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2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 525.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

170 reports with mileage · 131 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 83 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 75 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 33 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

8 crash reports0 fire reports4 injury reports

Engine complaints

33 reports
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112,000 miles · Mar 25, 2021
Engine

TRUCK WAS PURCHASED CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED IN JUNE 2017, IN JUNE 2018 PROBLEMS AROSE INCLUDING ROUGH IDLING, SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ACTIVATION, AND STABILITRAK OFF MESSAGE ACTIVATION ON THE DASH READOUT. GENERAL MOTORS (GM) TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) #10-06-01-008M WAS ISSUED DECEMBER, 2014 TO ADDRESS THE REPAIR FOR THIS PROBLE…

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TRUCK WAS PURCHASED CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED IN JUNE 2017, IN JUNE 2018 PROBLEMS AROSE INCLUDING ROUGH IDLING, SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ACTIVATION, AND STABILITRAK OFF MESSAGE ACTIVATION ON THE DASH READOUT. GENERAL MOTORS (GM) TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (TSB) #10-06-01-008M WAS ISSUED DECEMBER, 2014 TO ADDRESS THE REPAIR FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE ISSUE WAS MOTOR OIL REACHING THE #1 AND #7 CYLINDERS THUS FOULING THOSE TWO SPARK PLUGS.THE TRUCK WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. THE SAME SYMPTOMS APPEARED AGAIN IN AUGUST 2020 AND THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE SAME ISSUE (MIS-FIRE IN THE #7 CYLINDER) AS DESCRIBED IN THE TSB. SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, GM WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIR. I CHOSE TO DEAL WITH THE SYMPTOMS MYSELF WHICH INVOLVED INSTALLING NEW SPARK PLUGS IN THE TWO CYLINDERS. IN MID-MARCH OF THIS YEAR (2021), THE SYMPTOMS APPEARED AGAIN AND AGAIN THE #1 AND #7 SPARK PLUGS WERE FOULED WITH MOTOR OIL. IN EACH CASE, THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WHEN THE SYMPTOMS PRESENTED. IT'S MY UNDERSTANDING THAT STABILITRAK IS DESIGNED TO HELP PREVENT ACCIDENTS BY GIVING THE DRIVER BETTER CONTROL OF THE SILVERADO. IF A SERVICE STABILITRAK WARNING APPEARS, THE SILVERADO WILL NO LONGER BE ASSISTED WHEN A LOSS IN LATERAL TRACTION IS DETECTED. ADDITIONALLY, THE ROUGH IDLING AFFECTS ACCELERATION (LOSS OF POWER.)

NHTSA ODI #11404925

60,315 miles · Mar 23, 2021
Air BagsEngineUnknown Or Other

DASH CRACKED ACROSS TOP OF INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND ABOVE THE AIRBAG. TOOK TRUCK IN FOR AIRBAG RECALL. WENT TO PICK UP TRUCK FROM RECALL AND FOUND A BIG HOLE ABOUT 3 INCHES IN THE TOP OF MY DASH BESIDE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG. I WAS NOT WARNED BY SERVICE DESK OF POSSIBLE DAMAGE FORM AIR BAG REPLACEMENT NOR WAS I INFORMED BY SERVICE …

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DASH CRACKED ACROSS TOP OF INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND ABOVE THE AIRBAG. TOOK TRUCK IN FOR AIRBAG RECALL. WENT TO PICK UP TRUCK FROM RECALL AND FOUND A BIG HOLE ABOUT 3 INCHES IN THE TOP OF MY DASH BESIDE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG. I WAS NOT WARNED BY SERVICE DESK OF POSSIBLE DAMAGE FORM AIR BAG REPLACEMENT NOR WAS I INFORMED BY SERVICE DESK WHEN THE DAMAGE WAS DONE. NOTHING WAS SAID WHEN I PICKED UP MY TRUCK. I COMPLAINED ABOUT THE DAMAGE A WAS TOLD IT WAS DUE TO UV RAYS. TRUCK HAS 60,000 MILES AND HAS BEEN KEPT IN GARAGE. THEY DID NOT EVEN CLEAN UP THE DASH WHEN THEY WERE DONE. I CAN;T DRIVE THE TRUCK WITH FAMILY MEMBERS IN IT BECAUSE I FEEL IT IS UNSAFE. WILL PROBABLY HAVE TO PUT IN A NEW DASH JUST TO BE ABLE TO TRADE IT OFF. IT IS JUST NOT RIGHT. ANOTHER ISSUE WAS WITH THE ENGINE AND WAS TURNED INTO THE DEALERSHIP WHEN IT HAS 36,000 MILES. THE ENGINE HAS A MISS WHEN IN PARK OR SETTING AT A LIGHT. THE RPM DROPS 150- 200 RPMS CONTINUOUSLY. AFTER THEY HAD THE TRUCK FOR 3 DAYS I WAS TOLD IT WAS NORMAL. IT WAS THE COMPUTER ADJUSTING FOR EMISSIONS. MAYBE BUT WHY DID THEY GIVE ME A GM STORE VOUCHER FOR 500 DOLLARS? TO BUY ME OFF, SHUT ME UP. WHO KNOWS. IT JUST AIN'T RIGHT.

NHTSA ODI #11404568

79,000 miles · Dec 6, 2020
EnginePower Train

LIFTER TICKING AND LIFTER COLLAPSE. STABILITY AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM WORKING IMPROPERLY AND FLASHED ON AND OFF AND THE TRUCK STARTED TO HESITATE AND JERK. OIL CONSUMER IS EXCESSIVE. THIS ALL OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET WITHOUT ANY PRIOR PROBLEM. THERE WERE NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR OTHER 'IDIOT LIGHT' WARNINGS BE…

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LIFTER TICKING AND LIFTER COLLAPSE. STABILITY AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM WORKING IMPROPERLY AND FLASHED ON AND OFF AND THE TRUCK STARTED TO HESITATE AND JERK. OIL CONSUMER IS EXCESSIVE. THIS ALL OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET WITHOUT ANY PRIOR PROBLEM. THERE WERE NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR OTHER 'IDIOT LIGHT' WARNINGS BEFORE THE LIFTER CLICKING STARTED OR THE STABILITY AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM ACTED UP.

NHTSA ODI #11378092

71,453 miles · Nov 25, 2020
Engine

I OWN A 2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 WITH 71,453 MILES . THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED REGULARLY AND I RECENTLY NOTICED AN OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE. AFTER A VISIT TO MY USUAL SERVICE GARAGE AND SUBSEQUENTLY A CERTIFIED DEALER., THE PROBLEM WAS ACKNOWLEDGED. I CALLED CHEVROLET USA AND OPENED A FILE BASED ON MY INFORMATION. AT ONE POINT…

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I OWN A 2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 WITH 71,453 MILES . THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED REGULARLY AND I RECENTLY NOTICED AN OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUE. AFTER A VISIT TO MY USUAL SERVICE GARAGE AND SUBSEQUENTLY A CERTIFIED DEALER., THE PROBLEM WAS ACKNOWLEDGED. I CALLED CHEVROLET USA AND OPENED A FILE BASED ON MY INFORMATION. AT ONE POINT MY TRUCK COMPUTER WARNED TO PULL OVER AND NOT DRIVE ANY FURTHER DUE TO LOW OIL. UPON INSPECTION THERE WAS NO EXTERNAL REASON FOR THE FACT THAT THE OIL WAS LOW. THE VEHICLE HAS REGULAR OIL CHANGES WITH MOBIL 1 SYNTHETIC. AFTER CHECKING CHEVROLET 5.3 LITER ENGINE ISSUES I FOUND THAT A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT WAS FILED REGARDING THE SAME ISSUE AS MINE. THE SUIT DID NOT GO ANYWHERE BUT THE ISSUE SEEMS TO BE THE SAME THAT MY TRUCK IS EXPERIENCING. IT IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY ANY LONGER BUT HAD ONLY 71,453 MILES AT THE TIME OF ISSUE RECOGNITION. CHEVROLET CUSTOMER SERVICE BASICALLY DISMISSED MY COMPLAINT SAYING THAT THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY CAN DO BECAUSE THERE'S NO RECALL OR GM BULLETIN. THE DEALER SOLUTION IS A PISTON AND RING REPLACEMENT FOR $ 6,999.95 WHICH IS BASICALLY AN ENGINE REBUILD (BUT NOT A COMPLETE ONE). IN ADDITION, THEY WILL INSTALL WHAT WAS REFERRED TO AS A BALLAST WHICH WOULD SOLVE THE CONSUMPTION ISSUE SUPPOSEDLY. IF THIS IS TRUE THEN I ASSUME THAT THERE IS AN INHERENT ISSUE. ANOTHER ALTERNATIVE IS TO CHECK YOUR OIL EVERY 1000 MILES AND IF YOU ARE LOW THEN ADD IT. NONE OF THIS MAKES SENSE WITH A VEHICLE THAT COST OVER $40,000 WITH 71,000 PLUS MILES. I AM REGISTERING THIS COMPLAINT BECAUSE I AM FRUSTRATED AND DISAPPOINTED. THIS I AM SURE THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO OTHERS ACCORDING TO MY RESEARCH. THANK YOU.

NHTSA ODI #11376367

1 miles · Oct 27, 2020
Engine

MY 2013 HAS DEVELOPED THE NOTORIOUS LIFTER TICK FROM A COLLAPSED LIFTER (THIS AFFECTS MANY 5.3L V8 ENGINES OF THIS ERA). THIS WILL LEAD TO EXCESSIVE OIL BURNING, AND CLOGGED EXHAUST SYSTEMS OVER TIME DUE TO THE OIL BURNING. THIS ALSO DAMAGES/DESTROYS THE CAM SHAFT OVER TIME AND REQUIRES FREQUENT SPARK PLUG CHANGES. I SUSPECT …

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MY 2013 HAS DEVELOPED THE NOTORIOUS LIFTER TICK FROM A COLLAPSED LIFTER (THIS AFFECTS MANY 5.3L V8 ENGINES OF THIS ERA). THIS WILL LEAD TO EXCESSIVE OIL BURNING, AND CLOGGED EXHAUST SYSTEMS OVER TIME DUE TO THE OIL BURNING. THIS ALSO DAMAGES/DESTROYS THE CAM SHAFT OVER TIME AND REQUIRES FREQUENT SPARK PLUG CHANGES. I SUSPECT THIS PROBLEM STARTED AS EARLY AS 60,000 MILES (WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY) HOWEVER BECAUSE THE TRUCK WASN'T CONSUMING 1 QT / 1000 MILES GM REFUSED TO LOOK INTO THE ISSUE FURTHER. THIS IS A WELL-DOCUMENTED ISSUE ON THESE VEHICLES OVER TIME, THIS CAN LEAD TO STALLS OR BREAKDOWNS WHICH CAN BE A HAZARD. IT ALSO SERVERELY DIMINISHES THE RESALE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE AS THE REQUIRED REPAIRS ARE QUITE EXPENSIVE (ABOUT $2000 - $3500).

NHTSA ODI #11366651

30,000 miles · May 1, 2020
Engine

AFM SYSTEM CAUSES CYLINDERS 1 AND 7 TO FOUL THE SPARK PLUGS ACTUALLY CAUSING THE PORCELAIN TO BREAK OFF IN THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER. THE AFM IS OBVIOUSLY AN ENGINEERING FAILURE AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED AND REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. PREVIOUS FIXES DO NOT WORK. MODIFYING THE VALVE COVER TO CORRECT A DESIGN FLAW IS NOT A CURE FOR…

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AFM SYSTEM CAUSES CYLINDERS 1 AND 7 TO FOUL THE SPARK PLUGS ACTUALLY CAUSING THE PORCELAIN TO BREAK OFF IN THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER. THE AFM IS OBVIOUSLY AN ENGINEERING FAILURE AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED AND REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. PREVIOUS FIXES DO NOT WORK. MODIFYING THE VALVE COVER TO CORRECT A DESIGN FLAW IS NOT A CURE FOR THE REAL PROBLEM, WHICH IS A DESIGN FLAW. #1 AND #7 FOUL OUT DUE TO THE COLLECTION OF CARBON DEPOSIT CAUSED FROM EXCESS OIL IN THESE CHAMBERS WHICH CAUSES THE MALFUNCTION ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON AND THE EVENTUAL CATALYTIC CONVERTOR FAILURE, POOR GAS MILEAGE AND POOR OVERALL PERFORMANCE, WITH EVENTUAL ENGINE FAILURE. LACK OF ACCELERATION, SLOW PERFORMANCE. FIRST NOTICED AT AROUND 30 TO 50,000 MILES AND PROGRESSIVELY BECAME WORSE. IDLE IS POOR DUE TO FOULED AND BROKEN PLUGS IN THESE TWO CYLINDERS AND THE ECU ATTEMPTING TO CORRECT THE ERROR THE BALANCE OF ENGINE IS THROWN INTO A UNBALANCED CONDITION CAUSING THE BUILDUP OF CARBON DEPOSITS IN THE ENGINE AND CAUSING THE SENSORS TO ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. PROBLEM IS UNIVERSAL AND NOT SPECIFIC TO A FEW SELECT VEHICLES BUT TO THOSE WITH THE AFM SYSTEM AND WAS OBVIOUSLY A PROBLEM SEVERE ENOUGH FOR GM TO CHANGE TO THE NEWLY DEVELOPED DFM SYSTEM WITHOUT ATTEMPTING TO ACTUALLY ADDRESS THE FLAWED AFM PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #11322934

130,000 miles · Mar 15, 2020
EngineUnknown Or Other

CRACKED DASH. LIFTER FROM 8 TO 4 CYLINDER BREAK DOWN. 4000 FIX

NHTSA ODI #11318078

54,000 miles · Oct 18, 2018
Engine

TWICE I HAVE ENCOUNTERED UN-COMMANDED RAPID ACCELERATION WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45MPH. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE ACCELERATION BACK UNDER CONTROL BY PRESSING AND HOLDING THE BRAKES. IT HAS HAPPENED IN THE SAME LOCATION, I'M GUESSING IT IS SOME SORT OF RADIO SIGNAL INTERFERENCE.

NHTSA ODI #11141157

120,000 miles · Apr 12, 2018
Engine

THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BLINKS OFF AND ON,TRACTION AND STABILITY GOES OFF THEN BACK ON ,ENGINE RUNS AND IDLES ROUGH AND SOMETIMES SHIFTS HARD.THIS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING AND SITTING STILL (FOR THE LIGHTS AND ROUGH IDLE) NOT THE HARD SHIFTING. WHILE SEARCHING ON INTERNET ,FOUND IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 5.3L CHEVY/GMC ENGINE…

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THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BLINKS OFF AND ON,TRACTION AND STABILITY GOES OFF THEN BACK ON ,ENGINE RUNS AND IDLES ROUGH AND SOMETIMES SHIFTS HARD.THIS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING AND SITTING STILL (FOR THE LIGHTS AND ROUGH IDLE) NOT THE HARD SHIFTING. WHILE SEARCHING ON INTERNET ,FOUND IT WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 5.3L CHEVY/GMC ENGINE.

NHTSA ODI #11084726

Mileage unknown · Feb 27, 2018
EnginePower TrainSeats

ENGINE USES 3 QUARTS OIL BETWEEN REQUIRED OIL CHANGES. #2 PROBLEM 4WD SWITCH IF I USE AUTO 4WD . 4WD DOES NOT ENGAGE AND WONT SWITCH OUT OF AUTO .I WAS TOLD AT DEALER SHIP JUST DON'T USE AUTO 4WD IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PROBLEM

NHTSA ODI #11075229

Official recalls

2

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.

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.