← New search

2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 525.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

263 reports with mileage · 300 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Air Bags. Review the 306 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 72 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

22 crash reports4 fire reports6 injury reports

What owners actually said

563 reports
Mileage unknown · Sep 9, 2014
Air BagsService BrakesCrash

I WAS DRIVING AND WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INSTEAD OF SLOWING DOWN AND COMING TO A STOP CAUSING IT TO COLLIDE WITH THE BRICK BUILDING I DO NOT WHAT THE TRUCK SPEEDED UP TO BUT BOTH OF THE AIRBAGS WENT OFF AND I MISSED A LITTLE 5 YEAR OLD GIRL BY ABOUT 2 INCHES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10631987

43,300 miles · Jul 30, 2014
Air Bags

I HAD CLOSED ONE OF MY DOORS ON THE DRIVER SIDE WITH PRETTY STRONG FORCE (SLAM), AND THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED ON BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES. THE SEATBELT PRE-TENSIONERS ALSO LOCKED UP. THE AIRBAG NEARLY MISSED STRIKING MY PASSENGER WHO WAS SEATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT WHEN IT OCCURRED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10617808

55,500 miles · Jul 12, 2014
Engine

THE AUTOMATIC BELT TENSIONER PULLEY IS IN THE PROCESS OF GOING OUT. THE PULLEY ITSELF IS SLOWLY SUFFERING FROM A HIGH PITCHED WHINING NOISE WHICH IS CAUSED BY BEARING FAILURE. WITH THE CURRENT MILEAGE THE PART IN QUESTION SHOULDN'T BY ANY MEANS BE FAILING, THE TENSIONER WORKS FINE BUT THE PULLEY WOBBLES A BIT TOO MUCH. IF THE PU…

Read full complaint

THE AUTOMATIC BELT TENSIONER PULLEY IS IN THE PROCESS OF GOING OUT. THE PULLEY ITSELF IS SLOWLY SUFFERING FROM A HIGH PITCHED WHINING NOISE WHICH IS CAUSED BY BEARING FAILURE. WITH THE CURRENT MILEAGE THE PART IN QUESTION SHOULDN'T BY ANY MEANS BE FAILING, THE TENSIONER WORKS FINE BUT THE PULLEY WOBBLES A BIT TOO MUCH. IF THE PULLEY CONTINUES TO WOBBLE MORE AND FINALLY RESULTS IN CATASTROPHIC FAILURE IT CAN SHRED THE SERPENTINE BELT WHICH WILL RENDER THE VEHICLE USELESS OR EVEN BECOME A DANGER TO ANY AND ALL OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE ESPECIALLY IF IT FAILS ON THE HIGHWAY. IF THE BELT GOES OUT IT CAN BEND OTHER PULLEYS OR SHEAR OFF PULLEYS, BOLTS, OR EVEN BEND THE HARMONIC BALANCER (ENGINE VIBRATION DAMPENER) WHICH WOULD RESULT IN A BLOWN OR SEIZED UP ENGINE. I'LL ALSO ADD THAT THE BELT COULD CAUSE A FIRE IF IT GETS WEDGE BETWEEN OTHER SPINNING PULLEYS AT THE TIME OF THE PULLEY'S BEARINGS OVERHEATING AND THE PULLEY EITHER BREAKING OFF OR CAUSING THE BELT TO SHRED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10610050

48,000 miles · Jun 24, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, FUEL LEAKED CONTINUOUSLY ONTO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THEN TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE FEEDER FUEL LINE. THE VEHI…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, FUEL LEAKED CONTINUOUSLY ONTO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THEN TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE FEEDER FUEL LINE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER FUEL WAS DISPENSED INTO THE FUEL TANK TO THE FULL CAPACITY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10605516

Mileage unknown · Mar 6, 2013
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Structure

THE TRUCK I PURCHASED HAS A MAX TOWING PACKAGE THAT IS SUPPOSED TO SAFELY TOW 10,600# IN CREW CAB CONFIGURATION. I HAVE A 28' PACE DAYTONA TRAILER THAT WEIGHS UNDER 8,000# AS I TOW IT. AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE TRUCK HAS A VERY SEVERE SWAY ISSUE. IT IS FRIGHTENING TO DRIVE AS THE TRAILER STARTS SHIFTING THE REAR OF THE TR…

Read full complaint

THE TRUCK I PURCHASED HAS A MAX TOWING PACKAGE THAT IS SUPPOSED TO SAFELY TOW 10,600# IN CREW CAB CONFIGURATION. I HAVE A 28' PACE DAYTONA TRAILER THAT WEIGHS UNDER 8,000# AS I TOW IT. AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE TRUCK HAS A VERY SEVERE SWAY ISSUE. IT IS FRIGHTENING TO DRIVE AS THE TRAILER STARTS SHIFTING THE REAR OF THE TRUCK BACK AND FORTH. I HAVE NOT HAD AN ACCIDENT WITH THE TRUCK AS YET, BUT I FEEL THE SITUATION IS VERY DANGEROUS. I HAVE CONTACTED CHEVROLET CUSTOMER SERVICE IN MICHIGAN TO ASK FOR ASSISTANCE WITH THIS ISSUE. THEY SAY THEY HAVE NO INFORMATION THAT CAN HELP SOLVE MY PROBLEM. I WAS INSTRUCTED TO BRING THE TRUCK AND TRAILER TO LONE STAR CHEVROLET IN HOUSTON WHERE I PURCHASED THE TRUCK. SEVERAL VISITS THERE AND TALKING TO SEVERAL SERVICE PEOPLE HAS YIELDED NO HELP. I WAS TOLD THAT THE TRUCK CAN'T PULL A TRAILER OF THAT PHYSICAL SIZE. ODDLY ENOUGH, THE 2012 MODEL TRUCK ADVERTISES A NEW SWAY CONTROL FEATURE. THIS 2013 BROCHURE EVER DEPICTS A SCENE OF THE TRAILER SWAYING AS MINE DOES, WITH A BOX TYPE TRAILER IN THE ADD. SINCE CHEVROLET CLAIMS IT HAS NO HISTORY OF THIS BEING AN ISSUE, I FELT THAT I SHOULD NOTIFY SOMEONE OF THIS UNSAFE SITUATION WITH THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE. THANKS FOR ALLOWING ME TO SHARE MY PROBLEM WITH SOMEONE WHO MIGHT RESEARCH THIS ISSUE AND TRY TO PREVENT A SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ODI #10502861

200 miles · Jan 24, 2013
Power TrainSuspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN HE PUT THE VEHICLE IN GEAR IT MADE A VERY LOUD CLANGING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND WAS TOLD THAT WAS NORMAL SINCE ALL OF THE NEW GM VEHICLES MADE THAT NOISE. THE FAILURE RECURRED REPEATEDLY BECAME PROGRESSIVELY…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN HE PUT THE VEHICLE IN GEAR IT MADE A VERY LOUD CLANGING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND WAS TOLD THAT WAS NORMAL SINCE ALL OF THE NEW GM VEHICLES MADE THAT NOISE. THE FAILURE RECURRED REPEATEDLY BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER TIME. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FRAME AND SUSPENSION HAD EXTENSIVE RUST ON IT. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE RUST WAS NOT A PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF BOTH FAILURES BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000.

NHTSA ODI #10494589

44,000 miles · Dec 11, 2012
SteeringCrash

STEERING COLUMN BROKE IN PASSENGER SIDE IMPACT. FULL LOSS OF CONTROL OF VEHICLE. CAN SPIN STEERING WHEEL IN COMPLETE CIRCLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10488050

15,000 miles · Aug 28, 2012
Wheels

THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT TO MY VEHICLE I PURCHASED A NEW VEHICLE FROM A COMPANY AND I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS OUT OF THE VEHICLE SINCE I MADE THE PURCHASE. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE TIRES, THEN REPLACED ONE OF THE RIMS BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST THEY ALSO DID A FRONT END ALIGNMENT, THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT HE HAD NO ID…

Read full complaint

THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT TO MY VEHICLE I PURCHASED A NEW VEHICLE FROM A COMPANY AND I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS OUT OF THE VEHICLE SINCE I MADE THE PURCHASE. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE TIRES, THEN REPLACED ONE OF THE RIMS BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXIST THEY ALSO DID A FRONT END ALIGNMENT, THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT HE HAD NO IDEA WHAT TO NEXT TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM, THERE IS A SHAKING OR VIBRATION IN THE VEHICLE WHEN IT IS DRIVEN. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL CONVERSATIONS WITH GM AND STILL THE MATTER HASN'T BEEN RESOLVED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10472730

813 miles · Jul 5, 2012
Power Train

WHEN STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN ON A ROAD THAT HAS AN INCLINE, WHEN REMOVING MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE TO THE GAS PEDAL, THE TRUCK ROLLS BACKWARDS AND WILL NOT STOP AT ALL UNLESS THE BRAKE IS RE-APPLIED OR THE GAS PEDAL CAN BE PUSHED BEFORE THE VEHICLE ROLLS TOO FAR BACK. TALKED TO DEALER AND HAD VEHICLE IN TO BE CHECKED…

Read full complaint

WHEN STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT OR STOP SIGN ON A ROAD THAT HAS AN INCLINE, WHEN REMOVING MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE TO THE GAS PEDAL, THE TRUCK ROLLS BACKWARDS AND WILL NOT STOP AT ALL UNLESS THE BRAKE IS RE-APPLIED OR THE GAS PEDAL CAN BE PUSHED BEFORE THE VEHICLE ROLLS TOO FAR BACK. TALKED TO DEALER AND HAD VEHICLE IN TO BE CHECKED AND THEY STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DESIGNED THAT WAY TO ELIMINATE STRESS ON THE TRANSMISSION AND IT WAS MEANT TO FREE ROLL FOR A SHORT DISTANCE. THIS IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION AS VEHICLE COULD ROLL BACKWARDS INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE, PERSON, OR OBJECT. ON A VERY STEEP INCLINE, THE VEHICLE KEPT ON ROLLING BACKWARD FOR SEVERAL FEET AND UNLESS I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE OR GAS IT WILL CONTINUING TO ROLL BACKWARDS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10464336

750 miles · Jul 5, 2012
Vehicle Speed Control

SPEED CONTROL (CRUISE) DOES NOT HOLD. WHILE GOING DOWN AN INCLINE FROM THE MOUNTAINS, CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET FOR 65 MPH, AND THE VEHICLE INCREASED SPEED TO 85+ MPG BEFORE APPLYING BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN. CALLED DEALERSHIP AND TOOK VEHICLE TO BE CHECKED IN REGARDS TO THIS INCIDENT, AND THEY STATED THAT DUE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRA…

Read full complaint

SPEED CONTROL (CRUISE) DOES NOT HOLD. WHILE GOING DOWN AN INCLINE FROM THE MOUNTAINS, CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET FOR 65 MPH, AND THE VEHICLE INCREASED SPEED TO 85+ MPG BEFORE APPLYING BRAKE TO SLOW DOWN. CALLED DEALERSHIP AND TOOK VEHICLE TO BE CHECKED IN REGARDS TO THIS INCIDENT, AND THEY STATED THAT DUE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, NEW EMISSION STANDARDS THAT TRANSMISSION WAS MADE NOT TO HOLD SO AS NOT TO INCREASE CARBON FOOTPRINT. THIS CAUSES A VERY UNSAFE CONDITION WHEN DRIVING WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL IS ENGAGED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10464331

Official recalls

4

21V050000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Feb 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.

21V054000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Feb 5, 2021

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally GM is recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL and 2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL and 2010-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY 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 25, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed to 40 VIN owners on May 11, 2021. A second owner notification letter was mailed to all other owners on January 24, 2022. 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 N212328800.

11V007000 · Suspension:rear:axle:spindle

Jan 6, 2011

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, COLORADO, EXPRESS, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; AND GMC CANYON, SIERRA, SAVANA, YUKON AND YUKON XL VEHICLES. THE REAR AXLE CROSS PINS WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND COULD FRACTURE AND BECOME DISPLACED WITHIN THE REAR AXLE. SHOULD THE PIN SHIFT OUT OF POSITION, IT COULD CREATE AN INTERFERENCE CONDITION AND CAUSE THE REAR AXLE TO LOCK.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW REAR AXLE CROSS PIN FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

10V643000 · Suspension:rear:axle:spindle

Dec 17, 2010

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT, CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO LD AND GMC SIERRA LD VEHICLES. THE REAR AXLE CROSS PINS WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND COULD FRACTURE AND BECOME DISPLACED WITHIN THE REAR AXLE. SHOULD THE PIN SHIFT OUT OF POSITION, IT COULD CREATE AN INTERFERENCE CONDITION AND CAUSE THE REAR AXLE TO LOCK.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW REAR AXLE CROSS PIN FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

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

2

DP22005 · 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.