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2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 81.

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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

33 reports with mileage · 18 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.

  • Electrical System. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 9 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 9 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

0 crash reports1 fire reports1 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

10 reports
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Mileage unknown · Oct 13, 2024
Air BagsElectrical SystemSeatsFireInjury

I believe all the dealership did was dust/armor all my air bag compartment door. It still has a 2013 takata air bag installed which was deployed somehow causing a can of axe body spray to explode which caused the dash, seat, and wiring including the compartment to burn/melt totaling my truck. I could have been killed if I was si…

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I believe all the dealership did was dust/armor all my air bag compartment door. It still has a 2013 takata air bag installed which was deployed somehow causing a can of axe body spray to explode which caused the dash, seat, and wiring including the compartment to burn/melt totaling my truck. I could have been killed if I was sitting their.

NHTSA ODI #11619520

Mileage unknown · Jun 28, 2023
Electrical System

Tcm failed driving 60 down the highway, check engine light came on, stabiliatrack service light came on traction control tuned off all at the same time. Lost all communication to the transmission putting truck in limp mode going down the highway. Mechanic shop hooked up the scanner to the truck and couldn’t communicate with the …

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Tcm failed driving 60 down the highway, check engine light came on, stabiliatrack service light came on traction control tuned off all at the same time. Lost all communication to the transmission putting truck in limp mode going down the highway. Mechanic shop hooked up the scanner to the truck and couldn’t communicate with the tcm in anyway. All things happened at once while driving. There are no replacement parts to be found in the country. Please make this a recall keeping drivers safely off the side of highways and roads and possibly being hit by a car.

NHTSA ODI #11529314

Mileage unknown · Apr 13, 2023
Electrical SystemPower Train

TCM for Allision Transmission,went out .2013 Chevy 2500-65000 miles,Lights in dash came on truck would not pull 1/2 mile later.down the road.Truck is setting waiting for GM to get a TCM,none are availble.

NHTSA ODI #11516841

11,612 miles · Aug 16, 2020
Electrical System

SPORATIC FAILURE OF THE FUEL PUMP CAUSING THE TRUCK TO NOT START OR TO STALL WHILE BEING DRIVEN. ISSUE HAPPENED BOTH WHEN STATIONARY AND WHILE IN MOTION. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSTICS DETERMINED FUSE BLOCK FAILURE. WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE FUSE BLOCK FAILURE IS COMMON, SO MUCH S…

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SPORATIC FAILURE OF THE FUEL PUMP CAUSING THE TRUCK TO NOT START OR TO STALL WHILE BEING DRIVEN. ISSUE HAPPENED BOTH WHEN STATIONARY AND WHILE IN MOTION. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSTICS DETERMINED FUSE BLOCK FAILURE. WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE FUSE BLOCK FAILURE IS COMMON, SO MUCH SO THAT THEY STOCK THE REPLACEMENTS. FORTUNATELY I WAS NOT ON THE HIGHWAY TOWING MY TRAILER WHEN THE LAST INCIDENT HAPPENED. IF I HAD BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY TOWING, IT COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC SINCE THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKING. THE TRUCK ONLY HAD 11,612 MILES ON IT AT THE LAST INSTANCE.

NHTSA ODI #11349749

69,003 miles · Feb 19, 2020
Electrical System

JUST BOUGHT TRUCK FROM WYLER CHEVROLET, 1 OWNER TRADE IN. ONLY 67000 MILES. HAVE ONLY DROVE 2000 MILES IN 6 MONTHS. I PARKED IN DRIVEWAY AFTER WORK AT 6 PM, HAD FREEZING RAIN THAT NIGHT. NEXT MORNING TRUCK TURNS OVER FINE BUT DON'T START. HAS OVER 1/2 TANK OF GAS. IT SMELLED LIKE BURNING HAIRDRYER. HAVE EXTENDED WARRANTY ON TRUC…

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JUST BOUGHT TRUCK FROM WYLER CHEVROLET, 1 OWNER TRADE IN. ONLY 67000 MILES. HAVE ONLY DROVE 2000 MILES IN 6 MONTHS. I PARKED IN DRIVEWAY AFTER WORK AT 6 PM, HAD FREEZING RAIN THAT NIGHT. NEXT MORNING TRUCK TURNS OVER FINE BUT DON'T START. HAS OVER 1/2 TANK OF GAS. IT SMELLED LIKE BURNING HAIRDRYER. HAVE EXTENDED WARRANTY ON TRUCK, HAD TOWED TO WYLER CHEVROLET IN SPRINGFIELD OHIO.THEY FOUND THE FUSE FOR THE FUEL PUMP WAS BLOWN/BURNT/MELTED. THEY TELL ME THIS ISN'T COVERED BY WARRANTY FUEL SYSTEMS. AFTER ALL THE FUEL PUMP RECALLS FOR THESE 2013 CHEVYS, MY TRUCK MUST HAVE SOMETHING NEEDING REPAIRED ALSO. IF THIS SHORTED OUT AND CAUGHT FIRE WHILE MY FAMILY IS IN THIS TRUCK THIS WILL BE SUCH A BAD SITUATION. IT HAS BEEN SITTING AT DEALERSHIP WAITING FOR GM PAC INSPECTION FOR REPAIR. PLEASE ASSIST

NHTSA ODI #11310211

45,000 miles · Sep 17, 2018
Electrical SystemVehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE MAIN OPERATION SYSTEM, CALIBRATION, SPEEDOMETER, AND START PRODUCTION WERE AFFECTED BY CYBERHACKING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKE FUNCTIONALITY AND AN ERRONEOUS SPEEDOMETER READING ON MORE THAN ONE O…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE MAIN OPERATION SYSTEM, CALIBRATION, SPEEDOMETER, AND START PRODUCTION WERE AFFECTED BY CYBERHACKING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A COMPLETE LOSS OF BRAKE FUNCTIONALITY AND AN ERRONEOUS SPEEDOMETER READING ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. BENTLEY BUICK GMC (2120 DRAKE AVENUE, HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA, (256) 415-6513) RESET THE VEHICLE WITH NEW CALIBRATIONS AND ENHANCED THE ENGINE OIL LIFE MONITOR TO MORE ACCURATELY IDENTIFY THE REQUIRED OIL CHANGE INTERVAL, WHICH PRODUCED DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE: 2T459. THE FAILURES RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 45,000. *TT UPDATED 11/26/18*JB *JS

NHTSA ODI #11129959

88,000 miles · Sep 7, 2018
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE STABILITRAK WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE PULLED FROM RIGHT TO LEFT. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, POWERED OFF THE ENGINE, WAITED A MINUTE, RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE. THE CONTACT STATED TH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE STABILITRAK WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE PULLED FROM RIGHT TO LEFT. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, POWERED OFF THE ENGINE, WAITED A MINUTE, RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER DRIVING THREE TO FOUR MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.

NHTSA ODI #11128105

50,000 miles · Nov 28, 2016
Electrical SystemService Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES HAD A THREE SECOND DELAY WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO TAKE TH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES HAD A THREE SECOND DELAY WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A MANUFACTURER FLAW DESIGN BY AN ELECTRICAL SOURCE. IN ADDITION, THE TRAILER LIGHT DID NOT ILLUMINATE TO INDICATE WHEN A TRAILER WAS CONNECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000.

NHTSA ODI #10928319

170,000 miles · Dec 11, 2015
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

UPDATE OF NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10809089. THE STABILITRAK AND REDUCED ENGINE POWER HAS INCREASED TO THE FOLLOWING OBD CODES: P0010, P0122, P0202, P0233, P0335, P0455, P0340, P1682, P2089 AS WELL. AT THIS POINT THERE DOESN'T APPEAR TO BE ANYTHING LEFT ON THE VEHICLE THAT DOES WORK. SINCE THE RECALLS AND TECHNICAL BULLETINS ALL APP…

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UPDATE OF NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10809089. THE STABILITRAK AND REDUCED ENGINE POWER HAS INCREASED TO THE FOLLOWING OBD CODES: P0010, P0122, P0202, P0233, P0335, P0455, P0340, P1682, P2089 AS WELL. AT THIS POINT THERE DOESN'T APPEAR TO BE ANYTHING LEFT ON THE VEHICLE THAT DOES WORK. SINCE THE RECALLS AND TECHNICAL BULLETINS ALL APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN "COMPLETED" FOR THIS VEHICLE I GUESS I CAN LOOK FORWARD TO REPEATING THE SAME PROBLEMATIC REPAIRS AGAIN AND AGAIN FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE TIME THAT I OWN THIS VEHICLE WHICH DO NOT APPEAR TO HAVE RESOLVED BUT MERELY BAND AIDED AWAY UNTIL THEY REAPPEAR. EVEN THE DRIVERS DOOR SWITCHES ALL HAD TO BE REPLACED WHICH TELLS ME THAT THIS IS RELATED TO AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM AND WITH SO MANY COMPLAINTS THE MATTER HAD FORCED CONSUMERS TO PAY FOR REPAIRS THAT WERE DESIGNED TO FAIL WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CONSUMERS SAFETY NOR FINANCIAL BURDENS. IT APPEARS THAT THE ELECTRICAL ISSUES WHICH MOST ARE DIRECTLY LINKED TO THE DEFECTIVE ENGINE WIRING HARNESS AND GROUNDING ISSUES AS MANY TECHNICIANS ARE REPORTING. AT THIS POINT THE TRUCK NEEDS TO BE TOTALED.

NHTSA ODI #10809597

170,000 miles · Dec 8, 2015
Electrical System

THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN RUNNING POORLY AND THROWING MANY CODES (EVAP, STABILITRAK, ABS, CAM, IGNITION, INJECTION, AND EVEN THROTTLE ERRORS FOR THE PAST THREE MONTHS. THE TRANSMISSION HAS ALSO BEEN BUMPING (NOT SLIPPING) IN 2ND GEAR UNDER LOAD. YESTERDAY THE TRUCK STARTED RUNNING REALLY ROUGH AND THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SHIFTING …

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THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN RUNNING POORLY AND THROWING MANY CODES (EVAP, STABILITRAK, ABS, CAM, IGNITION, INJECTION, AND EVEN THROTTLE ERRORS FOR THE PAST THREE MONTHS. THE TRANSMISSION HAS ALSO BEEN BUMPING (NOT SLIPPING) IN 2ND GEAR UNDER LOAD. YESTERDAY THE TRUCK STARTED RUNNING REALLY ROUGH AND THE TRANSMISSION STARTED SHIFTING REALLY HARD (UP AND DOWN) JUST BEFORE THE MESSAGE "REDUCED ENGINE POWER" AND THE "STABILITRAK CAME ON AGAIN. I SHUT THE TRUCK OFF AND IT WOULD NOT RESTART. I AM TOWING A 30' TOW BEHIND CAMPER WITH THIS VEHICLE AND THIS HAS EFFECTED EVERYTHING FROM MY FUEL ECONOMY, HANDLING AND NOW EVEN BASIC OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE. STABILITRAK HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION OR STATIONARY. THE REPAIR FACILITY HAS INFORMED ME THAT THE ECU/ECM IS THE MOST LIKELY CULPRIT AND THEREFORE IT IS BEING REPLACED BECAUSE I WILL NOT PLACE MYSELF NOR ANY OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS OR OTHERS ON THE ROAD INTO HARMS WAY NOR DO I WANT TO END UP A STATISTIC OF ANOTHER MANUFACTURER KNOWN DEFECT.

NHTSA ODI #10809089

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.