NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
213 reportsMileage unknown · Mar 21, 2014
StructureInjury
MY MAIN CONCERN IS THE INTERIOR SILVER COATED DOOR HANDLES IN MY 2008 SUBURBAN. THE COATING HAS SPLINTERED AND IS CUTTING OUR HANDS. THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE IN THE 2007 AND 2008 MODEL, WHEN I LOOK IT UP ONLINE. I'M WONDERING WHY A RECALL HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED FOR SOMETHING THAT IS DANGEROUS TO ME AND MY CHILDREN? IT IS A PRODUCT…
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MY MAIN CONCERN IS THE INTERIOR SILVER COATED DOOR HANDLES IN MY 2008 SUBURBAN. THE COATING HAS SPLINTERED AND IS CUTTING OUR HANDS. THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE IN THE 2007 AND 2008 MODEL, WHEN I LOOK IT UP ONLINE. I'M WONDERING WHY A RECALL HAS NOT BEEN ISSUED FOR SOMETHING THAT IS DANGEROUS TO ME AND MY CHILDREN? IT IS A PRODUCT THAT WAS MADE POORLY AND THEY ARE HAPPY TO CHARGE ME $200 PER DOOR TO FIX IT! IF USE BROKE A MECHANISM IN THE DOOR HANDLE THEN FINE, BUT I'VE NEVER HAD A METAL DOOR HANDLE PEEL BEFORE! I ALSO HAVE A CRACK IN MY DASHBOARD THAT IS NEAR TO THE PASSENGER AIR BAG, IT IS SLOWLY GROWING. I HAVE A FEELING IF IT WASN'T GARAGE KEPT THAT IT WOULD BE A LOT LARGER THAN IT HAS BECOME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10573933
125,000 miles · Feb 18, 2014
Engine
MY 2008 SUBURBAN STARTED BURNING A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF OIL. SEEMS LIKE I WAS CONTINUOUSLY ADDING OIL. RAISED THE ISSUE WITH THE DEALER, WHO INDICATED IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM BUT PROBABLY NOT WORTH THE EXPENSE OF FIXING IF I COULD KEEP CHECKING THE OIL. THIS ADVICE WAS ALSO BASED ON THE FACT THAT ALL MY MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN P…
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MY 2008 SUBURBAN STARTED BURNING A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF OIL. SEEMS LIKE I WAS CONTINUOUSLY ADDING OIL. RAISED THE ISSUE WITH THE DEALER, WHO INDICATED IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM BUT PROBABLY NOT WORTH THE EXPENSE OF FIXING IF I COULD KEEP CHECKING THE OIL. THIS ADVICE WAS ALSO BASED ON THE FACT THAT ALL MY MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN PERFORMED AT THIS DEALER, SO THEY KNOW THE VEHICLE WELL. THE LAST WEEK IN JANUARY WAS VERY BUSY AND SAW ME DRIVING ABOUT 100 MILES A DAY. ON THURSDAY, ABOUT 30 MILES FROM HOME, THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS STARTING BLINKING, THE CAR LOST POWER, AND THE ENGINE BEGAN RUNNING ROUGH. THIS WAS ON A VERY BUSY HIGHWAY (U.S. ROUTE 50 NEAR ANNAPOLIS) DURING RUSH HOUR. THIS CREATED A DANGEROUS SITUATION. I WAS EVENTUALLY ABLE TO GET THE CAR HOME. WHEN I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER, THEY SAID THE OIL WAS DRY (I HAD CHECKED IT THE PREVIOUS WEEKEND), A LIFTER HAD BROKEN, AND A PISTON HEAD WAS SCORED. THE COST OF WORK TO FIX WOULD EXCEED THE COST OF A NEW ENGINE. I NOW HAVE A NEW ENGINE, THE COST OF WHICH WAS NOT IN MY BUDGET. THIS EXPERIENCE REFLECTS WHAT HAS BEEN HAVE REPORTED FREQUENTLY ON AUTOMOBILE RELATED WEB SITES.. GIVEN THAT THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW, CHEVROLET SHOULD BE COVERING AT LEAST PART OF THIS FIX. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10564785
Mileage unknown · Feb 15, 2014
Child Seat
BRITAX FASTBACK CAR SEAT PUSH BUTTON LATCH STUCK. COULDN'T RELEASE EVEN WITH TWO PEOPLE TRYING TO PUSH THE RED BUTTON. FINALLY HAD TO GET SCISSORS TO CUT THE STRAP TO REMOVE THE CHILD (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=2008, MAKE=SUBURBAN, MODEL=CHEVY). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10564499
50,000 miles · Jan 27, 2014
Air BagsStructure
THERE IS A CRACK ON TOP OF THE DASHBOARD THAT HAS BECOME PROGRESSIVELY LARGER. RECENTLY A SECOND CRACK APPEARED RIGHT OVER THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. THIS MAY INTERFERE WITH THE DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAGS. THIS SEEMS TO BE A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH 2007 AND 2008 CHEVY WITH SAME DASHBOARD (TAHOE, SUBURBAN, ET AL.) MODELS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10561616
Mileage unknown · Dec 2, 2013
Electrical SystemStructure
ALL 4 AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKING ACTUATORS DO NOT WORK. THE ACTUATORS DO NOT WORK WHEN THE LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTON IS PRESSED ON THE REMOTE. LOCKS DO NOT ACTUATE WHEN THE CAR IS PUT INTO PARK OR WHEN THE SPEED IS ATTAINED THAT IS SET IN THE SYSTEM SETTINGS. THE ONLY WAY TO LOCK/UNLOCK THE DOORS IS TO MANUALLY PUSH OR PULL THE DOOR LOC…
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ALL 4 AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKING ACTUATORS DO NOT WORK. THE ACTUATORS DO NOT WORK WHEN THE LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTON IS PRESSED ON THE REMOTE. LOCKS DO NOT ACTUATE WHEN THE CAR IS PUT INTO PARK OR WHEN THE SPEED IS ATTAINED THAT IS SET IN THE SYSTEM SETTINGS. THE ONLY WAY TO LOCK/UNLOCK THE DOORS IS TO MANUALLY PUSH OR PULL THE DOOR LOCK. YOU CAN ALSO UNLOCK THE DRIVERS SIDE LOCK BY USING THE KEY. THIS IS UNSAFE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10554422
47,480 miles · Nov 12, 2013
Air BagsElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine
AIR BAG LIGHT, DOOR LOCKS, TRACTION CONTROL, RADIO, AND MANY OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FLICKER ON AND OFF. ENGINE VIBRATES AND THEN DIES. WILL NOT START BACK UP UNTIL SOME PERIOD OF TIME GOES BY. ALWAYS DIFF AND HAPPENS IN ALL TEMPS AND DRIVING CONDITIONS. WHEN IN GARAGE ALL NIGHT WILL NOT START IN THE AM. VERY INTERMITTENT. W…
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AIR BAG LIGHT, DOOR LOCKS, TRACTION CONTROL, RADIO, AND MANY OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FLICKER ON AND OFF. ENGINE VIBRATES AND THEN DIES. WILL NOT START BACK UP UNTIL SOME PERIOD OF TIME GOES BY. ALWAYS DIFF AND HAPPENS IN ALL TEMPS AND DRIVING CONDITIONS. WHEN IN GARAGE ALL NIGHT WILL NOT START IN THE AM. VERY INTERMITTENT. WE HAVE BEEN STRANDED WITH KIDS 5 TIMES AND HAVE ONLY OWNED THIS VEHICLE FOR 4 MONTHS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10552006
82,000 miles · Oct 3, 2013
Structure
OUR 2008 SUBURBAN DASH HAS STARTING CRACKING UPON FURTHER REVIEW EXACTLY WHERE MANY OTHERS ARE HAVING THE ISSUES. MY CONCERN IS THAT ONE AREA IS AROUND THE AIR BAGS AND AS IT CONTINUES TO DETERIORATE THERE MAY BE ISSUES WITH SAFETY DEVICE. BASED ON WHAT I HAVE SEEN ACROSS WEB IS THAT IT IS A MALFUNCTION OF THE PRODUCT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10546591
3,000 miles · Sep 5, 2013
Latches/locks/linkages
DOOR HANDLE FAILURE THREE TIMES, WAITING FOR FOURTH TO FAIL AT ANYTIME. GM COMPLAINT DEPT REFUSES TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY. THREE DOOR LOCKS FAILED BY 39,000 MILES, LAST ONE BEING RIGHT PASSENGER DOOR. WE HAVE A 1978 CHEVY PU AND THE DOOR LOCKS NEVER FAILED! THIS IS ABSURD, A $55,000 TOP OF THE LINE LTZ MODEL SHOULD NOT HAVE THI…
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DOOR HANDLE FAILURE THREE TIMES, WAITING FOR FOURTH TO FAIL AT ANYTIME. GM COMPLAINT DEPT REFUSES TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY. THREE DOOR LOCKS FAILED BY 39,000 MILES, LAST ONE BEING RIGHT PASSENGER DOOR. WE HAVE A 1978 CHEVY PU AND THE DOOR LOCKS NEVER FAILED! THIS IS ABSURD, A $55,000 TOP OF THE LINE LTZ MODEL SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM, AND GM WON'T ACKNOWLEDGE POOR QUALITY PARTS AND WORKMANSHIP! WHAT CAN A CONSUMER DO TO RECTIFY THIS SITUATION?. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10542044
61,000 miles · Aug 4, 2013
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages
REAR HATCH DOOR ACTUATOR WENT OUT. THE DOOR IS IN THE LOCKED POSITION AND CANNOT BE OPENED WITH CONSOLE BUTTON, KEY FOB OR EXTERIOR HANDLE. THERE IS NO WAY TO OPEN THE REAR HATCH FROM THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE CREATING A SAFETY HAZARD FOR PASSENGERS RIDING IN THE 3RD SEAT. THE REAR HATCH IS NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR USE SINCE I IS IN A…
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REAR HATCH DOOR ACTUATOR WENT OUT. THE DOOR IS IN THE LOCKED POSITION AND CANNOT BE OPENED WITH CONSOLE BUTTON, KEY FOB OR EXTERIOR HANDLE. THERE IS NO WAY TO OPEN THE REAR HATCH FROM THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE CREATING A SAFETY HAZARD FOR PASSENGERS RIDING IN THE 3RD SEAT. THE REAR HATCH IS NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR USE SINCE I IS IN A LOCKED POSITION AND CANNOT BE OPENED. I HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH GM. THEIR CS REPRESENTATIVE CONTACTED ME TO LET ME KNOW THAT MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP CAN FIX THE PROBLEM AT MY EXPENSE. TENS OF THOUSANDS OF THESE COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN FILED WITH GM OVER THE LAST 2 YRS. AND THERE HAS BEEN NO RECALL FOR THIS POTENTIALLY FATAL SAFETY HAZARD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10533536
50,000 miles · Jul 15, 2013
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages
I PURCHASED A 2008 SUBURBAN LTZ IN JULY 2011. SHORTLY AFTER WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE 3 OF THE DOORS LOCKS HAVE STOPPED FUNCTIONING COMPLETELY, THE 4TH DOOR WORKS SPORADICALLY (DRIVER SIDE, PASSENGER). THE LOCKS DO NOT WORK AT ALL WITH THE KEYLESS ENTRY NOR THE MAIN LOCK BUTTON FROM THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT …
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I PURCHASED A 2008 SUBURBAN LTZ IN JULY 2011. SHORTLY AFTER WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE 3 OF THE DOORS LOCKS HAVE STOPPED FUNCTIONING COMPLETELY, THE 4TH DOOR WORKS SPORADICALLY (DRIVER SIDE, PASSENGER). THE LOCKS DO NOT WORK AT ALL WITH THE KEYLESS ENTRY NOR THE MAIN LOCK BUTTON FROM THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT IT IS A PROBLEM WITH THE LOCK ACTUATORS MALFUNCTIONING AND THAT IT IS ALSO A WELL KNOWN ISSUE FROM VARIOUS DEALERS AND PER MY RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET. IN ORDER TO UNLOCK THE DOORS, I MUST MANUALLY USE THE KEY TO UNLOCK THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR THEN UNLOCK ALL THE OTHER DOORS BY HAND ONE BY ONE. THEN WE MUST LOCK ALL DOORS MANUALLY AFTER ENTERING BECAUSE THE LOCKS ALSO DO NOT LOCK AUTOMATICALLY WHEN YOU TAKE THE CAR OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. ALTHOUGH THE POWER LOCKS ARE A LUXURY, THIS ALSO BECOMES A SAFETY ISSUE. A VEHICLE WITH AN ORIGINAL ASKING PRICE OF OVER $55,000 SHOULD NEVER HAVE THIS ISSUE AND I'M NOT SURE WHY CHEVROLET FAILS TO TAKE ACTION FOR A CLEAR SAFETY DANGER. AS A MOTHER OF 3 CHILDREN I FIND THIS TO BE A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. A CHILD COULD EASILY OPEN THE DOOR AND FALL OUT OF THE MOVING VEHICLE OR IF WE WERE INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT ANY ONE OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS (ADULT OR CHILD) COULD POTENTIALLY BE EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE, CAUSING EITHER SERIOUS INJURY OR WORSE!! I REALIZE THE CHILD SAFETY LOCKS CAN BE ACTIVATED TO KEEP A CHILD FROM OPENING THE DOOR ACCIDENTALLY, BUT THAT WILL NOT PREVENT A CARJACKER OR ANYONE ELSE FOR THAT MATTER FROM JUMPING IN AND STEALING THE CAR OR KIDNAPPING A CHILD. IN MY OPINION, THEIR DEFINITELY NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ISSUED FOR THIS MAJOR LOCKING MALFUNCTION BASED ON MY EXPERIENCE AND HUNDREDS OF OTHERS I HAVE RESEARCHED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10524919
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.
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