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2015 Dodge Challenger

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Challenger years

Owner complaints for the 2015 Dodge Challenger are substantially higher than the model-year median of 45.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

89 reports with mileage · 37 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.

  • Power Train. Review the 29 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 26 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 26 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

16 crash reports3 fire reports12 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

26 reports
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222,348 miles · Jul 28, 2025
Electrical System

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2015 Dodge Challenger. The contact then discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 138,160, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 222,348.

NHTSA ODI #11676627

Mileage unknown · Apr 24, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

My SHIFTER is messing up again recall U4 i believe and my its a recall on my vehicle ive had this vehicle for 2 years they stated the previous owner already had repaired but im imforming them i am still having the issue my car will literally stop going in the middle of the highway. Ive almost been close to getting in a accident …

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My SHIFTER is messing up again recall U4 i believe and my its a recall on my vehicle ive had this vehicle for 2 years they stated the previous owner already had repaired but im imforming them i am still having the issue my car will literally stop going in the middle of the highway. Ive almost been close to getting in a accident and all everyone can say is it has already been repaired but i want them to understand that it may was repaired but it wasnt done correctly because something is wrong with my shifter/trasmission and electrical system. Which are both two valid recalls that i have. My shifter just blinks out of nowhere and just will stop at any moment. If the person behind me wasnt paying attention i couldve died or been harm seriously due to this keep happening while i am driving on the highway.

NHTSA ODI #11656580

Mileage unknown · Feb 3, 2025
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

One day after driving home from work there was a message that says low battery voltage on the instrument panel, then it went away. No other warning lights or problems. Ten more miles down the road the message says battery saver mode, reduced functions and then the car started to smoke, I am freaked out at this point praying to m…

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One day after driving home from work there was a message that says low battery voltage on the instrument panel, then it went away. No other warning lights or problems. Ten more miles down the road the message says battery saver mode, reduced functions and then the car started to smoke, I am freaked out at this point praying to make it home safely. I arrive home and pull into driveway and then turn engine off and let it cool. Lift the hood and coolant has sprayed and spewed all over the engine compartment and is significantly reduced. Now parked, engine off the shift lights are still on and navigation panel and radio won't turn off. I had to unplug the battery completely and manually lock the car. The next day I replace the battery, check coolant, and allow car to warm up. No warning lights or messages. Then I start to drive and less than ten min, battery saver mode again, reduced function and power then engine smoking again, coolant spraying under hood and I have no idea what's wrong. Could it be the alternator, everything is still factory parts. Never happened when I changed the battery in 2022. This is scary.

NHTSA ODI #11640391

Mileage unknown · Jan 19, 2023
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

My back up camera works when it wants to sometimes and then other times it’s all blurry and can’t see also I get a light on for my brake system that goes on and off

NHTSA ODI #11502689

Mileage unknown · Dec 7, 2022
Electrical SystemService BrakesUnknown Or Other

The back up camera cuts on and off and doesn’t work most of the time and then my abs and traction control light comes on and off

NHTSA ODI #11496376

Mileage unknown · Oct 8, 2022
Electrical System

"Turn signal indicator lamp out" shows frequently on the dash display. It will remain on for 3-10 seconds and go off. Upon inspection, ALL EXTERIOR LAMPS function perfectly fine. Even when turn indicator on the dash blinks rapidly, the exterior lamps blink normally. It also dings when the indicator comes on. This just started ab…

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"Turn signal indicator lamp out" shows frequently on the dash display. It will remain on for 3-10 seconds and go off. Upon inspection, ALL EXTERIOR LAMPS function perfectly fine. Even when turn indicator on the dash blinks rapidly, the exterior lamps blink normally. It also dings when the indicator comes on. This just started about six weeks ago. This issue tells the driver that a lamp is out, when in reality it is not. It is very frustrating, as it may occur as often as every five minutes. I have talked to three independent repair shops, as well as three Dodge dealerships. I received basically the same response from all three dealerships, "We have no idea what may be causing this, but leave it with us for a day, and we will investigate. At $182 per labor hour. And we may not find the problem." I would have happily have paid for an hour or so of tracing, but a day?

NHTSA ODI #11488507

Mileage unknown · Aug 5, 2021
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

I purchased my vehicle new as a 2015. The HVAC blower motor has gone out so quickly and is rattling. It has been about two days when it started out of nowhere and as of today, the blower is not blowing anything out. It should last for 10-20+ years. My wife had the same issue with her BMW and it burned out and black smoke cam…

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I purchased my vehicle new as a 2015. The HVAC blower motor has gone out so quickly and is rattling. It has been about two days when it started out of nowhere and as of today, the blower is not blowing anything out. It should last for 10-20+ years. My wife had the same issue with her BMW and it burned out and black smoke came out the vents. The wires were scorched. This is a safety issue due to fires. I have done research and vehicles have caught fire because of this problem in vehicles. Please advise and thank you. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”

NHTSA ODI #11427923

40,000 miles · Nov 25, 2020
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemService Brakes

BOTH MY 2015 CHALLENGERS HAVE THE SAME DASH LIGHTS ON TRACTION CONTROL,ABS, AND BRAKE LIGHT. HAPPENED WITH VEHICLE WITH VIN [XXX] FIRST AND BEGINNING OF THAT YEAR AND AROUND MAY SAME LIGHTS CAME ON IN MY OTHER 2015 CHALLENGER AND THEN BATTERY LIGHT STARTED TO GO ON AND OFF THEN FINALLY JUST STAYED ON SO I CHANGED BATTERY AND NOT…

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BOTH MY 2015 CHALLENGERS HAVE THE SAME DASH LIGHTS ON TRACTION CONTROL,ABS, AND BRAKE LIGHT. HAPPENED WITH VEHICLE WITH VIN [XXX] FIRST AND BEGINNING OF THAT YEAR AND AROUND MAY SAME LIGHTS CAME ON IN MY OTHER 2015 CHALLENGER AND THEN BATTERY LIGHT STARTED TO GO ON AND OFF THEN FINALLY JUST STAYED ON SO I CHANGED BATTERY AND NOTHING CHANGED BUT POWER IS BEING USED SOMEWHERE AND VOLTAGE STAYS AROUND 13.0 AND SOME OTHER ISSUES WITH GPS AND COMPASS ILL BE HEADING STRAIGHT NORTH AND IT WILL JUST KEEP CHANGING NORTH SOUTH EAST WEST AND MY GPS WILL SHOW MY CAR GLITCHING BACK AND FORTH ON SCREEN HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO GET EITHER CAR TO DEALER CAUSE DON'T HAVE A SPARE CAR AT THE MOMENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11376270

161,000 miles · Aug 14, 2020
Electrical SystemPower TrainVehicle Speed Control

THE VEHICLE HAD A RECALL ABOUT THE THE PCM SO I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL DEALER TO HAVE IT REPAIRED AND AFTER I FELT AS IF NOTHING WERE DONE TO FIX MY CAR SO I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER DEALER ABOUT AN HOUR AND A HALF AWAY AND WHEN I GOT MY CAR BACK THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND THE GUY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT HE WAS TALKING ABOUT GIVING FALSE …

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THE VEHICLE HAD A RECALL ABOUT THE THE PCM SO I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL DEALER TO HAVE IT REPAIRED AND AFTER I FELT AS IF NOTHING WERE DONE TO FIX MY CAR SO I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER DEALER ABOUT AN HOUR AND A HALF AWAY AND WHEN I GOT MY CAR BACK THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND THE GUY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT HE WAS TALKING ABOUT GIVING FALSE INFORMATION ABOUT MY CAR AND TELLS ME I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION SO EVEN THEN I STILL KNOW NOTHING WAS DONE TO FIX MY CAR MY PCM IS GETTING WORSE AND NOW AFFECTING. MY TRANSMISSION CONTROL UNIT SHIFTING. THE CAR WON'T GO INTO FIRST GEAR AND WHEN GOING INTO 5TH GEAR IT KICKS AND WHIPLASHES ME.

NHTSA ODI #11349312

78,858 miles · Jul 22, 2020
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

MY HEADLIGHT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE KEEPS GOING OUT WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY. IT'S OUT FOR A FEW DAYS AND THEN IT COMES BACK ON FOR A FEW DAYS AND AGAIN IT'S OUT. THE DEALERSHIP DID A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT WAS GOOD.

NHTSA ODI #11340980

Official recalls

5

18V332000 · Electrical System:software; Electrical System:wiring; Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control

May 17, 2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Electrical System:software

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

Electrical System:wiring

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

15V461000 · Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.

Jul 23, 2015

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500, 2015 Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, and Dodge Challenger, 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, and Dodge Durango, and 2013-2015 Dodge Viper vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with radios that have software vulnerabilities that can allow third-party access to certain networked vehicle control systems.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Exploitation of the software vulnerability may result in unauthorized remote modification and control of certain vehicle systems, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify and mail affected owners a USB drive that includes a software update that eliminates the vulnerability, free of charge. Optionally, owners may download the update to their own USB drive from http://www.driveuconnect.com/software-update/ or take their vehicle to a Chrysler dealer for immediate installation. In an effort to mitigate the effects of this security vulnerability, Chrysler has had the wireless service provider close the open cellular connection to the vehicle that provided unauthorized access to the vehicle network. This measure may not have been implemented on all vehicles and does not address access by other means that will be remedied by the software update. The recall began on August 25, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R40.

15V282000 · Air Bags:side/window

May 13, 2015

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Dodge Challenger vehicles manufactured March 28, 2015, to April 1, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the driver's side air bag inflated curtain (SABIC) may have a loose or missing rear mounting bolt.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A loose or missing SABIC rear mounting bolt may alter the air bag inflated curtain's deployment, increasing the risk of occupant injury in the event of a side impact or roll-over crash.

Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and repair the vehicles, as needed, free of charge. The recall began on May 28, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R22.

15V114000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Feb 27, 2015

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT and Dodge Charger SRT vehicles manufactured September 18, 2014, to February 5, 2015, and equipped with a 6.2L supercharged engine. O-ring seal and fuel rail crossover hose damage may result in the fuel rail hose connection leaking fuel.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components increases the risk of a vehicle fire.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will replace the engine fuel rail injector crossover hose, free of charge. The recall began April 23, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R07.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT and Dodge Charger SRT vehicles manufactured September 18, 2014, to February 5, 2015, and equipped with a 6.2L supercharged engine. O-ring seal and fuel rail crossover hose damage may result in the fuel rail hose connection leaking fuel.

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components increases the risk of a vehicle fire.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will replace the engine fuel rail injector crossover hose, free of charge. The recall began April 23, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R07.

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT and Dodge Charger SRT vehicles manufactured September 18, 2014, to February 5, 2015, and equipped with a 6.2L supercharged engine. O-ring seal and fuel rail crossover hose damage may result in the fuel rail hose connection leaking fuel.

Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source such as hot engine or exhaust components increases the risk of a vehicle fire.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners and dealers will replace the engine fuel rail injector crossover hose, free of charge. The recall began April 23, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R07.

14V749000 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel

Nov 24, 2014

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2015 Dodge Challenger vehicles manufactured June 30, 2014, to October 8, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the instrument cluster may become inoperative. This could cause the gauges to oscillate at zero and the Vehicle Theft Alarm could remain illuminated. Thus, the affected vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 101, "Controls and displays."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the instrument cluster becomes inoperative, it can increase the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a software enhancement, free of charge. The recall began on December 15, 2014. Owners can contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P74.

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

2

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.

RQ15004 · Software Security Vulnerability

Opened Jul 24, 2015 · Closed Jan 5, 2016

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:software

On July 23, 2015, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) launched Safety Recall 15V-461 to remedy security vulnerabilities in approximately 1.4 million model year (MY) 2013 through 2015 vehicles equipped with Uconnect head units (HU) 8.4A (RA3 radio) and 8.4AN (RA4 radio) manufactured by Harman International.On July 24, 2015, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query, RQ 15-004, to investigate HU security vulnerabilities and remedy effectiveness in the recalled population and to determine whether similar units have been supplied for use in other FCA vehicles.In an August 11, 2015 letter, FCA submitted a second Part 573 safety recall report expanding the scope of the Uconnect RA4 model radio to include additional 7,810 MY 2015 Jeep Renegade vehicles manufactured from September 18, 2014 through June 25, 2015 (Recall 15V-508).Scope analysis indicated that Uconnect radios installed in FCA vehicles not included in recalls 15V-461 or 15V-508 (subject recalls) are not equipped with built-in cellular access or short range wireless communication features and, thus, do not contain the security vulnerabilities addressed by the subject recalls. SUBJECT VEHICLES: MY2014 through 2015 Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Cherokee sport utility vehicles; MY2013 through 2015 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 and 4500/5500 pickup trucks; MY2013 through 2015 Dodge Viper vehicles; and MY2015 Chrysler 200, 300, Jeep Renegade, Dodge Charger and Challenger vehicles.According to FCA, long and short range wireless vulnerabilities identified in the recalled vehicles could allow unauthorized third-party access to, and manipulation of, networked vehicle control systems.Successful exploitation of the vulnerabilities, coupled with reverse engineering of networked microprocessor control modules, could result in unauthorized manipulation of vehicle control systems. This unauthorized manipulation of vehicle controls and systems could expose the driver, vehicle occupants or other highway users to an increased risk of injury.FCA and its network provider, Sprint, conducted a nationwide campaign to block access to a radio communications port that was unintentionally left open.On July 27, 2015, short range wireless vulnerabilities were also blocked.Finally, third party security evaluation and regression testing identified vulnerabilities that were either remedied by Sprint or through updates to the FCA Uconnect software.ODI identified a total of 30 complaints or field reports on unique vehicles submitted by FCA (29) or received by NHTSA (1) alleging incidents of theft from a vehicle or anomalous performance that the owner alleged were caused by, or may have been caused by, remote hacking.Twenty-six (87%) of these reports were submitted after a magazine article was published on July 21, 2015, describing the remote hacking of an FCA vehicle by researchers who were able to affect the operation of various vehicle control systems, including the service brakes, steering, throttle and ignition.Most of the complaints involved vehicle systems that were not safety critical (e.g., complaints related to radio, navigation system, or air-conditioning control) and did not affect vehicle control.Three complaints reported engine stalls.One owner reported sudden unintended acceleration allegedly related to hacking.None of the complaints or field reports reviewed involved the steering and braking vehicle control effects demonstrated by the research hackers prior to the recall.There were no confirmed incidents of hacking in any of the records reviewed by ODI.The remedies completed by Sprint and FCA appear to have eliminated vulnerabilities that mi