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2013 GMC Sierra 2500

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2013 GMC Sierra 2500 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 46.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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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

24 reports with mileage · 22 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 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 5 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 reports0 injury reports

What owners actually said

46 reports
Mileage unknown · Aug 24, 2023
Electrical SystemPower TrainSuspension

I was driving 75 mph in traffic when my steering wheel jerked hard and the truck made a loud noise from underneath. Lights on dash engine light and traction light on. Dash read out said service stabilitrak and service traction control. I could have been hit from behind. The truck was stuck in 3rd gear. Would not go but under 30 …

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I was driving 75 mph in traffic when my steering wheel jerked hard and the truck made a loud noise from underneath. Lights on dash engine light and traction light on. Dash read out said service stabilitrak and service traction control. I could have been hit from behind. The truck was stuck in 3rd gear. Would not go but under 30 mph. This all happened [XXX]. My dad had stroke, I wasn't able to assist him because of this failure. Had truck taken by wrecker to dealership. Told me it was failed Transmission control module, which are and have been on backorder order since summer of 2022 globally. I drove back home and sent TCM to be repaired. 1286.00 dealership charged me 146.00 wrecker was 125.00. This is the 2nd time this truck has endangered my life. 1st time it was the 1st injector that put it into limp mode. These trucks with the limp mode, are going to get some one killed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11540460

Mileage unknown · Jun 23, 2023
Air Bags

I called my local GMC dealer (Maxwell GMC, Round Rock, TX) in regard to the Takata Air Bag recall to get some details about the repair (e.g. length of time for repair, parts availability, etc.) In addition to their reponse regarding the length of time and parts availability I was told that their was a high probability that the…

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I called my local GMC dealer (Maxwell GMC, Round Rock, TX) in regard to the Takata Air Bag recall to get some details about the repair (e.g. length of time for repair, parts availability, etc.) In addition to their reponse regarding the length of time and parts availability I was told that their was a high probability that the dash on my truck would crack during the airbag repair. I was also told that the GMC dealer would not cover the cost of the dash damage as a result of the airbag recall work. Shouldn't the repair of the air bag cover any related costs as a result of the repair such such as damage to the dash?

NHTSA ODI #11528620

Mileage unknown · May 18, 2023
Unknown Or Other

The TCM failed while my husband was driving the pick up and this also set off the posi traction control and stabilization link. The truck has fluctuating shifting and could have cause a wreck if there had been someone behind him because the speed dropped on the tuck and it the transmission can't shift properly or consistently …

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The TCM failed while my husband was driving the pick up and this also set off the posi traction control and stabilization link. The truck has fluctuating shifting and could have cause a wreck if there had been someone behind him because the speed dropped on the tuck and it the transmission can't shift properly or consistently for safe driving. The part has been on nationwide backorder for over a year.. this truck can not function properly with out this part. Calling the dealership there are many vehicles affected with this problem and no estimates time of part arrival replacement. The dealership knew exactly what the problem was when called but didn't recommend dropping the truck off as there are no ETA on replacement. Their recommendations is to research online to try to have the part repaired. No the part has not been inspected as it it unsafe to drive at the moment and there are no available replacement parts for the TCM at this time. The warning lights did not come on until the part failed to allow the transmission to shift. Per some people on a face book group this has apparently been a known issue with this part since 2011.

NHTSA ODI #11522670

Mileage unknown · Jan 5, 2023
Vehicle Speed Control

Vehicle EGR Bypass Valve becomes clogged do to faulty propeller system in valve resulting in vehicle entering into limp mode and stranding passengers in i climate and dangerous weather.

NHTSA ODI #11500307

Mileage unknown · Jun 19, 2022
Unknown Or Other

Dash is cracked in multiple places. Dash is not structural however loose shards of plastic pose a serious safety hazard if they were to come loose as a the result of a sudden change in acceleration. Vehicle is low milage with 130k miles, previous owner failed to report or repair the failed dash prior to my ownership. It is a com…

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Dash is cracked in multiple places. Dash is not structural however loose shards of plastic pose a serious safety hazard if they were to come loose as a the result of a sudden change in acceleration. Vehicle is low milage with 130k miles, previous owner failed to report or repair the failed dash prior to my ownership. It is a common failure on GM vehicles however it is very expensive to repair, unwarranted, yet poses a serious safety hazard. Dash will need to be repaired to ensure the safety of me and my family.

NHTSA ODI #11469979

Mileage unknown · Mar 18, 2022
Fuel/propulsion System

Vehicle Shows on the Dash readout that the truck must keep going to clean out exhaust keep Driving, then comes to a Slowdown, and on a slight hill Stops. When you shut it off, and start it up again, it goes about a Mile, states the same thing on the dash panel, then starts to slow down, I was in the Desert of New Mexico, Had lef…

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Vehicle Shows on the Dash readout that the truck must keep going to clean out exhaust keep Driving, then comes to a Slowdown, and on a slight hill Stops. When you shut it off, and start it up again, it goes about a Mile, states the same thing on the dash panel, then starts to slow down, I was in the Desert of New Mexico, Had left Flagstaff, AZ. an hour before this started happening. I had no Previous warning. Took 6 hours to reach a GMC Service Center. usually takes 2 hours to reach the same town. Cortez, Colorado. They Could NOT Help Me, they had to referred me to a Service Center in town, that Put me on his machine, and Made the Vehicle Heat up, Run HOT, and Exhaust itself for two hours, this got me to my home in Monte Vista, CO. Then No further Problems until about a Month later i started getting the Same Messages, i took it to a Service Center in AR. where he Forced the Vehicle to Get Hot, exhaust itself for four and a half hours, to Clean it out, and Clear my dash Pannel.

NHTSA ODI #11457358

Mileage unknown · Mar 18, 2022
Fuel/propulsion System

Diesel Fuel Gage is Not reading Properly. On a Full Tank which use to say I have approx., until 468 Miles, until I Have to re-fuel. Now Reads Less then 288 Miles, on a Full tank. I have reported this Problem to the Town and Country, GMC, Dealer, of Alamosa, CO. when I have taken My Vehicle in for Service on several Occasions, a…

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Diesel Fuel Gage is Not reading Properly. On a Full Tank which use to say I have approx., until 468 Miles, until I Have to re-fuel. Now Reads Less then 288 Miles, on a Full tank. I have reported this Problem to the Town and Country, GMC, Dealer, of Alamosa, CO. when I have taken My Vehicle in for Service on several Occasions, and Nothing has been done about it. and GMC, has still NOT replaced the Recalled Passenger Air Bag. My Wife sits there and Could be Killed Should Her Airbag be deployed. Thank You [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI #11457356

Mileage unknown · Nov 4, 2021
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

I have a 2013 GMC Sierra, purchased new in 2012, has approximately 35,000 miles. The check engine light came on while driving and suddenly another light came on. Then a third light came on claiming poor engine fluid quality. I immediately stopped at an auto parts store and put DEF fluid in the pickup and continued to drive thin…

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I have a 2013 GMC Sierra, purchased new in 2012, has approximately 35,000 miles. The check engine light came on while driving and suddenly another light came on. Then a third light came on claiming poor engine fluid quality. I immediately stopped at an auto parts store and put DEF fluid in the pickup and continued to drive thinking the lights would go out, but instead a warning was flashing on the dash that says after so many miles the truck will be slowed down. We started getting nervous because we were driving on the highway and if the truck suddenly slows down whilst driving in highspeed traffic, our slower vehicle would potentially cause a collision and put us and others in harms way. In reading your own safety site, there is a recall on the vehicle regarding faulty airbags, so it could be even worse! In our investigations of our current issue, we have found that there was a lawsuit from 2019 against GM and their faulty fuel system with their trucks. See link here https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/autos/general-motors/2019/08/07/lawsuit-says-gm-sold-trucks-not-compatible-american-diesel-fuel/1943084001/ many people on many different forums have also complained about this same problem with no fixes, the only suggestions are to remove the emissions parts and refab the motor. GM tells them that they need to only use their specific DEF fluid, which is steering. GM is very well aware of the problems, because they have employees following these forums and commenting on them.(Dieselplace.com) The truck can be made available for you to see/inspect and I refuse to drive the truck until this issue is resolved.

NHTSA ODI #11439435

119,192 miles · Oct 18, 2021
Tires

The contact owns a 2013 GMC SIERRA 2500 equipped with Cooper Tires, Tire Line: Discoverer A/T3 XLT, Tire Size: 265/60/R20, DOT Number: UT6K1MJ. The contact stated that the side walls were dry rotted and were separating. The contact took the tires back to the tire shop where the tires were purchased, and it was confirmed that the…

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The contact owns a 2013 GMC SIERRA 2500 equipped with Cooper Tires, Tire Line: Discoverer A/T3 XLT, Tire Size: 265/60/R20, DOT Number: UT6K1MJ. The contact stated that the side walls were dry rotted and were separating. The contact took the tires back to the tire shop where the tires were purchased, and it was confirmed that the tires needed to be replaced. The tires had not been replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage on the vehicle was 119,192, and the tire failure mileage was 190,000.

NHTSA ODI #11437117

Mileage unknown · Jul 19, 2021
Air Bags

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V053000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact called the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufa…

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Takata recall. The contact owns a 2013 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21V053000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact called the local dealer and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI #11425535

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

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.