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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

What owners actually said

106 reports
33,000 miles · Aug 3, 2013
Air BagsElectrical System

THE DISCOVERY OF THE DEFECT WAS ON SEPTEMBER 2012. THERE IS A CRACK ON THE DASH ABOVE THE VEHICLES INSTRUMENTATION I.E. SPEEDOMETER, OIL PRESSURE, GAS LEVEL, ETC. I REPORTED TO LOCAL GM DEALERSHIP (HENRY BROWN CHEVROLET) ABOUT THE DEFECT AND MY CONCERN FOR SAFETY. THEY SAID THERE IS NO AVAILABLE SAFETY RECALL FOR THIS PROBLE…

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THE DISCOVERY OF THE DEFECT WAS ON SEPTEMBER 2012. THERE IS A CRACK ON THE DASH ABOVE THE VEHICLES INSTRUMENTATION I.E. SPEEDOMETER, OIL PRESSURE, GAS LEVEL, ETC. I REPORTED TO LOCAL GM DEALERSHIP (HENRY BROWN CHEVROLET) ABOUT THE DEFECT AND MY CONCERN FOR SAFETY. THEY SAID THERE IS NO AVAILABLE SAFETY RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. THINKING THAT THIS WAS AN ISOLATED CASE I DID NOT PURSUE THE MATTER. THEN RECENTLY WHEN I SURFED THE INTERNET I CAME UPON A GROUP OF GM VEHICLE OWNER WITH THE SAME TYPE OF VEHICLE AND THE SAME TYPE OF ISSUE. SO I INVESTIGATED FURTHER. GOING TO DIFFERENT WEB BLOGS, I FOUND MORE GM VEHICLE OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. EVERYBODY HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. THEY HAVE CRACKED DASH ON THEIR GM VEHICLES. SOME HAVE THE CRACKS ON BOTH SIDE WHERE THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS. THE DANGER IS THAT THIS MIGHT PUNCTURE THE AIRBAG AND RENDER IT INEFFECTIVE. THE MAIN CONCERN IS SAFETY BECAUSE I DON'T WANT MY VEHICLE TO FAIL ON ME AND MY FAMILY. IF FOR SOME REASON WATER GETS IN THE VEHICLES INSTRUMENTATION AND CAUSES AN ELECTRICAL SHORT, ME AND MY FAMILY COULD BE IN DANGER OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT. I AM TRYING TO BE PROACTIVE AND HAVE THIS PROBLEM RESOLVED RATHER THAN WAIT TO BE A VICTIM OF AN UNSAFE VEHICLE OR CAUSE ANOTHER DRIVER TO BE IN AN AVOIDABLE ACCIDENT. WE NEED THIS VEHICLES RECALLED SO THAT GM CAN TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND FIX AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10533422

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…

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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

30,000 miles · Jun 28, 2013
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

THE DOOR LOCKS INTERMITTENTLY WORK. SEEMS TO HAPPEN TO A LOT OF PEOPLE. SAFETY ISSUE. CAN'T GET IN OR OUT OF VEHICLE. WE HAD ONE FIXED AND NOW ALL OF THE DOORS ARE DOING IT. SOMETIMES THE CAR LOCKS ITSELF. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10522198

75,000 miles · Jun 17, 2013
Latches/locks/linkages

THE LOCK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR STOPPED WORKING BY THE UNLOCK BUTTON OR THE AUTOMATIC ENTRY BUTTON. HAD IT REPAIRED TO THE TUNE OF $500. NOW BOTH BACK DOOR LOCKS NEED REPLACING. DANGEROUS IF KIDS UNABLE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10520228

51,000 miles · May 17, 2013
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

ABOUT A YEAR AGO THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR LOCK WOULDN'T WORK, NOW ALL DOOR LOCKS WILL NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK WITH REMOTE OR SWITCH. ALSO WILL NOT LOCK/UNLOCK WHEN PUT INTO GEAR OR BACK INTO PART. LOCKS MOVE SLIGHTLY WHEN YOU PUSH THE BUTTON BUT WILL NOT FULLY ENGAGE OR DISENGAGE WHEN MANUALLY PUSHED. NO RECALL DATA AVAILABLE BUT …

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ABOUT A YEAR AGO THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR LOCK WOULDN'T WORK, NOW ALL DOOR LOCKS WILL NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK WITH REMOTE OR SWITCH. ALSO WILL NOT LOCK/UNLOCK WHEN PUT INTO GEAR OR BACK INTO PART. LOCKS MOVE SLIGHTLY WHEN YOU PUSH THE BUTTON BUT WILL NOT FULLY ENGAGE OR DISENGAGE WHEN MANUALLY PUSHED. NO RECALL DATA AVAILABLE BUT I SEE MANY COMPLAINTS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10512614

26,693 miles · May 8, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

PURCHASED CAR JULY 09 BEGIN HAVING PROBLEMS IMMED WITH SEATBELT REPLACED 9/17/09, 11/ 25/09, RADIO LOCK, SOLENOID VALVE REPLACED 1/21/10, AUG OF 2010 STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH 4 WHEEL DR. CAR HAS BEEN SERVICED AT LEAST 12 TIMES SINCE THEN FOR 4 WHEEL DRIVE ISSUES. I GOT STUCK IN SNOW DEC. 2012 WITH NO 4 WHEEL DRIVE. THE TRANS…

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PURCHASED CAR JULY 09 BEGIN HAVING PROBLEMS IMMED WITH SEATBELT REPLACED 9/17/09, 11/ 25/09, RADIO LOCK, SOLENOID VALVE REPLACED 1/21/10, AUG OF 2010 STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH 4 WHEEL DR. CAR HAS BEEN SERVICED AT LEAST 12 TIMES SINCE THEN FOR 4 WHEEL DRIVE ISSUES. I GOT STUCK IN SNOW DEC. 2012 WITH NO 4 WHEEL DRIVE. THE TRANSFER CASE HAS BEEN REPLACED 6 TIMES SINCE START OFD PROB. I AM CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE SINCE I PURCHASED IT WITH INTENTION OF NEEDING 4 WHEEL DRIVE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10511134

80,000 miles · Apr 5, 2013
Latches/locks/linkages

DOOR LOCKS NO LONGER WORKING ON DRIVER DOOR, FRONT PASSENGER, AND NOW REAR PASSENGER. DEALERSHIP SAYS ALL THREE NEED REPLACED. DRIVER DOOR WENT FIRST, THEN FRONT PASSENGER, AND THEN REAR PASSENGER. I HAVE FOUND SEVERAL POSTINGS RELATED TO MULTIPLE DOOR LOCK FAILURES - NOT JUST SINGLE LOCKS, BUT MANY CASES OF 2-4 LOCKS FAILING ON…

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DOOR LOCKS NO LONGER WORKING ON DRIVER DOOR, FRONT PASSENGER, AND NOW REAR PASSENGER. DEALERSHIP SAYS ALL THREE NEED REPLACED. DRIVER DOOR WENT FIRST, THEN FRONT PASSENGER, AND THEN REAR PASSENGER. I HAVE FOUND SEVERAL POSTINGS RELATED TO MULTIPLE DOOR LOCK FAILURES - NOT JUST SINGLE LOCKS, BUT MANY CASES OF 2-4 LOCKS FAILING ON A SINGLE VEHICLE. LOCKS ARE VERY EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE (ESPECIALLY IN QUANTITIES OF 3 OR 4) AND REPRESENT A SAFETY ISSUE IF THE DOORS CANNOT BE SECURED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10507255

60,000 miles · Jan 8, 2013
Vehicle Speed Control

SUDDEN ATTENDED ACCELERATION ACCELERATED FROM 2 MPH TO 60 MPH. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10491827

48,000 miles · Oct 11, 2012
Structure

DASHBOARD ON THE DRIVER SIDED CRACKED INTO 2 PIECES. I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO HAVE HAD THIS ISSUES. I FOUND QUITE NUMBERS OF OWNER HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS NOT THE QUALITY YOU EXPECT FROM $50K VEHICLE, I BELIEVE IT IS DUE TO "POORLY" FINISHED JOB. GM SIMPLY REFUSES TO TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY AND FORCES ME TO PAY S…

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DASHBOARD ON THE DRIVER SIDED CRACKED INTO 2 PIECES. I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO HAVE HAD THIS ISSUES. I FOUND QUITE NUMBERS OF OWNER HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS NOT THE QUALITY YOU EXPECT FROM $50K VEHICLE, I BELIEVE IT IS DUE TO "POORLY" FINISHED JOB. GM SIMPLY REFUSES TO TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY AND FORCES ME TO PAY SO CALLED, "DEDUCTIBLE". I BELIEVE THE NHTSA SHOULD LOOK INTO THIS MATTER. THANK YOU. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10479769

44,000 miles · Jan 31, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, HydraulicSteering

WHILE TAKING 4 CHILDREN TO SCHOOL IN THE MORNING, THE DASH TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND THE ENGINE DIED. POWER STEERING AND BREAKS WERE GONE AND I WAS LEFT STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY INTERSECTION. AFTER SEVERAL FRANTIC MINUTES, I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE A DRIVE HOME. *TT

NHTSA ODI #10446056

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.