Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 127 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 54 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Air Bags. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

19 crash reports6 fire reports13 injury reports

What owners actually said

304 reports

60,104 miles · Jun 30, 2005

Electrical System

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DT: A RECALL WAS ISSUED ON THE ECM COVER. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE HER DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING. THE CONSUMER DID NOT RECEIVE A RECALL NOTIFICATION SINCE THEN THE DAMAGE WAS DONE TO THE ECM. THE DEALER ONLY DID THE RECALL WORK AND DID NOT THE FIX THE DAMAGE THAT WAS DONE BECAUSE OF RECALL DEFECT. DEALER SAID THEY WILL FIX IT IF THE CONSUMER PAID FOR IT. MANUFACTURER SAID THEY WILL CONTACT HER WITHIN 24 HOURS. THE CONSUMER HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO DEALER AND HE SAID HER CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. DEALER TOLD HER TODAY IF SHE PAYS $50.00 THEY WILL REPLACE THE ECM. RECALL ID#P3163. CALLER IS PAYING FOR RENTAL CAR. CALLER IS NOT ALRIGHT WITH PAYING THE $50.00.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10127172

61,000 miles · Jun 27, 2005

Vehicle Speed Control

DT: WITHOUT WARNING THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 30 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN. CALLER HAD TO HIT THE BRAKES TO GET IT TO STOP. HE PULLED OFF THE ROAD, TURNED IT OFF, AND RESTARTED IT. CALLER SAYS IT WAS A GRADUAL ACCELERATION. MANUFACTURER TOLD CALLER ABOUT RECALLS. DEALER WAS NOT CONC…

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NHTSA ODI #10126643

Mileage unknown · Jun 20, 2005

Electrical System

DT: CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH THE RADIO WOULD NOT WORK AND THE ENTIRE DASH SYSTEM WENT OUT. WHEN THE CONSUMER TURNED THE IGNITION SWITCH, EVERYTHING STARTED WORKING. CONTACT HAS NOT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A SERVICE DEALER. *AK *NM

NHTSA ODI #10120299

28,000 miles · Jun 10, 2005

Tires

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IN MAR '02, I BOUGHT A NEW NISSAN SENTRA SE-R THAT CAME W/ FIRESTONE FIREHAWK GTA-02 195/55/R16 TIRES. I ALWAYS ROTATE MY TIRES EVERY 2 OIL CHANGES (~7000 MILES) AND CHECK/INFLATE TIRE PSI EVERY FEW MONTHS. IN JAN 05 I WENT TO ALLIED TIRES FOR AN ALIGNMENT. WHEN I PICKED UP MY CAR, THEY SHOWED ME LARGE SPLITS/CRACKS ALL AROUND THE INNER SIDEWALL OF ALL 4 TIRES. (AT THIS POINT MY CAR HAD ~28000 MILES) THEY SAID IF I DIDN'T GET THE TIRES REPLACED ASAP, I WOULD HAVE A BLOWOUT. NONE OF THEM HAD EVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS. I HAD ALL 4 TIRES REPLACED AT SEARS SOON AFTER. (IT WAS EST. 10000 MILES OF TREAD LEFT ON THE "FAULTY" TIRES) THE MECHANIC SAID HE ALSO NOTICED THE SPLITTING ON THE "FAULTY" TIRES AND HADN'T SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT EITHER. ON MAY 31, 05, I TOOK THE "FAULTY" TIRES (WHICH I STILL HAVE) TO NISSAN. THEY DIDN'T KNOW WHAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THE SPLITTING, AND SAID TO DEAL W/ FIRESTONE. AT FIRESTONE, THE MECHANIC SAID IT LOOKED LIKE I GOT A BAD BATCH OF TIRES WITH THE CAR, BUT THAT HIS COMMENT WAS "OFF THE RECORD" SINCE HE DIDN'T WANT TO BAD MOUTH FIRESTONE. WHEN THE MANAGER CAME OUT, HE BLATANTLY BEAT AROUND THE BUSH, SAYING THAT SINCE THE TIRES WEREN'T ON THE CAR, THEY DIDN'T KNOW IF I WAS TELLING THE TRUTH (IE: SINCE THE TIRES WERE OFF, HE THOUGHT I COULD HAVE PURPOSELY DAMAGED THE TIRES TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF HIM, EVEN THOUGH I HAD 3 OTHER COMPANIES AS EYE WITNESSES). HE THEN SAID IF I HAD THE TIRES STILL ON THE CAR, HE WOULD'VE BEEN ABLE TO GIVE ME A PRO-RATED REIMBURSEMENT. I STILL DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE ON THE CAR FOR THE MANAGER TO NOTICE THE FAULT IN THEM... IN THE END, I WAS OFFERED NO COMPENSATION FOR THESE FAULTY TIRES, BUT THE MORE IMPORTANT PROBLEM IN MY EYES IS THAT OF SAFETY. I DON'T BELIEVE THESE TIRES ARE SAFE, ESP. CONSIDERING MY EXPERIENCE W/ THEM. FOR TIRES TO "SPLIT" AS MINE DID MAKES EVERYDAY DRIVING FOR ME AND OTHERS AROUND ME VERY DANGEROUS. I CAN SEND PICTURES VIA EMAIL IF DESIRED. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME

NHTSA ODI #10124967

21,000 miles · Apr 25, 2005

Tires

TIRE EQUIPMENT ON 2002 NISSAN SENTRA GXE HAS SUFFERED BELT FAILURES.*MR ALL FOUR TREADS ON THE VEHICLE'S TIRES FAILED IN THE LAST EIGHT MONTHS. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10119140

87,269 miles · Apr 22, 2005

Electrical System

WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON; 10 MILES LATER THE VEHICLE STALLED. THIS OCCURRED BECAUSE THE ECM FAILED. THE DEALERSHIP CHARGE THE CONSUMER TO PERFORM THE ECM MATERIAL RECALL 03V477000 BECAUSE THE ECM FAILURE WAS NOT CAUSED BY THE CONTAMINATION OF THE INNER LINING MATERIAL , IT JUST SHORTED OUT. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10119045

Mileage unknown · Apr 5, 2005

Vehicle Speed Control

2002 GXE NISSAN SENTRA EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH ACCELERATION.*MR WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS PRESSED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. ONCE THE CONSUMER APPLIED MORE PRESSURE THE VEHICLE WOULD LURCH FORWARD. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED TWICE BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10117728

Mileage unknown · Mar 29, 2005

Engine And Engine Cooling

2002 NISSAN SENTRA HAS PROBLEMS WITH THE CHECK ENGINE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATING ON THE DASHBOARD.*MR *NM

NHTSA ODI #10117320

37,130 miles · Mar 18, 2005

Steering

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THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY ON OUR 2002 NISSAN SENTRA SE-R WAS REPLACED BY HALL NISSAN OF CHESAPEAKE, VIRGINIA. WE TOOK OUR VEHICLE INTO THE THIS DEALER FOR AN ANNUAL STATE SAFETY INSPECTION. WE INFORMED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO CHECK THE STEERING SYSTEM. WE HAD EXPERIENCED PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL . THE MOVEMENT WAS UP AND DOWN IN THE STEERING COLUMN. AFTER THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT INSPECTED OUR CAR WE WERE TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PASS THE VIRGINIA SAFETY INSPECTION UNLESS THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED. WE WERE ABLE TO GET THE MANUFACTURER (NISSAN) TO "GOOD WILL" HALF THE COST ($971.52) OF THE REPLACEMENT. OUR VEHICLE HAD 37,130 MILES ON THE ODOMETER ON THE DATE WE BROUGHT IT IN FOR THE ANNUAL SAFETY INSPECTION (11/18/2004). OUR VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN A CRASH AND IS NOT MISUSED IN ANY WAY.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10114276

Mileage unknown · Feb 18, 2005

Engine And Engine Cooling

NISSAN SENTRA 2002 THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED A SQUEAKING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE. *BF THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SUGGESTED THAT THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE ALTERNATOR ASSEMBLY OR CYLINDER NEXT TO IT. THE DRIVE BELT WAS ADJUSTED DUE TO LOOSENESS. THE VEHICLE STAYED QUIET FOR THREE DAYS THEN THE NOISE STARTED AGAIN. THE WEATHER…

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NHTSA ODI #10113550

Official recalls

20V747000 · Air Bags; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Dec 1, 2020

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2002-2006 Sentra vehicles whose passenger air bags were previously inspected and may have been released without replacing the Takata air bag inflator. In the event of a crash, Takata frontal passenger air bag 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: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been completed. Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will re-inspect the vehicle and, if necessary, replace the air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PM964.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been completed. Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will re-inspect the vehicle and, if necessary, replace the air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PM964.

Air Bags

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

20V008000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Jan 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.

15V287000 · Air Bags

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.

07V527000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Nov 14, 2007

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.5L ENGINE, THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR CAN OVERHEAT CAUSING A BRIEF INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL OUTPUT FROM THE SENSOR.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE INTERRUPTION IN THE SIGNAL FROM THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR IS SO BRIEF THAT THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) LOGIC DOES NOT HAVE TIME TO DIAGNOSE THE CONDITION, THE ENGINE MAY STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN AT A LOW SPEED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ECM FREE OF CHARGE. CERTAIN MY 2006 ALTIMAS WHICH HAVE BEEN PREVIOUSLY REMEDIED UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN 06V223 (NISSAN R0606) ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL SINCE THE REPROGRAMMING FOR 06V223 ALSO INCLUDED THIS REPROGRAMMING. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 31, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

03V511000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Dec 10, 2003

ON CERTAIN ELECTRIC VEHICLES, THE FRONT SUSPENSION TRANSVERSE LINK'S BALL JOINT BRACKET MAY BREAK FROM STRESS CONCENTRATION AT A NOTCH CREATED BY SURFACE ROUGHNESS AND THE SHAPE OF THE MATERIAL CUT-LINE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Not supplied

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRACKET ON THESE VEHICLES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 15, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

03V455000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

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.

03V477000 · Electrical System:ignition:module

Nov 14, 2003

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE QG18DE ENGINE OR QR25DE ENGINES, THE FOAM MATERIAL USED FOR THE INTERIOR LINING OF THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM) BOX EMITS SULFUR AS IT CURES.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF ONE OF THE RESISTORS INSIDE THE ECM HAS A CRACK ON THE SURFACE COATING, THE GAS MAY CAUSE CORROSION OF THE RESISTOR. THIS COULD CAUSE THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT TO COME ON, POOR DRIVABILITY (IDLE INSTABILITY, POOR ACCELERATOR), OR THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE INSIDE LINING MATERIAL FROM THE ECM BOX. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

03V084000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe

Mar 11, 2003

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 2.5 LITER ENGINE, THE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN MAY CATCH DEBRIS FROM THE ROAD THAT COULD BE IGNITED BY CONTACT WITH THE MAIN CATALYST. ALSO ON 2002 ALTIMA AND SENTRA VEHICLES, CERTAIN ENGINE OPERATING CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE THE PRE-CATALYST TO OVERHEAT AND DAMAGE THE CATALYST SUBSTRATE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: EITHER OF THESE TWO CONDITIONS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE PROTRUDING PORTION OF THE EXHAUST PIPE HANGER PIN. IN ADDITION TO THE CORRECTIVE ACTION, IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE IN THE EVENT OF POOR OR IMPROPER MAINTENANCE THAT COULD RESULT IN OIL SPILLAGE, HEAT SHIELD(S) WILL BE INSTALLED ON THE PRE-CATALYST AND EXHAUST TUBE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261. NISSAN RECALL NOS. R3007, R3014, R3015, R3016, R3017. ALSO ON 2002 ALTIMA AND SENTRA VEHICLES, CERTAIN ENGINE OPERATING CONDITIONS MAY CAUSE THE PRE-CATALYST TO OVERHEAT AND DAMAGE THE CATALYST SUBSTRATE. IF SUBSTRATE PARTICLES ENTER THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER, THEY COULD SCORE THE CYLINDER WALLS, RESULTING IN INCREASED OIL CONSUMPTION. IF THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL IS NOT CHECKED ON A PERIODIC BASIS AND DROPS BELOW THE LOW LEVEL, AND THE DRIVER CONTINUES TO OPERATE THE VEHICLE IGNORING NOTICEABLE ENGINE NOISE, ENGINE DAMAGE MAY OCCUR WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. THE PRE-CATALYST WILL BE TESTED TO ENSURE IT IS WORKING PROPERLY AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY. IF DAMAGE IS FOUND INSIDE THE PRE-CATALYST, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE ENGINE.

02V056000 · Unknown Or Other

Feb 15, 2002

ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A NISSAN-APPROVED ACCESSORY FLOOR MAT THAT WAS INSTALLED EITHER AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT OR BY THE DEALER, DUE TO THE LENGTH OF THE DRIVER SIDE FLOOR MAT, A SMALL AMOUNT OF MAT MOVEMENT COULD CAUSE THE MAT TO INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND NOT ALLOW THE PEDAL TO RELEASE AFTER IT IS DEPRESSED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS UNEXPECTEDLY, IT COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVER SIDE FLOOR MAT AND IF IT IS A NISSAN FLOOR MAT SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR MATS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 18, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

01V376000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights

Dec 12, 2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE VEHICLES WERE MISSING TAMPERPROOF CAPS THAT PREVENT HORIZONTAL HEADLAMP ADJUSTMENT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THESE CAPS ARE INSTALLED TO PREVENT MISADJUSTMENT OF THE HEADLAMPS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A TAMPERPROOF CAP OVER THE HORIZONTAL ADJUSTMENT SCREW FOR BOTH HEADLAMPS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 14, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

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

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

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module