NHTSA EQ EQ19002

In a Part 573 Defect Information Report (DIR) originally filed November 26, 2019, TK Global LLC (Takata) notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of a safety-related defect in certain NADI inflators produced between May 1, 1995, and August 31, 1999 (NHTSA Recall No. 19E-080). According to Takata, NADI inflators produced during this period have the potential to experience moisture ingress due to a defect with the foil seal applied (for hermiticity purposes) at the exit orifices of the inflator housing. NADI inflators do not contain PSAN propellant. When deployed, the presence of elevated moisture in the inflator can result in slow deployment, which could lead to insufficient protection of the driver by the air bag. In the event of propellant degradation, abnormal propellant combustion can create excessive internal pressure. High internal pressure can result in the body of the inflator rupturing, potentially injuring or killing the driver. The Part 573 DIR named five automobile manufacturers which purchased the defective NADI inflators: VW, BMW, Honda, Mitsubishi, and Toyota. Takata’s Part 573 DIR was followed by BMW filing three Part 573 DIRs on December 3, 2019, designated NHTSA Recall Nos. 19V-851, 19V-852 and 19V-853. The Part 573 DIRs stated that BMW had determined Takata-produced NADI inflators manufactured before March 15, 1999 were defective due to a tape seal issue. BMW also discussed field incidents that occurred in foreign markets as part of the company's rationale for reaching the defect determination. One of BMW's recalls addressed vehicles originally manufactured with known defective NADI inflators, another recall addressed a distinct population of vehicles manufactured with NADI inflators believed to be at higher risk (BMW issued a “Do Not Drive” recommendation for this population), and the third recall addressed vehicles originally manufactured with NADI inflators not deemed to be defective, but they may have subsequently had