NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
354 reports13,500 miles · Aug 19, 2014
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY CONNECTION WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY CONNECTION WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,500. UPDATED 10/14/14*LJ UPDATED 3/31/2015 *JS
NHTSA ODI #10626289
20,000 miles · Aug 19, 2014
Power TrainVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT TO THE CORRECT GEAR CAUSING THE ENGINE RPM TO SUDDENLY INCREASE. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD COME TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUD…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHIFT TO THE CORRECT GEAR CAUSING THE ENGINE RPM TO SUDDENLY INCREASE. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD COME TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V315000 (POWER TRAIN). HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
NHTSA ODI #10626273
65,000 miles · Aug 12, 2014
Electrical SystemPower Train
THE SHIFTER BUTTON/KNOB ALWAYS GETS STUCK. THIS VEHICLE HAS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SO IT WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE PRIOR RECALL REGARDING THE SHIFTER. THE CAR RADIO TURNS ON BY ITSELF AFTER I HAVE REMOVED BY CAR KEY AND LOCKED THE DOORS. THIS HAS CAUSED THE BATTERY TO DRAIN AND NOW IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. CHEVY DEALER SAID THAT…
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THE SHIFTER BUTTON/KNOB ALWAYS GETS STUCK. THIS VEHICLE HAS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SO IT WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE PRIOR RECALL REGARDING THE SHIFTER. THE CAR RADIO TURNS ON BY ITSELF AFTER I HAVE REMOVED BY CAR KEY AND LOCKED THE DOORS. THIS HAS CAUSED THE BATTERY TO DRAIN AND NOW IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. CHEVY DEALER SAID THAT REPLACING THE SHIFTER "MAY" CORRECT THE ISSUE WITH THE RADIO. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY THE SHIFTER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AFTER ONLY 2 YEARS OF USE. I HAVE HAD MUCH OLDER CARS WITH FAR LESS ISSUES AND NEVER NEEDED TO HAVE A SHIFTER REPLACED. IT APPEARS TO BE A DEFECT THAT THEY HAVE NOT RECALLED YET. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10621794
36,000 miles · Aug 10, 2014
Power Train
WHILE ENGAGING THE SHIFTER ASSEMBLY INTO GEAR, THE BUTTON ON THE ASSEMBLY BECOMES STUCK. THE CAR CAN THEN BE MOVED FROM PARK INTO ANY GEAR BY ACCIDENT. ALSO CAUSING THE KEY TO BE STUCK INSIDE THE IGNITION OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10621233
1,200 miles · Aug 8, 2014
EngineSuspensionVehicle Speed Control
CURRENT MILEAGE IS 26,985 1. CAR SEEMS TO LOSE POWER WHEN ACCELERATING AND HESITATES (ALMOST SHUTTING DOWN), IT HAPPENS RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING AS WELL AND IS NOW HAPPENING MORE AND MORE OFTEN. IT' VERY DANGEROUS WHEN CROSSING INTERSECTIONS OR MAKING A RIGHT ON RED AND ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS WHEN ACCELERATING TO ENTER A HIGHWA…
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CURRENT MILEAGE IS 26,985 1. CAR SEEMS TO LOSE POWER WHEN ACCELERATING AND HESITATES (ALMOST SHUTTING DOWN), IT HAPPENS RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING AS WELL AND IS NOW HAPPENING MORE AND MORE OFTEN. IT' VERY DANGEROUS WHEN CROSSING INTERSECTIONS OR MAKING A RIGHT ON RED AND ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS WHEN ACCELERATING TO ENTER A HIGHWAY. 2. REAR SUSPENSION MAKES STRANGE NOISES UPON BACKING UP/STOPPING; 3. VERY BAD ODOR COMING FROM A/C VENTS....DISGUSTING, ALMOST SMELLS LIKE PLASTIC BURNING OR BURNING ROTTEN EGGS; 4. I HEAR STRANGE NOISES IN THE BACK BRAKES, NOT CONSTANT BUT RANDOM AND GETTING LOUDER WHEN IT DOES HAPPEN; 5. WIPER FLUID NOT WORKING, I'VE BEEN TOLD THIS IS A RECALL ISSUE; 6. THE AUTOMATIC DASHBOARD LIGHTS ARE CONSTANTLY CHANGING, MOST ESPECIALLY WHEN TURNING THE WIPERS ON/OFF. IT DOESN'T SEEM TO MATTER IF YOU'RE IN COMPLETE DARKNESS OR DAYLIGHT. 7. SOMETIMES THE CAR WILL NOT LOCK UNTIL YOU PUT THE KEY BACK IN THE IGNITION, RESTART THE CAR, TAKE IT OUT OF PARK AND PUT IT BACK IN PARK. SOMETIMES I HAVE TO DO THIS 2 OR 3 TIMES, EACH TIME GETTING BACK OUT OF THE CAR TO TRY TO LOCK IT. 8. STEERING THIS CAR ON THE HIGHWAY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IS DIFFICULT...THE CAR SWERVES AND IF IT'S A WINDY DAY IT'S BEYOND DIFFICULT TO KEEP THIS CAR IN THE LANE. VERY DANGEROUS. 9. THE RADIO TURNS ITSELF ON AND OFF AS IT PLEASES. IT TOOK ME YEARS TO BE ABLE TO FINALLY PURCHASE A NEW CAR AND NOW THERE ARE NOT ONLY 6 RECALLS ON THE CAR BUT I ALSO HAVE ALL THE ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS LISTED ABOVE. THERE'S A 45 DAY WAIT TO HAVE THE RECALLS REPAIRED AND EVENT WITH THAT I AM NOW GOING TO HAVE TO TAKE A DAY OFF OF WORK WITHOUT PAY TO GET THIS CRAP ALL FIXED! I FEEL LIKE I HAVE WASTED MY MONEY. SO MUCH FOR EXPECTING RELIABILITY AND QUALITY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10620845
22,000 miles · Aug 6, 2014
Power Train
VEHICLE HAS NO POWER ON ACCELERATION SO I LOSE POWER IN INTERSECTIONS AND ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10619385
Mileage unknown · Aug 6, 2014
Electrical SystemPower Train
AUTOMATIC SHIFTER BUTTON STICKS WHICH DOESN'T LET THE KEY TO COME OUT. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS DRIVING WHILE THE BUTTON IS STUCK IN. YOU CAN BUMP THE SHIFTER N IT'LL TAKE IT OUT OF GEAR DUE TO THE SHIFTER BUTTON STICKING N NOT POPPING OUT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10619200
38,000 miles · Aug 5, 2014
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO PLACE THE VEHICLE INTO PARK, THE KEY WOULD NOT RELEASE FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE FAILURE OCCURRED THIRTY TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.
NHTSA ODI #10619127
51,000 miles · Aug 2, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesSteering
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A 7% GRADE GOING DOWN HILL AT 50 MILES AN HOUR MY CAR SHUT OFF, STEERING LOCKED AND BRAKES DIDN'T WORK THE ONLY THING I COULD USE WAS THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IF I WASN'T CALM AND USED MY HEAD ME AND MY SON WOULD HAVE DIED. MY CAR NOW IS MAKING A LOUD NOISE AND SHAKING AFTER IT WARMS UP. MY SHIFTER GETS STUCK AND I…
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I WAS DRIVING DOWN A 7% GRADE GOING DOWN HILL AT 50 MILES AN HOUR MY CAR SHUT OFF, STEERING LOCKED AND BRAKES DIDN'T WORK THE ONLY THING I COULD USE WAS THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IF I WASN'T CALM AND USED MY HEAD ME AND MY SON WOULD HAVE DIED. MY CAR NOW IS MAKING A LOUD NOISE AND SHAKING AFTER IT WARMS UP. MY SHIFTER GETS STUCK AND I CANT PARK OR TAKE MY KEY OUT. EVERYTHING IN THIS CAR IS AN ALARM FOR DANGER OR DEATH. I'VE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY DON'T RETURN MY CALLS. I FINALLY GOT A HOLD OF THEM AND THEY SAID I CAN BRING IT IN BUT ITS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. WE DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY FOR REPAIRS LIKE THIS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10618300
40,000 miles · Jul 31, 2014
Power Train
WAS DRIVING AND CAR STOPPED ACCELERATING...HAD JUST ENOUGH POWER TO COAST OUT OF TRAFFIC...CAR WAS RUNNING BUT WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD OR REVERSE. DID EXACTLY WHAT THE RECALL STATED IF THE TRANSMISSION TURBINE SHAFT FRACTURE OCCURS DURING VEHICLE OPERATION IN THE FIRST OR SECOND GEAR, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT UPSHIFT TO THE THIRD …
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WAS DRIVING AND CAR STOPPED ACCELERATING...HAD JUST ENOUGH POWER TO COAST OUT OF TRAFFIC...CAR WAS RUNNING BUT WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD OR REVERSE. DID EXACTLY WHAT THE RECALL STATED IF THE TRANSMISSION TURBINE SHAFT FRACTURE OCCURS DURING VEHICLE OPERATION IN THE FIRST OR SECOND GEAR, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT UPSHIFT TO THE THIRD THRU SIXTH GEARS LIMITING THE VEHICLES SPEED... *TR
NHTSA ODI #10618000
Official recalls
7Jul 2, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14257.
Jun 12, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured March 1, 2012, to June 29, 2012, and equipped with a 6 speed automatic transmission and 1.8L four cylinder engine. In the affected vehicles, the transmission turbine shaft may fracture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the transmission turbine shaft fracture occurs during vehicle operation in first or second gear, the vehicle will not upshift to the third through sixth gears, limiting the vehicle's speed. If the fracture occurs during operation in third through sixth gear, the vehicle will coast until it slows enough to downshift to first or second gear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission turbine shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 8, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14234.
Jun 6, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick Verano vehicles manufactured December 2, 2011 to July, 16, 2012, Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured December 7, 2011 to July 25, 2012, Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured December 5, 2011 to August 2, 2012, and Chevrolet Camaro vehicles manufactured December 1, 2011 to June 11, 2012. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, that air bag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel air bag coil, free of charge. The recall began on July 25, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact GM at 1-800-222-1020. Buick owners may contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. Note: This is an expansion of recalls 12V-522 and 13V-023.
Jan 24, 2013
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Camaro, Cruze and Sonic, and model year 2012 Buick Verano vehicles. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, that air bag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel air bag coil, free of charge. The safety recall began on February 13, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.
Oct 31, 2012
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2012 Buick Verano, Chevrolet Cruze, and Chevrolet Sonic vehicles. The driver side frontal air bag has a shorting bar which may intermittently contact the air bag terminals.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the bar and terminals are contacting each other at the time of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal airbag, that airbag will not deploy, increasing the driver's risk of injury.
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering wheel airbag coil, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 11, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.
Aug 20, 2012
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured from May 5, 2011, through February 24, 2012. These vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 104, "Windshield Wiping and Washing Systems." The windshield wiper washer hose on these vehicles may separate from the washer fluid reservoir. If this occurs, washer fluid will not be available to the windshield.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A lack of washer fluid could impede the driver's view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will secure the windshield washer hose to prevent separation, free of charge. The safety recall began on September 7, 2012. Owners may contact the Chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546.
Dec 28, 2011
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET SONIC VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2, 2011, THROUGH NOVEMBER 21, 2011. ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, THE FRONT BRAKE INNER OR OUTER PAD MAY BE MISSING.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A MISSING PAD COULD RESULT IN REDUCED BRAKE SYSTEM PERFORMANCE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT BRAKES FOR A MISSING INNER OR OUTER PAD. IF A BRAKE PAD IS MISSING, DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW INNER AND OUTER PADS, A NEW BRAKE CALIPER, AND A NEW ROTOR. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 14, 2012
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
2EA21002 · 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.
RQ13002 · Air Bag Non-deployment
Opened May 31, 2013 · Closed Jul 9, 2014
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags; Air Bags:frontal; Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
General Motors (GM) has initiated a safety recall of 31,520 model year (MY) 2012 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Camaro, Cruze and Sonic vehicles to address a defect condition that could result in the primary or secondary stage air bag not deploying.These vehicles are a small percentage of all MY 2012 vehicles and were built on several specific production dates broadly ranging from December 1, 2011 to August 2, 2012 (see NHTSA recall 14V-300 for more information).Also, see attached additional report for more information.This investigation was opened to evaluate the scope of two uninfluenced safety recalls (NHTSA recalls 12V-522 and 13V-023) of certain MY 2012 Verano, Camaro, Cruze and Sonic vehicles.These recalls involved the same defect issue as the new recall mentioned above.Accordingly, this investigation is closed based on the recall actions GM is undertaking.
Additional source detail variants (6)
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
General Motors (GM) has initiated a safety recall of 31,520 model year (MY) 2012 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Camaro, Cruze and Sonic vehicles to address a defect condition that could result in the primary or secondary stage air bag not deploying.These vehicles are a small percentage of all MY 2012 vehicles and were built on several specific production dates broadly ranging from December 1, 2011 to August 2, 2012 (see NHTSA recall 14V-300 for more information).Also, see attached additional report for more information.This investigation was opened to evaluate the scope of two uninfluenced safety recalls (NHTSA recalls 12V-522 and 13V-023) of certain MY 2012 Verano, Camaro, Cruze and Sonic vehicles.These recalls involved the same defect issue as the new recall mentioned above.Accordingly, this investigation is closed based on the recall actions GM is undertaking.
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
General Motors (GM) has initiated a safety recall of 31,520 model year (MY) 2012 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Camaro, Cruze and Sonic vehicles to address a defect condition that could result in the primary or secondary stage air bag not deploying.These vehicles are a small percentage of all MY 2012 vehicles and were built on several specific production dates broadly ranging from December 1, 2011 to August 2, 2012 (see NHTSA recall 14V-300 for more information).Also, see attached additional report for more information.This investigation was opened to evaluate the scope of two uninfluenced safety recalls (NHTSA recalls 12V-522 and 13V-023) of certain MY 2012 Verano, Camaro, Cruze and Sonic vehicles.These recalls involved the same defect issue as the new recall mentioned above.Accordingly, this investigation is closed based on the recall actions GM is undertaking.
Air Bags:frontal
General Motors (GM) has initiated a safety recall of 31,520 model year (MY) 2012 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Camaro, Cruze and Sonic vehicles to address a defect condition that could result in the primary or secondary stage air bag not deploying.These vehicles are a small percentage of all MY 2012 vehicles and were built on several specific production dates broadly ranging from December 1, 2011 to August 2, 2012 (see NHTSA recall 14V-300 for more information).Also, see attached additional report for more information.This investigation was opened to evaluate the scope of two uninfluenced safety recalls (NHTSA recalls 12V-522 and 13V-023) of certain MY 2012 Verano, Camaro, Cruze and Sonic vehicles.These recalls involved the same defect issue as the new recall mentioned above.Accordingly, this investigation is closed based on the recall actions GM is undertaking.
Air Bags:frontal
General Motors (GM) has initiated a safety recall of 31,520 model year (MY) 2012 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Camaro, Cruze and Sonic vehicles to address a defect condition that could result in the primary or secondary stage air bag not deploying.These vehicles are a small percentage of all MY 2012 vehicles and were built on several specific production dates broadly ranging from December 1, 2011 to August 2, 2012 (see NHTSA recall 14V-300 for more information).Also, see attached additional report for more information.This investigation was opened to evaluate the scope of two uninfluenced safety recalls (NHTSA recalls 12V-522 and 13V-023) of certain MY 2012 Verano, Camaro, Cruze and Sonic vehicles.These recalls involved the same defect issue as the new recall mentioned above.Accordingly, this investigation is closed based on the recall actions GM is undertaking.
Air Bags
General Motors (GM) has initiated a safety recall of 31,520 model year (MY) 2012 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Camaro, Cruze and Sonic vehicles to address a defect condition that could result in the primary or secondary stage air bag not deploying.These vehicles are a small percentage of all MY 2012 vehicles and were built on several specific production dates broadly ranging from December 1, 2011 to August 2, 2012 (see NHTSA recall 14V-300 for more information).Also, see attached additional report for more information.This investigation was opened to evaluate the scope of two uninfluenced safety recalls (NHTSA recalls 12V-522 and 13V-023) of certain MY 2012 Verano, Camaro, Cruze and Sonic vehicles.These recalls involved the same defect issue as the new recall mentioned above.Accordingly, this investigation is closed based on the recall actions GM is undertaking.
Air Bags
General Motors (GM) has initiated a safety recall of 31,520 model year (MY) 2012 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Camaro, Cruze and Sonic vehicles to address a defect condition that could result in the primary or secondary stage air bag not deploying.These vehicles are a small percentage of all MY 2012 vehicles and were built on several specific production dates broadly ranging from December 1, 2011 to August 2, 2012 (see NHTSA recall 14V-300 for more information).Also, see attached additional report for more information.This investigation was opened to evaluate the scope of two uninfluenced safety recalls (NHTSA recalls 12V-522 and 13V-023) of certain MY 2012 Verano, Camaro, Cruze and Sonic vehicles.These recalls involved the same defect issue as the new recall mentioned above.Accordingly, this investigation is closed based on the recall actions GM is undertaking.
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