NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Vehicle Speed Control complaints
11 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Aug 23, 2023
Electrical SystemPower TrainVehicle Speed Control
The TCM failed in rush hour traffic! In Minneapolis Minnesota, the stability control light came on, traction control light came on, no throttle, no power. We backed up traffic, got push to the side of the road, towed to the service shop, and was told the Transmission control module (TCM) failed. Then told they are on national…
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The TCM failed in rush hour traffic! In Minneapolis Minnesota, the stability control light came on, traction control light came on, no throttle, no power. We backed up traffic, got push to the side of the road, towed to the service shop, and was told the Transmission control module (TCM) failed. Then told they are on national backorder from GM. The truck has been down for 3 months with no answers or parts in sight.
NHTSA ODI #11540427
Mileage unknown · Oct 5, 2022
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control
For the past few years I keep getting code P2138. I have spent several thousand dollars trying to get my truck fixed. I have replaced the accelerator pedal at least 3 times. Replaced the throttle body. Did a complete rewire. Replaced the ECM and still the dealership can’t figure it out. Every time I leave I’m hopeful the problem…
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For the past few years I keep getting code P2138. I have spent several thousand dollars trying to get my truck fixed. I have replaced the accelerator pedal at least 3 times. Replaced the throttle body. Did a complete rewire. Replaced the ECM and still the dealership can’t figure it out. Every time I leave I’m hopeful the problem is resolved but then a month or two later I will be driving and then my truck will lose engine power. Someone is going to get killed because of this if they haven’t already. Extremely frustrated.
NHTSA ODI #11488117
Mileage unknown · May 28, 2017
Electrical SystemSeat BeltsVehicle Speed Control
AT ABOUT 90,000 MILES THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING AND WHEN IT IS WARM OUTSIDE THE PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR ELECTRICAL LOCK WILL NOT WORK. IT TRIES TO PUSH LOCK TO UNLOCK POSITION, BUT ONLY PUSHES IT HALF WAY. I HAVE READ A LOT ABOUT THESE CONCERNS ON THIS MODEL VEHICLE. IS THIS 2 RECALLS? IT SHOULD BE. THIS IS NOT A CHEAP F…
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AT ABOUT 90,000 MILES THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING AND WHEN IT IS WARM OUTSIDE THE PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR ELECTRICAL LOCK WILL NOT WORK. IT TRIES TO PUSH LOCK TO UNLOCK POSITION, BUT ONLY PUSHES IT HALF WAY. I HAVE READ A LOT ABOUT THESE CONCERNS ON THIS MODEL VEHICLE. IS THIS 2 RECALLS? IT SHOULD BE. THIS IS NOT A CHEAP FIX.
NHTSA ODI #10991962
45,000 miles · Nov 17, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed Control
I WAS DRIVING MY 2009 CHEVROLET SILVERADO ONE MORNING ON MY WAY TO SCHOOL(LUCKILY I WASN'T TO FAR FROM HOME WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED) WHEN THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE DASH SHOWED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, SERVICE STABILITITRAK, AND SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL. WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHEN MY VE…
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I WAS DRIVING MY 2009 CHEVROLET SILVERADO ONE MORNING ON MY WAY TO SCHOOL(LUCKILY I WASN'T TO FAR FROM HOME WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED) WHEN THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE DASH SHOWED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, SERVICE STABILITITRAK, AND SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL. WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHEN MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE AND EVENTUALLY WAS NOT ABLE TO GO PAST 45 MPH. I PULLED OVER AND MY VEHICLE AND PARKED, SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, AND THEN STARTED IT BACK UP ONLY TO SHOW THE SAME ICONS ON THE DASH. AFTER TURNING AROUND AND SLOWLY RETURNING TO MY HOUSE I SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF AND HAD TO TAKE MY WIFE'S CAR TO WORK. UNDER OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES THIS COULD HAVE GONE EXTREMELY BAD AND AN ACCIDENT MAY HAVE OCCURRED. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON TREND ON THE INTERNET AND FORUMS AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BY GM! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10655406
39,289 miles · May 15, 2014
Fuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control
WAS JUST LEAVING FUNERAL AND STARTED VEHICLE THEN SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, SERVICE STABILITRAK, TRACTION CONTROL OFF, STABILITRAK OFF, LOSS OF CONTROL NOTICED DISPLAYED. TRIED TO DRIVE BUT EXPERIENCED BUCKING AND DRASTIC POWER LOSS. TOOK TO DEALER WHO SAID FAILURE WAS DUE TO FAULTY THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR - A PROBLEM HE INDI…
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WAS JUST LEAVING FUNERAL AND STARTED VEHICLE THEN SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, SERVICE STABILITRAK, TRACTION CONTROL OFF, STABILITRAK OFF, LOSS OF CONTROL NOTICED DISPLAYED. TRIED TO DRIVE BUT EXPERIENCED BUCKING AND DRASTIC POWER LOSS. TOOK TO DEALER WHO SAID FAILURE WAS DUE TO FAULTY THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR - A PROBLEM HE INDICATED WAS RECURRING FOR THAT VEHICLE. LUCKILY HE SERVICED UNDER VEHICLE WARRANTY. BUT DISAPPOINTING TO SEE AT LESS THAN 40,000 MILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10588548
6,000 miles · Nov 21, 2012
Equipment Adaptive/mobilityVehicle Speed Control
WHILE PULLING ONTO I83 I PUSHED DOWN ON THE GAS PEDAL TO QUICKLY ACCELERATE TO MERGE. THE PEDAL BECAME STUCK ON THE FLOOR MAT STICKING IT IN THE DOWN POSITION CAUSING THE TRUCK TO RAPIDLY ACCELERATE AFTER I LEFT MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL. I HAD TO USE MY FEET TO PULL THE FLOOR MAT BACK TOWARDS THE SEAT TO RELEASE THE GAS PEDAL.…
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WHILE PULLING ONTO I83 I PUSHED DOWN ON THE GAS PEDAL TO QUICKLY ACCELERATE TO MERGE. THE PEDAL BECAME STUCK ON THE FLOOR MAT STICKING IT IN THE DOWN POSITION CAUSING THE TRUCK TO RAPIDLY ACCELERATE AFTER I LEFT MY FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL. I HAD TO USE MY FEET TO PULL THE FLOOR MAT BACK TOWARDS THE SEAT TO RELEASE THE GAS PEDAL. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS, MOST RECENTLY NOVEMBER 20, 2012. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10485454
18,000 miles · Feb 21, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO APPLY EXCESSIVE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, THE RPMS WOULD RACE EXCESSIVELY AND THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BEGIN TO PERFORM NORMALLY. THE DEALER DIAGNOS…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO APPLY EXCESSIVE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, THE RPMS WOULD RACE EXCESSIVELY AND THEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BEGIN TO PERFORM NORMALLY. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A MAINTENANCE ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 18,050.
NHTSA ODI #10448622
28,000 miles · Jan 9, 2012
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Vehicle Speed Control
I WAS AT 60 TO 65 MPH ON AN INTERSTATE AND THE TRUCK POWERED THE MOTOR DOWN. THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL MODULE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT. I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF AT THE LAST SAFE EXIT FOR QUITE A WAY. ONSTAR RECOMMENDED NOT DRIVING IT TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER DID THE DIAGNOSTIC AND AT 28000 MILES TOLD ME I…
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I WAS AT 60 TO 65 MPH ON AN INTERSTATE AND THE TRUCK POWERED THE MOTOR DOWN. THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL MODULE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT. I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF AT THE LAST SAFE EXIT FOR QUITE A WAY. ONSTAR RECOMMENDED NOT DRIVING IT TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER DID THE DIAGNOSTIC AND AT 28000 MILES TOLD ME IT WAS THE THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY. IT TOOK 5 DAYS TO GET A "NEW" ONE.( APROX 1/26/11) ON APROX 12/15/11 AN ALMOST IDENTICAL THING HAPPENED, MILEAGE 50,000. OUT OF WARRANTY I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL SHOP. THEIR COMPUTER TEST CONCLUDED A THROTTLE BODY ASSEMBLY MALFUNCTION. $450.00 TO REPAIR. CALL THE DEALER " NO THAT IS UNDER WARRANTY" DEALER CONCLUDED THAT IT "JUST NEEDED CLEANED". PRIOR TO SERVICE (I RELY ON THIS TRUCK FOR WORK, I CAN NOT GET A RIDE, I CAN NOT RIDE A BUS) I WAS ABLE TO "RESET " THE STABILITRACK ( THE BUTTON WOULD NOT TURN IT OFF) BY PULLING 4 FUSES UNDER THE HOOD FUSE BLOCK. BUT BOY WHEN IT HAD ENOUGH THE TRUCK WOULD POWER THE MOTOR DOWN AND WITHIN 15 SECONDS THE TRUCK WOULD DIE RIGHT WHERE IT WAS. 5 MPH, OR 15 MPH NO POWER NOTHING, BRAKES ,STEERING GONE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10443240
11,800 miles · May 31, 2011
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DECELERATING AND DISENGAGING THE CRUISE CONTROL THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND OR STOP AS FAST AS IT SHOULD. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO ADVISED HIM THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE OR REENACT IT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. …
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DECELERATING AND DISENGAGING THE CRUISE CONTROL THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND OR STOP AS FAST AS IT SHOULD. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO ADVISED HIM THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE OR REENACT IT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11,800. UPDATED 07/0811 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE THROTTLE WOULD STICK AT TIMES. UPDATED 08/05/11
NHTSA ODI #10403916
100 miles · Jan 6, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control
I HAVE A 2009 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE ON GRADES OR EVER SMALL SLOPES. THE VEHICLE FREE ROLLS AS FAST AS YOU WILL LET IT IN OVER DRIVE, 3RD GEAR, 1ST OR 2ND. THERE IS NO ENGINE BREAKING AT ALL. GM SAYS THIS IS PROPER OPERATION FOR THE VEHICLE, AND THERE IS NO SOFTWARE OR MEC…
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I HAVE A 2009 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE ON GRADES OR EVER SMALL SLOPES. THE VEHICLE FREE ROLLS AS FAST AS YOU WILL LET IT IN OVER DRIVE, 3RD GEAR, 1ST OR 2ND. THERE IS NO ENGINE BREAKING AT ALL. GM SAYS THIS IS PROPER OPERATION FOR THE VEHICLE, AND THERE IS NO SOFTWARE OR MECHANICAL FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE A 2004 OF THE SAME MODEL AND IT WORKS PERFECTLY, WITH VERY EFFECTIVE SPEED CONTROL. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE, AND ACTUALLY IN MY OPINION CANNOT BE CONSIDERED TO BE CRUISE CONTROL AT ALL. MY DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THIS IS AN ONGOING COMPLAINT, THAT GM WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE AS A DEFINITE DEFECT IN DESIGN. THE SAME DAY MY VEHICLE WAS BEING EXAMINED, THE LOCAL POLICE HAD ONE OF THEIR TRUCKS OF THE SAME MODEL YEAR IN THE SHOP WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT. I HAVE NOT HAD AN ACCIDENT, BUT CANNOT USE THIS OPTION ON THE VEHICLE, I CAN ONLY RIDE MY BREAKS DOWN SLOPES TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10375040
Official recalls
3Feb 5, 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and 2009-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and Sierra 3500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. 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: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 22, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 1, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328760.
Feb 5, 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. 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: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 23, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 20, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328780.
Feb 5, 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C."
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: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 24, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328790.
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
2DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds
Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
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.