NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
213 reports137,000 miles · Nov 17, 2015
Latches/locks/linkagesStructureInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT'S WIFE PROCEEDED TO OPEN THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE. THE CHROME PAINT ON THE DOOR HANDLE FRACTURED AND CUT HER HAND. NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT'S WIFE PROCEEDED TO OPEN THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR FROM THE INSIDE. THE CHROME PAINT ON THE DOOR HANDLE FRACTURED AND CUT HER HAND. NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 137,000.......UPDATED 12/30/15 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED AN EXTERIOR DOOR HANDLE, THAT BROKE OFF, HAD TO BE REPLACED. THROUGH RESEACHTHE CONTACT DISCOVERED CHROME PEELING OFF OF THE INTERIOR DOOR CAUSING THE PASSENGER OR DRIVER TO CUT HIS OR HER HAND. UPDATED 2/23/2016*JS *CN
NHTSA ODI #10794336
172,000 miles · Oct 20, 2015
Unknown Or Other
MY DASHBOARD CAP IS CRACKED ON THE DRIVERS SIDE JUST ON THE LEFT CORNER OF THE DOME AND ALSO ON THE PASSENGER SIDE NEAR THE AIRBAG. I AM CONCERNED THE AIRBAGS MAY NOT DEPLOY CORRECTLY OR THE DASH MAY BREAK FREE AND MY VISIBILITY WILL BE COMPROMISED.
NHTSA ODI #10783855
75,000 miles · Sep 15, 2015
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesWheels
PURCHASED THE TRUCK IN MARCH 2013 WITH APPROX 63K MILES ON IT. IN NOVEMBER 2013, STABILITRAK WARNING CAME ON. TOOK TO CHEVY DEALER WHO REPLACED SPARK PLUG AND NEW BATTERY. IN JANUARY 2015, STABILITRAK WARNING LIGHT ON AGAIN. TOOK TRUCK IMMEDIATELY TO DEALER WHO HOOKED IT UP FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT DID GET ANY RESULTS. LIGHT DID NO…
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PURCHASED THE TRUCK IN MARCH 2013 WITH APPROX 63K MILES ON IT. IN NOVEMBER 2013, STABILITRAK WARNING CAME ON. TOOK TO CHEVY DEALER WHO REPLACED SPARK PLUG AND NEW BATTERY. IN JANUARY 2015, STABILITRAK WARNING LIGHT ON AGAIN. TOOK TRUCK IMMEDIATELY TO DEALER WHO HOOKED IT UP FOR DIAGNOSIS BUT DID GET ANY RESULTS. LIGHT DID NOT COME ON AGAIN UNTIL 9/8/15 WHEN I WAS DRIVING 70 MPH ON A HIGHWAY. SERVICE STABILITRAK/SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL/ABS ALL LIT UP. STRANGE NOISE COMING FROM RIGHT FRONT TIRE AREA WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN TO PULL OFF THE HIGHWAY, HAD NO BRAKES. PEDAL LITERALLY WENT TO THE FLOOR. LUCKILY THERE WAS AN INCLINE SO MY VEHICLE SLOWED ENOUGH TO ALLOW ME TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY. PULLED OFF ONTO AN EMERGENCY AREA JUST PAST THE TOLL BOOTHS AND HAD TO USE MY EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP. LUCKILY, I DIDN'T HAVE MY 4 SMALL CHILDREN WITH ME LIKE I USUALLY DO. NOW THE EXTENDED WARRANTY COMPANY IS TRYING TO DENY MY CLAIM FOR REPAIRS SAYING THAT THE RUST WAS THE CAUSE. I HAD THE VEHICLE LOOKED AT BY A CERTIFIED AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO DIDN'T NOTICE THE RUST AND I ALSO HAD THE TRUCK INSPECTED IN JULY PER MA LAW FOR SAFETY AND EMISSIONS AND THERE WAS NO MENTION OF RUST EVEN THOUGH THEY DO A PRETTY THOROUGH INSPECTION YET I, THE CONSUMER, AM AT FAULT WHEN MY WHEEL RIPS APART FROM THE HUB WHILE TRAVELING 70 MPH?!? THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A HUGE PROBLEM. PEOPLE IN THE NORTHEAST DRIVE SUVS -AND COME INTO CONTACT WITH SALT EVERY WINTER. ISN'T THAT THE POINT OF HAVING AN SUV?!?. NEVER AGAIN WILL I BUY A GM AND I WILL BE SURE TO TELL ANYONE AND EVERYONE I KNOW TO AVOID THEM AS WELL. SHAME ON GM FOR PUTTING CONSUMERS IN POTENTIALLY LIFE-THREATENING SITUATIONS BECAUSE OF THE OBVIOUS USE OF INFERIOR MATERIALS. I HOPE THE NHTSA TAKES A REALLY CLOSE LOOK AT THIS PROBLEM AND FORCE GM TO ADDRESS IT.
NHTSA ODI #10763905
120,000 miles · Sep 10, 2015
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD DEVELOPED TWO CRACKS. ONE WAS NEAR THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND THE OTHER WAS NEAR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. MA 10/2…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD DEVELOPED TWO CRACKS. ONE WAS NEAR THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND THE OTHER WAS NEAR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. MA 10/25/15
NHTSA ODI #10762783
56,000 miles · Sep 9, 2015
Unknown Or Other
ON JULY 7TH 2015, I WENT TO MY VEHICLE AND NOTICED A CRACK IN THE DASH ON THE DRIVERS SIDE, SUBSEQUENTLY THE PASSENGER SIDE CRACKED. I CONSIDER THIS TO BE A HAZARDOUS SITUATION BECAUSE IN THE EVENT OF AN AIRBAG RELEASE SMALL PIECES OF THE CHEAP PLASTIC USED IN THE DASH WOULD BE PROPELLED FORTH CAUSING INJURY. I NOTIFIED MY DEAL…
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ON JULY 7TH 2015, I WENT TO MY VEHICLE AND NOTICED A CRACK IN THE DASH ON THE DRIVERS SIDE, SUBSEQUENTLY THE PASSENGER SIDE CRACKED. I CONSIDER THIS TO BE A HAZARDOUS SITUATION BECAUSE IN THE EVENT OF AN AIRBAG RELEASE SMALL PIECES OF THE CHEAP PLASTIC USED IN THE DASH WOULD BE PROPELLED FORTH CAUSING INJURY. I NOTIFIED MY DEALERSHIP AND WAS QUOTED $1365 FOR A REPLACEMENT DASH WITH GM OFFERING A 50/50 SPLIT ON THE COST. IF YOU'RE OFFERING TO PAY PART OF THE COST IT'S BECAUSE YOU ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT THE REPLACEMENT DASHES ARE CRACKING ALSO. POOR QUALITY COMPONENTS MAKE A POOR QUALITY PRODUCT! MY 2008 SUBURBAN IS GARAGE KEPT WITH 58,600 MILES ON IT. I ONLY USE IT FOR VACATIONS.
NHTSA ODI #10762534
140,000 miles · Jul 29, 2015
Vehicle Speed Control
OWN A 2008 SUBURBAN AND HAD EXACT PROBLEM FIVE (5) TIMES AND PAID TO REPAIR (5) TIMES. WE HAVE CALLED GM CONSISTENTLY RELATIVE TO PROBLEM AND WILL NOT ADMIT ISSUE. WE HAVE LEARNED OTHER OWNERS HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES WITH STABILLITRAK SENSORS. THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY DROPS SPEED TO 20 MILES AN HOUR DURING DRIVING. MY UNDERSTAN…
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OWN A 2008 SUBURBAN AND HAD EXACT PROBLEM FIVE (5) TIMES AND PAID TO REPAIR (5) TIMES. WE HAVE CALLED GM CONSISTENTLY RELATIVE TO PROBLEM AND WILL NOT ADMIT ISSUE. WE HAVE LEARNED OTHER OWNERS HAVING SIMILAR ISSUES WITH STABILLITRAK SENSORS. THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY DROPS SPEED TO 20 MILES AN HOUR DURING DRIVING. MY UNDERSTANDING, THE VEHICLE RECEIVES SENOR READING RELATIVE TO STERRING AND STABILITY (POTENTIAL FOR VEHICLE TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL). ISSUE IS THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY DROPS SPEED WHICH CAN CAUSE POTENTIAL FOR SEVERE "REAR-END" ACCIDENTS. I CALLED YOUR HOTLINE "WITHOUT RETURN CALLS"!
NHTSA ODI #10744655
113,000 miles · May 27, 2015
Fuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL CAP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL CAP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE EVAC SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AGAIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,000.
NHTSA ODI #10721602
60,000 miles · May 22, 2015
Air Bags
THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN AND CHEVROLET WILL NOT TAKE OWNERSHIP THAT THIS IS A A MAJOR DEFECT IN MANUFACTURING. THESE DASHBOARDS CRACKING AND NOW THE SAFETY COVER FOR MY AIR BAG IS POPPING UP. I AM AFRAID THAT THE AIRBAG WILL FALSELY DEPLOY. I HAVE FOUR KIDS THAT TAKE TURNS IN THE FRONT SEAT WERE THIS CAN BE A BIG ISSUE. NO…
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THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN AND CHEVROLET WILL NOT TAKE OWNERSHIP THAT THIS IS A A MAJOR DEFECT IN MANUFACTURING. THESE DASHBOARDS CRACKING AND NOW THE SAFETY COVER FOR MY AIR BAG IS POPPING UP. I AM AFRAID THAT THE AIRBAG WILL FALSELY DEPLOY. I HAVE FOUR KIDS THAT TAKE TURNS IN THE FRONT SEAT WERE THIS CAN BE A BIG ISSUE. NOT ONLY THAT, IF WE DO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT THE DASHBOARD FRAGMENTS CAN BREAK OFF AND IMPALE SOMEONE. THIS NEEDS TO BE RECALLED BEFORE INJURIES OCCUR. I HAVE PICTURES IF U WOULD LIKE TO SEE THEM. I EVEN HAVE A BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTEE AND THEY ARE STILL NOT FIXING THE ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #10721061
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
60,000 miles · Jan 7, 2015
StructureInjury
CHROME PLATING ON INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES PEELED OFF FROM THE PLASTIC BASE MATERIAL AND CAUSED FINGER INJURY . *TR
NHTSA ODI #10670831
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