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2009 GMC Sierra 1500

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 181.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

117 reports with mileage · 117 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 122 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

4 crash reports4 fire reports3 injury reports

Structure complaints

20 reports
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80,000 miles · Feb 5, 2017
Structure

CRACKS APPEARED ON DASHBOARD ABOVE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND PASSENGER AIRBAG. CRACK NEXT TO AIRBAG APPEARS TO BE SAFETY HAZARD AS IT COULD PUNCTURE THE AIRBAG DURING DEPLOYMENT OR THE PLASTIC COULD EASILY BREAK AND BE LAUNCHED AS A PROJECTILE.

NHTSA ODI #10949654

Mileage unknown · Dec 19, 2016
Structure

DASH IS CRACKING EVERYWHERE. IT LOOK PISS POOR FOR $35000 TRUCK. IT'S STARTED WITH A SMALL CRACK. I TRIED TO BOND IT TOGETHER. THEN EVENTUALLY IT SPREAD LEAVING LARGE HOLES AND CRACKS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10936149

76,000 miles · Oct 25, 2016
Structure

THE DASH HAS CRACKED, SPECIFICALLY AROUND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG, WHICH RAISES CONCERN THAT DEBRIS UPON IMPACT MAY CAUSE INJURY OR CAUSE THE AIRBAG TO MALFUNCTION. THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN A COLLISION. THE CRACKS PROGRESSIVELY WORSEN OVER TIME. GMC REFUSES TO OFFER ASSISTANCE FOR THIS REPAIR BECAUSE IT IS OUTSIDE OF WA…

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THE DASH HAS CRACKED, SPECIFICALLY AROUND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG, WHICH RAISES CONCERN THAT DEBRIS UPON IMPACT MAY CAUSE INJURY OR CAUSE THE AIRBAG TO MALFUNCTION. THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN A COLLISION. THE CRACKS PROGRESSIVELY WORSEN OVER TIME. GMC REFUSES TO OFFER ASSISTANCE FOR THIS REPAIR BECAUSE IT IS OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY AND WE ARE NOT THE ORIGINAL OWNERS. THE CRACKS HAVE APPEARED SINCE OWNING THE VEHICLE. THIS HAPPENED OUT OF THE BLUE, OVERNIGHT, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED.

NHTSA ODI #10918724

14,000 miles · Sep 24, 2016
Structure

CRACKED DASH...THIS APPEARS TO BE A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH GM, BUT NO RESOLUTION HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY THE MANUFACTURER AS OF YET. THIS ISSUE POSES A SERIOUS CONCERN THAT PIECES OF PLASTIC COULD BECOME DANGEROUS PROJECTILES IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH AND/OR AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.

NHTSA ODI #10909492

76,000 miles · Sep 19, 2016
Structure

DASHBOARD CRACKING, DRIVERS SIDE ABOUT 5" OF CRACKS, PASSENGERS SIDE CRACKED BEHIND AIRBAG. TRUCK NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, TRUCK WAS STATIONARY WHEN DISCOVERED. ALWAYS GARAGE KEPT OR SHADED WITH DASH COVER IF IN SUNLIGHT.

NHTSA ODI #10907537

34,000 miles · Jun 25, 2015
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, A LOUD BANGING SOUND WAS HEARD UNDER THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A STEEL SPRING THAT INDEPENDENTLY FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER ASSEMBLY …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, A LOUD BANGING SOUND WAS HEARD UNDER THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A STEEL SPRING THAT INDEPENDENTLY FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPARE TIRE CARRIER ASSEMBLY FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000. UPDATED 8/31/15*CN UPDATED 10/30/2017*CN

NHTSA ODI #10730418

36,015 miles · May 19, 2014
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD BEGAN TO CRACK AND SOME OF THE CRACKS WERE LOCATED DIRECTLY OVER THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,015.

NHTSA ODI #10592343

49,500 miles · Apr 25, 2014
Air BagsStructure

THERE IS A CRACK IN MY TRUCK'S DASHBOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE,RIGHT NEXT TO THE AIRBAG SECTION.THE DASHBOARD CRACKED ON ITS OWN,AS IT WAS NEVER SUBJECTED TO ANY KIND OF AN IMPACT OR FORCE. MY REASONABLE DOUBT IS THAT IT CRACKED DUE TO BEING MADE OF LOW QUALITY MATERIAL. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO MY LOCAL GMC DEALERSHIP,SAME PLACE WHE…

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THERE IS A CRACK IN MY TRUCK'S DASHBOARD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE,RIGHT NEXT TO THE AIRBAG SECTION.THE DASHBOARD CRACKED ON ITS OWN,AS IT WAS NEVER SUBJECTED TO ANY KIND OF AN IMPACT OR FORCE. MY REASONABLE DOUBT IS THAT IT CRACKED DUE TO BEING MADE OF LOW QUALITY MATERIAL. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO MY LOCAL GMC DEALERSHIP,SAME PLACE WHERE I ALWAYS TAKE MY TRUCK FOR ANYTHING CONCERNING MY TRUCK. WHEN I BROUGHT MY TRUCK AND SHOWED A SERVICE DEPT. EMPLOYEE, I WAS TOLD THAT NEITHER MY REGULAR,NOR MY EXTENDED VEHICLE WARRANTY COVERED THE DAMAGE,AND IF I WANTED IT REPLACED I WOULD NEED TO PAY ~$250!!! I WAS STUNNED AND APPALLED THAT I WOULD NEED TO PAY TO REPLACE SOMETHING THAT WAS CLEARLY A LOW QUALITY PRODUCT,SOMETHING I ALREADY PAID FOR WHEN I BOUGHT THE TRUCK BRAND NEW. I WILL NEVER GO BACK TO THAT DEALERSHIP, OR ANOTHER GMC DEALERSHIP AS A MATTER OF FACT, EVER AGAIN, JUST OUT OF SPITE. I FEEL CHEATED AND CONNED, AS NOT ONLY DID THE GMC NOT WANT TO REPLACE THE DASHBOARD,IT WAS NOT EVEN COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY I PURCHASED WHEN I GOT THE VEHICLE BRAND NEW. I SUSPECT GMC KNEW ABOUT THIS ISSUE SO THEY INTENTIONALLY DID NOT COVER IT UNDER THE VEHICLE WARRANTY. MY REAL CONCERN ISN'T IN THE AESTHETICS OF A CRACKED DASHBOARD,IT IS FOR THE SAFETY OF THE PASSENGERS THAT DRIVE IN MY TRUCK. IF,GOD FORBID,I WAS TO GET INTO A CAR ACCIDENT AND THE AIRBAG DEPLOYS, THERE IS A VERY REAL CHANCE THAT THE AIRBAG MIGHT GET PUNCTURED ON THE EDGE OF THE CRACKED DASHBOARD AND FAIL TO DO ITS FUNCTION AS IT WOULD IMMEDIATELY DEFLATE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD AND ONE THAT MIGHT COST SOMEONE THEIR LIFE,DO WE REALLY NEED TO WAIT FOR SOMETHING BAD TO HAPPEN (LIKE THE GMC ISSUE WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH WHICH COST PEOPLE THEIR LIVES AFTER THEIR GMC VEHICLE UNEXPECTEDLY SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY!!) BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE AND GMC DOES THE RIGHT THING AND OWNS UP TO ITS MISTAKE? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10585021

65,000 miles · Sep 16, 2013
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkagesStructure

MY DRIVER'S DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR HAS BEGUN WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. THIS IS THE SECOND DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR ON MY VEHICLE TO FAIL, THE FIRST WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AND THE GM MECHANIC TOLD ME THEY HAVE REPLACED NUMEROUS ACTUATORS. THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY LOCKS ALL DOORS WHEN DRIVEN AND UNLOCKS WHEN STOPPED HOWEVER THE FAULTY…

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MY DRIVER'S DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR HAS BEGUN WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. THIS IS THE SECOND DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR ON MY VEHICLE TO FAIL, THE FIRST WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY AND THE GM MECHANIC TOLD ME THEY HAVE REPLACED NUMEROUS ACTUATORS. THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY LOCKS ALL DOORS WHEN DRIVEN AND UNLOCKS WHEN STOPPED HOWEVER THE FAULTY ACTUATOR DOES NOT ALWAYS LOCK OR UNLOCK. THESE ACTUATORS HAVE A LONG HISTORY OF BEING DEFECTIVE AND GM IS AWARE OF IT BUT REFUSES TO RECALL THE FAULTY ACTUATOR EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE LITERALLY REPLACED THOUSANDS OF THESE UNITS. THESE FAULTY ACTUATORS ARE A SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT A DOOR COULD FAIL TO UNLOCK EFFECTIVELY TRAPPING THE OCCUPANTS. THE FAULTY ACTUATORS ARE ALSO A SECURITY CONCERN BECAUSE THEY COULD FAIL TO SECURE THE VEHICLE ALLOWING ANYONE ACCESS TO IT'S CONTENTS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10543798

25 miles · Nov 29, 2009
StructureVehicle Speed Control

VERTICAL PLASTIC COVER NEXT TO ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THERE IS A VERTICAL PLASTIC COVER OF SOME TYPE, ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THAT THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SOLE OF MY DRESS SHOES GETS CAUGHT ON, DELAYING MY FOOT FROM REACHING AND APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THESE VALUABLE MILLISECONDS IS GOING CAUSE SOMEONE OUT THER…

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VERTICAL PLASTIC COVER NEXT TO ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THERE IS A VERTICAL PLASTIC COVER OF SOME TYPE, ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THAT THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SOLE OF MY DRESS SHOES GETS CAUGHT ON, DELAYING MY FOOT FROM REACHING AND APPLYING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THESE VALUABLE MILLISECONDS IS GOING CAUSE SOMEONE OUT THERE TO GET KILLED OR SERIOUSLY MAIMED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10293936

Official recalls

4

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.

18V267000 · Equipment

Apr 26, 2018

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, 2009 GMC Topkick 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series and Isuzu F Series, and 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with certain Plastic-Handle Fire Extinguishers or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638. GM's number for this recall is 18146.

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

2

DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds

Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

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.