← New search

2009 Chevrolet Suburban

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2009 Chevrolet Suburban do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 118.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

67 reports with mileage · 39 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Air Bags. Review the 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 16 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

1 crash reports0 fire reports2 injury reports

Engine complaints

10 reports
Clear category filter
167,000 miles · Apr 5, 2021
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SPUTTER AND SHAKE WITH A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO LIMP MODE AND DECELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN BACK TO THE CONTACT'S R…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SPUTTER AND SHAKE WITH A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO LIMP MODE AND DECELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN BACK TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE WAS LOW ON OIL. ADDITIONALLY, THE NUMBER 6 LIFTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,000.*DT

NHTSA ODI #11406454

130,000 miles · Dec 18, 2020
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

VEHICLE CONTINUES TO HAVE RANDOM ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AFTER ADDING NEW GROUNDS, NEW ALTERNATOR, NEW BATTERY, CHECKING CONTACTS. IT'S BEEN AT 4 REPAIR SHOPS INCLUDING A CHEVY DEALER AND CONTINUES TO HAVE PROBLEMS. DOORS CYCLE ON LOCK/UNLOCK, LIGHTS CYCLE DIMMING, ABS AND OTHER INDICATOR LIGHTS COME ON, LOSE ACCELERATION AND VEHICL…

Read full complaint

VEHICLE CONTINUES TO HAVE RANDOM ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AFTER ADDING NEW GROUNDS, NEW ALTERNATOR, NEW BATTERY, CHECKING CONTACTS. IT'S BEEN AT 4 REPAIR SHOPS INCLUDING A CHEVY DEALER AND CONTINUES TO HAVE PROBLEMS. DOORS CYCLE ON LOCK/UNLOCK, LIGHTS CYCLE DIMMING, ABS AND OTHER INDICATOR LIGHTS COME ON, LOSE ACCELERATION AND VEHICLE STALLS AND DIES. SEEMS TO HAPPEN MORE FREQUENTLY IN COLD WEATHER AND AFTER A 'REST' MAY OR MAY NOT START NO RHYME OR REASON. HAS BAFFLED MECHANICS FOR OVER 2 YEARS. PLS HELP.

NHTSA ODI #11384047

250,123 miles · Dec 8, 2020
Electrical SystemEngine

DRIVING DOWN A ROAD AND SHUT OFF WILL NOT START AGA

NHTSA ODI #11378454

200,000 miles · Nov 28, 2020
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

DRIVING FOR A FEW WEEKS ON MORE GOT UP ONE MORNING AND IT WOULD NOT S STARTED KEEP CRANKING TURN IT OVER THERE WOULDN'T STARTED

NHTSA ODI #11376799

110,000 miles · Jan 20, 2017
Engine

I WAS NOTIFIED BY THE VEHICLE THAT OIL PRESSURE IS LOW, TURN OFF IMMEDIATELY. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED ME I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. MY VEHICLE HAD 110,000 MILES, IT WAS WELL MAINTAINED, AND WAS DRIVEN CAREFULLY.

NHTSA ODI #10946789

82,000 miles · Jul 14, 2015
Engine

AS I'M SLOWING DOWN MY CAR SHOOTS OUT ALMOST INTO TRAFFIC. IT WORE DOWN BOTH MY FRONT AND REAR BREAK PADS. ALSO BURNS OIL. I HAVE TO ADD A FULL BOTTLE O OIL EVERY COUPLE O WEEKS. HAS SMOKED FROM EXHAUST REAL BAD ONE TIME BEFORE I KNEW TO ADD OIL. NOW SINCE YESTERDAY JULY 13, 2015 IT SAYS TO SERVICE STABILITRAK AND TRACTIO…

Read full complaint

AS I'M SLOWING DOWN MY CAR SHOOTS OUT ALMOST INTO TRAFFIC. IT WORE DOWN BOTH MY FRONT AND REAR BREAK PADS. ALSO BURNS OIL. I HAVE TO ADD A FULL BOTTLE O OIL EVERY COUPLE O WEEKS. HAS SMOKED FROM EXHAUST REAL BAD ONE TIME BEFORE I KNEW TO ADD OIL. NOW SINCE YESTERDAY JULY 13, 2015 IT SAYS TO SERVICE STABILITRAK AND TRACTION CONTROL IS OFF.

NHTSA ODI #10733855

70,000 miles · Jun 5, 2015
Engine

I HAVE NOTICED OVER THE LAST FEW OIL CHANGES AT EVERY 3000 MILES. THERE SEEMS TO BE AN EXTENSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL CONSUMPTION WITH THIS MOTOR. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT IT CONSUMES A QUART EVERY 1000 MILES. THERE IS NO VISIBLE LEAKS ON THE MOTOR OR ANY WHERE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. ALSO I HAVE NOTICED THAT AT A COLD START UP THERE …

Read full complaint

I HAVE NOTICED OVER THE LAST FEW OIL CHANGES AT EVERY 3000 MILES. THERE SEEMS TO BE AN EXTENSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL CONSUMPTION WITH THIS MOTOR. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT IT CONSUMES A QUART EVERY 1000 MILES. THERE IS NO VISIBLE LEAKS ON THE MOTOR OR ANY WHERE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. ALSO I HAVE NOTICED THAT AT A COLD START UP THERE IS A "PUFF" OF BLACK SMOKE THAT COMES OUT OF THE TAIL PIPE. THIS ALSO CAN BE CONFIRMED BY LOOKING AT THE TIP OF THE TAIL PIPE AND THE REAR BODY PANEL BEHIND THE TAIL PIPE WERE BLACK SOOT HAS FORMED.

NHTSA ODI #10723734

130,000 miles · Mar 2, 2015
Engine

MY CARS ENGINE SUDDENLY LOST POWER WHILE IT WAS ON. THE STABILITRAK LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT BOTH CAME ON. I HAD TO PULL OVER. CAR RESET ITSELF AFTER I SHUT IT OFF FOR FEW MINUTES. IT HAPPENED AGAIN. I TOOK IT TO DEALER AND DESPITE THE FACT THAT THEY ARE AWARE THAT IT SEEMS TO BE A RECURRING ISSUE, THEY SAY ITS NOT A RECALL ISSU…

Read full complaint

MY CARS ENGINE SUDDENLY LOST POWER WHILE IT WAS ON. THE STABILITRAK LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT BOTH CAME ON. I HAD TO PULL OVER. CAR RESET ITSELF AFTER I SHUT IT OFF FOR FEW MINUTES. IT HAPPENED AGAIN. I TOOK IT TO DEALER AND DESPITE THE FACT THAT THEY ARE AWARE THAT IT SEEMS TO BE A RECURRING ISSUE, THEY SAY ITS NOT A RECALL ISSUE. APPARENTLY AN OIL SENSOR GOES BAD AND DESPITE THE GAUGE SHOWING ITS OK, THE ENGINE IS OPERATING WITH NO OIL. I CHANGE THEN OIL EVERY 3000-3500 MILES SO IT SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN AN ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10691594

65,500 miles · Apr 6, 2014
Engine

NO OIL PRESSURE LIGHT DISPLAY. SHUT OFF ENGINE I HAD TO ADD OIL. I BELIEVE I HAVE THE SAME OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM MANY OTHERS HAVE BEEN CONCERNED ABOUT. I'VE HAD TO ADD OIL TO MY SUBURBAN EVER SINCE I BOUGHT IT IN 2009. I HAVE TO ADD OIL EVERY 1000 MILES. EVEN IF I'VE HAD AN OIL CHANGE. I CARRY EXTRA OIL WITH FOR FEAR OF…

Read full complaint

NO OIL PRESSURE LIGHT DISPLAY. SHUT OFF ENGINE I HAD TO ADD OIL. I BELIEVE I HAVE THE SAME OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM MANY OTHERS HAVE BEEN CONCERNED ABOUT. I'VE HAD TO ADD OIL TO MY SUBURBAN EVER SINCE I BOUGHT IT IN 2009. I HAVE TO ADD OIL EVERY 1000 MILES. EVEN IF I'VE HAD AN OIL CHANGE. I CARRY EXTRA OIL WITH FOR FEAR OF THE NO OIL PRESSURE LIGHT COMING ON. MY MOST CURRENT PROBLEM WAS WITH OIL STILL AT 40%. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10577766

64,353 miles · Jul 10, 2013
Engine

PURCHASED A 2008 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN IN 2010, WITH APPROXIMATELY 26,000 MILES. IT CURRENTLY HAS 64,353 MILES AND THE ENGINE IS VIGOROUSLY CONSUMING OIL. ON JULY 10TH, 2013 I WAS ON THE PARKWAY WHEN I BEGAN TO HEAR A TICKING NOSE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, THE WARNING INDICATOR INSIDE THE CAR WENT OFF AND THE DISPLAY R…

Read full complaint

PURCHASED A 2008 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN IN 2010, WITH APPROXIMATELY 26,000 MILES. IT CURRENTLY HAS 64,353 MILES AND THE ENGINE IS VIGOROUSLY CONSUMING OIL. ON JULY 10TH, 2013 I WAS ON THE PARKWAY WHEN I BEGAN TO HEAR A TICKING NOSE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, THE WARNING INDICATOR INSIDE THE CAR WENT OFF AND THE DISPLAY READ "OIL PRESSURE LOW", THE ACTUAL READER GAGE WAS MARKING NEARLY AT 0. I EXITED AT THE NEAREST EXIT, AND HAD TO REFILL THE MOTOR OIL WITH NEARLY 6 QTS. THE NEXT OIL CHANGE IS NOT DUE TIL ABOUT A MONTH FROM NOW OR ANOTHER 600 MILES. THERE AREN'T ANY VISIBLE LEAKS, THE TRUCK JUST SEEMS TO BE BURNING OIL FASTER THAN I CAN RUN IT THROUGH TO THE NEXT SCHEDULED OIL CHANGE OR THE 3,000 MILES USUALLY ALLOWED BY MOST OILS. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND IT APPEARS THAT A GOOD AMOUNT OF THIS PARTICULAR MODEL HAVE THE SAME EXACT ISSUE. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW IT FALLS ON THE CONSUMER TO MAKE SUCH REPAIRS WHEN IT IS CLEARLY A MATTER THAT SHOULD BE CORRECTED BY CHEVROLET. I DON'T BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, BUT IT IS CERTAINLY A MATTER THAT SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF AS RUNNING A VEHICLE WITHOUT MOTOR OIL COULD POTENTIALLY KILL THE ENGINE, AND PERMANENTLY DISABLE A VEHICLE, OR EVEN WORSE BRING UP A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST THE MANUFACTURES. I'VE BEEN A FAITHFUL CUSTOMER OF CHEVROLET BUT THIS COULD PERHAPS BE A DEAL BREAKER FOR ME, AS IT HAS BEEN FOR MANY INDIVIDUALS WHOM HAVE TRADED OFF THEIR VEHICLES FOR SOMETHING A BIT MORE RELIABLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10524270

Official recalls

5

21V050000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Feb 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.

21V052000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

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.

21V053000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Feb 5, 2021

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL 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 2010 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, 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 2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, 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."

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 24, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328790.

10V240000 · Electrical System

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.

09V154000 · Fuel System, Gasoline

May 6, 2009

GM IS RECALLING 27,188 MY 2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE HYBRID, ESCALADE ESV, AND ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SUBURBAN, TAHOE, TAHOE HYBRID, AND COLORADO; AND GMC YUKON, YUKON HYBRID, YUKON XL, AND CANYON VEHICLES. THE FUEL SYSTEM CONTROL MODULES MAY HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH AN ADHESIVE SEPARATION OF THE ROOM TEMPERATURE VULCANIZING (RTV) SEAL BETWEEN THE SEAL AND THE HOUSING MAY ALLOW WATER TO SEEP INTO THE MODULE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: WATER IN THE MODULE COULD CAUSE A SHORT OR OPEN CIRCUIT, ILLUMINATION OF THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LAMP, SETTING OF DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES OR THE ENGINE MAY BE HARD TO START, MAY NOT START OR MAY STALL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW FUEL SYSTEM CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 OR AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

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

1

EA21002 · 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.