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2013 GMC Sierra 1500

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2013 GMC Sierra 1500 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 181.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Compare all Sierra 1500 years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

67 reports with mileage · 48 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 35 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

2 crash reports1 fire reports3 injury reports

Air Bags complaints

35 reports
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44,800 miles · Nov 22, 2017
Air Bags

I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN JULY 2016, I INQUIRED AT THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT HAVING THE RECALL DONE. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS DURING MY FIRST INQUIRY. ON MY 2ND INQUIRY, I WAS TOLD THAT GM WAS AWAITING COURT PROCEEDINGS TO BE RESOLVED REGARDING GM'S RESPONSIBILITY AND/OR COST. SINCE THEN TO DATE, MY DASHBOARD AT…

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I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN JULY 2016, I INQUIRED AT THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT HAVING THE RECALL DONE. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS DURING MY FIRST INQUIRY. ON MY 2ND INQUIRY, I WAS TOLD THAT GM WAS AWAITING COURT PROCEEDINGS TO BE RESOLVED REGARDING GM'S RESPONSIBILITY AND/OR COST. SINCE THEN TO DATE, MY DASHBOARD AT THE AREA OF THE PASSENGER AIRBAG HAS CRACKED AND I STILL HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO RESOLVE THE MATTER.

NHTSA ODI #11048030

Mileage unknown · Oct 31, 2017
Air Bags

TAKATA RECALL..RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON 07/2016/ FROM GMC ABOUT DEFECTIVE AIR BAG. LETTER SAYS "NO NEED TO TAKE ACTION NOW. YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED WHEN PARTS ARE AVAILABLE TO REMEDY YOUR VEHICLE." I HAVE NEVER BEEN NOTIFIED BY GM..STILL WAITING, I NOW HAVE A COLLEGE STUDENT DRIVING THIS PICKUP AND WOULD LIKE SOME ATTENTI…

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TAKATA RECALL..RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON 07/2016/ FROM GMC ABOUT DEFECTIVE AIR BAG. LETTER SAYS "NO NEED TO TAKE ACTION NOW. YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED WHEN PARTS ARE AVAILABLE TO REMEDY YOUR VEHICLE." I HAVE NEVER BEEN NOTIFIED BY GM..STILL WAITING, I NOW HAVE A COLLEGE STUDENT DRIVING THIS PICKUP AND WOULD LIKE SOME ATTENTION.

NHTSA ODI #11041758

110,000 miles · Aug 16, 2017
Air BagsUnknown Or Other

MY COMPLAINT IS FOR THE CRACKED DASHBOARD JUST ABOVE THE FORWARD LEFT CORNER OF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG COMPARTMENT. THE DASH CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON; THERE IS NO KNOWN CAUSE. MY CONCERN IS BOTH COSMETIC AND SAFETY. NOT ONLY SHOULD A VEHICLE LESS THAN 5YRS OLD NOT HAVE A CRACKED DASHBOARD, BUT SINCE THE DASH IS CRACKED …

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MY COMPLAINT IS FOR THE CRACKED DASHBOARD JUST ABOVE THE FORWARD LEFT CORNER OF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG COMPARTMENT. THE DASH CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON; THERE IS NO KNOWN CAUSE. MY CONCERN IS BOTH COSMETIC AND SAFETY. NOT ONLY SHOULD A VEHICLE LESS THAN 5YRS OLD NOT HAVE A CRACKED DASHBOARD, BUT SINCE THE DASH IS CRACKED DIRECTLY ADJACENT TO THE AIR BAG COMPARTMENT, AND IS APPARENTLY PRONE TO CRACKING, THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR THE DASH TO SPLINTER AND PROJECT SMALL PIECES OF PLASTIC INTO THE BODY OF PASSENGERS IF THE AIRBAG WERE TO BE DEPLOYED.

NHTSA ODI #11015822

60,000 miles · Apr 3, 2017
Air Bags

CRACK IN DASHBOARD BY PASSENGER AIRBAG...AFRAID IT WILL DEPLOY

NHTSA ODI #10970296

Mileage unknown · Nov 30, 2016
Air Bags

INSTALLING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF TRUCK. IF THE AIRBAG WENT OFF IT WOULD INJURE OR KILL THE CHILD. THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED TO HOOK UP A CAR SEAT. THERE IS NO DEVICE TO TURN OFF THE AIRBAG WHEN A CHILD IS IN THEIR SEAT. NOBODY MENTIONED THIS WHEN PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE THAT YOU SHOULD NOT INSTALL A CAR…

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INSTALLING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF TRUCK. IF THE AIRBAG WENT OFF IT WOULD INJURE OR KILL THE CHILD. THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED TO HOOK UP A CAR SEAT. THERE IS NO DEVICE TO TURN OFF THE AIRBAG WHEN A CHILD IS IN THEIR SEAT. NOBODY MENTIONED THIS WHEN PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE THAT YOU SHOULD NOT INSTALL A CAR SEAT. WENT TO MICHIGAN STATE POLICE CAR SEAT EXPERT AND THE SARGE TELLS ME SHE HAS TRIED TO GET THEM TO INSTALL A SWITCH. I HAVE THE FEDERAL FORM SAYING I ASSUME ALL LIABILITY . THERE EITHER NEEDS A SWITCH OR SAY YOU SHOULD NOT INSTALL A CAR SEAT. CALLING GM I WAS TOLD TO PUT THE CHILD SEAT IN THE BACK. I HAVE ONLY ONE SEAT NO BACK SEAT. I ASKED IF I SHOULD INSTALL IT IN THE BED OF THE TRUCK. THERE RESPONSE WAS PUT CAR SEAT IN THE BACK SEAT. I WOULD IF I HAD ONE!. I AM AFRAID TO CARRY MY GRANDDAUGHTER IN MY VEHICLE. THE SARGENT CONFIRMED NOT TO PLACE CAR SEAT IN THE MIDDLE BECAUSE IF THE DRIVERS AIRBAG WENT OFF IT WOULD KILL HER. THE MANUAL SAY DON'T PUT THE CAR SEAT IN THE MIDDLE. IF PLACED ON THE PASSENGER SEAT IT WOULD HURT HER AND POSSIBLY BREAK BOTH LEGS. GM REFUSES TO INSTALL A SWITCH EVEN AT MY EXPENSE. THEY SAY IT IS A LIABILITY. IT SEEMS TO ME THEY ARE LIABLE IF THEY DON'T. NEED SOME HELP SO MORE KIDS DON'T GET HURT.

NHTSA ODI #10928914

29,204 miles · Oct 20, 2016
Air BagsStructure

MY DASHBOARD HAS A CRACK THAT APPEARED TODAY THAT'S LOCATED ON THE TOP LEFT CORNER OF MY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. I CALLED GM TODAY AND TOLD THEM OF THE SITUATION AND THEY STATED THAT THEY'RE AWARE OF THESE CRACKS HOWEVER THERE ISN'T A RECALL DUE TO IT NOT BEING A SAFETY ISSUE WHILE DRIVING. THE GM LADY ASKED ME HOW MANY MILES ARE…

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MY DASHBOARD HAS A CRACK THAT APPEARED TODAY THAT'S LOCATED ON THE TOP LEFT CORNER OF MY PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. I CALLED GM TODAY AND TOLD THEM OF THE SITUATION AND THEY STATED THAT THEY'RE AWARE OF THESE CRACKS HOWEVER THERE ISN'T A RECALL DUE TO IT NOT BEING A SAFETY ISSUE WHILE DRIVING. THE GM LADY ASKED ME HOW MANY MILES ARE ON MY TRUCK SO I TOLD HER IT ONLY HAS 29,204 MILES AND I'M THE ORIGINAL FIRST OWNER AND BOUGHT MY TRUCK BRAND NEW FROM THE DEALER. SHE THEN STATED THAT THE TRUCK IS ALREADY OVER THE 36 MONTH / 36,000 MILE WARRANTY THEREFORE IT'S NOT COVERED FOR A FREE DASHBOARD REPLACEMENT. CAN SOMEONE AT THE NHTSA PLEASE HELP ME OUT OR POINT ME IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION SO I CAN GET THIS PROBLEM RESOLVED. THANKS IN ADVANCE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10917701

40,000 miles · Oct 15, 2016
Air BagsUnknown Or Other

2013 GMC SIERA15004WD IT HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT AND HAND WASHED! THE DASH IS CRACKED OVER THE STERI G WHEEL AND THE PASSENGERS SIDE AIRBAG! THIS CAN'T BE SAFE! NOT TO MENTION IT JUST TURNED TO 40000 MILES! AND! THE PAINT WILL CHIP OFF IF SO MUCH AS A FLY HITS IT! AND THE PAINT ON THE ROOF HAS BUBBLES IT! AND THEY SAY IT'S HAIL DAM…

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2013 GMC SIERA15004WD IT HAS BEEN GARAGE KEPT AND HAND WASHED! THE DASH IS CRACKED OVER THE STERI G WHEEL AND THE PASSENGERS SIDE AIRBAG! THIS CAN'T BE SAFE! NOT TO MENTION IT JUST TURNED TO 40000 MILES! AND! THE PAINT WILL CHIP OFF IF SO MUCH AS A FLY HITS IT! AND THE PAINT ON THE ROOF HAS BUBBLES IT! AND THEY SAY IT'S HAIL DAMAGE! REALLLY ON JUST THAT PART OF THE TRUCK? I WILL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER GMC ( ALTHOUGH ME AND MY HUSBAND PURCHASED 2 NEW ONES WITHIN 6 MONTHS) THEY ARE CHEAPLY MADE AND EXPENSIVE TO BUY! THEY SHOULD BE BANNED FROM SELLING SUCH JUNK! AND THEY MADE THE MO EY NOW THEY ARE DOUBLE DIPPING MAKI G ALL THESE PEOPLE FIX THESE WRETCHED DASHES ON NEW VECHICLES! SHAME ON YOU!! AND WHEN YOUR BANKRUPT FROM INJURIES DUE TO YOUR NEGLIGENCE IT WILL BE A BLESSING!!!

NHTSA ODI #10916247

44,000 miles · Sep 19, 2016
Air BagsUnknown Or Other

DASH BROKE AT THE AIR BAG, IF IT WAS TO DEPLOY WILL SEND SHARP PIECES OF PLASTIC AT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER.

NHTSA ODI #10908021

60,000 miles · Aug 30, 2016
Air BagsUnknown Or Other

I HAVE A COUPLE CRACKS ON MY DASHBOARD AROUND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG. I ASKED THE DEALER TO REPLACE IT FOR FREE. THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME 300 DOLLARS.

NHTSA ODI #10899429

48,575 miles · Aug 18, 2016
Air Bags

DASHBOARD CRACKED IN SEVERAL PLACES NEAR FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAGS

NHTSA ODI #10896964

Official recalls

3

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.

21V054000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Feb 5, 2021

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally GM is recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL and 2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL and 2010-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY 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 25, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed to 40 VIN owners on May 11, 2021. A second owner notification letter was mailed to all other owners on January 24, 2022. 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 N212328800.

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.