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2016 Jeep Cherokee

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Cherokee years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Jeep Cherokee are substantially higher than the model-year median of 113.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

872 reports with mileage · 534 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 629 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 314 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 297 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

37 crash reports14 fire reports19 injury reports

Unknown Or Other complaints

313 reports
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26,700 miles · May 15, 2018
EngineUnknown Or Other

THE CAR WOULD STALL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THIS HAPPENED BEFORE, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY TOLD ME IT WAS DUE TO LOW/DIRTY OIL LEVEL, THEY DID THE OIL CHANGE AND IT WAS FINE FOR A WHILE. THIS MORNING THE CAR STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, I HAVE ABOUT 5,000 MILES ON THE CAR SINCE LAST MAINTENANCE, BUT WHEN I CHEC…

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THE CAR WOULD STALL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THIS HAPPENED BEFORE, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY TOLD ME IT WAS DUE TO LOW/DIRTY OIL LEVEL, THEY DID THE OIL CHANGE AND IT WAS FINE FOR A WHILE. THIS MORNING THE CAR STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, I HAVE ABOUT 5,000 MILES ON THE CAR SINCE LAST MAINTENANCE, BUT WHEN I CHECKED THE OIL CHANGE INDICATOR, IT SHOWED THAT I STILL HAVE ABOUT 36%.

NHTSA ODI #11094003

23,890 miles · May 14, 2018
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON ONCE IN TWO WEEKS. MY LOCAL DEALER IN SAN DIEGO (RANCHO CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE) SAID THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH ENGINE GAS VALVE. THEY SAID IT WAS LEAKING. EACH TIME THIS IS THE ISSUE. THIS IS MY 4TH TIME GOING TO THE DEALER. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT ITS VERY RISKY FOR PASSENGERS TO DRIVE SUCH CARS WIT…

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THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON ONCE IN TWO WEEKS. MY LOCAL DEALER IN SAN DIEGO (RANCHO CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE) SAID THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH ENGINE GAS VALVE. THEY SAID IT WAS LEAKING. EACH TIME THIS IS THE ISSUE. THIS IS MY 4TH TIME GOING TO THE DEALER. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT ITS VERY RISKY FOR PASSENGERS TO DRIVE SUCH CARS WITH LEAKS. I REQUEST NHTSA TEAM TO PLEASE REVIEW ALL JEEP CHEROKEE MODELS AS THEY NEED RE-CALLS AND ITS UNSAFE FOR PUBLIC TO DRIVE SUCH LEAKY VEHICLES. I WAS VERY AFRAID WHEN I WAS TURNING ON HIGHWAY AND MY CAR STARTED NOISE AS IF SOMETHING IS BURSTING, IT WAS VERY FRIGHTENING MOMENT.

NHTSA ODI #11093776

40,500 miles · May 1, 2018
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

I'VE OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR THREE WEEKS. I PARKED MY CHEROKEE OUTSIDE MY OFFICE AT WORK, SHUT IT OFF AS NORMAL, AND CAME BACK OUT A FEW HOURS LATER TO RUN SOME ERRANDS. I RECEIVED A MESSAGE THAT STATED 'NO FOB DETECTED'. I TRIED THE AUTO START, WHICH WORKED, THE LOCK AND UNLOCK FROM THE KEY FOB WORKED, BUT WHEN I TRIED TO START …

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I'VE OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR THREE WEEKS. I PARKED MY CHEROKEE OUTSIDE MY OFFICE AT WORK, SHUT IT OFF AS NORMAL, AND CAME BACK OUT A FEW HOURS LATER TO RUN SOME ERRANDS. I RECEIVED A MESSAGE THAT STATED 'NO FOB DETECTED'. I TRIED THE AUTO START, WHICH WORKED, THE LOCK AND UNLOCK FROM THE KEY FOB WORKED, BUT WHEN I TRIED TO START THE VEHICLE THE ONLY MESSAGE RECEIVED WAS 'NO FOB DETECTED'. I CALLED JEEP AND THEY TRIED TO WALK ME THROUGH A RESET, WHICH DID NOT WORK. AAA CAME OUT TO TRY TO ASSIST. THEY DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY, TRIED JUMPING THE VEHICLE, AND PERFORMED THE RESET AS WELL. NONE OF THIS WORKED. I HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND AM STILL WAITING ON DIAGNOSTICS TO TELL ME WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT AND HOW MUCH IT WILL COST TO FIX.

NHTSA ODI #11091251

3,000 miles · Mar 2, 2018
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other

THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF WITHOUT ANY WARNING. IT HAS HAPPENED ON RAMPS, A PARKING GARAGE, ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. NO WARNING LIGHTS COME ON UNTIL AFTER THE ENGINE STOPS. THE STEERING FAILS, THE BRAKES FAIL AND THE VEHICLE ROLLS TO A STOP. OFTEN, IT WILL TAKE SEVERAL MINUTES AND ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THE ENGIN…

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THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF WITHOUT ANY WARNING. IT HAS HAPPENED ON RAMPS, A PARKING GARAGE, ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. NO WARNING LIGHTS COME ON UNTIL AFTER THE ENGINE STOPS. THE STEERING FAILS, THE BRAKES FAIL AND THE VEHICLE ROLLS TO A STOP. OFTEN, IT WILL TAKE SEVERAL MINUTES AND ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THE ENGINE. I WAS ADVISED BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE OIL WAS LOW. THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO SHUT OFF AND WITH NO CORRELATION TO TIME FRAME AFTER HAVING THE OIL REPLACED, TIME IT HAS BEEN DRIVEN, OR DURATION OF THE TRIP. THIS IS COMPLETELY UNSAFE TO THE PERSON OPERATING THE VEHICLE AND TO OTHERS ON THE ROAD. JEEP AND THE DEALERSHIP HAVE IGNORED THE PROBLEM AND I HAVE EVEN BEEN TOLD BY JEEP CUSTOMER SERVICE THAT "THE ENGINE IS OPERATING AS DESIGNED" WHICH MEANS THAT IT WILL SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING TO PROTECT THE ENGINE, NOT THOSE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THEY HAVE REFUSED TO FIX OR ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE, REFUSED TO VOID THE LEASE AND REFUSED TO REPLACE THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #11075812

Mileage unknown · Feb 10, 2018
Unknown Or Other

SEAT CAPACITY LABEL OFF BY 1

NHTSA ODI #11072087

20,000 miles · Jan 31, 2018
Unknown Or Other

PLEASE HELP ME WITH MY POTENTIALLY DEADLY PROBLEM? MY 2016 CHEROKEE DIES WHILE I'M DRIVING (CITY & HIGHWAY ["DINGED" BUT DIDN'T DIE-I WON'T DRIVE IT ON THE HIGHWAY]). IT IS FRIGHTENING AND POTENTIALLY DEADLY. THERE IS NO PATTERN TO WHEN OR WHY THIS HAPPENS. IT HAPPENS REPEATEDLY AND THE DEALERSHIP CANNOT IDENTIFY NOR CORRECT THE…

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PLEASE HELP ME WITH MY POTENTIALLY DEADLY PROBLEM? MY 2016 CHEROKEE DIES WHILE I'M DRIVING (CITY & HIGHWAY ["DINGED" BUT DIDN'T DIE-I WON'T DRIVE IT ON THE HIGHWAY]). IT IS FRIGHTENING AND POTENTIALLY DEADLY. THERE IS NO PATTERN TO WHEN OR WHY THIS HAPPENS. IT HAPPENS REPEATEDLY AND THE DEALERSHIP CANNOT IDENTIFY NOR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THE COMPUTER DOESN'T REGISTER ANY CODES AND DOESN'T RECOGNIZE THAT THE VEHICLE HAS DIED. NOTHING SHOWS ON THE DASHBOARD EITHER WHEN THIS HAPPENS. THERE IS A "DING" AND THE CAR DIES. I HAVE BEEN READING (ONLINE) MANY OTHER IDENTICAL ACCOUNTS OF THIS PROBLEM WITH OTHERS WHO WON THE 2015 & 2016 CHEROKEE MODELS. MY CAR IS, YET AGAIN, AT THE DEALERSHIP. PLEASE HELP ME? THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DEADLY SITUATION. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE. AND, OTHERS ARE EXPERIENCING EXACTLY THE SAME THING. THANK YOU!

NHTSA ODI #11066046

12,700 miles · Jan 15, 2018
SteeringSuspensionUnknown Or Other

JEEP WOBBLE. I WAS TOWING MY VEHICLE BEHIND MY MOTOR HOME. I HAD TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 300 MILES WITHOUT PROBLEMS. NEAR THE END OF MY TRIP I MADE A RIGHT TURN. JUST AFTER MAKING THE TURN I FELT A VIOLENT SHAKING. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED AT LOW SPEED ESTIMATED TO BE 20 TO 25 MILE PER HOUR. I LOOKED INTO THE REAR CAMERA AND WAS AB…

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JEEP WOBBLE. I WAS TOWING MY VEHICLE BEHIND MY MOTOR HOME. I HAD TRAVELED APPROXIMATELY 300 MILES WITHOUT PROBLEMS. NEAR THE END OF MY TRIP I MADE A RIGHT TURN. JUST AFTER MAKING THE TURN I FELT A VIOLENT SHAKING. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED AT LOW SPEED ESTIMATED TO BE 20 TO 25 MILE PER HOUR. I LOOKED INTO THE REAR CAMERA AND WAS ABLE TO SEE THE VEHICLE OSCILLATING FROM SIDE TO SIDE.I IMMEDIATELY SLOWED TO A STOP TO GET THE SHAKING TO STOP. SINCE I WAS BLOCKING TRAFFIC I CONTINUED ON TO A SAFE PLACE. AFTER PROCEEDING ABOUT A MILE TO MY DESTINATION, I HAD NO FURTHER ISSUES. I HAVE CONTACTED JEEP CONCERNING THE ISSUE. THEY STATED THAT IT WAS ON ME TO BUY A WIRING KIT TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON DECEMBER 31, 2017, I TOLD THE DEALER THAT I WAS IN THE MARKET FOR A VEHICLE FOR TOWING. THEY DID NOT HAVE ONE WITH THE EQUIPMENT NECESSARY FOR TOWING IN STOCK BUT STATED THEY COULD GET ONE FROM LOUISVILLE KY. I AGREED TO HAVE GET IT. IN SHORT I PURCHASE A VEHICLE THAT THE DEALERSHIP SAID WAS READY FOR TOWING. AT NOW TIME DURING THE SALES PROCESS OR AFTER WAS I EVER NOTIFIED A A WIRING PACKAGE REQUIREMENT. I JUST LEARNED OF IT IN RECENT DAYS WHEN I HAD IT IN THE SHOP. I FEEL THAT CHRYSLER SHOULD PAY FOR THE FIX AND NOT ME AS THE CONSUMER BASED ON THEIR REPRESENTATION THAT THE VEHICLE WAS READY FOR TOWING.

NHTSA ODI #11062836

24,320 miles · Dec 26, 2017
EngineUnknown Or Other

SINCE MY PREVIOUS COMPLAINT, 11048717 I WAS DENIED A BUY BACK BY FCA, LLC VIA FIRST CLASS MAIL STATING I WAS NOT ELIGIBLE UNDER GA LEMON LAW REGARDLESS OF IT BEING OUT OF SERVICE MORE THAN 30 DAYS. SINCE THIS LETTER THE VEHICLE HAS DIED 3 TIMES WHILE IN MOTION AND CONTINUES TO SKIP ALONG WITH A DECREASE IN RPMS WHILE IDLING (OBS…

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SINCE MY PREVIOUS COMPLAINT, 11048717 I WAS DENIED A BUY BACK BY FCA, LLC VIA FIRST CLASS MAIL STATING I WAS NOT ELIGIBLE UNDER GA LEMON LAW REGARDLESS OF IT BEING OUT OF SERVICE MORE THAN 30 DAYS. SINCE THIS LETTER THE VEHICLE HAS DIED 3 TIMES WHILE IN MOTION AND CONTINUES TO SKIP ALONG WITH A DECREASE IN RPMS WHILE IDLING (OBSERVED MY DEALERSHIP SERVICE). I ALSO HAD SMOKE AND A STRONG ODOR COMING FROM THE LEFT FRONT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WITH NO REASON AS TO WHY. THIS CAR IS DANGEROUS AND I CANNOT BELIEVE THERE HAS NOT BEEN A TOTAL RECALL SINCE IT IS SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING FOR SO MANY PEOPLE.

NHTSA ODI #11056553

26,400 miles · Dec 13, 2017
Unknown Or Other

I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AND I HEARD AN AUDIBLE ALERT WHILE "SERVICE TRANSMISSION" LIT ON THE DISPLAY AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I PULLED INTO THE RIGHT LANE TO GET OFF THE NEXT EXIT, AND THE CAR STARTED SHAKING LIGHTLY. AS I WAS ON THE EXIT RAMP, MY GAS PEDAL WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING. SEEMS LIKE IT JUST STOPPED WORKIN…

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I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AND I HEARD AN AUDIBLE ALERT WHILE "SERVICE TRANSMISSION" LIT ON THE DISPLAY AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I PULLED INTO THE RIGHT LANE TO GET OFF THE NEXT EXIT, AND THE CAR STARTED SHAKING LIGHTLY. AS I WAS ON THE EXIT RAMP, MY GAS PEDAL WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING. SEEMS LIKE IT JUST STOPPED WORKING. I GLIDED TO A STOP AND WAS ABLE TO SAFELY MAKE SOME PHONE CALLS. THERE WAS A TECH SERVICE BULLETIN "TO REPROGRAM TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE WITH UPDATED SOFTWARE". I FEEL THIS IS A VERY BIG SAFETY ISSUE AND IT SHOULD BE A RECALL, NOT JUST A TECH SERVICE BULLETIN. THE DEALER WAS EXCELLENT IN HANDLING THIS SITUATION, BUT I'D LIKE TO SEE THIS PROBLEM TURN INTO A RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED. THE TROUBLE CODE THEY FOUND IS "P088700 TRANSMISSION CONTROL CIRCUIT". THANK YOU.

NHTSA ODI #11054475

48,000 miles · Dec 12, 2017
Power TrainUnknown Or Other

SERVICE SHIFTER LIGHT RANDOMLY COMES ON. NOTHING ELSE SEEMS TO BE AFFECTED, SOMETIMES WHEN ENGINE IS TURNED OFF THEN BACK ON THE LIGHT DISAPPEARS. OTHER TIMES, IT REMAINS ON. THE DRIVE ABILITY OF THIS VEHICLE IS UNAFFECTED, HOW EVER SOMETHING IS OBVIOUSLY WRONG WITH THIS. THIS FIRST OCCURRED WHEN BACKING FROM MY DRIVEWAY, I SHIF…

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SERVICE SHIFTER LIGHT RANDOMLY COMES ON. NOTHING ELSE SEEMS TO BE AFFECTED, SOMETIMES WHEN ENGINE IS TURNED OFF THEN BACK ON THE LIGHT DISAPPEARS. OTHER TIMES, IT REMAINS ON. THE DRIVE ABILITY OF THIS VEHICLE IS UNAFFECTED, HOW EVER SOMETHING IS OBVIOUSLY WRONG WITH THIS. THIS FIRST OCCURRED WHEN BACKING FROM MY DRIVEWAY, I SHIFTED FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE DINGED, AND THE LIGHT APPEARED ON MY DASH. NOW IT WILL RANDOMLY DO IT, DOESN'T MATTER WHEN OR WHERE, DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, OR SIMPLY TURNING ON THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #11054110

Official recalls

9

23V338000 · Electrical System:wiring: Rear Compartment/trunk; Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate

May 11, 2023

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a power liftgate. An electrical short in the power liftgate module may lead to a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will relocate the power liftgate module and add a water shield. In addition, dealers will inspect for corrosion and replace the module and electrical connectors, if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 1, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 49A. This recall supersedes recalls 15V-393 and 15V-826. Vehicles repaired under the prior recalls will still need to have the new remedy performed.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a power liftgate. An electrical short in the power liftgate module may lead to a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.

Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will relocate the power liftgate module and add a water shield. In addition, dealers will inspect for corrosion and replace the module and electrical connectors, if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 1, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 49A. This recall supersedes recalls 15V-393 and 15V-826. Vehicles repaired under the prior recalls will still need to have the new remedy performed.

Electrical System:wiring: Rear Compartment/trunk

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a power liftgate. An electrical short in the power liftgate module may lead to a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.

Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will relocate the power liftgate module and add a water shield. In addition, dealers will inspect for corrosion and replace the module and electrical connectors, if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 1, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 49A. This recall supersedes recalls 15V-393 and 15V-826. Vehicles repaired under the prior recalls will still need to have the new remedy performed.

23V302000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Apr 27, 2023

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may become damaged and disengage the transmission and differential, resulting in a loss of drive power or loss of park function.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. A loss of park function can cause an unintended vehicle rollaway which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 11, 2023. Owners may contact FCA USA LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 45A. This recall expands previous recall number 20V-343.

20V343000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:driveline:differential Unit

Jun 11, 2020

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU). Relative movement in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft may cause some input spline teeth to wear off, which may eventually cause a loss of engagement between the transmission and the differential inside the PTU. If this occurs, power cannot be transferred between the front wheels and the transmission which results in a loss of drive while the vehicle is in motion and a loss of the Park function while stationary.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A loss of drive can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. A loss of the Park function can cause unintended vehicle rollaway which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update that will maintain vehicle propulsion by engaging rear wheel drive and prevent rolling in Park by activating the electronic parking brake if a failed input spline occurs. This recall began July 14, 2020. Owners may contact FCA USA LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is W47.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Power Train:driveline:differential Unit

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU). Relative movement in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft may cause some input spline teeth to wear off, which may eventually cause a loss of engagement between the transmission and the differential inside the PTU. If this occurs, power cannot be transferred between the front wheels and the transmission which results in a loss of drive while the vehicle is in motion and a loss of the Park function while stationary.

Consequence: A loss of drive can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. A loss of the Park function can cause unintended vehicle rollaway which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update that will maintain vehicle propulsion by engaging rear wheel drive and prevent rolling in Park by activating the electronic parking brake if a failed input spline occurs. This recall began July 14, 2020. Owners may contact FCA USA LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is W47.

Power Train:automatic Transmission

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU). Relative movement in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft may cause some input spline teeth to wear off, which may eventually cause a loss of engagement between the transmission and the differential inside the PTU. If this occurs, power cannot be transferred between the front wheels and the transmission which results in a loss of drive while the vehicle is in motion and a loss of the Park function while stationary.

Consequence: A loss of drive can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. A loss of the Park function can cause unintended vehicle rollaway which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update that will maintain vehicle propulsion by engaging rear wheel drive and prevent rolling in Park by activating the electronic parking brake if a failed input spline occurs. This recall began July 14, 2020. Owners may contact FCA USA LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is W47.

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.

17V824000 · Equipment

Dec 21, 2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

16V590000 · Seats; Seats:mid/rear Assembly

Aug 10, 2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 29, 2013, to February 5, 2016. The seat fasteners on the first or second row seats may not have been tightened to the proper torque specification.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Loose fasteners may allow the seats to move, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupants in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seats or seat sets, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during September 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall S63.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Seats:mid/rear Assembly

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 29, 2013, to February 5, 2016. The seat fasteners on the first or second row seats may not have been tightened to the proper torque specification.

Consequence: Loose fasteners may allow the seats to move, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupants in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seats or seat sets, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during September 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall S63.

Seats

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 29, 2013, to February 5, 2016. The seat fasteners on the first or second row seats may not have been tightened to the proper torque specification.

Consequence: Loose fasteners may allow the seats to move, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupants in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seats or seat sets, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during September 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall S63.

16V284000 · Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft

May 11, 2016

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured October 3, 2015, to March 22, 2016. The right halfshaft may have been incorrectly manufactured causing it to fracture without warning.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fractured halfshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right halfshaft, free of charge. The recall began on June 30, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler's customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall number is S39.

16V287000 · Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft

May 11, 2016

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured September 30, 2015, to October 2, 2015. The left halfshaft may have been incorrectly manufactured causing it to fracture without warning.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fractured halfshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left halfshaft, free of charge. The recall began on June 30, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler's customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall number is S38.

15V826000 · Electrical System:wiring: Rear Compartment/trunk; Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate

Dec 9, 2015

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 18, 2015, to September 10, 2015 and equipped with the power liftgate option. In the affected vehicles, water may leak into the Power Liftgate Control Module and result in a high resistance short circuit.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A short circuit in the module increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the module and connectors for corrosion, replacing the damaged components as necessary. The mastic shield will be removed and the module will be covered with a water shield. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R67. This recall is superseded by NHTSA recall 23V-338.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 18, 2015, to September 10, 2015 and equipped with the power liftgate option. In the affected vehicles, water may leak into the Power Liftgate Control Module and result in a high resistance short circuit.

Consequence: A short circuit in the module increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the module and connectors for corrosion, replacing the damaged components as necessary. The mastic shield will be removed and the module will be covered with a water shield. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R67. This recall is superseded by NHTSA recall 23V-338.

Electrical System:wiring: Rear Compartment/trunk

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 18, 2015, to September 10, 2015 and equipped with the power liftgate option. In the affected vehicles, water may leak into the Power Liftgate Control Module and result in a high resistance short circuit.

Consequence: A short circuit in the module increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the module and connectors for corrosion, replacing the damaged components as necessary. The mastic shield will be removed and the module will be covered with a water shield. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R67. This recall is superseded by NHTSA recall 23V-338.

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

PE22009 · Electronic Parking Brake Water Ingress

Opened Jul 22, 2022 · Closed Oct 29, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Parking Brake:electrical; Parking Brake:electrical:control Module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened investigation PE22-009 after having received 80 complaints on model years 2014-2020 Jeep Cherokees alleging the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) inadvertently activated while the vehicle was in motion.During this investigation, the subject vehicles were updated to include only Model Years (MY) 2014-2016, while MY 2017-2020 were considered peers.Based on related repair invoices, ODI believed the EPB module was damaged by water leaking into the vehicle. When the EPB inadvertently activates, it can cause a stalling condition bringing the vehicle to a stop. ODI was aware of recall 15V-393 that addresses water ingress affecting the power liftgate module on nearly the same population of vehicles subject of this investigation. The liftgate module can potentially catch fire as a result of the water damage. Both the liftgate and EPB modules are located in a similar area of the vehicle.  On May 11, 2016, the manufacturer released a Technical Service Bulleting (ODI #10191415, FCA #08-060-16) that instructs dealers on replacing the EPB module and inspecting the electrical connector for corrosion if a customer describes having the EPB not releasing.  This Preliminary Evaluation was opened to assess the scope, frequency, and safety-related consequences of the alleged defect. On September 8th, 2022, ODI sent an information request letter to Fiat Chrysler US LLC (FCA) requesting pertinent information on the subject 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee and Peer 2017-2020 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. FCA Provided its full response on October 27th, 2022 after ODI granted a one-week extension.  ODI has reviewed the information FCA provided as well as new reports submitted to NHTSA’s Vehicle Owner Questionnaire database.  Based on a review of all available information, ODI has identified evidence supporting a total of 1,655 subject vehicles that likely experienced a failure of the subject EPB.  Within the subject vehicle complaints, ODI identified the 2014 Model Year (MY) Jeep Cherokee as having the highest rate of failure, while also being the oldest group of vehicles in this investigation.  The 2014 Jeep Cherokees that likely experienced a failure of the subject EPB represent an incident rate of approximately 0.58%.  The average Time In Service (TIS) at failure was 2.6 years and the oldest failure occurred at 8.5 years in service.  The 2014 population of vehicles is at 9 years in service.  All other MY Jeep Cherokee vehicles (both subject and peer) within this investigation had significantly lower failure rates than the 2014 MY Jeep Cherokee. ODI has reviewed all the information available at this time, and identified four allegations of a crash, three allegations of injuries, and one allegation of a fire.Two of the crash allegations alleged injuries, and the alleged injuries were minor severity.All of the alleged injuries appeared to be consistent with hard braking and did not need medical attention.  There was no supporting information that demonstrated a fire had occurred on the vehicle. In its response to ODI, FCA provided its assessment of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles, stating that it does not believe the alleged defect poses an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.  FCA states the majority of incidents involving the EPB inadvertently activating occurred while the vehicle was stationary and that a small number of incidents occurred while the vehicle was backing up or at low speeds. This is consistent with ODI’s observations. Based on the analysis conducted by ODI, this investigation will be closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. NHTSA reserves the right take additional actions if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Parking Brake:electrical

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened investigation PE22-009 after having received 80 complaints on model years 2014-2020 Jeep Cherokees alleging the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) inadvertently activated while the vehicle was in motion.During this investigation, the subject vehicles were updated to include only Model Years (MY) 2014-2016, while MY 2017-2020 were considered peers.Based on related repair invoices, ODI believed the EPB module was damaged by water leaking into the vehicle. When the EPB inadvertently activates, it can cause a stalling condition bringing the vehicle to a stop. ODI was aware of recall 15V-393 that addresses water ingress affecting the power liftgate module on nearly the same population of vehicles subject of this investigation. The liftgate module can potentially catch fire as a result of the water damage. Both the liftgate and EPB modules are located in a similar area of the vehicle.  On May 11, 2016, the manufacturer released a Technical Service Bulleting (ODI #10191415, FCA #08-060-16) that instructs dealers on replacing the EPB module and inspecting the electrical connector for corrosion if a customer describes having the EPB not releasing.  This Preliminary Evaluation was opened to assess the scope, frequency, and safety-related consequences of the alleged defect. On September 8th, 2022, ODI sent an information request letter to Fiat Chrysler US LLC (FCA) requesting pertinent information on the subject 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee and Peer 2017-2020 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. FCA Provided its full response on October 27th, 2022 after ODI granted a one-week extension.  ODI has reviewed the information FCA provided as well as new reports submitted to NHTSA’s Vehicle Owner Questionnaire database.  Based on a review of all available information, ODI has identified evidence supporting a total of 1,655 subject vehicles that likely experienced a failure of the subject EPB.  Within the subject vehicle complaints, ODI identified the 2014 Model Year (MY) Jeep Cherokee as having the highest rate of failure, while also being the oldest group of vehicles in this investigation.  The 2014 Jeep Cherokees that likely experienced a failure of the subject EPB represent an incident rate of approximately 0.58%.  The average Time In Service (TIS) at failure was 2.6 years and the oldest failure occurred at 8.5 years in service.  The 2014 population of vehicles is at 9 years in service.  All other MY Jeep Cherokee vehicles (both subject and peer) within this investigation had significantly lower failure rates than the 2014 MY Jeep Cherokee. ODI has reviewed all the information available at this time, and identified four allegations of a crash, three allegations of injuries, and one allegation of a fire.Two of the crash allegations alleged injuries, and the alleged injuries were minor severity.All of the alleged injuries appeared to be consistent with hard braking and did not need medical attention.  There was no supporting information that demonstrated a fire had occurred on the vehicle. In its response to ODI, FCA provided its assessment of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles, stating that it does not believe the alleged defect poses an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.  FCA states the majority of incidents involving the EPB inadvertently activating occurred while the vehicle was stationary and that a small number of incidents occurred while the vehicle was backing up or at low speeds. This is consistent with ODI’s observations. Based on the analysis conducted by ODI, this investigation will be closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. NHTSA reserves the right take additional actions if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Parking Brake:electrical:control Module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened investigation PE22-009 after having received 80 complaints on model years 2014-2020 Jeep Cherokees alleging the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) inadvertently activated while the vehicle was in motion.During this investigation, the subject vehicles were updated to include only Model Years (MY) 2014-2016, while MY 2017-2020 were considered peers.Based on related repair invoices, ODI believed the EPB module was damaged by water leaking into the vehicle. When the EPB inadvertently activates, it can cause a stalling condition bringing the vehicle to a stop. ODI was aware of recall 15V-393 that addresses water ingress affecting the power liftgate module on nearly the same population of vehicles subject of this investigation. The liftgate module can potentially catch fire as a result of the water damage. Both the liftgate and EPB modules are located in a similar area of the vehicle.  On May 11, 2016, the manufacturer released a Technical Service Bulleting (ODI #10191415, FCA #08-060-16) that instructs dealers on replacing the EPB module and inspecting the electrical connector for corrosion if a customer describes having the EPB not releasing.  This Preliminary Evaluation was opened to assess the scope, frequency, and safety-related consequences of the alleged defect. On September 8th, 2022, ODI sent an information request letter to Fiat Chrysler US LLC (FCA) requesting pertinent information on the subject 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee and Peer 2017-2020 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. FCA Provided its full response on October 27th, 2022 after ODI granted a one-week extension.  ODI has reviewed the information FCA provided as well as new reports submitted to NHTSA’s Vehicle Owner Questionnaire database.  Based on a review of all available information, ODI has identified evidence supporting a total of 1,655 subject vehicles that likely experienced a failure of the subject EPB.  Within the subject vehicle complaints, ODI identified the 2014 Model Year (MY) Jeep Cherokee as having the highest rate of failure, while also being the oldest group of vehicles in this investigation.  The 2014 Jeep Cherokees that likely experienced a failure of the subject EPB represent an incident rate of approximately 0.58%.  The average Time In Service (TIS) at failure was 2.6 years and the oldest failure occurred at 8.5 years in service.  The 2014 population of vehicles is at 9 years in service.  All other MY Jeep Cherokee vehicles (both subject and peer) within this investigation had significantly lower failure rates than the 2014 MY Jeep Cherokee. ODI has reviewed all the information available at this time, and identified four allegations of a crash, three allegations of injuries, and one allegation of a fire.Two of the crash allegations alleged injuries, and the alleged injuries were minor severity.All of the alleged injuries appeared to be consistent with hard braking and did not need medical attention.  There was no supporting information that demonstrated a fire had occurred on the vehicle. In its response to ODI, FCA provided its assessment of the alleged defect in the subject vehicles, stating that it does not believe the alleged defect poses an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.  FCA states the majority of incidents involving the EPB inadvertently activating occurred while the vehicle was stationary and that a small number of incidents occurred while the vehicle was backing up or at low speeds. This is consistent with ODI’s observations. Based on the analysis conducted by ODI, this investigation will be closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. NHTSA reserves the right take additional actions if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

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.