NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
917 reports32,000 miles · May 11, 2021
Electrical System
SOMETIMES THE BATTERY GOES DEAD FOR NO REASON. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES IN THE LAST 2 YEARS, WITH THE MOST RECENT EVENT OCCURRING TODAY (MAY 10, 2021). IT COULD OCCUR AFTER I HAVEN'T DRIVEN IT FOR A DAY OR IN THE MIDST OF A ROAD TRIP AFTER I'VE STOPPED FOR LUNCH AND IT WON'T RESTART. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY 2 TIMES…
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SOMETIMES THE BATTERY GOES DEAD FOR NO REASON. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES IN THE LAST 2 YEARS, WITH THE MOST RECENT EVENT OCCURRING TODAY (MAY 10, 2021). IT COULD OCCUR AFTER I HAVEN'T DRIVEN IT FOR A DAY OR IN THE MIDST OF A ROAD TRIP AFTER I'VE STOPPED FOR LUNCH AND IT WON'T RESTART. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY 2 TIMES SINCE PURCHASING MY CAR (USED) IN 2019.
NHTSA ODI #11416136
52,000 miles · May 11, 2021
Electrical System
WE HAVE EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE, ONGOING BATTERY DRAIN INCIDENTS, REPLACING THE BATTERY TWICE IN ONE YEAR (MOST RECENTLY). WE ARE LEFT STRANDED REPEATEDLY AND MUST JUMP THE CAR FOR IT TO START. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL AND OTHERS. THE INCIDENTS HAPPEN SEEMINGLY RANDOMLY. IT IS WORKING FINE, THEN YOU GO…
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WE HAVE EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE, ONGOING BATTERY DRAIN INCIDENTS, REPLACING THE BATTERY TWICE IN ONE YEAR (MOST RECENTLY). WE ARE LEFT STRANDED REPEATEDLY AND MUST JUMP THE CAR FOR IT TO START. I UNDERSTAND THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL AND OTHERS. THE INCIDENTS HAPPEN SEEMINGLY RANDOMLY. IT IS WORKING FINE, THEN YOU GO BACK TO GET IN IT AND IT WON'T START. SOMETIMES, WHEN YOU ARE ATTEMPTING TO START IT, THE BACK HATCH WILL MAKE A SOUND/MOTION. WE HAVE BEEN STRANDED MORE TIMES THAN I CAN COUNT! AFTER 4 YEARS OF THIS, WE ARE BEYOND FRUSTRATED. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE ON THE ROAD BY MYSELF. MOST OWNERS HAVE TAKEN TO KEEPING A BATTERY JUMPER WITH THEM AT ALL TIMES. RIDICULOUS.
NHTSA ODI #11416120
47,000 miles · May 10, 2021
Electrical System
MY BATTERY HAS SEEMED WEAK FOR OVER A YEAR. ON A ROUTINE SERVICE, I HAD ASKED SUBARU OF SANTA FE TO INSPECT MY BATTERY. IT CHECKED OUT AS GOOD. YET, EVERY TIME I STARTED THE CAR, IT WOULD SEEM LIKE THE STARTER WAS LABORING WITH A DRAINED BATTERY. OF LATE I HAVE HAD TO JUMPSTART THE CAR A FEW TIMES, EVEN. I TOOK IT FOR INSPECTION…
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MY BATTERY HAS SEEMED WEAK FOR OVER A YEAR. ON A ROUTINE SERVICE, I HAD ASKED SUBARU OF SANTA FE TO INSPECT MY BATTERY. IT CHECKED OUT AS GOOD. YET, EVERY TIME I STARTED THE CAR, IT WOULD SEEM LIKE THE STARTER WAS LABORING WITH A DRAINED BATTERY. OF LATE I HAVE HAD TO JUMPSTART THE CAR A FEW TIMES, EVEN. I TOOK IT FOR INSPECTION TODAY TO AUTO ZONE, TO SEE IF I NEEDED A NEW BATTERY. THEY CHECKED IT AND SAID THE BATTERY WAS FINE AND DID NOT NEED REPLACEMENT. I LOOKED UP THE INTERNET TO SEE IF OTHERS HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS. SURE ENOUGH, I DISCOVERED THAT THERE IS A LEGAL SUITE REGARDING AN IDENTICAL ISSUE FOR THE SAME YEAR MSKE AND MODEL CAR AS MINE. THE BATTERY HAS NEVER DIED WHILE THE CAR IS IN OPERATION OR MOVING, BUT ONLY WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED. THIS COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE IF THE VEHICLE IS STRANDED IN A REMOTE OR UNSAFE LOCATION. TO MY KNOWLEDGE,
NHTSA ODI #11416021
60,000 miles · May 10, 2021
Electrical System
THE CAR DRAINS BATTERY RAPIDLY OVERNIGHT. THE IDLE CURRENT IS ABOUT 2 AMPS WHICH IS ABNORMAL
NHTSA ODI #11415980
57,000 miles · May 10, 2021
Electrical System
THE BATTERY IS PREMATURELY DRAINING AND THIS HAS LEFT US STRANDED AND REQUIRING A JUMP START. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR MY FAMILY. THE OEM BATTER FAILED AFTER 18 MONTHS. THE NEW BATTERY (WITH A 5 YEAR WARRANTY) HAS NOW FAILED AFTER ANOTHER 14 MONTHS. THIS IS NOT DUE TO LEAVING A LIGHT ON OR A DOOR OPEN. THE VEHICLE IS NOT …
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THE BATTERY IS PREMATURELY DRAINING AND THIS HAS LEFT US STRANDED AND REQUIRING A JUMP START. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR MY FAMILY. THE OEM BATTER FAILED AFTER 18 MONTHS. THE NEW BATTERY (WITH A 5 YEAR WARRANTY) HAS NOW FAILED AFTER ANOTHER 14 MONTHS. THIS IS NOT DUE TO LEAVING A LIGHT ON OR A DOOR OPEN. THE VEHICLE IS NOT BEING LEFT PARKED FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME. THIS IS A DAILY DRIVER VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #11415945
50,000 miles · May 10, 2021
Power TrainService BrakesUnknown Or Other
MY NEW BATTERY WAS DRAINED TO A POINT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. I MESSAGED SOME BIBLE STUDY FRIENDS AND ONE WAS GOING TO COME OVER AND JUMP MY VEHICLE. WHILE WAITING I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND PUSHED IT OUT OF MY GARAGE INTO THE DRIVEWAY. THE DRIVEWAY IS ON A STEEP SLOPE. ONCE IN THE DRIVEWAY I TRIED PUTTING THE CAR INT…
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MY NEW BATTERY WAS DRAINED TO A POINT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. I MESSAGED SOME BIBLE STUDY FRIENDS AND ONE WAS GOING TO COME OVER AND JUMP MY VEHICLE. WHILE WAITING I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND PUSHED IT OUT OF MY GARAGE INTO THE DRIVEWAY. THE DRIVEWAY IS ON A STEEP SLOPE. ONCE IN THE DRIVEWAY I TRIED PUTTING THE CAR INTO PARK, IT WOULD NOT GO INTO PARK. IN FACT IT WOULD ONLY GO INTO DRIVE WHICH DID NOT STOP THE VEHICLE FROM ROLLING BACKWARDS. I TRIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE BUT IT IS ELECTRICALLY OPERATED AND DID NOT WORK. THE BRAKES WERE VERY HARD TO HOLD SINCE THE HYDRAULICS WERE NOT KICKING IN, SAME WITH THE POWER STEERING. I AM A BIG STRONG GUY SO I WRESTLED THE CAR TO TURN IT DIAGONALLY IN THE DRIVEWAY AS IT ROLLED BACKWARDS, TRYING TO PREVENT IT FROM GOING INTO THE STREET AND FLYING INTO SOMEONE'S HOUSE OR VEHICLE. ONCE DIAGONAL IN THE DRIVEWAY I THREW A PADLOCK UNDER THE FRONT TIRE FROM THE DRIVERS SEAT WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO PREVENT IT FROM ROLLING BACK. AT THIS POINT IT WAS BARELY HELD BUT STATIONARY SO I GOT OUT, CHALKED THE WHEELS WITH 2X4'S UNTIL BY BIBLE STUDY FRIENDS CAME OVER AND JUMPED MY CAR. I DID NOT HAVE MY CELL PHONE AND NO ONE ELSE WAS AROUND TO HELP ME. I LITTERALLY THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO HAVE TO JUST LET MY CAR ROLL DOWN INTO THE STREET AND LET IT GO BECAUSE I HAD NO OTHER OPTIONS. I CALLED SUBARU OF AMERICA AND THEY DIRECTED ME TO A YOUTUBE VIDEO THAT SHOWS ONCE THE BATTERY COMPLETELY DIES, THERE IS A SPECIAL TOOL YOU NEED IN ORDER TO GET THE CAR IN AND OUT OF PARK. BUT IT DOESN'T TELL YOU THAT IF THE CAR WON'T START AND THERE IS ENOUGH POWER TO GET IT INTO REVERSE, DON'T DO IT WITHOUT THE TOOL. WHAT IF THIS HAPPENED IN THE MOUNTAINS OR SAN FRANCISCO OR ANY HILLY OR MOUNTAINOUS LOCATION? I BELIEVE THIS IS A HIGH POTENTIAL FOR LIFE THREATING INJURY OR LOSS OF PROPERTY. E-BRAKES SHOULD NOT BE ELECTRIC IN MY OPINION.
NHTSA ODI #11415781
23,100 miles · May 8, 2021
Visibility/wiper
THIS SUBARU OUTBACK WINDSHIELD CRACKED FOR ALMOST NO REASON. WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE 2/28/21 WITH 19700 MILES. WHILE DRIVING FROM 4-5PM ON 5/7 I DID NOT NOTICE ANY AUDIBLE ROCK HITS OR IMPACTS ON THE WINDSHIELD. WE WERE RECEIVING RAIN IN MICHIGAN AND THE TEMPERATURE WAS DROPPING QUICKLY. I PARKED THE VEHICLE AT 5PM, AND THERE WERE…
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THIS SUBARU OUTBACK WINDSHIELD CRACKED FOR ALMOST NO REASON. WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE 2/28/21 WITH 19700 MILES. WHILE DRIVING FROM 4-5PM ON 5/7 I DID NOT NOTICE ANY AUDIBLE ROCK HITS OR IMPACTS ON THE WINDSHIELD. WE WERE RECEIVING RAIN IN MICHIGAN AND THE TEMPERATURE WAS DROPPING QUICKLY. I PARKED THE VEHICLE AT 5PM, AND THERE WERE NO CRACKS IN THE WINDSHIELD AT THAT POINT. WHEN I WENT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AT 11PM THAT NIGHT, I NOTICED WHAT I THOUGHT WAS DEBRIS ON THE WINDSHIELD (I PARKED UNDER A TREE), BUT I DIDN'T REALIZE THIS WAS A CRACK DEVELOPING. I DROVE IT FROM 11-11:45. WHEN I PARKED THE VEHICLE AT ALMOST MIDNIGHT ON 5/7 I DIDN'T REALIZE THIS CRACK WAS GETTING LARGER. ON 5/8, I WENT TO USE THE VEHICLE AT ABOUT NOON, AND THE CRACK WAS NOW 10-12" LONG AND WITHIN THE DRIVERS LINE OF SIGHT. I CALLED SUBARU SINCE THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 23,000 MILES, AND THEY SAID TO CALL MY INSURANCE. NOW I HAVE TO PAY FOR A WINDSHIELD ON A NEARLY NEW VEHICLE FROM A CRACK THAT SEEMINGLY APPEARED OUT OF NOWHERE. MOST OF THE DRIVING WAS ON A CLEAN AND NEW FREEWAY, NO DIRT ROADS. IN THE SECOND PHOTO YOU CAN SEE WHAT IS MAYBE A VERY SMALL ROCK CHIP, BUT I HAVE NUMEROUS SIMILAR CHIPS ON TWO OTHER VEHICLES THAT HAVE NOT DEVELOPED INTO A CRACK, ESPECIALLY SO QUICKLY. I THINK THIS IS A DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELD ON THIS NEW SUBARU. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY.
NHTSA ODI #11415654
2,411 miles · May 8, 2021
Electrical System
BATTERY DIES..HAD NEW ONE INSTALLED THIS WEEK, SAME PROBLEM. NO RECALL? CANT USE CAR
NHTSA ODI #11415648
30,000 miles · May 7, 2021
Unknown Or Other
THE DATA CONTROL MODULE FAILED AFTER ONLY 30,000 MILES. IT'S A 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK AND BECAUSE OF NOT DRIVING LAST YEAR (2020), THE 3 YEAR WARRANTY WAS NO LONGER IN EFFECT. WE ARE PAYING $1500, FOR A FAILED PART (DATA CONTROL MODULE) THAT CAUSED TWO CONSECUTIVE BATTERIES TO DRAIN. THE CAR WILL NOT START WITHOUT JUMPING IT.
NHTSA ODI #11415564
52,000 miles · May 5, 2021
Electrical System
>>>THIS INFORMATION IS IN ADDITION TO THE PREVIOUSLY FILED NHTSA SAFETY ISSUE ID 11415232 <<< IN MY PREVIOUS FILING, I DID FORGET TO INCLUDE ANOTHER ISSUE THAT I BELIEVE IS ALSO ASSOCIATED WITH THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS I HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH MY 2017 OUTBACK 2.5I TOURING VEHICLE. SO, ALONG WITH ALL OF THE FAILURES EXPERIENC…
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>>>THIS INFORMATION IS IN ADDITION TO THE PREVIOUSLY FILED NHTSA SAFETY ISSUE ID 11415232 <<< IN MY PREVIOUS FILING, I DID FORGET TO INCLUDE ANOTHER ISSUE THAT I BELIEVE IS ALSO ASSOCIATED WITH THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS I HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH MY 2017 OUTBACK 2.5I TOURING VEHICLE. SO, ALONG WITH ALL OF THE FAILURES EXPERIENCED AND DISCUSSED IN FILING #11415232, A HANDFUL OF TIMES, I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER-SIDE WINDOW WOULD NOT WORK WHEN ATTEMPTING TO OPEN OR CLOSE IT FROM THE DRIVER-SIDE CONTROL. BUT I DO WANT TO POINT OUT THAT THE WINDOW WOULD OPEN AND CLOSE WHEN I USED THE WINDOW CONTROLLER LOCATED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO ADD-ON TO MY PREVIOUS COMPLAINT.
NHTSA ODI #11415257
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