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2010 Dodge Challenger

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Challenger years

Owner complaints for the 2010 Dodge Challenger are substantially higher than the model-year median of 45.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

214 reports with mileage · 85 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Air Bags. Review the 75 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 75 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 68 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

10 crash reports4 fire reports8 injury reports

Power Train complaints

36 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jul 22, 2022
Power Train

The clutch stick broke while driving and putting it on gear.

NHTSA ODI #11475226

Mileage unknown · Oct 4, 2021
EnginePower Train

The Gen III hemi has an inherent design flaw in which the rollers making contact with the camshaft will fail, causing damage to the camshaft and causing the engine to misfire. This is due to the camshaft being moved away from the crankshaft as it causes oil starvation. After extensive research it appears to affect cars of variou…

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The Gen III hemi has an inherent design flaw in which the rollers making contact with the camshaft will fail, causing damage to the camshaft and causing the engine to misfire. This is due to the camshaft being moved away from the crankshaft as it causes oil starvation. After extensive research it appears to affect cars of various miles and workload. There is no single cause that makes this happen other than a grievous design flaw. The main complaint is that you experience total power loss at higher revs, making it dangerous to drive on the interstate or attempting to merge into traffics as the engine begins to shudder and lose most power. Whether it’s 40K miles or 110K miles, the flaw does not discriminate. After numerous attempts to reach Chrysler technical service on how to prevent this, I’ve been ignored and case numbers deleted. Now this is very important. This causes a misfire which not only destroys catalytic converters, but arrives with no notice. It’s very possible someone may be attempting to pass someone on the interstate and suddenly lose power. My mechanic inspected it and confirmed that the rollers failed, causing causing lifters to not make proper clearance. This needs to be investigated as this engine is in millions of cars. And even if 1% of these failure occur on an interstate, the potential for fatalities is absolutely nothing to ignore. I kindly ask that this matter be investigated. As not everyone can afford the 5K to fix this problem like I can. And due to its high prevalence in trucks, this could cause those who use their trucks for work to be put in a tight spot. I understand normal wear and tear, but by no means should a cam and valve train fail this soon in a car. Giving the Gen III hemi by Chrysler and their infamous timing chain defect, I believe this is also a dangerous flaw and something Chrysler ignored. Hoping it would outlast warranties. Best regards.

NHTSA ODI #11435441

57,000 miles · Aug 26, 2021
Power Train

The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the tire sensor, battery, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed as a powertrain control module failure, which caused the battery and alternator to fail. Th…

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The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the tire sensor, battery, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed as a powertrain control module failure, which caused the battery and alternator to fail. The mechanic informed the contact that the powertrain control module needed to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

NHTSA ODI #11430599

139,000 miles · Dec 26, 2019
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other

CAR HAS STALLED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE DRIVING ABOVE 60 MPH. SEEMS LIKE LOSES POWER AND FUEL PUMP SHUTS OFF. HAD TO PULL OVER AND RESTARTS WITH NO ISSUES. KIND OF DANGEROUS WHEN YOU LOSE POWER TO BRAKES AND STEERING TOO.

NHTSA ODI #11291291

77,000 miles · Sep 11, 2019
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other

2014 TIMING BELT WAS RECALLED AND APPARENTLY REPAIRED. CAR SHUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AND THEN ENGINE SEIZED. HAD IT TOWED AND SERVICE SAID IT WAS TIMING BELT AGAIN AND NOW ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. CALLED DODGE, THEY SAID THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN OR WANT TO DO.

NHTSA ODI #11254708

Mileage unknown · Jun 14, 2019
EnginePower Train

A RECALL WAS PERFORMED IN 2015 REGARDING A TIMING CHAIN FAILURE. THIS CAR SAT IN A DEALER LOT FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND RARELY DRIVE IT. A TIMING CHAIN FAILURE STALLED ME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSTATE. A CHRONIC ISSUE ACCORDING TO MOST FORUMS, EVEN AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED. THE CAR …

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A RECALL WAS PERFORMED IN 2015 REGARDING A TIMING CHAIN FAILURE. THIS CAR SAT IN A DEALER LOT FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND RARELY DRIVE IT. A TIMING CHAIN FAILURE STALLED ME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSTATE. A CHRONIC ISSUE ACCORDING TO MOST FORUMS, EVEN AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 73,000 MILES ON IT AND SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED REGARDLESS OF MONTHS,OF THE FACT THAT IT WAS MORE THAN 24 MONTHS. IT IS A VERY LOW MILEAGE CAR FOR THE YEAR AND THIS IS ON ONGOING ISSUE FROM THESE VEHICLES FROM 2009-2012.

NHTSA ODI #11220161

Mileage unknown · Jul 1, 2018
Power Train

ACCELERATED / STUCK TO FLOOR GOING DOWN HIGHWAY. WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. THE THROTTLE WAS STUCK WOULD NOT RELEASE. THIS HAPPENED WHILE WE WERE PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #11104949

54,000 miles · May 22, 2018
Air BagsElectrical SystemPower Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY WITH SHIFTING TO AND FROM SECOND GEAR, AND THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND STALLED SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION SEALS, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE A REMEDY TO PROVIDE A PERMANENT SOLUTION. THE FAILURE C…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 DODGE CHALLENGER. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY WITH SHIFTING TO AND FROM SECOND GEAR, AND THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND STALLED SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION SEALS, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE A REMEDY TO PROVIDE A PERMANENT SOLUTION. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO PROGRESS AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MARTIN DODGE JEEP CHRYSLER RAM (2209 SCOTTSVILLE RD, BOWLING GREEN, KY 42104-4105, (270) 846-0600) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE DEALER REPLACED THE COMPUTER ONCE, BUT THE COMPUTER FAILED AGAIN AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FURTHER DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WAS REQUIRED AND THE PART MAY NO LONGER BE AVAILABLE TO REPLACE THE COMPUTER AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.

NHTSA ODI #11097209

47,000 miles · Feb 7, 2018
Power Train

THE 6 SPEED TRANSMISSION AT 47,000 MILES IS HAVING A VERY HARD TIME SHIFTING INTO AND OUT OF GEAR AT IDLE. WITH CLUTCH PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR IT WILL NOT GO INTO OR OUT OF FIRST GEAR OR REVERSE. AFTER GETTING IT INTO GEAR AND DRIVING THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS FINE. THERE IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE CLUTCH AND GREASE USED ON THIS…

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THE 6 SPEED TRANSMISSION AT 47,000 MILES IS HAVING A VERY HARD TIME SHIFTING INTO AND OUT OF GEAR AT IDLE. WITH CLUTCH PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR IT WILL NOT GO INTO OR OUT OF FIRST GEAR OR REVERSE. AFTER GETTING IT INTO GEAR AND DRIVING THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS FINE. THERE IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE CLUTCH AND GREASE USED ON THIS YEAR MODEL

NHTSA ODI #11071637

500 miles · Aug 23, 2017
Power Train

SHIFTING ISSUE WITH MANUAL 2010 CHALLENGER R/T. EXPERIENCING A NIBBLE WHEN SHIFTING AND SOMETIMES IT WON'T SHIFT INTO 3RD WHEN COLD. MATCHES THE DESCRIPTION FROM OTHER 2009-2010 DRIVERS IN ON-LINE CHALLENGER FORUMS UNDER STAR CASE # K38556860 & S1021000004 (BAD GREASE USED ON TR-6060. MY LOCAL DEALER AND CHRYSLER WARRANTY HOT…

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SHIFTING ISSUE WITH MANUAL 2010 CHALLENGER R/T. EXPERIENCING A NIBBLE WHEN SHIFTING AND SOMETIMES IT WON'T SHIFT INTO 3RD WHEN COLD. MATCHES THE DESCRIPTION FROM OTHER 2009-2010 DRIVERS IN ON-LINE CHALLENGER FORUMS UNDER STAR CASE # K38556860 & S1021000004 (BAD GREASE USED ON TR-6060. MY LOCAL DEALER AND CHRYSLER WARRANTY HOTLINE CLAIM TO KNOW NOTHING ABOUT IT.

NHTSA ODI #11019044

Official recalls

7

19V018000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 15, 2019

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2010 Dodge Ram 3500, Ram 4500/5500, 2010-2011 Dodge Dakota, 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger, 2010-2015 Dodge Challenger, Chrysler 300, and 2010-2016 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 4, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V01.

18V021000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 9, 2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Chrysler is also recalling certain 2009 RAM 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U03.

16V352000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

May 24, 2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.

15V444000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Jul 10, 2015

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Dodge Challenger vehicles manufactured September 19, 2007, to October 29, 2010. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on November 17, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R37.

10V475000 · Steering:electric Power Assist System

Oct 7, 2010

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHRYSLER SEBRING, 300, CHARGER (LX) AND DODGE CHALLENGER (LC), AVENGER (JS), AND JOURNEY (JC), AS WELL AS MODEL YEAR 2011 DODGE RAM LIGHT DUTY PICKUP (DS) VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A SEPARATION AT THE CRIMPED END OF THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE ASSEMBLY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: LEAKED POWER STEERING FLUID ONTO HOT ENGINE COMPONENTS COULD CAUSE A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE AS NECESSARY THE POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 20, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

10V200000 · Electrical System:ignition:module

May 11, 2010

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHRYSLER 300, DODGE CHALLENGER, CHARGER, JEEP COMMANDER, GRAND CHEROKEE AND DODGE RAM VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A WIRELESS IGNITION NODE (WIN) MODULE EXHIBITING A BINDING CONDITION OF THE SOLENOID LATCH.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE RESULT OF THE DEFECT COULD LEAD TO A CONDITION WHERE THE KEY MAY BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH (WIN MODULE) PRIOR TO PLACING THE SHIFTER IN PARK. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE POTENTIAL FOR UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT AND COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE WIN MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 23, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

09V420000 · Wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studs

Oct 29, 2009

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REAR WHEEL DRIVE. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITHOUT A FRONT WHEEL SPINDLE NUT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: WHILE DRIVING, A TIRE AND WHEEL SEPARATION COULD OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY AND IF FOUND WITHOUT A SPINDLE NUT IT WILL BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 2, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-835-1403.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.