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2018 Dodge Challenger

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2018 Dodge Challenger do not stand out strongly from 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

35 reports with mileage · 40 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 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 8 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 6 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

9 crash reports2 fire reports5 injury reports

What owners actually said

75 reports
Mileage unknown · Dec 27, 2022
Exterior LightingUnknown Or Other

My headlights keep going dim I’ve only owned this car a year in January. I’ve changed them 5 times also the electronic stability control supposivly was fixed and they changed me an arm and a leg it keeps glitching I hate going to the dealership because I feel as tho because I’m a female they want to just charge me all this money…

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My headlights keep going dim I’ve only owned this car a year in January. I’ve changed them 5 times also the electronic stability control supposivly was fixed and they changed me an arm and a leg it keeps glitching I hate going to the dealership because I feel as tho because I’m a female they want to just charge me all this money cuz I’m vulnerable and also I believe my vehicle was hacked and I can’t find any help with any of this bad enough I have diabetes and can’t see at night the head lights are almost non existent and can’t drive car at night this isn’t fair but it could be a security issue due to canbus hacking

NHTSA ODI #11498968

Mileage unknown · Dec 11, 2022
Electrical SystemExterior LightingLane Departure

Electrical system is going completely haywire. The display screen beeps as if being touched constantly causing driver distractions. Bluetooth hands free function makes random phone calls, hangs up and redials repeatedly causing driver distractions. The display also flashes from one setting to another, pulling up the navigation…

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Electrical system is going completely haywire. The display screen beeps as if being touched constantly causing driver distractions. Bluetooth hands free function makes random phone calls, hangs up and redials repeatedly causing driver distractions. The display also flashes from one setting to another, pulling up the navigation system and changing the route repeatedly causing driver distractions. Blindspot indicator does not work consistently which has caused at least one close call on the highway and could potentially lead to an accident. Turn signals will turn on but won't turn off unless driver works with them for several minutes which distracts the driver from the road. The tire pressure monitoring system is not accurate and indicates low tire pressure but tires are fine when checked which may cause the driver to become lesafaire about the tire pressure and miss an actual low tire and cause an accident.

NHTSA ODI #11496938

Mileage unknown · Sep 27, 2022
Wheels

2018 DODGE CHALLENGER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO UNDERCARRIAGE DAMAGE AND RIGHT AND LEFT FRONT RIM DAMAGE.

NHTSA ODI #11486597

Mileage unknown · Aug 7, 2022
Electrical SystemSeatsUnknown Or OtherCrashFire

The vehicle was parked in driveway sat for 10minutes then the headlights started flashing on and off when we got near the car they stopped we move the away lights would go again. So we opened doors to find the front passenger floorboard and edge of front passenger seat begin to burn. At this point we have not been told a cause o…

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The vehicle was parked in driveway sat for 10minutes then the headlights started flashing on and off when we got near the car they stopped we move the away lights would go again. So we opened doors to find the front passenger floorboard and edge of front passenger seat begin to burn. At this point we have not been told a cause of the fire. I surance and chrysler corporate are looking into it

NHTSA ODI #11477987

Mileage unknown · Jul 7, 2022
Exterior Lighting

The inner taillight assembly has moisture/condensation inside. I've checked with the dealer and it's not under warranty and no recalls. However, after doing some checking, it sounds like this is an ongoing problem with the Challengers. This is obviously a defect that needs to be addressed. Several people have posted that the moi…

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The inner taillight assembly has moisture/condensation inside. I've checked with the dealer and it's not under warranty and no recalls. However, after doing some checking, it sounds like this is an ongoing problem with the Challengers. This is obviously a defect that needs to be addressed. Several people have posted that the moisture then led to their lights no working at all.

NHTSA ODI #11472758

Mileage unknown · Jun 22, 2022
Unknown Or Other

Uconnect delaminated Screen

NHTSA ODI #11470501

Mileage unknown · May 2, 2022
Electrical System

UConnect 8.4 system screen delaminating. Essentially, out of nowhere, a large bubble appeared on my 2018 Challenger Scat Pack's center UConnect Screen. This is the third Challenger I've owned, and unfortunately for me, the only one I kept outside of the factory warranty timeframe. I have 28,000 miles on the car, and it is in fan…

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UConnect 8.4 system screen delaminating. Essentially, out of nowhere, a large bubble appeared on my 2018 Challenger Scat Pack's center UConnect Screen. This is the third Challenger I've owned, and unfortunately for me, the only one I kept outside of the factory warranty timeframe. I have 28,000 miles on the car, and it is in fantastic condition, aside from this issue. First, I contacted the dealer, and they stated that even though my miles were under the limit - due to the timeframe they could not help me. They suggested I contact Dodge Customer Support, where they advised me that it was a known issue (search google or any forum with Uconnect screen delamination) but their hands were tied as well. They recommended that I post on this website, as many were experiencing this issue and a recall was imminent. Lastly, I contacted UConnect themselves, who said the same thing. A known issue, recall pending, just need it to officially get approved before they can help. As so many are experiencing this, I hope that this issue can be resolved so I can continue to be a LOYAL Dodge customer. It is WELL known from the dealer, to customer support, to the actual manufacturer. Just looking for some help so I don't have to eat the full cost of replacement for something that is obviously (and stated by the company themselves) a production error. They claimed that they have since fixed the issue. The bubble continues to grow every day, and I'm concerned that soon I will be without the essential controls - like HVAC, safety (rear camera), driver modes, radio, maps, etc. They are all dependent on this single unit to function. I also purchased the extended warranty on my vehicle through Ally (Dodge's financing company) and they are unable to assist as it is a "pending" recall, and is not completely broken yet. Not the answer I was expecting when I hear "everything from electrical to engine, to transmission will be covered". Just want them to acknowledge the recall, fixing issue for us.

NHTSA ODI #11463135

Mileage unknown · Apr 7, 2022
Electrical SystemExterior LightingUnknown Or Other

On April 6, 2022 at approximately 2300 I was driving 65 mph on an old two lane highway when all lighting on the instrument cluster, steering wheel, touchscreen, kick panels, and both headlights went out causing me to drive off the road momentarily as I was in a curve. For several moments all of these components would light up an…

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On April 6, 2022 at approximately 2300 I was driving 65 mph on an old two lane highway when all lighting on the instrument cluster, steering wheel, touchscreen, kick panels, and both headlights went out causing me to drive off the road momentarily as I was in a curve. For several moments all of these components would light up and off erratically. During this event, my windows also began rolling up and down on their own. I immediately turned on my hazard lights and began to slow down to look for a place to pull over. This was a long and empty stretch of old highway and there was no shoulder to pull onto. At this point my hazard lights became faulty as well and would not flash at times. The safety of myself and others were at risk because during this event that lasted approximately five minutes, all aforementioned components would fault for moments at a time and there were times that I could not see the roadway or obstacles in front of me, I could not see my speed, I could not reliably use my hazard lights to warn other drivers. Other drivers would have had a near impossible time seeing me, such as the semi truck driver who almost hit me then flashed his brights and laid on his air horn when my lights had cut off. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure and none after either.

NHTSA ODI #11459948

Mileage unknown · Apr 1, 2022
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

INCIDENT MATCHES: NHTSA 19V-203 FOR 2019 MODELS, HOWEVER THIS HAPPENED ON A 2018. WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, GAUGE CLUSTER WENT COMPLETELY BLACK, WINDOWS CRACKED OPEN AS IF DOORS HAD BEEN OPENED. WAS STILL ABLE TO OPERATE THE ACCELERATOR & BRAKE; HOWEVER, COULD NOT USE INDICATORS. SCREENS STAYED BLACK FOR 10 SECONDS, THEN RETU…

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INCIDENT MATCHES: NHTSA 19V-203 FOR 2019 MODELS, HOWEVER THIS HAPPENED ON A 2018. WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, GAUGE CLUSTER WENT COMPLETELY BLACK, WINDOWS CRACKED OPEN AS IF DOORS HAD BEEN OPENED. WAS STILL ABLE TO OPERATE THE ACCELERATOR & BRAKE; HOWEVER, COULD NOT USE INDICATORS. SCREENS STAYED BLACK FOR 10 SECONDS, THEN RETURNED TO NORMAL. HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN ONE DAY

NHTSA ODI #11459208

Mileage unknown · Jan 13, 2022
Electrical SystemEngine

The car is a 5.7 6 speed Dodge Challenger, when driving the car will not idle down when you take your foot off the gas pedal, this happens during shifts where the idle stays up and keeps the car moving forward, it also will not slow down when you are driving at speed and you lift your foot off the gas pedal, the idle will hang a…

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The car is a 5.7 6 speed Dodge Challenger, when driving the car will not idle down when you take your foot off the gas pedal, this happens during shifts where the idle stays up and keeps the car moving forward, it also will not slow down when you are driving at speed and you lift your foot off the gas pedal, the idle will hang at speed for up to 5 blocks unless the brakes are applied, 3 times I have almost been in an accident because of this. The problem has been confirmed by the Dodge dealer and a number of parts replaces with no resolve, the car was in their shop for 9 weeks before they gave it back, it started doing it again within days, they have had the car for 15 week now and counting, (total to date 24 weeks) The car only has 8000 miles on it, I bought it brand new and have not been able to drive the car due to it being unsafe. There are no warning lamps or messages and from what im told only the dealer level has inspected the car.

NHTSA ODI #11447318

Official recalls

3

18V524000 · Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood

Aug 9, 2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.

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.

18V280000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

May 1, 2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.

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.