← New search

2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 81.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
Compare all Silverado 2500 years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

33 reports with mileage · 18 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.

  • Electrical System. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 9 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 9 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

0 crash reports1 fire reports1 injury reports

What owners actually said

51 reports
11,612 miles · Aug 16, 2020
Electrical System

SPORATIC FAILURE OF THE FUEL PUMP CAUSING THE TRUCK TO NOT START OR TO STALL WHILE BEING DRIVEN. ISSUE HAPPENED BOTH WHEN STATIONARY AND WHILE IN MOTION. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSTICS DETERMINED FUSE BLOCK FAILURE. WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE FUSE BLOCK FAILURE IS COMMON, SO MUCH S…

Read full complaint

SPORATIC FAILURE OF THE FUEL PUMP CAUSING THE TRUCK TO NOT START OR TO STALL WHILE BEING DRIVEN. ISSUE HAPPENED BOTH WHEN STATIONARY AND WHILE IN MOTION. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSTICS DETERMINED FUSE BLOCK FAILURE. WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE FUSE BLOCK FAILURE IS COMMON, SO MUCH SO THAT THEY STOCK THE REPLACEMENTS. FORTUNATELY I WAS NOT ON THE HIGHWAY TOWING MY TRAILER WHEN THE LAST INCIDENT HAPPENED. IF I HAD BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY TOWING, IT COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC SINCE THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKING. THE TRUCK ONLY HAD 11,612 MILES ON IT AT THE LAST INSTANCE.

NHTSA ODI #11349749

101,038 miles · Jul 13, 2020
Exterior Lighting

LOSS OF REAR LIGHTS TRAVELING DOWN HIGHWAY. LOSS LEFT REAR TAIL AND TURN SIGNAL TIGHT SIDE LOSS OF BRAKE LIGHT. THIS HAPPENED ON 6/08/20 6/20/20 LOST ALL REAR LIGHTS.

NHTSA ODI #11339170

15 miles · Jun 24, 2020
Fuel/propulsion System

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY I STARTED TO LOSE POWER AND SO WHEN I PULLED INTO THE AIRPORT PARKING LOT MY TRUCK STALLED WHILE I WAS STILL IN DRIVE. I TRIED TO RESTART THE TRUCK HOWEVER IT WOULD NOT CRANK OVER SO I HAD TO CONTACT A TOW COMPANY. WHAT I FOUND OUT WAS THAT IT WAS THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP THAT WENT OUT CAUSING S…

Read full complaint

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY I STARTED TO LOSE POWER AND SO WHEN I PULLED INTO THE AIRPORT PARKING LOT MY TRUCK STALLED WHILE I WAS STILL IN DRIVE. I TRIED TO RESTART THE TRUCK HOWEVER IT WOULD NOT CRANK OVER SO I HAD TO CONTACT A TOW COMPANY. WHAT I FOUND OUT WAS THAT IT WAS THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP THAT WENT OUT CAUSING SEVERE DAMAGE TO MY FUEL SYSTEM BY SENDING METAL SHAVINGS INTO ALL OF MY FUEL SYSTEM TO INCLUDE MY GAS TANK. GM HAD A CLASS ACTION SUIT FOR THIS YEAR OF TRUCK FOR THIS ISSUE AT HAND AND I AM WONDERING WHY THEY NEVER INITIATED A SAFETY RECALL ON THIS DEFECTIVE PART? I COULD HAVE BEEN STRANDED SOMEWHERE ON THE HIGHWAY AND I HAVE A FAMILY WITH THREE KIDS WHICH COLD HAVE MADE IT WORSE IF THEY WERE WITH ME ON A TRIP. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE IN MY EYES AND IF GM KNEW ABOUT THIS HAPPENING WHY HAVE THEY NOT FIXED IT NOW I AM BEING CHARGED $8900.00 FOR REPAIRS WHEN THEY KNEW THIS WAS AN ISSUE. IF I WOULD HAVE BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY THIS COULD OF BEEN CATASTROPHIC TO NOT ONLY ME HOWEVER TO THE PUBLIC TRAVELING ON THAT SAME HIGHWAY. I HAVE ALL THE TSB'S AND INTERNET RESEARCH ON THE LAWSUIT FILED BUT CANNOT UPLOAD.

NHTSA ODI #11330630

77,000 miles · Jun 23, 2020
StructureUnknown Or Other

I NOTICED PARTS OF RUST WERE FALLING OFF THE UNDERCARRIAGE IN MY GARAGE AND THE UNDERCARRIAGE IS RUSTED BADLY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11330305

69,003 miles · Feb 19, 2020
Electrical System

JUST BOUGHT TRUCK FROM WYLER CHEVROLET, 1 OWNER TRADE IN. ONLY 67000 MILES. HAVE ONLY DROVE 2000 MILES IN 6 MONTHS. I PARKED IN DRIVEWAY AFTER WORK AT 6 PM, HAD FREEZING RAIN THAT NIGHT. NEXT MORNING TRUCK TURNS OVER FINE BUT DON'T START. HAS OVER 1/2 TANK OF GAS. IT SMELLED LIKE BURNING HAIRDRYER. HAVE EXTENDED WARRANTY ON TRUC…

Read full complaint

JUST BOUGHT TRUCK FROM WYLER CHEVROLET, 1 OWNER TRADE IN. ONLY 67000 MILES. HAVE ONLY DROVE 2000 MILES IN 6 MONTHS. I PARKED IN DRIVEWAY AFTER WORK AT 6 PM, HAD FREEZING RAIN THAT NIGHT. NEXT MORNING TRUCK TURNS OVER FINE BUT DON'T START. HAS OVER 1/2 TANK OF GAS. IT SMELLED LIKE BURNING HAIRDRYER. HAVE EXTENDED WARRANTY ON TRUCK, HAD TOWED TO WYLER CHEVROLET IN SPRINGFIELD OHIO.THEY FOUND THE FUSE FOR THE FUEL PUMP WAS BLOWN/BURNT/MELTED. THEY TELL ME THIS ISN'T COVERED BY WARRANTY FUEL SYSTEMS. AFTER ALL THE FUEL PUMP RECALLS FOR THESE 2013 CHEVYS, MY TRUCK MUST HAVE SOMETHING NEEDING REPAIRED ALSO. IF THIS SHORTED OUT AND CAUGHT FIRE WHILE MY FAMILY IS IN THIS TRUCK THIS WILL BE SUCH A BAD SITUATION. IT HAS BEEN SITTING AT DEALERSHIP WAITING FOR GM PAC INSPECTION FOR REPAIR. PLEASE ASSIST

NHTSA ODI #11310211

82,700 miles · Jan 13, 2020
EngineFuel/propulsion System

WE HAVE HAD TWO SETS OF FUEL INJECTORS REPLACED AND A FUEL SENSOR PUT IN. JUST TURNED 83000 MILES AND NOW THE CODE P11DB IS SHOWING WHICH IS THE NOX SENSOR, NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY EVEN WITH ALL THE FUEL SYSTEM ISSUES WE'VE HAD.

NHTSA ODI #11299037

111,000 miles · Jan 4, 2020
Unknown Or Other

SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT 29400 DIESEL EMISSION FLUID TANK RESERVOIR WAS CREATED. NHTSA ID NUMBER:10135147 SPECIAL COVERAGE EXTENDS TO 2013 SILVERADO 3500 MODEL, BUT NOT 2013 SILVERADO 2500 PER THE DEALER. I OWN THE 2500 WHICH IS CURRENTLY SUFFERING FROM OBD ERROR CODE P20B9. SAME CODE APPLIES TO 3500 FROM WHAT I'VE READ. T…

Read full complaint

SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT 29400 DIESEL EMISSION FLUID TANK RESERVOIR WAS CREATED. NHTSA ID NUMBER:10135147 SPECIAL COVERAGE EXTENDS TO 2013 SILVERADO 3500 MODEL, BUT NOT 2013 SILVERADO 2500 PER THE DEALER. I OWN THE 2500 WHICH IS CURRENTLY SUFFERING FROM OBD ERROR CODE P20B9. SAME CODE APPLIES TO 3500 FROM WHAT I'VE READ. THIS ERROR OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS NOTIFIED BY THE DASH THAT I HAD 100 MILES BEFORE LIMITED POWER AND SPEED WOULD BE APPLIED. FORTUNATELY I WAS 40 MILES FROM HOME. BOTH TRUCKS ARE THE SAME OTHER THAN THE 3500 HAS DUAL WHEELS ("DULLY") AND LARGER REAR AXELS FROM WHAT I WAS TOLD AT THE DEALER. OTHER SYSTEMS, INCLUDING THE DIESEL-EMISSION-REDUCTION FLUID SYSTEM (DEF). BOTH MODELS APPEAR TO HAVE THE SAME SYSTEM INCLUDING THE TANK RESERVOIR AND COMPONENTS. IN FACT WHEN YOU ORDER REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR THIS ISSUE, INCREASED DEF TANK-HEATER RESISTANCE, THE PART BEING REPLACED IS THE SAME BE IT A 3500 OR 2500. CURIOUS WHY THE 3500 MODEL IS COVERED UNDER THE SPECIAL COVERAGE AND THE 2500 IS NOT? WHY 2013 2500 NOT ON LIST OF (14) PRODUCTS, IF IT'S THE SAME AS 2013 3500 WHEN BOTH MODELS: -GET THE SAME OBD CODE: P20B9 - REPLACEMENT PART (23379348) FOR 2500 PER DEALER IS FOUND ON THE NHTSA'S SPECIAL COVERAGE LIST - REPLACEMENT PART PER DEALER (23379348) IS THE SAME FOR 3500 AND 2500 PER GM SITE AND ROCKAUTO.COM THANK YOU IN ADVANCE, FIDEL

NHTSA ODI #11297046

Mileage unknown · Dec 1, 2019
Structure

EXTREME CORROSION OBSERVED IN THE FRAME. FRAME PEELING AT THE POINT OF PARTS BROKEN.

NHTSA ODI #11283120

50,600 miles · Jul 25, 2019
Unknown Or Other

CRACKED DASH NEAR PASSENGER AIR BAG

NHTSA ODI #11234934

127,000 miles · Jul 10, 2019
Service Brakes

APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES AFTER REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE PADS ON FRONT AXLE, THE FRONT PASSENGER BRAKE LOCKED UP WHILE IN MOTION CAUSING EXCESSIVE HEAT BUILD UP AND SMOKE. WAS TOWED TO A SHOP AND THE CALIPER REPLACED. PROBLEM WENT AWAY TEMPORARILY. A FEW MONTHS LATER THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LOCKED UP WHILE IN MOTION CAUSING EXCESSI…

Read full complaint

APPROXIMATELY 30 MILES AFTER REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE PADS ON FRONT AXLE, THE FRONT PASSENGER BRAKE LOCKED UP WHILE IN MOTION CAUSING EXCESSIVE HEAT BUILD UP AND SMOKE. WAS TOWED TO A SHOP AND THE CALIPER REPLACED. PROBLEM WENT AWAY TEMPORARILY. A FEW MONTHS LATER THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE BRAKE LOCKED UP WHILE IN MOTION CAUSING EXCESSIVE HEAT BUILD UP AND SMOKE. BOTH TIMES IT NEARLY CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO PULL ITSELF OFF THE ROAD OR INTO ON-COMING TRAFFIC. THE SECOND LOCK UP HAD TO HAVE THE CALIPER AND RUBBER BRAKE LINE REPLACED. THE SECOND WAS REPAIRED AT A CHEVY DEALER.

NHTSA ODI #11230770

Official recalls

3

21V053000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

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.

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.

18V267000 · Equipment

Apr 26, 2018

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, 2009 GMC Topkick 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series and Isuzu F Series, and 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with certain Plastic-Handle Fire Extinguishers or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638. GM's number for this recall is 18146.

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

1

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.