NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
54 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jul 8, 2016
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. ON SOME OCCASIONS, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AFTER THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE V…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. ON SOME OCCASIONS, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AFTER THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 09/08/16*LJ UPDATED 09/29/16.8JB
NHTSA ODI #10883669
Mileage unknown · Jul 30, 2014
Air BagsEngine And Engine Cooling
I HAVE THREE RECALL NOTIFICATIONS AND NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE SAYS THEY ARE NOT VALID TO MY VIN. SO ARE THESE RECALLS NOT VALID OR DOES NISSAN NOT WANT TO RECALL MY VEHICLE? RECALL SUBJECT : PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INFLATOR MAY RUPTURE REPORT RECEIPT DATE: JUN 24, 2014 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V361000 COMPONENT(S): AIR BA…
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I HAVE THREE RECALL NOTIFICATIONS AND NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE SAYS THEY ARE NOT VALID TO MY VIN. SO ARE THESE RECALLS NOT VALID OR DOES NISSAN NOT WANT TO RECALL MY VEHICLE? RECALL SUBJECT : PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INFLATOR MAY RUPTURE REPORT RECEIPT DATE: JUN 24, 2014 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V361000 COMPONENT(S): AIR BAGS RECALL SUBJECT : NISSAN/CRANK/CAM POSITION SENSOR WELD REPORT RECEIPT DATE: NOV 17, 2003 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V455000 COMPONENT(S): ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
NHTSA ODI #10619604
168,960 miles · Mar 20, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
MY 2003 NISSAN MAXIMA GLE HAS HAD THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, THE ABS AND THE TSC LIGHTS COMING ON. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL DEALER WHO RAN DIAGNOSTICS ON IT AND SAID IT WAS THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR WHICH I HAD ALREADY REPLACED DUE TO AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH THE SPEEDOMETER QUIT WORKING, OR THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE INSTRUM…
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MY 2003 NISSAN MAXIMA GLE HAS HAD THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, THE ABS AND THE TSC LIGHTS COMING ON. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL DEALER WHO RAN DIAGNOSTICS ON IT AND SAID IT WAS THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR WHICH I HAD ALREADY REPLACED DUE TO AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH THE SPEEDOMETER QUIT WORKING, OR THAT I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PACKAGE. AS I AM FAIRLY MECHANICAL (FATHER WAS A MASTER MECHANIC) THIS DID NOT SEEM LOGICAL TO ME. THE SPEEDOMETER HAS NOW QUIT WORKING COMPLETELY AND THE TACHOMETER IS NOW HAVING INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS. I HAVE ALSO CHANGED THE CAMSHAFT SENSORS. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE MORE ELECTRICAL THAN MECHANICAL--INSTRUMENTS ONLY RECORD WHAT SENSORS SEND TO THEM. IT HAS NOW STARTED DYING IN TRAFFIC WHICH SCARES ME AS I AM AFRAID I WILL HAVE AN ACCIDENT. THE DYING IN TRAFFIC PROBLEM IS GETTING WORSE. SO FAR I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO HIT MY FLASHERS AND STRUGGLE TO GLIDE IT OFF THE EDGE OF THE ROAD TO A STOP WHEN IT HAPPENS UNTIL I CAN GET IT STARTED AGAIN. SOME TIMES IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO START AND SOMETIMES IT WILL START RIGHT BACK AGAIN. I HAVE RULED OUT MOISTURE IN THE GAS HAS I HAVE RUN SEVERAL CONTAINERS OF HEET THROUGH THE GAS TANK THE LAST TWO MONTHS. WHEN I ASKED THE DEALER IF THEY HAD SEEN OTHER VEHICLES WITH THE SAME OR SIMILAR PROBLEMS THEY SAID NO. I ASKED THEM IF MY CAR MODEL HAD ANY RECALLS AND THEY SAID NO AGAIN. DUE TO A SEARCH ON THE INTERNET I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT RECALL #03V455000 HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR MY MODEL YEAR NISSANS THAT WERE HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE DYING DUE TO SOLDIER FLUX ON VARIABLE TIMING CONTROL SENSOR. PLEASE ADVISE IF MY CAR IS COVERED BY THIS RECALL ASAP AS I AM AFRAID I MIGHT HAVE AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE CAR DYING AND EVERYTHING LOCKING UP WHEN IT DOES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10573648
143,597 miles · Apr 2, 2013
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RE-START THE VEHICLE BUT IT TOOK SEVERAL TRIES BEFORE IT STARTED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE CAM POSITION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RE-START THE VEHICLE BUT IT TOOK SEVERAL TRIES BEFORE IT STARTED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE CAM POSITION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 143,597. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10505407
125,000 miles · Jan 8, 2013
EngineEngine And Engine Cooling
WHILE DRIVING AT A RELATIVELY LOW SPEED (~30 MPH), THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STALLED. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND RESTART THE ENGINE A SHORT TIME LATER. WITHIN 30 SECONDS OF DRIVING (AGAIN), THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STALLED AGAIN. I HAD TO STOP DRIVING. JUST THE PREVIOUS DAY, THE CHECK-ENGINE-LIGHT CAME ON, INDICAT…
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WHILE DRIVING AT A RELATIVELY LOW SPEED (~30 MPH), THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STALLED. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND RESTART THE ENGINE A SHORT TIME LATER. WITHIN 30 SECONDS OF DRIVING (AGAIN), THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STALLED AGAIN. I HAD TO STOP DRIVING. JUST THE PREVIOUS DAY, THE CHECK-ENGINE-LIGHT CAME ON, INDICATING ERROR CODES P0340 AND P0345. UPON CHECKING THE INTERNET, IT SEEMS THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 03V455000 MAY BE RELEVANT (IT COVERS 2003 MAXIMA). THE SYMPTOMS MY CAR EXHIBITED ARE THE SAME AS THOSE DESCRIBED. HOWEVER, WHEN I CALLED NISSAN, I WAS TOLD THAT MY CAR'S VIN WAS NOT COVERED BY RECALL. IT SEEMS VERY, VERY COINCIDENTAL THAT I WOULD EXPERIENCE THE SAME PROBLEM DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL, BUT AM NOT SUBJECT TO RECALL. IT SEEMS THAT NISSAN IS UNDER-REPORTING THE CARS AFFECTED, AND I FEAR MY CAR WOULD BE QUITE UNSAFE TO DRIVE (WITH RANDOM, SUDDEN STALLS). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10491859
64,000 miles · May 3, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CAMSHAFT SENSOR WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE VE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN MAXIMA. WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CAMSHAFT SENSOR WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), THAT MAY HAVE BEEN RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000. UPDATED 6/6/12 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL MORE FREQUENTLY AT A QUICKER AND MORE VIOLENT RATE. UPDATED 06/11/12
NHTSA ODI #10457407
120,000 miles · Sep 1, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE FAILED TO START AND THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE CRANK PO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THE ENGINE FAILED TO START AND THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR AND CAM POSITION SENOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL RELATED TO THE DEFECT UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
NHTSA ODI #10422917
90,000 miles · Aug 29, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STOPPED RUNNING. AFTER RESEARCHING THE TROUBLE CODE, WE ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE THE PART. REPLACEMENT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL AND FOUND SAFETY RECALL ON THIS SAME ISSUE. CALLED LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THEIR WAS NO RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE IF IT DIES WHILE DRIVI…
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WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STOPPED RUNNING. AFTER RESEARCHING THE TROUBLE CODE, WE ATTEMPTED TO REPLACE THE PART. REPLACEMENT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL AND FOUND SAFETY RECALL ON THIS SAME ISSUE. CALLED LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THEIR WAS NO RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE IF IT DIES WHILE DRIVING. THIS PROBLEM IS VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10422429
88,500 miles · Jul 29, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MILES PER HOUR AND WHILE MAKING A TURN THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED WHEN THE FIRST FAILURE OCCURRED; HOWEVER, WHEN THE SECOND FAILURE OCCURRED THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST REPORT INDICATED THAT THE CAMSHAFT POSITION FA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN MAXIMA. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MILES PER HOUR AND WHILE MAKING A TURN THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED WHEN THE FIRST FAILURE OCCURRED; HOWEVER, WHEN THE SECOND FAILURE OCCURRED THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST REPORT INDICATED THAT THE CAMSHAFT POSITION FAILED INTERNALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED USING THE SAME RECALL REMEDY UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V455000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), DESPITE THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATING THE VIN DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,500. UPDATED 12/06/11*LJ UPDATED 03/12/12
NHTSA ODI #10416228
134,000 miles · Jul 25, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START DURING LUNCH. IT STARTED AFTER A COUPLE OF ATTEMPTS AFTER WORK AND THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. AS I LEFT MY JOB AND DROVE 1/2 MILE, THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING ON A THREE LANE ROAD IN TRAFFIC AS I WAS GOING 35-40 MPH. I MANAGED TO COAST PAST AN INTERSECTION AND QUICKLY TURN WITHO…
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THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START DURING LUNCH. IT STARTED AFTER A COUPLE OF ATTEMPTS AFTER WORK AND THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. AS I LEFT MY JOB AND DROVE 1/2 MILE, THE ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING ON A THREE LANE ROAD IN TRAFFIC AS I WAS GOING 35-40 MPH. I MANAGED TO COAST PAST AN INTERSECTION AND QUICKLY TURN WITHOUT POWER STEERING INTO A PARKING LOT.
NHTSA ODI #10415909
Official recalls
3Jan 9, 2020
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, 2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35, 2002-2003 Inifiniti QX4, 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 and 2006-2010 M35 and M45 vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated, frontal passenger air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators with alternate desiccated inflators, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 888-737-9511 or Infiniti customer service at 888-810-3715.
May 15, 2015
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2001-2003 Nissan Maxima, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2003 Infiniti QX4 and I35, 2003 FX35 and FX45, and 2001 I30 vehicles. Upon deployment of the passenger side frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. Note: On December 18, 2015 Nissan informed NHTSA of an amendment of this recall to remove 2004-2005 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 vehicles.
Nov 17, 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR OR CAM POSITION SENSOR MAY HAVE AN IMPROPER SOLDER JOINT DUE TO SOLDER DEFORMATION CAUSED BY HEAT STRESS ACCELERATED BY THE EXISTENCE OF FLUX RESIDUE DURING THE SOLDERING PROCESS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON, CREATE A NO START CONDITION, CAUSE REDUCED ENGINE POWER, OR CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANK POSITION SENSORS. CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR(S), AND IN SOME CASES, THE VARIABLE TIMING CONTROL SENSOR(S). VEHICLES INVOLVED IN A PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGN, 01V357, ARE ALSO INCLUDED IN THIS NEW CAMPAIGN. THE REPLACEMENT SENSORS USED IN THAT CAMPAIGN ARE ALSO AFFECTED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
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