NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
27 reportsClear category filter152,000 miles · Mar 28, 2017
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Engine
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY I STARTED HEARING TICKING NOISE FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND THE STABLIZING LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. I SHUT OFF THE SUBURBAN AND WENT TO LOOK UNDER THE HOOD. STARTED IT BACK UP AND WENT BACK TO LISTEN AGAIN, STILL THE SAME TICKING. CHEVY WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THERE BAD AFM WHI…
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WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY I STARTED HEARING TICKING NOISE FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND THE STABLIZING LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. I SHUT OFF THE SUBURBAN AND WENT TO LOOK UNDER THE HOOD. STARTED IT BACK UP AND WENT BACK TO LISTEN AGAIN, STILL THE SAME TICKING. CHEVY WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THERE BAD AFM WHICH IS CAUSING THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #10968871
190,000 miles · Mar 20, 2017
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
NHTSA ODI #10967244
180,000 miles · Mar 8, 2017
Engine
MY VEHICLE WAS HAVING TROUBLE STARTING AND IDLING ROUGH. I BROUGHT IT IN FOR REPAIRS AND WAS TOLD IT NEEDED A NEW FUEL PUMP AND AIR FILTER. I HAD THOSE CHANGED IN TOTAL SPENDING $1700. THREE DAYS LATER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING IN MY CAR. I COULD FEEL THE ENGINE MISFIRING AND WAS LOSING POWER. THE OIL PRESSUR…
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MY VEHICLE WAS HAVING TROUBLE STARTING AND IDLING ROUGH. I BROUGHT IT IN FOR REPAIRS AND WAS TOLD IT NEEDED A NEW FUEL PUMP AND AIR FILTER. I HAD THOSE CHANGED IN TOTAL SPENDING $1700. THREE DAYS LATER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING IN MY CAR. I COULD FEEL THE ENGINE MISFIRING AND WAS LOSING POWER. THE OIL PRESSURE WAS FLUCTUATING RAPIDLY. I DROVE IT BACK TO MY HOME AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. I WAS TOLD THAT THE CYLINDER 4 WAS MISFIRING CAUSED BY THE CYLINDER DEACTIVATION FAILURE WHICH IS CAUSED BY THE AUTOMATIC FUEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. THIS IS CAUSING THE LIFTER TO FAIL.
NHTSA ODI #10959637
169,887 miles · Jun 20, 2016
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EnginePower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CHECK ENGINE, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, CHECK SUSPENSION, AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE VEHICL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CHECK ENGINE, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, CHECK SUSPENSION, AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,887.
NHTSA ODI #10875243
67,200 miles · Mar 4, 2016
Electrical SystemEngineService Brakes
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, IT BEGAN TO SHAKE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN AND THE REDUCED ENG…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, IT BEGAN TO SHAKE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN AND THE REDUCED ENGINE POWER INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS ALMOST T-BONED BY A TRACTOR TRAILER. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE IT WAS RESTARTED SUCCESSFULLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY AND THE BRAKE SWITCH WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING TO THE ECM CONNECTOR 2 AND WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE CHANGED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SHORTLY AFTER THE REPAIR FROM THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,200.
NHTSA ODI #10839961
150,000 miles · Jul 21, 2015
Engine
CHEVROLET SUBURBAN HAVE A PROBLEM WITH EXCESSIVE OIL BURNING. AND NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT.
NHTSA ODI #10735647
32,000 miles · May 21, 2015
Engine
I BOUGHT THIS SUBURBAN USED IN 2010 WITH ABOUT 32,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. I AM THE 2ND OWNER. FROM THE DAY I BOUGHT IT, IT HAS BURNED OIL. THE ADD OIL LIGHT COMES ON HALF WAY THROUGH A OIL CHANGE. IT'S MY 3RD SUBURBAN. NEITHER OF THOSE TWO HAD EVER BURNED OIL. IT WAS STILL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY, SO I TOOK IT TO COU…
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I BOUGHT THIS SUBURBAN USED IN 2010 WITH ABOUT 32,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. I AM THE 2ND OWNER. FROM THE DAY I BOUGHT IT, IT HAS BURNED OIL. THE ADD OIL LIGHT COMES ON HALF WAY THROUGH A OIL CHANGE. IT'S MY 3RD SUBURBAN. NEITHER OF THOSE TWO HAD EVER BURNED OIL. IT WAS STILL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY, SO I TOOK IT TO COURTESY CHEVROLET IN PHOENIX. THEY PUT IT ON A OIL WATCH. I HAD TO BRING THE TRUCK BACK IN EVERY THOUSAND MILES SO THEY COULD CHECK THE BURN RATE. THEY ALWAYS SAID IT WAS NORMAL PER CHEVY BURN RATES. REALLY? CHECK THE INTERNET FOR 2007 CHEVROLET ENGINE OIL, HIGH BURN RATES AND YOU WILL SEE THAT MINE IS NOT THE ONLY ENGINE THAT BURNS OIL. IT SOUNDS LIKE CHEVROLET KNEW THERE WAS A PROBLEM, AND INSTEAD OF FIXING THE PROBLEM WITH INTEGRITY, THEY CHANGED THEIR BURN RATES SO THEY WOULDN'T HAVE TO. I HAVE LOST ALL FAITH IN CHEVROLET. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER CHEVROLET PRODUCT.
NHTSA ODI #10717644
Mileage unknown · Nov 20, 2014
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE ENGINE LIGHT AND THE REDUCE ENGINE POWER MESSAGE ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE MERGED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE ENGINE LIGHT AND THE REDUCE ENGINE POWER MESSAGE ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE MERGED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN LOCATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #10659645
190,000 miles · Sep 9, 2014
Engine
UPON START-UP, PLUME OF SMOKE FROM EXHAUST FOR 5 - 15 SECONDS. ALSO, EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, UP TO 1.5 QUARTS PER 500 MILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10632015
170,000 miles · Jul 23, 2014
Engine
WHILE THIS WAS/IS A USED VEHICLE, AND WHILE THE MILEAGE IS HIGH, THE SHEER FREQUENCY OF THE EXACT SAME COMPLAINT DICTATES THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT FREQUENTLY OCCURS. FURTHER EXACERBATING THE PROBLEM IS THAT GM AND ITS DEALERS HAVE NO INCENTIVE TO FIX THE ISSUE AS A FULL ENGINE REPLACEMENT IS WHAT IS BEING OFFERED AS A SOLUTI…
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WHILE THIS WAS/IS A USED VEHICLE, AND WHILE THE MILEAGE IS HIGH, THE SHEER FREQUENCY OF THE EXACT SAME COMPLAINT DICTATES THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT FREQUENTLY OCCURS. FURTHER EXACERBATING THE PROBLEM IS THAT GM AND ITS DEALERS HAVE NO INCENTIVE TO FIX THE ISSUE AS A FULL ENGINE REPLACEMENT IS WHAT IS BEING OFFERED AS A SOLUTION. I WAS QUOTED BY MY DEALER THAT THE COSTS FOR THIS IS (~)$8,000.00! AS IS THE CASE WITH THE OTHERS THAT HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS: I WAS DRIVING ALONG AND THE OIL PRESSURE WENT TO ZERO. AFTER TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY REPLACED A FEW COMPONENTS AND SENT ME ON MY WAY (AFTER GETTING A LARGE BILL OF COURSE). WE USE THE CAR VERY INFREQUENTLY AND AS SUCH, WITHIN A 100 MILES OF USE, I WAS BACK AT THE DEALER WITH, AGAIN, VERY LOW OIL PRESSURE. THERE RECOMMENDATION WAS TO REPLACE THE ENGINE AT $8000 OR PERFORM AN OVERHAUL AT 2000+ WITH NO GUARANTEE OR WARRANTY. THIS IS RIDICULOUS. FROM A COST STANDPOINT: THE SUBURBAN IS A $60,000+ VEHICLE, AND THE PROBLEM IS NOT FIXABLE/RESOLVABLE, OTHER THAN BY GM ASKING FOR AN ADDITIONAL $8000. FROM A SAFETY ISSUE, THESE CARS ARE HEAVY, BIG, AND CAN CAUSE MUCH DAMAGE IF THE DRIVER IS DISTRACTED BY SUCH A LARGE ENGINE PROBLEM AND/OR THE ENGINE SHUTTING DOWN DUE TO THE ENGINE BLOCK FREEZING UP AND/OR SEIZING DUE TO THE LACK OF OIL PRESSURE. NOW, AND ESPECIALLY IN LIGHT OF GMS REFUSAL TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE SAFETY RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH ITS IGNITIONS, I THINK THERE IS SUFFICIENT CAUSE FOR THE NHTSA TO TAKE A HARD LOOK INTO THIS, OPEN A FULL INVESTIGATION, AND HOPEFULLY RECTIFY THIS FOR THE HUNDRED (AND POSSIBLY THOUSANDS) OF CONSUMERS AFFECTED AND FORCE GM TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES, BOTH WITH RESPECT TO ITS EXISTING/PAST SALES, AS WELL AS ADDRESS ITS FUTURE DESIGNS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10615587
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