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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
114 miles · Oct 21, 2011
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, HE WOULD FEEL A PULSATING SENSATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT HE MIGHT NEED TO REPLACE THE PADS AND RESURFACE BOTH THE ROTORS AND DRUMS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE PULSATION CONTI…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, HE WOULD FEEL A PULSATING SENSATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY ADVISED HIM THAT HE MIGHT NEED TO REPLACE THE PADS AND RESURFACE BOTH THE ROTORS AND DRUMS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE PULSATION CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 114. * REQUEST THAT COMPLAINT BE DELETED * 12/14/2011 CW

NHTSA ODI #10432335

7,600 miles · Oct 6, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control

MY 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 HAS UNWANTED ACCELERATION. ITS BEEN HAPPENING FOR APPRX A MONTH, ON AND OFF. ON TUESDAY 10/4/2011 I WAS LEAVING MY PARKING SPACE AT WORK, I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AS I WAS TURNING OUT OF THE SPACE, THE VEHICLE JUST TOOK OFF - ACCELERATING WITHOUT TOUCHING THE GAS. I THEN HIT THE BRAKE WHICH …

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MY 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 HAS UNWANTED ACCELERATION. ITS BEEN HAPPENING FOR APPRX A MONTH, ON AND OFF. ON TUESDAY 10/4/2011 I WAS LEAVING MY PARKING SPACE AT WORK, I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AS I WAS TURNING OUT OF THE SPACE, THE VEHICLE JUST TOOK OFF - ACCELERATING WITHOUT TOUCHING THE GAS. I THEN HIT THE BRAKE WHICH STOPPED THE VEHICLE. I THEN GOT ON THE HIGHWAY - (I-94) TO HEAD HOME, WHILE DRIVING ON I-94 MY VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD NEARLY STRIKING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I THEN BACKED OFF AND KEPT A SAFE DISTANCE IN THE EVENT THAT IT HAPPENED AGAIN, SURE ENOUGH - MY VEHICLE STARTED ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN. I REALIZED IT WAS DOING IT AND HAD ENOUGH DISTANCE BETWEEN ME AND THE OTHER VEHICLES AHEAD, SO I ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO TAKE OFF. MY SILVERADO GOT UP TO ABOUT 1500 RPMS AT 60MPH, I CLEARLY HAD MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND THE GAS, FEET FLAT ON THE FLOOR. I ALLOWED IT TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN FOR APPRX 1 MINUTE BUT THEN HAD TO STOP. IT IS CLEARLY DRIVING ITSELF. I DROVE THE TRUCK STRAIGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND LEFT IT FOR THE SHOP TO LOOK AT THE NEXT DAY. THE SERVICE DEPT COULD NOT RE-CREATE THE PROBLEM, GO FIGURE. IN THE PAST MONTH I'VE NEARLY HIT SEVERAL PARKED CARS WHEN PULLING INTO PARKING SPACES AS THE VEHICLE TAKES OFF ACCELERATING, IN THESE EVENTS I WAS ALSO ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE W THE BRAKE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10428964

1,500 miles · Sep 19, 2011
Suspension

REAR AXLE HAS A GVWR OF 3950 LBS THE VEHICLE A 2PLUS 1 REAR SPRING PACK, 3 DIFFERENT SPRING SUPPLIERS RATE THIS SPRING PACK AT 1425L OR 1500 LBS EACH FOR A COMBINED RATE OF EITHER 2850 OR 3000 LBS PER PAIR. WHICH MAKES THE FACTORY RATING OF 3950LBS EITHER 1100 OR 950 LBS HIGHER DEPENDING ON THE SPRING SUPPLIER. USING THE IN…

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REAR AXLE HAS A GVWR OF 3950 LBS THE VEHICLE A 2PLUS 1 REAR SPRING PACK, 3 DIFFERENT SPRING SUPPLIERS RATE THIS SPRING PACK AT 1425L OR 1500 LBS EACH FOR A COMBINED RATE OF EITHER 2850 OR 3000 LBS PER PAIR. WHICH MAKES THE FACTORY RATING OF 3950LBS EITHER 1100 OR 950 LBS HIGHER DEPENDING ON THE SPRING SUPPLIER. USING THE INDUSTRY GUIDELINE THE WEAKEST COMPONENT CONTROLS THE GVWR IS BEING VIOLATED BY CHEVROLET I HAVE A TRUCK MARKETING INSTITUTE CERTIFICATE IN THIS AREA AND A CD FROM MICHELIN VERIFYING THE WEAKEST COMPONENT CONTROLS GVWR .I ASKED CHEVROLET FOR REPLACEMENT SPRINGS FROM ANOTHER MODEL THAT HAS A COMBINED RATING OF 4050LBS 100 LBS ABOVE THERE 3950 LB AXLE RATING. THIS ISSUE HAS CAUSED TRAILERING PROBLEMS BUT CHEVROLET REFUSED THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THE SPRINGS I REQUESTED WOULD CORRECT THE PROBLEM CAN YOU HELP? I CAN SUPPLY FURTHER INFORMATION IF NEEDED THANK YOU *KB

NHTSA ODI #10426306

4,900 miles · Sep 15, 2011
Air BagsSeat BeltsCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO K1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH IN WHICH THE SET BELTS DID NOT RESTRAIN HIM AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS THROWN INTO THE STEERING WHEEL AND SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE KNEE, NECK AND HEAD. THE DEALER WAS SENDING SOMEONE TO …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO K1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH IN WHICH THE SET BELTS DID NOT RESTRAIN HIM AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT WAS THROWN INTO THE STEERING WHEEL AND SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE KNEE, NECK AND HEAD. THE DEALER WAS SENDING SOMEONE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS AWAITING DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 4,900.

NHTSA ODI #10425659

1,000 miles · Aug 3, 2011
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE CONTACT APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE WHEN BOTH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND BRAKES WERE ENGAGED AT THE SAME TIME DUE TO THEM BEING INSTALLED TO CLOSELY TOGETHER. THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED NOR WERE THERE ANY I…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE CONTACT APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE WHEN BOTH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND BRAKES WERE ENGAGED AT THE SAME TIME DUE TO THEM BEING INSTALLED TO CLOSELY TOGETHER. THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED NOR WERE THERE ANY INJURIES. THE CONTACTS FRONT BUMPER SUSTAINED MODERATE DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10416846

1,000 miles · Jun 17, 2011
Vehicle Speed Control

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK; WHEN THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE RPMS INCREASED TO 1300. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL GEAR AND THE RPMS INCREASED UP TO 1500. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND WAS UNABLE TO FI…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK; WHEN THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE RPMS INCREASED TO 1300. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL GEAR AND THE RPMS INCREASED UP TO 1500. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND WAS UNABLE TO FIND ANY FAILURES AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CONTINUE DRIVING THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,000.

NHTSA ODI #10407269

6,700 miles · May 23, 2011
Air BagsSeat Belts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING UNTIL THE MANUFACTURER INSPECTE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING UNTIL THE MANUFACTURER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS HAD BEEN STUCK IN THE LOCK POSITION SINCE THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND WERE NON-OPERATIONAL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 6,700.

NHTSA ODI #10402458

6 miles · May 3, 2011
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING 20 MPH AND ABOVE, THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES WOULD ACTIVATE INDEPENDENTLY WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CON…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING 20 MPH AND ABOVE, THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES WOULD ACTIVATE INDEPENDENTLY WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED TO REPORT THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 6.

NHTSA ODI #10398803

900 miles · Mar 31, 2011
Visibility

THE DEFROSTER STOPPED WORKING WITHOUT WARNING. WITHIN 6-10 SECONDS MAX YOU ARE UNABLE TO SEE. BF

NHTSA ODI #10394668

44 miles · Feb 24, 2011
Power Train

ON 2/23/11 I PURCHASED A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 AND DROVE 40 MILES HOME WHEN I ACTIVATED ONSTAR 2/24/11 I WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE HAD A DANGEROUS REAR AXLE CONDITION AND NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE.WHY IS NATIONAL HIGHWAY ALLOWING GENERAL MOTORS TO SELL A VEHICLE HAVING THIS DEFECT TO A CUSTOMER WITHOUT REPAIRING THE VEH…

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ON 2/23/11 I PURCHASED A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 AND DROVE 40 MILES HOME WHEN I ACTIVATED ONSTAR 2/24/11 I WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE HAD A DANGEROUS REAR AXLE CONDITION AND NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE.WHY IS NATIONAL HIGHWAY ALLOWING GENERAL MOTORS TO SELL A VEHICLE HAVING THIS DEFECT TO A CUSTOMER WITHOUT REPAIRING THE VEHICLE BEFORE THE SALE OR DELIVERY. IF ANYONE IS HURT THE LIABILITY WILL GO TO GENERAL MOTORS BUT ALSO TO NATIONAL HIGHWAY FOR ALLOWING THIS TO HAPPEN. I WILL MAKE A EFFORT TO NOTIFY THE MEDIA TO INFORM THEM OF THIS DANGEROUS PRACTICE GM RECALL #10426 PLEASE STOP THIS NOW BEFORE ANYONE IS HURT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10384414

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.