NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
22 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · May 12, 2023
Electrical SystemSteering
I have a 2008 Suburban. Beginning in August, there was an accident on the highway and traffic was backed up. I was idling, waiting for the traffic to move, like every other car on the hightway and the suburban just shut off and said "Stablitrak off." It happened numerous times after this, just when idling. I took to the dealers…
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I have a 2008 Suburban. Beginning in August, there was an accident on the highway and traffic was backed up. I was idling, waiting for the traffic to move, like every other car on the hightway and the suburban just shut off and said "Stablitrak off." It happened numerous times after this, just when idling. I took to the dealership I bought it at. They charged a ton to fix something but it didn't' take care of the problem. It's gotten so much worse. I took back a few months ago and they fixed it again, but didn't charge us this time. Now it's so much worse. Anytime I'm iding, just picking my daughter up at school or just stopped at a red light, a warning comes across, "service stabilitrak" or "stablitrak off." and the car immediately shuts off. It usually restarts in 5 minutes or so and I can usually make it to my destination as long as I don't idle again. Monday I was picking up my daughter and it stalled in the parking lot at her high school with tons of cars behind me- I waited, restarted it as I have done in the past. But then, going down this steep high school hill, the car shut off, lost steering and brakes wouldn't even work. I had teen drivers ahead of me that I nearly crashed into, teens in my car. This is not ok. We took it back to the dealership and now they say it's an electrical problem. I've read a ton online forums that this is something that happens with a lot of other people. I'm afraid to drive my car. I'm also not sure what to get fixed because these other people have spent tons of money, just like me with no results.
NHTSA ODI #11521701
123,000 miles · Jan 10, 2020
Air BagsElectrical System
DRIVING WHEN YOU REACH ABOUT 30-35 MPH ALL THE LOCKS START CYCLING UP AND DOWN, ALL THE GAUGES GO HAYWIRE, THERE IS A THROTTLE IN THE ENGINE. WHEN YOU TURN IT OFF SOMETIMES IT STARTS BACK UP AND RUNS FINE AND SOMETIMES IT WON'T DO ANYTHING LIKE THE BATTERY IS DEAD AND THEN A FEW MINUTES LATER IT COMES BACK ON AND STARTS BACK UP.…
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DRIVING WHEN YOU REACH ABOUT 30-35 MPH ALL THE LOCKS START CYCLING UP AND DOWN, ALL THE GAUGES GO HAYWIRE, THERE IS A THROTTLE IN THE ENGINE. WHEN YOU TURN IT OFF SOMETIMES IT STARTS BACK UP AND RUNS FINE AND SOMETIMES IT WON'T DO ANYTHING LIKE THE BATTERY IS DEAD AND THEN A FEW MINUTES LATER IT COMES BACK ON AND STARTS BACK UP. THE LAST INCIDENT WAS 01/09/20 BUT THIS STARTED IN 12/2019. THE VEHICLE HAS A BRAND NEW ENGINE WHICH ONLY HAS ABOUT 1,000 MILES ON IT. ALSO THERE IS A CRACK IN THE DASH AT THE CORNER OF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG.
NHTSA ODI #11298326
183,789 miles · Nov 4, 2019
Air BagsElectrical SystemEngine
DASH HAS CRACKED BY AIRBAG. ENGINE JUST STOPS WHILE DRIVING AND COMES RIGHT BACK ON AFTER VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF WON'T START NEEDS TO SIT AWHILE THEN IT STARTS AND RADIO N TEMP PANEL GOES TO DEFAULT.
NHTSA ODI #11277990
152,000 miles · May 29, 2019
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Power Train
MY GAUGES ARE DOING ALL TYPES OF CRAZY THINGS BLINKING ON AND OFF I REPLACE MY PCM AND BODY CONTROL MODULE AND STILL HAVING PROBLEMS THIS GMC IS NOT DRIVE ABLE AND IT SHOULD BE A RECALL I HAVE SPENT OVER $2000 IN THE SHOP
NHTSA ODI #11210741
50,000 miles · Feb 21, 2019
Electrical System
3 DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS FAILED. THIS INCLUDES THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. ALL FAILED WITHIN 6 WEEKS.
NHTSA ODI #11181603
140,000 miles · Sep 15, 2016
Electrical SystemSuspensionUnknown Or Other
MY DASH STARTED CRACKING FOR NO REASON. I WENT OUT TODAY TO GET IN MY VEHICLE AND NOTICED A CRACK ALONG MY DASH THAT WASN'T THEIR YESTERDAY.
NHTSA ODI #10906876
45,000 miles · Jun 30, 2016
Electrical SystemStructure
IN 2008 IT WAS HARD FINDING A SUBURBAN AS A LOT OF DEALERSHIPS CLOSED ALREADY. SO I FOUND A DEALERSHIP IN GLENDALE CALIFORNIA. IT WAS FAR FROM WHERE I LIVED. WHEN I WAS OPENING THE SUNROOF IT STARTED GOING BACK AND FORTH. I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT. II HAD A LONG TRIP HOME AND I WAS HOPING THAT IT WOULD JUST RESOLVE ITSELF BUT IT NEV…
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IN 2008 IT WAS HARD FINDING A SUBURBAN AS A LOT OF DEALERSHIPS CLOSED ALREADY. SO I FOUND A DEALERSHIP IN GLENDALE CALIFORNIA. IT WAS FAR FROM WHERE I LIVED. WHEN I WAS OPENING THE SUNROOF IT STARTED GOING BACK AND FORTH. I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT. II HAD A LONG TRIP HOME AND I WAS HOPING THAT IT WOULD JUST RESOLVE ITSELF BUT IT NEVER DID. I HAVE TOLD CHEVROLET MANY TIMES ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND YOU WILL FIND MY RECORDS OF HOW MANY TIMES I HAD CALLED THEM TO RESOLVE MY PROBLEM BUT THEY NEVER EVER DID A THING ABOUT IT AND IT IS STILL HAPPENING TO THIS DAY. ALSO I HAD JUST NOTICED A FEW SHORT MONTHS AGO THAT I HAVE FINE LITTLE HAIR CRACKS SHOWING UP ALL OVER MY SUBURBAN. ON THE HOOD AND ON BOTH SIDES OF THE CAR. I WENT TO MARTIN CADILLAC IN WEST LOS ANGELES THAT SERVICES CHEVROLET SUBURBANS AND THEY HAD TOLD ME YOUR CAR WAS PROBABLY REPAINTED UN-BENOIST TO ME. I HAVE HAD OTHER CARS BEFORE THIS ONE THAT I HAVE NOW AND I HAVE NEVER EVER HAD THE FINE LINES OF THE PAINT CRACKING ALL OVER MY CAR AND I CONTACTED CHEVROLET ON THIS AS WELL AND THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING FOR ME. I HAVE SEEN PAINT FADING AWAY ON CARS BUT NOT CRACKING AS MY SUBURBAN HAS ALL OVER THE CAR. IN THIS DAY AND AGE, WITH ALL THE SOPHISTICATED TECHNOLOGY AND THE WAY THINGS ARE DONE SO MUCH BETTER NOW THAN EVER BEFORE ON SOMETHINGS BUT NOT EVERYTHING AS I CAN SEE IT ON MY SUBURBAN. I CONTACTED CHEY ON THIS AS WELL AND THEY REFUSE TO GIVE ME ANY HELP ON THIS. I ALSO HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY BRAKES WHEN I GOT THE SUBURBAN. AS I CAME DOWN A STEEP HILL THE BRAKES STARTED TO CAUSE THE WHOLE CAR TO WOBBLE. I KNEW IT WAS THE BRAKES. I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE FOR A MOMENT THE WOBBLING STOPPED THIS WAS WHEN I HAD MY CAR FOR A FEW SHORT MONTHS. MARTIN CADILLAC'S SERVICE MANAGER SAID THE PAINT CRACKING SHOULD NOT HAPPENING MAYBE GLENDALE CALIFORNIA REPAINTED THE CAR. CHEVROLET HAS REFUSED ALL 3 CLAIMS.
NHTSA ODI #10881838
Mileage unknown · Apr 14, 2016
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #10855514
70,000 miles · Apr 8, 2016
Electrical SystemEngineLatches/locks/linkages
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK OR DRIVE, ALL FOUR DOORS FAILED TO UNLOCK AND THE KEY FOB FAILED TO UNLOCK THE DOOR. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE, STABILITY TRACK DISENGAGE, AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE DECELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK OR DRIVE, ALL FOUR DOORS FAILED TO UNLOCK AND THE KEY FOB FAILED TO UNLOCK THE DOOR. IN ADDITION, WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE, STABILITY TRACK DISENGAGE, AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE DECELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE OIL SPILLED AND CAUSED THE SPARK PLUGS TO FAIL. THE SPARK PLUGS WERE REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
NHTSA ODI #10854329
94,000 miles · Feb 16, 2015
Electrical SystemEngine
MY 2008 CHEVY SUBURBAN WITH 94,000 MILES STALLED WHILE IN TRAFFIC TRAVELING AT ABOUT 20 MPH WITHOUT WARNING. I LUCKILY WAS ABLE TO COAST IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND AFTER LETTING IT SIT FOR A SHORT TIME IT DID RESTART AGAIN BUT ONLY TO STALL AGAIN AFTER THE CAR RAN FOR ANOTHER 5 MINUTES AGAIN TRAVELING AT ABOUT 20 MPH. I HAD…
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MY 2008 CHEVY SUBURBAN WITH 94,000 MILES STALLED WHILE IN TRAFFIC TRAVELING AT ABOUT 20 MPH WITHOUT WARNING. I LUCKILY WAS ABLE TO COAST IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND AFTER LETTING IT SIT FOR A SHORT TIME IT DID RESTART AGAIN BUT ONLY TO STALL AGAIN AFTER THE CAR RAN FOR ANOTHER 5 MINUTES AGAIN TRAVELING AT ABOUT 20 MPH. I HAD IT TOWED TO MY DEALERSHIP AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT MY CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR HAS FAILED. WHILE MY VIN AND YEAR IS NOT COVERED, THERE IS AN ACTIVE RECALL ON THIS CONDITION (GM RECALL NO. 06083.). THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE TO HAVE ESPECIALLY WHEN TRAVELING WITH SMALL CHILDREN IN THE CAR. THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO OTHER YEARS WHO EXPERIENCE THIS ISSUE FOR THE SAFETY OF FAMILIES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10683694
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.