NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
24 reportsMileage unknown · Mar 27, 2024
Electrical SystemService Brakes, Hydraulic
The contact owns a 2006. Dodge Sprinter 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V833000 (Electrical System, Service Brakes, Hydraulic), and Emissions Recall T21 Reprogram Engine Control Unit however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact…
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2006. Dodge Sprinter 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V833000 (Electrical System, Service Brakes, Hydraulic), and Emissions Recall T21 Reprogram Engine Control Unit however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA ODI #11579710
Mileage unknown · Sep 15, 2022
Engine And Engine Cooling
2006 DODGE SPRINTER 3500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO EGR VALVE FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME COMPLETING THE RECALL REPAIR. THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11484577
Mileage unknown · Oct 19, 2021
Electrical SystemService Brakes, Hydraulic
The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Sprinter 3500. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V833000 (Electrical System, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and for an unknown Manufacturer recall for the engine control unit failure however, the dealer informed the contact that the parts for the recall repairs were…
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Sprinter 3500. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V833000 (Electrical System, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and for an unknown Manufacturer recall for the engine control unit failure however, the dealer informed the contact that the parts for the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and advised the contact that they would assist with locating a dealer who could complete the recall repairs. A case was opened. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. Consumer stated the recall items were issued sometime early on (2006) and the timeline for repairing the recall items is 2006-Dec 2021. 12 dealers were contacted and none could work on it and consumer still has two recall items pending.
NHTSA ODI #11437315
300,000 miles · Jan 31, 2019
EngineService BrakesUnknown Or Other
I HAVE TWO RECALLS THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE BY A DODGE DEALER WHICH I TRIED TWO YEARS AGO WITH NO SUCCESS, THE FIRST ONE IS BRAKE LIGHT RECALL NONE OF THE DODGE DEALERS IN MY AREA UP TO 50 MILES RADIUS WERE ABLE TO FIX THE RECALL. NOW I AM TRYING TO REGISTER MY VEHICLE WITH DMV AND I WAS TOLD ABOUT THE PROOF OF CORRECTION THAT I NE…
Read full complaint
I HAVE TWO RECALLS THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE BY A DODGE DEALER WHICH I TRIED TWO YEARS AGO WITH NO SUCCESS, THE FIRST ONE IS BRAKE LIGHT RECALL NONE OF THE DODGE DEALERS IN MY AREA UP TO 50 MILES RADIUS WERE ABLE TO FIX THE RECALL. NOW I AM TRYING TO REGISTER MY VEHICLE WITH DMV AND I WAS TOLD ABOUT THE PROOF OF CORRECTION THAT I NEED TO PROVIDE FOR AN EMISSION RECALL. I CALLED MULTIPLE DODGE DEALERS WITH NO SUCCESS TO HAVE IT WORKED ON PLUS I WAS SUGGESTED TO CALL MERCEDES BENZ SINCE IT IS A MERCEDES ENGINEERED VEHICLE AND SINCE ITS A DODGE THEY WON'T DO THE RECALL. NOW I AM STUCK WITH A VEHICLE I CAN GET FIXED AND REGISTERED. THE VEHICLE IS MY WORK VEHICLE AND I CAN'T DO ANY WORK/INCOME BECAUSE IT CAN'T BE REGISTERED.PLEASE ADVICE
NHTSA ODI #11173311
110,000 miles · Nov 18, 2018
Engine
CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FAULTY, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON UPON STARTUP.
NHTSA ODI #11152252
82,000 miles · Jul 30, 2018
Engine
ENTIRE MERCEDES DIESEL SPRINTER ENGINE FAILED COMPLETELY AND WILL NEED A NEW ENGINE. POSSIBLE CAUSE IS CRACKED PISTON OR STUCK INJECTOR. THIS HAPPENED WHEN DRIVING, SHORTLY AFTER SERPENTINE BELT AND TRANSMISSION LINE WERE REPLACED, VEHICLE WAS JUST SERVICED, INCLUDING NEW BRAKES, MUFFLER, INSPECTION, OIL CHANGE. ONLY 82,000 MILE…
Read full complaint
ENTIRE MERCEDES DIESEL SPRINTER ENGINE FAILED COMPLETELY AND WILL NEED A NEW ENGINE. POSSIBLE CAUSE IS CRACKED PISTON OR STUCK INJECTOR. THIS HAPPENED WHEN DRIVING, SHORTLY AFTER SERPENTINE BELT AND TRANSMISSION LINE WERE REPLACED, VEHICLE WAS JUST SERVICED, INCLUDING NEW BRAKES, MUFFLER, INSPECTION, OIL CHANGE. ONLY 82,000 MILES! COST WILL BE OVER $11,000! THIS IS A WINNEBAGO VIEW AND ALTHOUGH IT IS NOW OLDER (2007) IT HASN'T BEEN DRIVEN THAT MUCH EACH YEAR.
NHTSA ODI #11114523
Mileage unknown · Dec 14, 2017
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE SPRINTER 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THERE WAS A RANDOM FAILURE IN WHICH A LIMP MODE OCCURRED AND CAUSED A DRASTIC REDUCTION IN SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF PALM SPRINGS (4095 E PALM CANYON DR, PALM SPRINGS, CA 92264, (76…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE SPRINTER 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THERE WAS A RANDOM FAILURE IN WHICH A LIMP MODE OCCURRED AND CAUSED A DRASTIC REDUCTION IN SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO MERCEDES-BENZ OF PALM SPRINGS (4095 E PALM CANYON DR, PALM SPRINGS, CA 92264, (760) 328-6525) WHO REPLACED THE EGR AND PROVIDED DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO PROGRESS INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE EGR AND ADDITIONAL PARTS. THE PART WAS REPLACED A THIRD TIME DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO SERVICED FOR A MANUFACTURER RECALL (T21) AT HILLTOP CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM (3291 AUTO PLAZA DRIVE, RICHMOND, CA 94806, (510) 243-6100). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11054714
73,000 miles · Aug 16, 2017
EngineUnknown Or Other
SPRINTER IN LOOSING POWER WHEN ITS GOING TO EVEN LITTLE HILL,AFTER THAT WORKS FINE.CHK WITH SHOP TRANS OK. OTHER SITUATION IS AC VENTS GIVING ONLY COLD AIR FROM TOP VENTS AND SIDE VENTS GIVING FULL HEAT LIKE OVER HOT.
NHTSA ODI #11015847
Mileage unknown · Mar 16, 2017
Service Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE SPRINTER 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V833000 (SERVICE BRAKES); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE I…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 DODGE SPRINTER 3500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V833000 (SERVICE BRAKES); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10966323
106,000 miles · Oct 19, 2015
Engine
I'M REPLACING THE O2 SENSOR FOR THE SECOND TIME IN THREE YEARS. AFTER RESEARCHING IT SEEMS LIKE A COMMON PROBLEM RELATED TO THE RESONATOR. I AM SURPRISED DODGE OR MERCEDES DOES NOT WANT TO OFFER A SOLUTION ESPECIALLY SINCE THE ENGINE IS OTHERWISE RELIABLE. IT'S A CASE OF A CHEAP PART CAUSING A LOT OF GRIEF (AND SOME SAFETY RISK …
Read full complaint
I'M REPLACING THE O2 SENSOR FOR THE SECOND TIME IN THREE YEARS. AFTER RESEARCHING IT SEEMS LIKE A COMMON PROBLEM RELATED TO THE RESONATOR. I AM SURPRISED DODGE OR MERCEDES DOES NOT WANT TO OFFER A SOLUTION ESPECIALLY SINCE THE ENGINE IS OTHERWISE RELIABLE. IT'S A CASE OF A CHEAP PART CAUSING A LOT OF GRIEF (AND SOME SAFETY RISK AS YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT WILL GO INTO LIMP MODE.) WITH NO RESPONSE FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THIS MOST RECENT SENSOR REPLACEMENT WILL COST ME $762.00
NHTSA ODI #10783444
Official recalls
3Nov 17, 2016
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Dodge and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans manufactured June 30, 2003, to August 31, 2006. The instrument cluster on the affected vehicles fails to illuminate the BRAKE warning lamp in the instrument cluster during the vehicle start up bulb-function check. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Without the BRAKE lamp illuminating during the vehicle start up bulb-function check, the driver has no confirmation that the lamp is working and therefore may not know whether or not the lamp will illuminate if the brake fluid level is low. If the operator is unaware that the vehicle has low brake fluid, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and DVUSA and Dodge dealers will correct the instrument cluster software, as necessary, free of charge. An interim notification was sent to owners on January 6, 2017. A second notice will be mailed to owners once the remedy becomes available. The recall began on July 27, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-770-705-2070.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Dodge and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans manufactured June 30, 2003, to August 31, 2006. The instrument cluster on the affected vehicles fails to illuminate the BRAKE warning lamp in the instrument cluster during the vehicle start up bulb-function check. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems."
Consequence: Without the BRAKE lamp illuminating during the vehicle start up bulb-function check, the driver has no confirmation that the lamp is working and therefore may not know whether or not the lamp will illuminate if the brake fluid level is low. If the operator is unaware that the vehicle has low brake fluid, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and DVUSA and Dodge dealers will correct the instrument cluster software, as necessary, free of charge. An interim notification was sent to owners on January 6, 2017. A second notice will be mailed to owners once the remedy becomes available. The recall began on July 27, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-770-705-2070.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Daimler Vans USA, LLC (DVUSA) is recalling certain model year 2003-2006 Dodge and Freightliner Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vans manufactured June 30, 2003, to August 31, 2006. The instrument cluster on the affected vehicles fails to illuminate the BRAKE warning lamp in the instrument cluster during the vehicle start up bulb-function check. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 105, "Hydraulic and Electric Brake Systems."
Consequence: Without the BRAKE lamp illuminating during the vehicle start up bulb-function check, the driver has no confirmation that the lamp is working and therefore may not know whether or not the lamp will illuminate if the brake fluid level is low. If the operator is unaware that the vehicle has low brake fluid, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: DVUSA will notify owners, and DVUSA and Dodge dealers will correct the instrument cluster software, as necessary, free of charge. An interim notification was sent to owners on January 6, 2017. A second notice will be mailed to owners once the remedy becomes available. The recall began on July 27, 2017. Owners may contact DVUSA customer service at 1-770-705-2070.
Nov 5, 2014
Cummings Mobility Conversion & Supply (Cummings) is recalling certain model year 2006-2014 Ford E-150, E-250, E-350, Chevrolet Express, 2006-2008 Dodge Sprinter, and 2009-2014 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and 2013 Ford Transit Connect vehicles manufactured January 1, 2006, to October 8, 2014, equipped with certain model S2005, S2010, S5005, S5010, S5505, and S5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by Ricon Corporation after January 1, 2006. The platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. When the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.
Remedy: Cummings will notify owners to take buses to a Ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. Any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 13, 2015. Owners may contact Cumming's customer service at 1-800-639-5438 or Ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884. Cumming's number for this recall is 14E-041.
Jul 24, 2008
SPRINTER IS RECALLING 10 MY 2001-2006 DODGE AND FREIGHTLINER 2500 AND 3500 VEHICLES. THE WELDING SEAM BETWEEN THE BRACKET AND STEERING COLUMN OF AFFECTED SPARE PARTS DOES NOT MEET DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS. THE RESULT OF AN OUT OF SPECIFICATION WELDING SEAM IS THAT THE STEERING COLUMN MAY DETACH FROM ITS INTERIOR VEHICLE MOUNTING BRACKET.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE OPERATOR MAY LOSE STEERING ABILITY OF THE VEHICLE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMNS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 16, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SPRINTER AT 843-695-5057.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Illustration