miles · Jan 8, 2018
Service Brakes
THE FIRST OF 4 INCIDENTS OCCURRED ON STATE HIGHWAY 509 WHEN TRAVELING WITH MY 12 YEAR OLD GRANDDAUGHTER IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. AT THE SPEED LIMIT OF 60 MPH IN THE RIGHT LANE, THE PARKING BRAKE APPLIED ITSELF WITHOUT BEING TOUCHED. THE CAR SHUTTERED VIOLENTLY AS IT TURNED TO THE RIGHT HEADING FOR THE SHOULDER AND SLOWED THE CAR T…
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THE FIRST OF 4 INCIDENTS OCCURRED ON STATE HIGHWAY 509 WHEN TRAVELING WITH MY 12 YEAR OLD GRANDDAUGHTER IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. AT THE SPEED LIMIT OF 60 MPH IN THE RIGHT LANE, THE PARKING BRAKE APPLIED ITSELF WITHOUT BEING TOUCHED. THE CAR SHUTTERED VIOLENTLY AS IT TURNED TO THE RIGHT HEADING FOR THE SHOULDER AND SLOWED THE CAR TO 35-40MPH BEFORE I SAW THE BRAKE LIGHT ON THE DASH AND WAS ABLE TO TURN OFF THE PARKING BRAKE SWITCH LOCATED ON THE CENTER CONSOLE. 2ND TIME GOING 35MPH ON A LOCAL STREET WHEN THE SAME THING HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING. 3RD TIME ON THE SAME HIGHWAY AS 1ST INCIDENT BUT AT 55MPH AND BY MYSELF. 4TH TIME THIS HAPPENED WAS RIGHT AFTER I PICKED UP THE CAR FROM THE SHOP WHERE THEY TRIED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM AND WERE UNABLE TO FIX IT. I WAS ON THE FREEWAY ONRAMP TO HIGHWAY 509 STARTING TO MERGE ON A BRIDGE WHEN FOR NO REASON THE BRAKE APPLIED ITSELF. AGAIN THE DEALER SHOP WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR THE CAR AND I PICKED IT UP AND TOOK IT TO ANOTHER SUBARU DEALER. THE PAPERWORK STATES THAT THE CAR IS NOT TO BE DRIVEN HOME OR LONG DISTANCES. THIS SUBARU OUTBACK IS A VERY SEVERE SAFETY RISK IF I KEEP ON DRIVING IT.
NHTSA ODI #11061333
2,000 miles · Nov 25, 2017
Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control
WHILE BRAKING AT AN INTERSECTION THE CAR WOULD SUDDENLY ACCELERATE INTO THE INTERSECTION. THIS HAPPENS OFTEN. I NEED TO CONCENTRATE ON MY FOOT POSITION EVERY TIME I HIT THE BRAKES TO MAKE SURE THAT MY FOOT DOES NOT ACCIDENTALLY HIT THE GAS ALSO. FOR YOUR INFORMATION, I AM 6 FEET TALL AND WEAR A SIZE 11 1/2 SHOE.
NHTSA ODI #11048366
2,000 miles · Oct 3, 2017
Back Over PreventionElectrical SystemService Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REVERSE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM INDEPENDENTLY APPLIED ITSELF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WAS DUE TO THE ASPHALT BEING AT AN ANGLE WHERE IT WAS CLOSE TO THE SENSORS OF THE VEHICLE. AUTONATION SUBARU SCOTTSDALE (15678 N NORTHSIGHT BLVD, SCOTTSDALE, AZ) INFO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REVERSE AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM INDEPENDENTLY APPLIED ITSELF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WAS DUE TO THE ASPHALT BEING AT AN ANGLE WHERE IT WAS CLOSE TO THE SENSORS OF THE VEHICLE. AUTONATION SUBARU SCOTTSDALE (15678 N NORTHSIGHT BLVD, SCOTTSDALE, AZ) INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD NEED TO TEMPORARILY DISABLE THE FEATURE TO PREVENT FUTURE FAILURES WHEN REVERSING THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE BRAKING SYSTEM WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2,000.... .UPDATED 11/16/17 *BF VEHICLE PURCHASE DATE SHOULD BE OR BEFORE INCIDENT DATE UPDATED 9/7/18*JB
NHTSA ODI #11031589
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