NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
50 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Mar 6, 2023
EnginePower TrainSteering
On 5 occasions at various speeds and types of roads, my vehicle suddenly goes into limp mode, the engine shuts off and power steering goes out. I have very limited time and control to move off the road before the car behind me slams into me. The majority of the instances this has happened, the orange anti-skid light comes on tho…
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On 5 occasions at various speeds and types of roads, my vehicle suddenly goes into limp mode, the engine shuts off and power steering goes out. I have very limited time and control to move off the road before the car behind me slams into me. The majority of the instances this has happened, the orange anti-skid light comes on though road conditions were fine. I found a recall of 2016 Jeep Patriots (s89/NHTSA 16-v-907 Crankshaft/Camshaft Sensor Wire Harness) and many complaints I've found experiencing the same thing I experienced were included in this recall. Mechanic ran my Jeep's code and it showed a number of things were triggered but he couldn't pinpoint what exactly could be the cause based on the code errors. I have a young child in a car seat in the back of my car and feel extremely unsafe taking her anywhere, let alone when it's just me in the car. Please consider adding the 2015 Patriot to this recall.
NHTSA ODI #11510358
Mileage unknown · Apr 29, 2022
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
Two issues- First one the vehicle engine tends to randomly sputter like there is a dead cylinder. Which I have found by adding electric jell to the spark plug connector will make the problem go away for a short time. Second one now in the rear transfer case is marking a grinding noise and is getting louder.
NHTSA ODI #11462787
Mileage unknown · Nov 17, 2021
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
***VEHCILE WAS PURCHASED JANUARY 2021. LATER FOUND OUT THE 2015 JEEP PATRIOT I PURCHASED HAD 5 PREVIOUS OWNERS...MAKING ME THE 6TH OWNER.*** SEPT 2021 I WAS DRIVING DURING RUSH HOUR ON BUSY LAS VEGAS CITY STREET WHEN OUT OF NOWHERE AND NO WARNING MY 2015 JEEP PATRIOT LOST POWER...3 DASHBOARD LIGHTS CAME ON (LIGHTNING BOLT/CHECK …
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***VEHCILE WAS PURCHASED JANUARY 2021. LATER FOUND OUT THE 2015 JEEP PATRIOT I PURCHASED HAD 5 PREVIOUS OWNERS...MAKING ME THE 6TH OWNER.*** SEPT 2021 I WAS DRIVING DURING RUSH HOUR ON BUSY LAS VEGAS CITY STREET WHEN OUT OF NOWHERE AND NO WARNING MY 2015 JEEP PATRIOT LOST POWER...3 DASHBOARD LIGHTS CAME ON (LIGHTNING BOLT/CHECK ENGINE LIGHT/TRACTION CONTROL). I WAS ABLE TO COAST INTO A HOTEL PARKING LOT AFTER CROSSING 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC. ONCE PARKED, I SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF, WAITED ABOUT 10-15 SECONDS TRIED RESTARTING IT AGAIN AND TO NO AVAIL THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. HAD THE CAR TOWED TO MECHANIC SHOP WHERE THEY DETERMINED/DIAGNOSISED THE PROBLEM TO BE THE THROTTLE BODY AND IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. CAR WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY SO I HAD TO COME OUT OF POCKET ALMOST $1000. ALL THIS DURING THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC. WHEN I PICKED UP THE VEHICLE FROM THE MECHANIC THEY INFORMED ME THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT IS STILL ON BECAUSE MY RACK/PINION WAS DAMAGED SO MY ALIGNMENT IS OUT OF WHACK. THEY ALLOWED ME TO DRIVE OFF WITH MY VEHICLE EVEN WHEN THE ALIGNMENT BEING SCREWED UP. WHEN DRIVING MY VEHICLE HOME, I WAS SO SCARED BECAUSE IT FELT LIKE MY VEHICLE WANTED TO GO IN EVERY DIRECTION AT THE SAME TIME. THE NEXT DAY I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO BIG O TIRES TO HAVE THEM TEST THE ALIGNMENT. AFTER THEY RE-ALIGNED THE JEEP IT RAN PERFECT. BUT I SPOKE TO SOON...JUST AFTER 1 WEEK, IM NOW STARTING TO EXPERIENCE MORE ISSUES...CAR ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN, HESITATION WHEN TRYING TO TAKE OFF FROM RED LIGHT, BACK FIRING FROM EITHER THE TAIL PIPE OR UNDER THE HOOD (ALMOST SEEMS LIKE THE ENGINE IS BEING FLOODED OUT WITH TO MUCH GAS), MY GAS MILEAGE HAS GOTTEN WORSE. THIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE RECALLED!!!
NHTSA ODI #11440852
Mileage unknown · May 9, 2021
Power Train
MY 2015 JEEP PATRIOT STARTED MAKING WHINING NOISES AND JERKING WHEN IN MOTION, I HAD THE TRANSMISSION AND CONVERTER REPLACED AT 75,000 MILES, NOW I AM AT 95,000, AND IT IS HAPPENING ALL OVER AGAIN, LOUD WHINING NOISES AND JERKS RANDOMLY WHEN IN MOTION, DOES NOT MATTER THE SPEED OR IF I AM ON A CITY STREET GOING 40 MILES AN HOUR …
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MY 2015 JEEP PATRIOT STARTED MAKING WHINING NOISES AND JERKING WHEN IN MOTION, I HAD THE TRANSMISSION AND CONVERTER REPLACED AT 75,000 MILES, NOW I AM AT 95,000, AND IT IS HAPPENING ALL OVER AGAIN, LOUD WHINING NOISES AND JERKS RANDOMLY WHEN IN MOTION, DOES NOT MATTER THE SPEED OR IF I AM ON A CITY STREET GOING 40 MILES AN HOUR OR HIGHWAY GOING 70 MILES AN HOUR OR EVEN IN A NEIGHBORHOOD GOING 10 MILES AN HOUR, I ALSO HAVE NOTICED THE CAR DOES NOT ACCELERATE PROPERLY, I CURRENTLY HAVE MY CAR IN THE SHOP TO DIAGNOSIS THE PROBLEMS AGAIN.
NHTSA ODI #11415706
65,000 miles · May 6, 2021
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 JEEP PATRIOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING 75 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SAFFORD CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM & FIAT OF FREDERICKSBURG (5202 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY, FREDERICKSBURG, VA 22408) TO D…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 JEEP PATRIOT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING 75 MPH, THE TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SAFFORD CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM & FIAT OF FREDERICKSBURG (5202 JEFFERSON DAVIS HWY, FREDERICKSBURG, VA 22408) TO DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER WHERE TO BE DIAGNOSED A SECOND TIME. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED A THIRD TIME AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000.
NHTSA ODI #11415432
70,000 miles · Apr 26, 2021
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
MY JEEP PATRIOT WILL STALL OUT ON ME UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE HAD THOUSANDS OF WORK DONE ON IT JUST FOR IT TO CONTINUE TO HAPPEN. NO SHOP HAS BEEN ABLE TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG DUE TO NO CODE SHOWING UP. IT HAS BEEN OVERHEATING ON ME AND HAS BEEN CAUSING ME TO THROW AWAY A LOT OF MONEY. I AM VERY UPSET ABOUT THIS A…
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MY JEEP PATRIOT WILL STALL OUT ON ME UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE HAD THOUSANDS OF WORK DONE ON IT JUST FOR IT TO CONTINUE TO HAPPEN. NO SHOP HAS BEEN ABLE TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG DUE TO NO CODE SHOWING UP. IT HAS BEEN OVERHEATING ON ME AND HAS BEEN CAUSING ME TO THROW AWAY A LOT OF MONEY. I AM VERY UPSET ABOUT THIS AND THE FACT THAT THERE IS NOTHING HAPPENING AND ALL OF THESE COMPLAINTS IS RIDICULOUS!!
NHTSA ODI #11414043
12,000 miles · Mar 1, 2021
Power Train
TRANSMISSION IS OVERHEATING IN VARIOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS. IT USED TO BE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON HOT DAYS. NOW IT OCCURS IN ANY CONDITIONS DOWN TO 49 DEGREES AT 45 MILES PER HOUR. THE PROBLEM IS COMMON IN THIS VEHICLE, CHRYSLER KNOWS ABOUT IT AND DOES NOTHING TO CORRECT IT IN MANUFACTURING. PROBLEM HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE THE …
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TRANSMISSION IS OVERHEATING IN VARIOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS. IT USED TO BE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS ON HOT DAYS. NOW IT OCCURS IN ANY CONDITIONS DOWN TO 49 DEGREES AT 45 MILES PER HOUR. THE PROBLEM IS COMMON IN THIS VEHICLE, CHRYSLER KNOWS ABOUT IT AND DOES NOTHING TO CORRECT IT IN MANUFACTURING. PROBLEM HAS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE THE FIRST YEAR BUT WAS TOO INFREQUENT AND GOT TOO LITTLE RESPONSE FROM DEALERSHIP TO INVOKE LEMON LAW IN TIME. CHRYSLER AND SOME DEALERSHIPS ATTEMPT TO WAIT OUT THE LEMON LAW AND THEN THE WARRANTY PERIOD. TRANSMISSION OVERHEATS WITH MUCH GREATER FREQUENCY NOW. THE SAFETY PROBLEM IS THAT THE VEHICLE GOES INTO LIMP MODE AND GOES TO ZERO POWER VERY QUICKLY. MY WIFE COULD FIND HERSELF STRANDED IN AN STRANGE OR UNSAFE NEIGHBORHOOD,OR WORSE, ALONG CROWDED STRETCH OF INTERSTATE LIKE I95 N AT CHESTER, PA OR IN THE MIDDLE OF ANY CLOVER LEAF. THE VEHICLE BECOMES A HAZARD TO MY WIFE AND OTHER DRIVERS. OR IMAGINE VIRGINIA, I95 N HEADING FOR DC WHERE TRAFFIC IS BOTH HEAVY AND FAST-MOVING. A SLOW VEHICLE MERGING IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE IN SOME PLACES. AND NOW A VEHICLE DIES IN THE CENTER LANE. BOOM. IF THIS WAS THE FAILURE OF A WEAR ITEM AND COULD NOT BE HELPED, THAT WOULD BE ONE THING. BUT CHRYSLER/JEEP KNEW THEY WERE PUTTING OUT BAD TRANSMISSIONS FOR YEARS AND DID NOTHING. IN OUR CASE CHAMPION IN MISSISSIPPI MISDIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS THE THROTTLE BODY AND REPLACED IT. THE PROBLEM REMAINED. BAYSIDE IN VIRGINIA REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY AGAIN, THE TRANSMISSION AND THEN THE WIRE HARNESS. THE PROBLEM PERSISTS AND IS WORSENING. WE ARE IN OUR 5TH YEAR OF DEALING WITH THIS. THIS LITTLE FIAT TRANS IS TOO SMALL AND WEAK FOR A MIDSIZE SUV. ANY VEHICLE, MIDSIZE OR LARGER, WITH THIS CVT TRANSMISSION IN IT SHOULD BE TAKEN OFF THE ROAD. DATE BELOW AND ORIGINAL MILEAGE READING ARE APPROXIMATE. PROBLEM CONTINUES TO THIS DAY. PLEASE HELP US.
NHTSA ODI #11398476
34,000 miles · Dec 21, 2020
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 JEEP PATRIOT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, WHEN HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO HIS DESTINATION. THE CONTACT CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER MONROEVILLE CHRYSLER JEEP (3651 WILLIAM PENN HWY, MONROEVILLE, PA 15146, (4…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 JEEP PATRIOT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, WHEN HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO HIS DESTINATION. THE CONTACT CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER MONROEVILLE CHRYSLER JEEP (3651 WILLIAM PENN HWY, MONROEVILLE, PA 15146, (412) 856-1422) AND MADE THE DEALER AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 34,000.
NHTSA ODI #11384451
90,000 miles · Sep 27, 2020
Power Train
CVT TRANSMISSION STARTED TO SLIGHTLY SLIP AT AROUND 90,000 MILES AND AT THE TIME I DID NOT KNOW THAT THIS WAS IN FACT THE PROBLEM. AS TIME WENT ON IT BECAME MORE OBVIOUS WHAT IT WAS AND OF COURSE AFTER 100,000 MILES IS WHEN THE WARRANTY WAS GOOD NOLONGER SO LOST OUT ON THAT.
NHTSA ODI #11361428
79,000 miles · Aug 1, 2020
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
TWO MONTHS AGO MY JEEP STARTED BUCKING VIOLENTLY WHEN DRIVING AFTER IT SAT FOR A MONTH BEING DRIVEN MAYBE ONCE A WEEK. I REFILLED THE TANK WITH PREMIUM AND IT STILL DIDN'T HELP. TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM. IT STOPPED DOING THAT FOR FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS BUT NOW IT STARED DOING IT AGAIN. IT DOES IT WHEN I'…
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TWO MONTHS AGO MY JEEP STARTED BUCKING VIOLENTLY WHEN DRIVING AFTER IT SAT FOR A MONTH BEING DRIVEN MAYBE ONCE A WEEK. I REFILLED THE TANK WITH PREMIUM AND IT STILL DIDN'T HELP. TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AND THEY COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM. IT STOPPED DOING THAT FOR FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS BUT NOW IT STARED DOING IT AGAIN. IT DOES IT WHEN I'M AM ACCELERATING FROM A SLOW DOWN AND ALSO ONCE I GET UP TO 60 ON THE HIGHWAY
NHTSA ODI #11342645
NHTSA investigations
4RQ22002 · Stall From Crankshaft\camshaft Failure
Opened Jul 22, 2022 · Closed Jun 16, 2025
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:crank/camshaft Position Sensor
On December 13, 2016, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received recall 16V-907 from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) that identified a safety defect involving crankshaft or camshaft sensor failures on certain 2016 Model Year Dodge Journey, Jeep Compass, and Jeep Patriot vehicles. The failure of the crankshaft or camshaft sensor may lead to a loss of motive power (LOMP) in the recalled vehicles. Following the receipt of recall 16V-907, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received 127 vehicle owner’s questionnaires (VOQ), in which consumers allege experiencing crankshaft or camshaft failures on similar vehicles not included in the recall. On July 22, 2022, this Recall Query was opened to further assess the scope, frequency, and safety consequences of the alleged defect described in the recall. During this investigation, ODI sent two information request (IR) letters to FCA. The first letter was sent on August 15, 2022, and the second on July 12, 2024. Responses to these IR letters, that included manufacturer claim data related to the alleged defect, were received on September 26, 2022, and September 6, 2024, respectively. Analysis of ODI and FCA claim data identified two failure modes relating to intermittent crankshaft and camshaft sensor loss of signal. The first failure mode involves a faulty crankshaft or camshaft electrical connector, as identified in recall 16V-907. The second failure mode involves a faulty crankshaft and/or camshaft position sensor. Both failure modes exhibit intermittent operation of the crankshaft and/or camshaft position sensor that can result in a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL), engine stall while driving, or a no start condition. For the first failure mode, the claim data indicates that the majority of failures resulted in a LOMP and occurred on vehicles covered by recall 16V-907. For the second failure mode, the claim data indicates that the majority of failures resulted in a MIL or no start condition and occurred on vehicles manufactured prior to the vehicles covered by recall 16V-907. VOQ and claim data submitted to NHTSA, involving vehicles built outside the scope of recall 16V-907, commonly do not describe a LOMP. These claims typically describe experiencing symptoms such as a MIL, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) associated with crank/camshaft position sensor, and subsequent visits to a dealership. A substantially smaller percentage of the complaints allege an actual LOMP ( During production, FCA implemented multiple corrective actions to address the camshaft/camshaft sensor signal issue. The last of which was a software update that occurred in February 2016 and based on the claim data, addressed the crankshaft and/or camshaft position sensor issues that were leading to MIL or no start. For vehicles built prior to the software update, the sensor failures were normally covered under warranty. FCA’s assessment of the alleged defect is that the subject vehicles (not included in recall 16V-907) are not typically experiencing a LOMP when they have trouble with their crankshaft and/or camshaft position sensor and for that reason it does not represent a safety defect. FCA states consumers experience multiple warning signs including MIL illumination, drive quality changes, or no start conditions when a crankshaft and/or camshaft position sensor is failing. Based on ODI's analysis of the failure modes, the failure mode for vehicles not included in recall 16V-907 is unlikely to result in LOMP. The data indicates that vehicles not included in the recall experience LOMP at much lower rates than the recalled population. In addition, ODI is not aware of any related vehicle crashes or injuries in that time. Given these facts, a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time. Accordingly, this investigation is closed without action. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action 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.
PE19014 · Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment
Opened Sep 9, 2019 · Closed Feb 25, 2026
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats; Seats:front Assembly:head Restraint
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early Warning Reports identified driver and/or passenger front seat AHR inadvertent deployments without a rear impact event.Reported safety consequences resulting from the AHR deployments include concussions, headaches, soft tissue injuries, disorientation, nausea, vomiting and/or loss of vehicle control as a result of being surprised and distracted by being struck in the head by the inadvertent AHR deployment. On September 24, 2019, ODI sent an Information Request (IR) letter to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).ODI requested certain detailed information from FCA related to the following subject vehicles: MY 2010-2014 Dodge Avenger 200, MY 2010-2014 Dodge Calber, MY 2010-2014 Chrysler Sebring, MY 2013-2015 Ram Tradesman, MY 2012 Ram Van, MY 2010-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan, MY 2010-2016 Chrysler Town and Country, MY 2010-2017 Jeep Compass, MY 2011-2020 Dodge Durango, MY 2011-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, MY 2010-2019 Dodge Journey, MY 2010-2012 Jeep Liberty, MY 2010-2011 Jeep Nitro, and MY 2010-2011 Jeep Patriot vehicles.On December 2, 2019, ODI received a response from FCA that included vehicle production data, consumer complaints, field reports, warranty claims, manufacturer actions, production changes, and other data related to the alleged defect from the start of production (2010) through September 24, 2019.On January 27, 2020, ODI received an update to the December 2, 2019, IR response from FCA.On September 22, 2020, ODI requested additional subject vehicle AHR information from FCA.ODI received FCA's response on October 21, 2020.ODI subsequently received an update to FCA's October 21, 2020, response on February 16, 2021.During the investigation, ODI requested updates to certain IR questions on two occasions.FCA provided updates to question #2 on March 5, 2021, and questions #2 and #5 on May 26, 2023. FCA’s IR response data identified approximately 7.5 million subject vehicles (with approximately 15 million AHR assemblies).Due to the large number of vehicles and failure reports, ODI focused its analysis on the FCA vehicle model with the highest failure rate to represent the worst-case scenario.For this purpose, ODI focused on MY 2012-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles for its analysis.This population includes 710,890 vehicles that FCA manufactured between August 19, 2011, and August 8, 2015.ODI identified 2,839 alleged AHR failures within this limited population.ODI identified 263 alleged injuries that were caused by AHR failures in MY 2012-2015 Grand Cherokees vehicles.Of these alleged injuries, ODI categorized them as eighty-two (82) soft tissue (neck/whiplash, bruise) injuries, four (4) concussions, fifty-nine (59) headaches, and one hundred eighteen (118) without a specific injury description.Although complainants have alleged injuries, ODI has been unable to obtain evidence to substantiate or validate any injuries where medical treatment was required.Consumer outreach was conducted by ODI, where sixty-three (63) FCA complainants with alleged injuries were contacted.Twelve of the sixty-three FCA consumers responded and were interviewed by ODI.ODI requested medical records, however, only one response was provided. Attorneys representing the responding complainant provided a synopsis that indicated they had experienced prior neck-related injuries dating to the mid-1990s.ODI also contacted one hundred (100) consumers who submitted Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ) in an attempt to validate alleged injuries. Despite the efforts of ODI, the office has been unsuccessful at obtaining substantive documentation/evidence supporting complaints that allege serious injuries (where pre-existing medical conditions did not already exist). In addition to the low severity of alleged injuries caused by AHR deployments, there have been eleven alleged crashes and two alleged lane departures within the entire subject vehicle population that has been in the field up to sixteen years (with over 8,500 AHR inadvertent deployments).ODI was not able to validate that the alleged crashes were the result of inadvertent head rest deployments, and the crashes were minor in nature. ODI has conducted a thorough investigation of the alleged safety defect and with up to sixteen years of exposure for some vehicles and over 8,500 inadvertent AHR deployments, no serious crashes or injuries could be validated in the sub-population of focus.The lack of serious injuries validated by ODI with such large period of field exposure is consistent with thework done by NHTSA’s Human Injury Research Division and the Biodynamic Research Corporation, which support that an inadvertent AHR deployment is not likely to cause serious injury.In addition to the low risk of injury, FCA released an extended warranty program that covers inadvertent AHR deployment for ten years / unlimited mileage from the vehicle's in-service date. PE19014 is closed with the FCA extended warranty program.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist, and the Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances. To review a complete closing summary, please the attached closing report. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seats
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early Warning Reports identified driver and/or passenger front seat AHR inadvertent deployments without a rear impact event.Reported safety consequences resulting from the AHR deployments include concussions, headaches, soft tissue injuries, disorientation, nausea, vomiting and/or loss of vehicle control as a result of being surprised and distracted by being struck in the head by the inadvertent AHR deployment. On September 24, 2019, ODI sent an Information Request (IR) letter to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).ODI requested certain detailed information from FCA related to the following subject vehicles: MY 2010-2014 Dodge Avenger 200, MY 2010-2014 Dodge Calber, MY 2010-2014 Chrysler Sebring, MY 2013-2015 Ram Tradesman, MY 2012 Ram Van, MY 2010-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan, MY 2010-2016 Chrysler Town and Country, MY 2010-2017 Jeep Compass, MY 2011-2020 Dodge Durango, MY 2011-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, MY 2010-2019 Dodge Journey, MY 2010-2012 Jeep Liberty, MY 2010-2011 Jeep Nitro, and MY 2010-2011 Jeep Patriot vehicles.On December 2, 2019, ODI received a response from FCA that included vehicle production data, consumer complaints, field reports, warranty claims, manufacturer actions, production changes, and other data related to the alleged defect from the start of production (2010) through September 24, 2019.On January 27, 2020, ODI received an update to the December 2, 2019, IR response from FCA.On September 22, 2020, ODI requested additional subject vehicle AHR information from FCA.ODI received FCA's response on October 21, 2020.ODI subsequently received an update to FCA's October 21, 2020, response on February 16, 2021.During the investigation, ODI requested updates to certain IR questions on two occasions.FCA provided updates to question #2 on March 5, 2021, and questions #2 and #5 on May 26, 2023. FCA’s IR response data identified approximately 7.5 million subject vehicles (with approximately 15 million AHR assemblies).Due to the large number of vehicles and failure reports, ODI focused its analysis on the FCA vehicle model with the highest failure rate to represent the worst-case scenario.For this purpose, ODI focused on MY 2012-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles for its analysis.This population includes 710,890 vehicles that FCA manufactured between August 19, 2011, and August 8, 2015.ODI identified 2,839 alleged AHR failures within this limited population.ODI identified 263 alleged injuries that were caused by AHR failures in MY 2012-2015 Grand Cherokees vehicles.Of these alleged injuries, ODI categorized them as eighty-two (82) soft tissue (neck/whiplash, bruise) injuries, four (4) concussions, fifty-nine (59) headaches, and one hundred eighteen (118) without a specific injury description.Although complainants have alleged injuries, ODI has been unable to obtain evidence to substantiate or validate any injuries where medical treatment was required.Consumer outreach was conducted by ODI, where sixty-three (63) FCA complainants with alleged injuries were contacted.Twelve of the sixty-three FCA consumers responded and were interviewed by ODI.ODI requested medical records, however, only one response was provided. Attorneys representing the responding complainant provided a synopsis that indicated they had experienced prior neck-related injuries dating to the mid-1990s.ODI also contacted one hundred (100) consumers who submitted Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ) in an attempt to validate alleged injuries. Despite the efforts of ODI, the office has been unsuccessful at obtaining substantive documentation/evidence supporting complaints that allege serious injuries (where pre-existing medical conditions did not already exist). In addition to the low severity of alleged injuries caused by AHR deployments, there have been eleven alleged crashes and two alleged lane departures within the entire subject vehicle population that has been in the field up to sixteen years (with over 8,500 AHR inadvertent deployments).ODI was not able to validate that the alleged crashes were the result of inadvertent head rest deployments, and the crashes were minor in nature. ODI has conducted a thorough investigation of the alleged safety defect and with up to sixteen years of exposure for some vehicles and over 8,500 inadvertent AHR deployments, no serious crashes or injuries could be validated in the sub-population of focus.The lack of serious injuries validated by ODI with such large period of field exposure is consistent with thework done by NHTSA’s Human Injury Research Division and the Biodynamic Research Corporation, which support that an inadvertent AHR deployment is not likely to cause serious injury.In addition to the low risk of injury, FCA released an extended warranty program that covers inadvertent AHR deployment for ten years / unlimited mileage from the vehicle's in-service date. PE19014 is closed with the FCA extended warranty program.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist, and the Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances. To review a complete closing summary, please the attached closing report. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Seats:front Assembly:head Restraint
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early Warning Reports identified driver and/or passenger front seat AHR inadvertent deployments without a rear impact event.Reported safety consequences resulting from the AHR deployments include concussions, headaches, soft tissue injuries, disorientation, nausea, vomiting and/or loss of vehicle control as a result of being surprised and distracted by being struck in the head by the inadvertent AHR deployment. On September 24, 2019, ODI sent an Information Request (IR) letter to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA).ODI requested certain detailed information from FCA related to the following subject vehicles: MY 2010-2014 Dodge Avenger 200, MY 2010-2014 Dodge Calber, MY 2010-2014 Chrysler Sebring, MY 2013-2015 Ram Tradesman, MY 2012 Ram Van, MY 2010-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan, MY 2010-2016 Chrysler Town and Country, MY 2010-2017 Jeep Compass, MY 2011-2020 Dodge Durango, MY 2011-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, MY 2010-2019 Dodge Journey, MY 2010-2012 Jeep Liberty, MY 2010-2011 Jeep Nitro, and MY 2010-2011 Jeep Patriot vehicles.On December 2, 2019, ODI received a response from FCA that included vehicle production data, consumer complaints, field reports, warranty claims, manufacturer actions, production changes, and other data related to the alleged defect from the start of production (2010) through September 24, 2019.On January 27, 2020, ODI received an update to the December 2, 2019, IR response from FCA.On September 22, 2020, ODI requested additional subject vehicle AHR information from FCA.ODI received FCA's response on October 21, 2020.ODI subsequently received an update to FCA's October 21, 2020, response on February 16, 2021.During the investigation, ODI requested updates to certain IR questions on two occasions.FCA provided updates to question #2 on March 5, 2021, and questions #2 and #5 on May 26, 2023. FCA’s IR response data identified approximately 7.5 million subject vehicles (with approximately 15 million AHR assemblies).Due to the large number of vehicles and failure reports, ODI focused its analysis on the FCA vehicle model with the highest failure rate to represent the worst-case scenario.For this purpose, ODI focused on MY 2012-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles for its analysis.This population includes 710,890 vehicles that FCA manufactured between August 19, 2011, and August 8, 2015.ODI identified 2,839 alleged AHR failures within this limited population.ODI identified 263 alleged injuries that were caused by AHR failures in MY 2012-2015 Grand Cherokees vehicles.Of these alleged injuries, ODI categorized them as eighty-two (82) soft tissue (neck/whiplash, bruise) injuries, four (4) concussions, fifty-nine (59) headaches, and one hundred eighteen (118) without a specific injury description.Although complainants have alleged injuries, ODI has been unable to obtain evidence to substantiate or validate any injuries where medical treatment was required.Consumer outreach was conducted by ODI, where sixty-three (63) FCA complainants with alleged injuries were contacted.Twelve of the sixty-three FCA consumers responded and were interviewed by ODI.ODI requested medical records, however, only one response was provided. Attorneys representing the responding complainant provided a synopsis that indicated they had experienced prior neck-related injuries dating to the mid-1990s.ODI also contacted one hundred (100) consumers who submitted Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ) in an attempt to validate alleged injuries. Despite the efforts of ODI, the office has been unsuccessful at obtaining substantive documentation/evidence supporting complaints that allege serious injuries (where pre-existing medical conditions did not already exist). In addition to the low severity of alleged injuries caused by AHR deployments, there have been eleven alleged crashes and two alleged lane departures within the entire subject vehicle population that has been in the field up to sixteen years (with over 8,500 AHR inadvertent deployments).ODI was not able to validate that the alleged crashes were the result of inadvertent head rest deployments, and the crashes were minor in nature. ODI has conducted a thorough investigation of the alleged safety defect and with up to sixteen years of exposure for some vehicles and over 8,500 inadvertent AHR deployments, no serious crashes or injuries could be validated in the sub-population of focus.The lack of serious injuries validated by ODI with such large period of field exposure is consistent with thework done by NHTSA’s Human Injury Research Division and the Biodynamic Research Corporation, which support that an inadvertent AHR deployment is not likely to cause serious injury.In addition to the low risk of injury, FCA released an extended warranty program that covers inadvertent AHR deployment for ten years / unlimited mileage from the vehicle's in-service date. PE19014 is closed with the FCA extended warranty program.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist, and the Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances. To review a complete closing summary, please the attached closing report. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
EA19001 · Electrical Overstress
Opened Apr 19, 2019 · Closed Sep 19, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) manufactured by ZF-TRW. The ECU receives signals from crash sensors mounted in the vehicle and deploys the vehicle air bags and seat belt pretensioners in accordance with manufacturer design specifications. The ECU in the subject vehicles contains a model DS84 application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) which controls the communication of the crash sensor signal, firing commands (i.e., when to deploy the airbag(s) and/or pretensioners), and fault information (e.g., diagnostic trouble codes). In September 2016, FCA announced recall 16V-668 for certain model year (MY) 2010 to 2014 Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep products manufactured with the subject ZF-TRW ACU. In this recall, FCA discussed an EOS condition that resulted in a failure of the subject DS84 ASIC, which caused air bag non-deployment. FCA noted that the defect condition had only been observed in vehicles equipped with sensor harnessing routed across the front of the vehicle. Other FCA vehicles that also used the subject ACU, but were not equipped with cross-car harnessing, had not experienced EOS failures, despite similar time in service. During the course of this investigation, ODI sent two separate Information Request (IR) letters to six vehicle manufactures (including FCA, Hyundai, Honda, Kia, Mitsubishi, and Toyota) and one IR letter to ZF-TRW. These IR letters resulted in ODI receiving comprehensive data from these manufacturers and suppliers. Studies of this data found that the DS84 ASIC does not have sufficient protection against negative electrical transients or electrical overstress (“EOS”) that can be generated in certain severe crashes. An electrical transient occurs when the electrical power supplied to a circuit changes momentarily over a short duration of time. In these severe crash cases, the crash sensors and other powered wiring can be damaged and short circuited so as to create a negative electrical transient of sufficient intensity and duration (that are outside the vehicle manufacturer's specification) to damage the ASIC before the restraint device deployment signal is received by the SRS ECU. This damaged signal can lead to incomplete or nondeployment of the air bags and/or pretensioners. Airbag non-deployment and/or lack of pretensioner operation can increase the risk or severity of injury in a crash.A total of 8 fatalities and 14 injuries were associated with known EOS events. The common element in all investigated manufacturers vehicles is the SRS ECU containing a DS84 ASIC manufactured by ZF-TRW. The risk associated with the ASIC is equally shared among all OEMS involved in the investigation. The actual real-world risk can be mitigated by other factors which were assessed by ODI during this investigation. The first mitigating factor involves protections built into the ACU design which protect the DS84 ASIC from damage. There are multiple strategies and levels of protection employed by different OEMs that provide effective EOS mitigation. The two most common strategies at the ACU level are circuit protection diodes on the remote senor signal lines, and current limiting resistors that protect critical components. The second mitigating factor is found at the vehicle level and involves the location and routing of the wires leading from the crash sensors to the SRS ECU. If the wires are well protected in a crash and are not routed with other power wires carrying large currents, the risk for an EOS event is significantly reduced or eliminated. These design specific factors combine to produce a spectrum of risk for the vehicles equipped with ACUs using the DS84 ASIC. Given the many of years of field exposure, it is possible to divide the subject population into two groups; vehicles which have experienced EOS events, and vehicles which have not experienced EOS field events. Four of the six OEMs involved in this investigation have experienced EOS field events on at least one of their models equipped with a DS84 ASIC. All vehicle models (including the Toyota models identified in the Failure Report Summary of the opening resume for this investigation) with field events have been recalled. In an abundance of caution, ODI kept this investigation open five years to monitor field performance and did not identify any field events on vehicles not included in existing safety recalls. Given the spectrum of risk identified in this investigation and that all vehicles with a demonstrated unreasonable risk have been recalled, ODI is closing this investigation. ODI is closing this investigation with the following manufacturer safety recalls: 16V-668, 18E-043, 18V-137, 18V-363, and 20V-024. With the recall actions taken by the subject vehicle and equipment manufacturers, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exists on other model or model year vehicles outside of the recall scopes. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.