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2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 525.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

263 reports with mileage · 300 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 306 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 72 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

22 crash reports4 fire reports6 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

26 reports
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155,000 miles · Apr 7, 2026
Electrical System

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 103,000. However, at the time of the vehicle registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 155,000; but the Service rec…

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Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 103,000. However, at the time of the vehicle registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 155,000; but the Service record indicated that the mileage was 108,000.

NHTSA ODI #11729677

Mileage unknown · Nov 26, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineExterior Lighting

The worst problem I have with this vehicle is that it will cut power to propulsion without any warning. I was driving down a suburban roadway, not on the freeway, thank God. When the truck's automatic gear shift wouldn't engage, I went from going 30 mph to 5 mph in seconds. The accelerator pedal wouldn't respond, I managed to co…

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The worst problem I have with this vehicle is that it will cut power to propulsion without any warning. I was driving down a suburban roadway, not on the freeway, thank God. When the truck's automatic gear shift wouldn't engage, I went from going 30 mph to 5 mph in seconds. The accelerator pedal wouldn't respond, I managed to coax my truck into a parking lot and restart the engine. Other times the head lights will not come on. Just today, I turned on the left turn signal and the Stabilitrack warning light came on, plus the radio made a brief noise of static. This particular issue appeared and disappeared in one second. I'm concerned that these problems are a manufacturer's mistake, and I want it fixed as soon as possible. My mechanic has tried repeatedly to find the cause but has been unsuccessful.

NHTSA ODI #11494996

Mileage unknown · Jun 26, 2021
Electrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed Control

**randomly at any given speed ** First the radio system will randomly turn off then moments later… stabiliTrak off flashes followed by abs and traction control lights on dash then suddenly my Chevrolet Silverado has a mind of its own ! The door locks will flicker uncontrollably , and the vehicle just suddenly has a loss of power…

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**randomly at any given speed ** First the radio system will randomly turn off then moments later… stabiliTrak off flashes followed by abs and traction control lights on dash then suddenly my Chevrolet Silverado has a mind of its own ! The door locks will flicker uncontrollably , and the vehicle just suddenly has a loss of power while rpms and gauges are continuously moving while you are unable to even move the vehicle .. this is a ongoing problem since 2019 , that no one seems to have an answer too .. I’ve taken it to 3 different mechanics and still no answers … when it first started happening it was super random and would happen a few times a day but then not happen for months on end then all of the sudden now it is happening several days a week .. I’m currently scared to even drive it which is horrible considering the amount of money I’ve put into this truck .. it has only 100k miles but somehow I am stuck using my dads old truck with 330k miles on it which seems to be more reliable and is 12 years older … sucks to pay over 500$ a month for “ your dream vehicle “ that you can’t even drive or get any real answers to what or where the problem is coming from … seems that thousands of people online have the same problem but yet no one has any solution .. Now that I’ve almost been in 3 serious accidents I decided I have to say something, 2 of these times were over 70 mph on a California freeway !!! Something must be done !

NHTSA ODI #11422387

105,724 miles · Mar 10, 2021
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

GOOD MORNING MY HEAD LIGHT KEEPS GOING OUT. WHEN I TOUCH THE WIRE IT GOES BACK ON TILL I HIT A BUMP. I'VE BEEN ONLINE AND MANY PEOPLE TALK ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. CAN YOU HELP. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #11400091

96,174 miles · Feb 19, 2021
Electrical SystemService BrakesVehicle Speed Control

1 OWNER. NEVER DRIVEN ON SALTED ROADS(SOUTH LOUISIANA).LIVE 100 MILES FROM COASTLINE,NOT IN A SALTWATER ENVIRONMENT. OR DRIVEN IN WATER OTHER THAN RAIN. CRUISE CONTROL DROPPING OUT, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFTING WHEN SUPPOSED TO. TRACTION CONTROL DROPPING OUT, SERVICE MESSAGES CYCLING IN AND OUT--TRACTION CONTROL, STA…

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1 OWNER. NEVER DRIVEN ON SALTED ROADS(SOUTH LOUISIANA).LIVE 100 MILES FROM COASTLINE,NOT IN A SALTWATER ENVIRONMENT. OR DRIVEN IN WATER OTHER THAN RAIN. CRUISE CONTROL DROPPING OUT, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFTING WHEN SUPPOSED TO. TRACTION CONTROL DROPPING OUT, SERVICE MESSAGES CYCLING IN AND OUT--TRACTION CONTROL, STABILITRAC , ANTI-LOCK BRAKES, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, RED BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF. SPEEDOMETER GOING CRAZY. BROUGHT VEHICLE TO GM DEALER FOR INSPECTION/REPAIR. CAUSE- INTERNAL FAILURE OF ECBM-ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE, DUE TO CORROSION IN THE CONNECTOR DUE TO WATER INTRUSION. HAD TO REPLACE THE MODULE, AND THE VEHICLE CHASSIS WIRING HARNESS. TOTAL REPAIR WAS $1,830.39 FOR PARTS AND LABOR. THE DEALER REPORTED TO ME THAT THE DESIGN/INSTALLATION LOCATION OF THIS MODULE IS FLAWED, AND A FAULTY DESIGN ALLOWED MOISTURE TO GET INTO THE MODULE THRU THE CONNECTOR.WHICH ALSO RESULTED IN THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTIONS INTO THE ECBM ALSO BECOMING CORRODED.. DEALER ALSO TOLD ME THAT THIS FAULTY DESIGN WILL EVENTUALLY BECOME A RECALL, AND FOR ME TO KEEP MY INVOICE OF THIS REPAIR, AS TO BE ABLE TO CLAIM A REIMBURSEMENT FOR THIS REPAIR.

NHTSA ODI #11396949

Mileage unknown · Oct 27, 2020
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLAMP WIRING IS FAULTY. I HAVE CONTINUALLY REPLACED HEADLAMPS, ONLY TO HAVE THEM NEED REPLACING IN A MONTH OR TWO.

NHTSA ODI #11366755

138,000 miles · Apr 10, 2020
Electrical SystemService BrakesSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH AND APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. SEVERAL UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING, BRAKES, THE RADIO AND SEVERAL OTHER ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS BECAME INOPERAB…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH AND APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. SEVERAL UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING, BRAKES, THE RADIO AND SEVERAL OTHER ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS BECAME INOPERABLE FOR APPROXIMATELY 3-5 SECONDS. THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD, AND THE ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS RETURNED. THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS INTENDED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V827000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000.

NHTSA ODI #11320739

82,000 miles · Jan 1, 2020
Electrical SystemEngineService Brakes

I HAVE HAD AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN MY TRUCK. FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED I WAS LEAVING MY HOUSE AND AS SOON AS I GOT A FEW HOUSES DOWN THE ROAD MY DOOR LOCKS STARTED UNLOCKING AND LOCKING THEMSELVES OVER AND OVER AND THE SPEEDOMETER GAUGE WAS ALL OVER THE PLACE ALONG WITH THE RPM GAUGE AND THE ROAD UP WOULD T…

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I HAVE HAD AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN MY TRUCK. FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED I WAS LEAVING MY HOUSE AND AS SOON AS I GOT A FEW HOUSES DOWN THE ROAD MY DOOR LOCKS STARTED UNLOCKING AND LOCKING THEMSELVES OVER AND OVER AND THE SPEEDOMETER GAUGE WAS ALL OVER THE PLACE ALONG WITH THE RPM GAUGE AND THE ROAD UP WOULD TURN OFF AND ON AND THE BRAKES WOULD LOCK UP AND THEN RELEASE AND IT DID THIS UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND TURN THE TRUCK OFF. ONCE THE TRUCK WAS OFF IT WOULDN'T START AGAIN. I HAD TAKEN THE BATTERY OUT TO BE TESTED AND IT WAS FINE. THE ALTERNATOR WAS FINE AND AS FAR AS I COULD SEE THE NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE CABLES FROM THE BATTERY WERE CLEAN TOO. I'VE TRACED THE GROUND AND IT DOESN'T APPEAR TO BE IN BAD SHAPE EITHER. WELL AFTER I WAS ABLE TO GET IT BACK TO MY HOUSE IT SAT FOR A FEW DAYS AND AFTER A COUPLE DAYS IT RANDOMLY STARTED BACK UP. TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL CHEVY DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO PROBLEM EVERYTHING IS GOOD AND THEY COULDN'T RECREATE THE PROBLEM. THEY SAID IT COULD BE THE AFTERMARKET HEAD UNIT. WELL ONCE I GOT MY TRUCK BACK THE HEAD UNIT NO LONGER WORKS OR GETS POWER? WELL NOW A MONTH LATER SAME PROBLEM AND THE TRUCK IS TOTALLY DEAD BUT BATTERY AND ETC IS FINE.

NHTSA ODI #11292392

88,000 miles · Dec 6, 2019
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)

STABILITY CONTROL ALARM BLINKING ,TRACTION CONTROL ALARM BLINKING,, SPEEDOMETER GOING ERRATIC, BRAKE LITE STAYING IN ALARM,CRUISE CONTROL DROPPING OUT,POWER LOSS TEMPORARILY. SHIFTING BETWEEN GEARS (AUTO XMISSION) WAS VERY ROUGH.THIS WAS AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THAT GREW STEADILY WORSE. GM DEALERSHIP HAD TO REPLACE THE EBCM, AND T…

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STABILITY CONTROL ALARM BLINKING ,TRACTION CONTROL ALARM BLINKING,, SPEEDOMETER GOING ERRATIC, BRAKE LITE STAYING IN ALARM,CRUISE CONTROL DROPPING OUT,POWER LOSS TEMPORARILY. SHIFTING BETWEEN GEARS (AUTO XMISSION) WAS VERY ROUGH.THIS WAS AN ELECTRICAL SYSTEM THAT GREW STEADILY WORSE. GM DEALERSHIP HAD TO REPLACE THE EBCM, AND THE CHASSIS WIRINGHARNESS. SEVERE CORROSION. VEHICLE NEVER DRIVEN IN SALTED ROADS,NEVER FLOODED,NEVER DRIVEN THRU WATER. THE LOCATION OF THE EBCM IS POORLY DESIGNED. DEALERSHIP SAID THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN A MODULE THIS CORRODED,AS IT WAS IN PIECES WHEN THEY PULLED AND OPENED IT. I WAITED 4 MONTHS TO GET IT FIXED, AS A EARLY MECHANIC SAW AN ELECTRICAL FAULT, BUT COULDN'T PINPOINT IT AS IT WASN'T STAYING IN FAULT. HE SAID IT NEEDED TO GET WORSE BEFORE IT COULD BE PROPERLY DIAGNOSED. HAD TO BRING TO DEALER FOR REPAIR AS IT GOT PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. COST ME $1878.36 TO GET REPAIRED.

NHTSA ODI #11287451

40,000 miles · May 13, 2019
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED AND FORMING INTO PIECES. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD LEAD TO THE COMPONENTS UNDER THE DASHBOARD TO FAIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAI…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED AND FORMING INTO PIECES. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD LEAD TO THE COMPONENTS UNDER THE DASHBOARD TO FAIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. *BF *AS

NHTSA ODI #11207320

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.

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.

11V007000 · Suspension:rear:axle:spindle

Jan 6, 2011

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, COLORADO, EXPRESS, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; AND GMC CANYON, SIERRA, SAVANA, YUKON AND YUKON XL VEHICLES. THE REAR AXLE CROSS PINS WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND COULD FRACTURE AND BECOME DISPLACED WITHIN THE REAR AXLE. SHOULD THE PIN SHIFT OUT OF POSITION, IT COULD CREATE AN INTERFERENCE CONDITION AND CAUSE THE REAR AXLE TO LOCK.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW REAR AXLE CROSS PIN FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

10V643000 · Suspension:rear:axle:spindle

Dec 17, 2010

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE EXT, CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO LD AND GMC SIERRA LD VEHICLES. THE REAR AXLE CROSS PINS WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND COULD FRACTURE AND BECOME DISPLACED WITHIN THE REAR AXLE. SHOULD THE PIN SHIFT OUT OF POSITION, IT COULD CREATE AN INTERFERENCE CONDITION AND CAUSE THE REAR AXLE TO LOCK.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW REAR AXLE CROSS PIN FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND AT THE OWNER CENTER 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

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.