NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
27 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Aug 28, 2026
Engine
The lifter rod associated with the DoD/AFM system failed, causing catastrophic failure in the engine. This isn't an age issue, this isn't a part that wore out and failed. This car would still be running and driving if that system was never installed. The lifters for these systems are known weakpoints that'll eventually fail. Be…
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The lifter rod associated with the DoD/AFM system failed, causing catastrophic failure in the engine. This isn't an age issue, this isn't a part that wore out and failed. This car would still be running and driving if that system was never installed. The lifters for these systems are known weakpoints that'll eventually fail. Because of this we lost immediate power in the vehicle and had to immediately pull off to the side of the road on a busy road. I had my local shop take a look and they confirmed that it was a lifter issue. No others have inspected this as this is chalked up to the age of the vehicle. There's no warning for this failure. One second you engine is running great, you apply for some more power, and it fails. Ruining the rest of the engine with it.
NHTSA ODI #11760274
Mileage unknown · May 5, 2025
Engine
As the current investigation is going for the General Motors engines 2014-2025 5.3L and 6.2L for AFM/DFM. The same is happening with 2007 - 2014 5.3L engines with DOD. I had a 2014 Chevy Suburban with the 5.3L I had to rebuild the passenger side due to a DOD lifter failing. My current, 2007 Suburban is starting to make a DOD…
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As the current investigation is going for the General Motors engines 2014-2025 5.3L and 6.2L for AFM/DFM. The same is happening with 2007 - 2014 5.3L engines with DOD. I had a 2014 Chevy Suburban with the 5.3L I had to rebuild the passenger side due to a DOD lifter failing. My current, 2007 Suburban is starting to make a DOD lifter tap, again on the passenger side. I will be getting a full rebuilt engine with the DOD system deleted to prevent this in the future. Hundreds have had this happen in the car forums and I can not imagine how many have encountered the same issue but do not say anything due to chalking it up to mileage, age of the vehicle, or just accepting the failure by design. Most are simply taking it on the chin; paying out of pocket or doing the work themselves to repair, delete, or modify the engines. I understand there is time and the age of the vehicles against these claims, but acknowledgement and shedding light on this known issue from General Motors will help just as much.
NHTSA ODI #11658841
185,000 miles · Oct 10, 2023
Engine
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving 50-60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started jerking. Additionally, the contact noticed that there was white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to Triple A service station, where the cause of th…
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The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated while driving 50-60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started jerking. Additionally, the contact noticed that there was white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was taken to Triple A service station, where the cause of the failure could not be determined; however, unknown plugs and wire were replaced. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where flour coil packs were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that intake lifter of cylinder #1 was not moving due to a collapsed lifter roller, which lead to oil built up on the oil pan and the rear main seal. The dealer determined that engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 185,000.
NHTSA ODI #11549223
Mileage unknown · Sep 13, 2023
Engine
The engine has a collapsed lifter that has failed. This problem is placing us at risk of breaking down while driving. I live in a busy city that has a lot of traffic. When I have money, I plan to take the vehicle to the dealership to confirm. I first noticed the problem by hearing the engine make a clicking sound when the engine…
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The engine has a collapsed lifter that has failed. This problem is placing us at risk of breaking down while driving. I live in a busy city that has a lot of traffic. When I have money, I plan to take the vehicle to the dealership to confirm. I first noticed the problem by hearing the engine make a clicking sound when the engine is running. The sound is coming from the area of lifter location.
NHTSA ODI #11544422
Mileage unknown · May 24, 2023
Engine
The engine began smoking really bad when driving down highway and car locked down. It became undriveable. I was out of town when happened and had to have towed. Mechanic confirmed motor is bad and has to be replaced. Just had transmission replaced 2 weeks prior to this happening. Transmission has had to be replaced 2 x's si…
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The engine began smoking really bad when driving down highway and car locked down. It became undriveable. I was out of town when happened and had to have towed. Mechanic confirmed motor is bad and has to be replaced. Just had transmission replaced 2 weeks prior to this happening. Transmission has had to be replaced 2 x's since I have owned vehicle.
NHTSA ODI #11523617
167,000 miles · Apr 18, 2021
Air BagsEngine
TOOK A LEFT TURN WHILE DRIVING, HEARD A SMALL NOISE AND WITH IN ONE MINUTE OF GOING DOWN THE ROAD AFTER MY TURN, MY ENGINE WAS A ROUGH IDLE, ENGINE LIGHT BLINKING AND TRACTION CONTROL WAS BLINKING. HAD IT TOWED TO THE CLOSEST CHEVY DEALERSHIP TO FIND OUT THAT THE LIFTERS WERE BAD AND CAUSING MISFIRE. THAT'S A COMMON PROBLEM FOR …
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TOOK A LEFT TURN WHILE DRIVING, HEARD A SMALL NOISE AND WITH IN ONE MINUTE OF GOING DOWN THE ROAD AFTER MY TURN, MY ENGINE WAS A ROUGH IDLE, ENGINE LIGHT BLINKING AND TRACTION CONTROL WAS BLINKING. HAD IT TOWED TO THE CLOSEST CHEVY DEALERSHIP TO FIND OUT THAT THE LIFTERS WERE BAD AND CAUSING MISFIRE. THAT'S A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS ENGINE AND THE REPLACEMENT COST SHOULD NOT BE ON THE CONSUMER, THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS COSTLY REPAIR!
NHTSA ODI #11408652
2 miles · Nov 21, 2020
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN MOTION WHEN OUT OF NO WHERE THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING A LOUD THUMPING CRACKLING SOUND
NHTSA ODI #11375702
Mileage unknown · Apr 15, 2019
Engine
ENGINE IS MALFUNCTIONING AND USING EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL (1 QUART EVERY 1-2 WEEKS). THE MANUFACTURER BUILT BAD MOTORS IN 2007 AND KNOWINGLY COVERED IT UP. THE VEHICLES WERE STILL SOLD TO CONSUMERS AND RATHER THAN FIXING THE ISSUE (ENGINE WOULD HAVE TO BE REBUILT OR REPLACED) THE MANUFACTURER IS PLACING ALL RESPONSIBILITY AND …
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ENGINE IS MALFUNCTIONING AND USING EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL (1 QUART EVERY 1-2 WEEKS). THE MANUFACTURER BUILT BAD MOTORS IN 2007 AND KNOWINGLY COVERED IT UP. THE VEHICLES WERE STILL SOLD TO CONSUMERS AND RATHER THAN FIXING THE ISSUE (ENGINE WOULD HAVE TO BE REBUILT OR REPLACED) THE MANUFACTURER IS PLACING ALL RESPONSIBILITY AND COST ($9,000 FIX) ON THE CONSUMER, EVEN WHEN REPORTED BEFORE 100,000 MILES. THE MANUFACTURER KNOWINGLY SOLD LEMON VEHICLES AND REFUSES TO FIX.
NHTSA ODI #11196559
170,000 miles · Feb 8, 2019
Engine
ACTIVE FUEL MANAGEMENT (AFM) LIFTERS JAM/SEIZE CAUSING PUSH RODS TO REMAIN COLLAPSED AND CAUSING ENGINE MISFIRES THROUGHOUT THE ENGINE AND EXCESSIVE OIL BURNING, POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO CATALYTIC CONVERTERS, AND PREMATURE ENGINE WEAR. LIFTERS MUST BE REPLACED OR ENGINE REPLACED. I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND WHEN THE ENGINE BEGAN MISFI…
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ACTIVE FUEL MANAGEMENT (AFM) LIFTERS JAM/SEIZE CAUSING PUSH RODS TO REMAIN COLLAPSED AND CAUSING ENGINE MISFIRES THROUGHOUT THE ENGINE AND EXCESSIVE OIL BURNING, POSSIBLE DAMAGE TO CATALYTIC CONVERTERS, AND PREMATURE ENGINE WEAR. LIFTERS MUST BE REPLACED OR ENGINE REPLACED. I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND WHEN THE ENGINE BEGAN MISFIRING, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN BLINKING, TRACTION CONTROL BECAME DISABLED, AND ERROR ON DASH SAYING SERVICE STABILITRAK AND TRACTION CONTROL DISABLED APPEARED. THE CAR BEGAN TO SHIFT ERRATICALLY SHAKING AND LUNGING.
NHTSA ODI #11175746
160,000 miles · Apr 11, 2018
Engine
ENGINE IS MALFUNCTIONING AND USING EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL (1 QUART EVERY 1-2 WEEKS). THE MANUFACTURER BUILT BAD MOTORS IN 2007 AND KNOWINGLY COVERED IT UP. THE VEHICLES WERE STILL SOLD TO CONSUMERS AND RATHER THAN FIXING THE ISSUE (ENGINE WOULD HAVE TO BE REBUILT OR REPLACED) THE MANUFACTURER IS PLACING ALL RESPONSIBILITY AN…
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ENGINE IS MALFUNCTIONING AND USING EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL (1 QUART EVERY 1-2 WEEKS). THE MANUFACTURER BUILT BAD MOTORS IN 2007 AND KNOWINGLY COVERED IT UP. THE VEHICLES WERE STILL SOLD TO CONSUMERS AND RATHER THAN FIXING THE ISSUE (ENGINE WOULD HAVE TO BE REBUILT OR REPLACED) THE MANUFACTURER IS PLACING ALL RESPONSIBILITY AND COST ($9,000 FIX) ON THE CONSUMER, EVEN WHEN REPORTED BEFORE 100,000 MILES. THE MANUFACTURER KNOWINGLY SOLD LEMON VEHICLES AND REFUSES TO FIX. A MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT MY ENGINE COULD EXPLODE (SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE).
NHTSA ODI #11084678
Official recalls
4Feb 5, 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and 2009-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and Sierra 3500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 22, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 1, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328760.
Feb 5, 2021
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 23, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 20, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328780.
Jun 4, 2010
GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 BUICK, LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 BUICK ENCLAVE; CADILLAC CTS; MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL; SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MODEL YEAR 2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WASHER FLUID SYSTEM (HWFS). A RECALL WAS IMPLEMENTED IN 2008 TO ADD A FUSE TO THE CONTROL CIRCUIT HARNESS TO ADDRESS THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF A PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD (PCB) ELECTRICAL SHORT. HOWEVER, THERE HAVE BEEN NEW REPORTS OF THERMAL INCIDENTS ON HWFS MODULES AFTER THIS IMPROVEMENT WAS INSTALLED. THESE INCIDENTS RESULTED FROM A NEW FAILURE MODE ATTRIBUTED TO THE DEVICE'S THERMAL PROTECTION FEATURE. THE SIGNIFICANCE VARIES FROM MINOR DISTORTION TO CONSIDERABLE MELTING OF THE PLASTIC AROUND THE HWFS FLUID CHAMBER.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY DISABLE AND REMOVE THE HEATED WASHER FLUID MODULE. AN UPDATED PAGE FOR THE OWNER MANUAL WILL BE PROVIDED AND INSERTED IN THE OWNER MANUAL TO DOCUMENT THAT THE FEATURE HAS BEEN PERMANENTLY DISABLED AND REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Aug 28, 2008
GM IS RECALLING 857,735 MY 2006-2008 BUICK LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MY 2007-2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL, SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MY 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WIPER WASHER FLUID SYSTEM. A SHORT CIRCUIT ON THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE WASHER FLUID HEATER MAY OVERHEAT THE CONTROL-CIRCUIT GROUND WIRE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS MAY CAUSE OTHER ELECTRICAL FEATURES TO MALFUNCTION, CREATE AN ODOR, OR CAUSE SMOKE INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A WIRE HARNESS WITH AN IN-LINE FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CADILLAC AT 1-800-982-2339 OR HTTP://WWW.CADILLAC.COM; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR HTTP://WWW.SATURN.COM, GMC AT 1-866-996-9436; OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493; OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .
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
1EA21002 · 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.
Illustration