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2011 Dodge Challenger

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Challenger years

Owner complaints for the 2011 Dodge Challenger are substantially higher than the model-year median of 45.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

145 reports with mileage · 48 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.

  • Electrical System. Review the 103 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 35 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

5 crash reports8 fire reports4 injury reports

Steering complaints

14 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jan 26, 2022
SteeringUnknown Or Other

My vehicle randomly swerves back and forth when driving. It is very scary and could easily cause an accident and take my life. I’ve taken it to vigo dodge and had 3 different mechanics inspect my car over 5 hours and although they each drove my car and experienced what I’m referring to, they didn’t know what the problem is. I wa…

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My vehicle randomly swerves back and forth when driving. It is very scary and could easily cause an accident and take my life. I’ve taken it to vigo dodge and had 3 different mechanics inspect my car over 5 hours and although they each drove my car and experienced what I’m referring to, they didn’t know what the problem is. I was told to just drive it til it got worse and then maybe they could find the problem. I’m scared to drive my car over 30 mph cause the random swerve could make me lose control or even swerve into oncoming traffic. I desperately need help and don’t know what to do.

NHTSA ODI #11448953

139,975 miles · Sep 4, 2020
Steering

I WAS DRIVING MY DODGE CHALLENGER DOWN THE ROAD AND THEN LOSS POWER STEERING. THE CAR IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE. UPON FURTHER READING AND RESEARCHING MANY CHALLENGER OWNERS WITH THE 2011-UP HAVE THE ISSUE THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING PUMP FAILS. I HAVE READ OVER A HUNDRED SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON 3 SITES... HERE IS ONE SITTE …

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I WAS DRIVING MY DODGE CHALLENGER DOWN THE ROAD AND THEN LOSS POWER STEERING. THE CAR IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE. UPON FURTHER READING AND RESEARCHING MANY CHALLENGER OWNERS WITH THE 2011-UP HAVE THE ISSUE THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING PUMP FAILS. I HAVE READ OVER A HUNDRED SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON 3 SITES... HERE IS ONE SITTE HTTPS://WWW.CARPROBLEMZOO.COM/DODGE/CHALLENGER/STEERING-PROBLEMS.PHP HTTPS://WWW.CARPROBLEMZOO.COM/DODGE/CHALLENGER/STEERING-PROBLEMS2.PHP THE ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC STEERING.PUMPS FAIL WITH NO WARNING. I CALLED CHRYSLER FIAT AND WAS TOLD ITS NOT AN ISSUE FOR RECALL? REALLY LOOSING ALL STEERING IS NOT AN ISSUE? THEN THE PART IS OVER 1,000.00 AND 250.00 LABOR. I ALMOST ATE A LIGHT POLE TURNING A CORNER SO I FIND THIS A REAL PROBLEM AND DANGER WITH THESE CARS.

NHTSA ODI #11353228

Mileage unknown · Aug 6, 2019
Air BagsSteeringUnknown Or Other

TAKATA RECALL POWER STERN TIGHT ALTERNATOR RECAL AND AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND WON'T GO OFF

NHTSA ODI #11242020

31,485 miles · Mar 13, 2018
Steering

THE POWER STEERING PUMP WENT OUT MAKING THE CAR INOPERABLE WHILE OUT OF TOWN. THE COST TO FIX THIS PROBLEM WAS OVER 1,400.00.

NHTSA ODI #11078991

29,000 miles · Jun 12, 2017
Steering

STEERING GOT VERY HARD WHEN MAKING TURNS AND VIBRATIONS IN FLOOR ON PASSENGER SIDE.

NHTSA ODI #10994404

80,000 miles · Feb 27, 2017
Electrical SystemSteering

DRIVING MY 2011 DODGE CHALLENGER R/T ON THE HIGHWAY ON THE SECOND LANE SWITCHING LANES APPROACHING MY EXIT. AS I TURNED TO THE RIGHT LANE ALL THE LIGHTS ON MY DASHBOARD WENT ON AND WITHOUT WARNING MY CAR TURNED OFF CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO STIFFEN UP. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR PULL TO THE SHOULDER AND REALIZED M…

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DRIVING MY 2011 DODGE CHALLENGER R/T ON THE HIGHWAY ON THE SECOND LANE SWITCHING LANES APPROACHING MY EXIT. AS I TURNED TO THE RIGHT LANE ALL THE LIGHTS ON MY DASHBOARD WENT ON AND WITHOUT WARNING MY CAR TURNED OFF CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO STIFFEN UP. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR PULL TO THE SHOULDER AND REALIZED MY BATTERY WAS DEAD. I JUMPSTARTED MY CAR AND WAS ABLE TO GET TO MY DESTINATION WHICH WAS NEARBY AND I PARKED AND TURNED OFF MY CAR. AS SOON AS I TRIED TURNING IT ON MY BATTERY WAS DEAD AGAIN. I CALLED MY ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE FOR A JUMP AND WAS ABLE TO GET MY CAR GOING BUT AS SOON AS I TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL MY CAR SEEMED TO HAVE A SHORT WHICH CAUSED ALL THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS TO GO AND MY CAR TO TURN OFF AND KILL MY BATTERY. READING HOW MANY OTHER DODGE OWNERS HAVE GONE THROUGH VERY SIMILAR PROBLEMS AND BEEN FORTUNATE TO AVOID GETTING HURT OR HURTING OTHER DRIVERS. I BELIEVE THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO A BIT MORE SINCE IT SEEMS TO BE MORE COMMON AND SHOULD NOT BE AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. IVE BEEN VERY HAPPY WITH MY CHALLENGER TO THIS POINT. I JUST WANT TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE MY CHALLENGER COMFORTABLY NOT WORRY ABOUT MY SAFETY AND KNOW THE MANUFACTURER HAS DONE EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO TAKE CARE OF THE ISSUE AND AVOID THE SAME PROBLEM IN FUTURE MODELS. I EVENTUALLY WOULD LIKE TO OWN A NEWER CHALLENGER MODEL. KNOWING THAT STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN TO AVOID SIMILAR ISSUES ON THEM, I CAN SEE MYSELF GETTING ONE,EVEN IF ASKED TO RETURN THE ONE I OWN NOW.

NHTSA ODI #10957382

36,000 miles · Aug 20, 2016
Electrical SystemService BrakesSteering

THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ON THIS VEHICLE SHUTS THE VEHICLE DOWN WHEN THE BATTERY ISN"T STRONG ENOUGH TO SUPPORT THE COMPUTER. THIS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING. CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING AND CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE TRACTION CONTROL SHUTS OFF AND BECAUSE THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN THE POWER STEERING IS GONE AND THE POWER BRAKES . THIS HAPPEN…

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THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ON THIS VEHICLE SHUTS THE VEHICLE DOWN WHEN THE BATTERY ISN"T STRONG ENOUGH TO SUPPORT THE COMPUTER. THIS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING. CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING AND CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE TRACTION CONTROL SHUTS OFF AND BECAUSE THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN THE POWER STEERING IS GONE AND THE POWER BRAKES . THIS HAPPENED TO ME COMING AROUND A SHARP CORNER OF AN OFF RAMP. I LOST ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND ALMOST WENT OFF THE ROAD. I CALLED THE SERVICE DEPT. OF MY DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THIS IS COMMON WHEN THE BATTERY CHARGE ISN'T POWERFUL ENOUGH TO SUSTAIN THE COMPUTER. BUT THERE ARE NO WARNING SIGNALS OR ANYTHING WITHIN THE CAR TO TELL YOU THE BATTERY IS LOW. I DID A SYSTEM CHECK WHEN I PULLED OVER AND THE SYSTEM SAID "OK". I FEEL THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. SOME ONE CAN SERIOUSLY BE HURT OR KILLED.

NHTSA ODI #10897332

77,000 miles · Aug 19, 2015
Electrical SystemSteering

I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE AND WAS WAITING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AT THE INTERSECTION. MY BATTERY APPEARED TO BE LOSING POWER AND I LOST MY POWER STEERING. I BELIEVE THE ALTERNATOR WENT BAD WHICH LED TO THE BATTERY DYING WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING ME TO LOSE POWER. THIS WAS DANGEROUS AS I COULD HAVE LOST POWER AND MAY HAVE CAUSED AN ACCI…

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I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE AND WAS WAITING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AT THE INTERSECTION. MY BATTERY APPEARED TO BE LOSING POWER AND I LOST MY POWER STEERING. I BELIEVE THE ALTERNATOR WENT BAD WHICH LED TO THE BATTERY DYING WHILE DRIVING, CAUSING ME TO LOSE POWER. THIS WAS DANGEROUS AS I COULD HAVE LOST POWER AND MAY HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I WILL BE TAKING IT TO A MECHANIC TO GET THE ALTERNATOR REPLACED. I SEE DODGE HAS SOME RECALLS ON ALTERNATORS BUT NOT SURE IF IT APPLIES TO MY VEHICLE

NHTSA ODI #10749647

52,707 miles · Feb 11, 2015
Electrical SystemService BrakesSteering

MY WIFE AN I WERE ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THE FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED, RUNNING 70MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BLINKED AND ALL INSTRUMENTS WENT DOWN THE CAR SHUT DOWN, THERE WASN'T ANY ELECTRICAL TO ANYTHING. I GUESS BEING A MANUAL, IT STARTED BACK UP AUTOMATICALLY. THE SECOND INCIDENT WAS WHEN WE WERE ON OUR WAY HOME WE DECIDED TO T…

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MY WIFE AN I WERE ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THE FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED, RUNNING 70MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BLINKED AND ALL INSTRUMENTS WENT DOWN THE CAR SHUT DOWN, THERE WASN'T ANY ELECTRICAL TO ANYTHING. I GUESS BEING A MANUAL, IT STARTED BACK UP AUTOMATICALLY. THE SECOND INCIDENT WAS WHEN WE WERE ON OUR WAY HOME WE DECIDED TO TAKE A DIFFERENT WAY HOME BECAUSE THIS HAD HAPPENED, IT THEREFORE HAPPENED AGAIN SAME PROBLEM BUT WE WERE RUNNING 57. WE STOPPED AT A SONIC SHUT THE CAR OFF, WHEN WE STARTED IT BACK UP IT SOUND LIKE IT WAS STARTING OUT OF TIME, THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO US AGAIN THE CLOSER WE GOT HOME. THE CAR IS PARKED AND HAS NOT BEEN MOVED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10682800

25,000 miles · Jan 2, 2015
SteeringStructureCrash

I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY ON THE INSIDE SHOULDER. I MADE A NORMAL LANE CHANGE TO AVOID GETTING T-BONED AND MY STEERING LOCKED UP CAUSING ME TO SPIN OUT AND HIT A GUARDRAIL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10669648

Official recalls

6

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.

17V435000 · Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator

Jul 10, 2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles have electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) and are equipped with a 5.7L or a 3.6L engine and a 160, 180 or 220 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and depending on the part number, will replace the alternator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T36.

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.

14V634000 · Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator

Oct 8, 2014

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango; and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured April 22, 2010, to January 2, 2014, and equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P60.

13V118000 · Air Bags

Apr 3, 2013

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured April 11, 2011, through December 14, 2011. The affected vehicles may have improperly sized terminal crimps on the seat side-airbag wiring harness which may cause the seat side-airbags to malfunction and illuminate the airbag warning light.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment the airbags may not operate as designed, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace both driver and passenger seat airbag wiring harnesses, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N07.

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.