← New search

2007 Chevrolet Suburban

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Suburban years

Owner complaints for the 2007 Chevrolet Suburban are substantially higher than the model-year median of 118.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

141 reports with mileage · 151 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 146 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 42 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

4 crash reports6 fire reports21 injury reports

What owners actually said

292 reports
106,000 miles · Apr 4, 2014
Power Train

THE FORWARD SPRAG UNIT BROKE WHICH ENDED UP NOT ONLY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO COME OUT OF DRIVE WHILE WE WERE DRIVING BUT ALSO CAUSED SIGNIFICANT ENOUGH DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION TO REQUITE AN ENTIRE REBUILD. FAULTY TRANSMISSIONS ARE A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE, AND THE TAHOE, YUKON AND BECAUSE THE COMPANY REFUSES TO BA…

Read full complaint

THE FORWARD SPRAG UNIT BROKE WHICH ENDED UP NOT ONLY CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO COME OUT OF DRIVE WHILE WE WERE DRIVING BUT ALSO CAUSED SIGNIFICANT ENOUGH DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION TO REQUITE AN ENTIRE REBUILD. FAULTY TRANSMISSIONS ARE A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE, AND THE TAHOE, YUKON AND BECAUSE THE COMPANY REFUSES TO BACK THEIR PRODUCTS AND RECALL THE ISSUE, IT ENDS UP BECOMING A HUGE FINANCIAL BURDEN ON A FAMILY. THANKFULLY THERE WAS NO ONE FOLLOWING DIRECTLY BEHIND US WHEN THIS HAPPENED OR IT COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE. CHEVROLET NEEDS TO TAKE NOTE AND STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS. CONSUMERS HAVE A RIGHT TO EXPECT A QUALITY VEHICLE THAT SHOULD LAST WELL BEYOND 100K MILES WITHOUT REQUIRING THIS KIND OF MAJOR REPAIR. NOTE THAT GM IS SO AWARE OF THIS SAFETY PROBLEM, THEY ACTUALLY UPDATED THEIR INPUT SPRAG ON LATER CARS TO MAKE THEM STRONGER. THATS RIGHT, THEY HAVE UPDATED THE COMPONENT BUT REFUSE TO RECALL THE ONES ALREADY IN VEHICLES THAT WERE WEAK. THE TRANSMISSION SHOP THAT REBUILT MY TRANSMISSION HAD THE EXACT SAME ISSUE ON THE VEHICLE THAT FOLLOWED MINE. THIS SEEMS TO BE A PATTERN WITH GM THAT THE NHTSA SHOULD LOOK INTO. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10577312

75,000 miles · Feb 22, 2014
Structure

COATING ON INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES PEEL AND CAUSES CUTS ON HANDS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10565395

70,000 miles · Feb 13, 2014
Structure

JUST USING THE DOOR HANDLE TO GET INTO MY SUBURBAN ON THE PASSENGER SIDE LIKE ANY REASONABLE PERSON, NOT ROUGHLY OR BEARING WEIGHT, AND THE PLASTIC HANDLE BROKE AND PULLED OUT ON ONE END. SAME BREAKAGE OCCURRED WITH REAR DOOR AS WELL WHEN ONE OF MY CHILDREN WAS OPENING THE DOOR. MADE THE FOLKS AT OUR LOCAL CHEVROLET SERVICE …

Read full complaint

JUST USING THE DOOR HANDLE TO GET INTO MY SUBURBAN ON THE PASSENGER SIDE LIKE ANY REASONABLE PERSON, NOT ROUGHLY OR BEARING WEIGHT, AND THE PLASTIC HANDLE BROKE AND PULLED OUT ON ONE END. SAME BREAKAGE OCCURRED WITH REAR DOOR AS WELL WHEN ONE OF MY CHILDREN WAS OPENING THE DOOR. MADE THE FOLKS AT OUR LOCAL CHEVROLET SERVICE SHOP AWARE WHILE HAVING MY OIL CHANGED AND THEY QUOTED A PRICE ~$245. NO OFFER TO HELP COVERING ANY PART AND THIS WAS WHILE MY FULL WARRANTY WAS STILL ACTIVE. THE FOLKS THAT WORK THERE ARE KIND AND HELPFUL. WHAT I AM TRYING TO CONVEY IS THAT I DON'T THINK THEY WERE BEING RUDE, IT WAS JUST NOT SOMETHING THEY WERE APPROVED TO COVER. I COULDN'T BELIEVE THAT SUCH A LUXURY VEHICLE WOULD HAVE PLASTIC HANDLES THAT BROKE OFF SO EASILY AND THAT FOR THE QUALITY AND REPUTATION THE COMPANY DOESN'T WANT THEIR PRODUCT TO LOOK LIKE A LUXURY PRODUCT. PEOPLE WILL BE SEEN DRIVING A VEHICLE WITH THEIR NAME ON IT AND THE DOOR HANDLES ARE HANGING OFF. IT WORRIES ME TO CONSIDER WHAT SAFETY ISSUES COULD ARISE IF SOMEONE WERE NOT ABLE TO GET INSIDE THE CAR IN AN EMERGENT SITUATION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10564169

170,000 miles · Jan 7, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineStructure

2007 CHEVY SUBURBAN WITH 5.3 AFM ENGINE. DRIVING DOWN FREEWAY AND TRACTION CONTROL, STABILINK AND ENGINE LIGHT COME ON. MISFIRING REAL BAD. AFTER GETTING IT TO SHOP THEY STATED NO COMPRESSION IN 2 CYLINDERS. WHEN TOLD SERVICE MANAGER HE STATED WHAT PROBLEM WAS RIGHT AWAY. THEN CONFIRMED IT. KNEW RIGHT AWAY BECAUSE IT IS COMMON …

Read full complaint

2007 CHEVY SUBURBAN WITH 5.3 AFM ENGINE. DRIVING DOWN FREEWAY AND TRACTION CONTROL, STABILINK AND ENGINE LIGHT COME ON. MISFIRING REAL BAD. AFTER GETTING IT TO SHOP THEY STATED NO COMPRESSION IN 2 CYLINDERS. WHEN TOLD SERVICE MANAGER HE STATED WHAT PROBLEM WAS RIGHT AWAY. THEN CONFIRMED IT. KNEW RIGHT AWAY BECAUSE IT IS COMMON PROBLEM. STATED PROBLEM DROPPED LIFTERS WHICH DAMAGED CAMSHAFT STEMMING FROM AFM SYSTEM. WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO TEAR DOWN ENGINE TO BE EXACT BUT WILL NEED A MOTOR EITHER WAY. THIS HAS BEEN A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM WITH THIS MOTOR. I HAD BEEN EXPERIENCING OIL CONSUMPTION FOR A LONG TIME. I WOULD BURN A QUART OF OIL DRIVING 1000 MILES ON LONG TRIPS. EVERY WEEK I'M A 1/4-1/2 QUART LOW. CHEVY SAYS THIS IS NORMAL AND DENIES THERE IS A PROBLEM BUT THIS IS FAR FROM NORMAL. THIS ALSO STEMS FROM AFM SYSTEM. AN 07 CHEVY SUBURBAN THAT HAS BEEN MAINTAINED SHOULD LAST MORE THAN 170,000 MILES AND CHEVY SHOULD STAND BY THEIR PRODUCT OF A KNOWN ISSUE. THERE HAVE BEEN FIXES BY CHEVY BUT NONE SEEM TO WORK. I NEVER FORMALLY FILED A COMPLAINT WITH CHEVY OR DID OIL CONSUMPTION TEST( BUT THEY WOULDN'T HAVE IT IF THERE WASN'T A PROBLEM. I HAVE JUST FOLLOWED ISSUE ONLINE WAITING FOR A FIX. BUT , MOTOR DIED FIRST. ALSO VEHICLE HAS A CRACKED DASH WHICH HAS BEEN A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE WHICH CHEVY HAS SINCE REINFORCED THE PLACES IT CRACKS INDICATING THERE WAS A FLAW IN DESIGN BUT CHEVY REFUSES TO FIX. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10558901

155,000 miles · Dec 9, 2013
Electrical System

BATTERY DRAINS REGULARLY REQUIRING JUMP START. VEHICLE WILL BE FINE FOR A PERIOD TIME (DAYS/WEEKS) AND THEN BE DEAD AGAIN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10555274

73,510 miles · Sep 16, 2013
Electrical SystemEngineEquipment

OUR VEHICLE STARTED TO USE BETWEEN ONE QUART AND 2 QUARTS BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. AT SOMETIME BEFORE THIS THE HEATER STOPPED WORKING ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID. THE DVD PLAYER STOPPED WORKING AROUND 75,000 MILES. AT 79,0911 MILES THE SERVICE AIR BAGS LIGHT CAME ON. WE ARE NOT NEW TO OWNING SUBURBANS. THIS IS OUR FI…

Read full complaint

OUR VEHICLE STARTED TO USE BETWEEN ONE QUART AND 2 QUARTS BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. AT SOMETIME BEFORE THIS THE HEATER STOPPED WORKING ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID. THE DVD PLAYER STOPPED WORKING AROUND 75,000 MILES. AT 79,0911 MILES THE SERVICE AIR BAGS LIGHT CAME ON. WE ARE NOT NEW TO OWNING SUBURBANS. THIS IS OUR FIFTH ONE. WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN HAPPY WITH THEM, BUT THIS ONE HAS WAY TO MANY THINGS THAT ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. WE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU REGARDING RESOLVING THESE ISSUES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10543804

Mileage unknown · Jul 13, 2013
Structure

I HAVE A 2007 CHEVY SUBURBAN; I HAVE A CRACK IN MY HARD PLASTIC DASHBOARD THAT BEGINS WHERE THE DASH STARTS AT THE WINDOW AND EXTENDS FORWARD TOWARDS THE DRIVER SEAT HALF WAY UP THE CURVE WHERE THE SPEEDOMETER IS. APPARENTLY I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE REPORTING THIS. THERE IS REALLY NO GOOD FIX OUTSIDE OF GETTING A NEW DASHBOARD FOR …

Read full complaint

I HAVE A 2007 CHEVY SUBURBAN; I HAVE A CRACK IN MY HARD PLASTIC DASHBOARD THAT BEGINS WHERE THE DASH STARTS AT THE WINDOW AND EXTENDS FORWARD TOWARDS THE DRIVER SEAT HALF WAY UP THE CURVE WHERE THE SPEEDOMETER IS. APPARENTLY I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE REPORTING THIS. THERE IS REALLY NO GOOD FIX OUTSIDE OF GETTING A NEW DASHBOARD FOR A LOT OF MONEY. I AM NOT VERY HAPPY ABOUT SOMETHING THAT CRACKS, SUCH AS MY DASHBOARD THAT CANNOT BE FIXED AND MUST BE REPLACED. ALSO, THE CHROME IS PEELING OF BOTH FRONT INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES CAUSING SMALL MINOR CUTS. I FOUND A DOCUMENT ONLINE REGARDING THE DOOR HANDLES HAVING A PEELING CONDITION ON THE TOP SURFACE CAUSING THE CHROME TO PEEL (HTTP://WWW-ODI.NHTSA.DOT.GOV/ACMS/CS/JAXRS/DOWNLOAD/DOC/ACM16537095/CSC-10033533-5986.PDF) *TR

NHTSA ODI #10524699

70,000 miles · Jun 7, 2013
Engine

I FIND IT INTERESTING THAT THERE ARE SO MANY COMMENTS ABOUT BURNING OIL ON THE SUBURBAN. I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW IN 2007 WITH 0 MILES. IN 2011 WHEN HAD MY USUAL OIL CHANGED AND NOTICED THAT WITHIN 1 MONTH MY INDICATOR CAME ON THAT THE OIL WAS LOW AND TO ADD OIL. I WENT BACK TO THE LOCATION WHERE I HAD IT CHANGED AND COMPLAINED …

Read full complaint

I FIND IT INTERESTING THAT THERE ARE SO MANY COMMENTS ABOUT BURNING OIL ON THE SUBURBAN. I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW IN 2007 WITH 0 MILES. IN 2011 WHEN HAD MY USUAL OIL CHANGED AND NOTICED THAT WITHIN 1 MONTH MY INDICATOR CAME ON THAT THE OIL WAS LOW AND TO ADD OIL. I WENT BACK TO THE LOCATION WHERE I HAD IT CHANGED AND COMPLAINED THAT THEY DIDN'T PROPERLY FILL THE OIL. THE ARGUED THAT THEY DID AND I WAS WRONG. THEY THEN PUT 2 QUARTS IN AND I WENT ON MY WAY. A MONTH LATER, AGAIN, THE SAME ISSUE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE CHEVROLET DEALER WHERE WE PURCHASED IT AND THEY SAID THAT THE REASON THE CAR WAS BURNING OIL WAS BECAUSE I SHOULD USE A DIFFERENT WEIGHT OF OIL DURING THE HOT TEXAS SUMMER MONTHS. EVER SINCE THIS TIME MY CAR BURNS OIL NO MATTER WHAT TYPE OF OIL I PUT IN. NO MATTER WHAT TIME OF YEAR - HOT OR COLD. I KEEP EXTRA QUARTS IN THE BACK FOR EMERGENCIES. WHEN I START THE ENGINE ON MOST DAYS, BUT NOT ALL DAYS, A WHITE PUFF OF SMOKE COMES FROM THE EXHAUST. THE DEALER INSISTS THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. IT'S OBVIOUS BASED ON OTHER CONSUMER COMMENTS THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. AT ABOUT 100K THE TIRE SENSOR WENT AND NOW AT 113K ANOTHER TIRE SENSOR IS GONE AS WELL AS THE DRIVER SIDE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS. TYPICALLY WHEN I TAKE MY CAR TO THE DEALER TO BE FIXED IT RUNS AT LEAST $1000. I WAS PLANNING FOR THIS CAR TO LAST AT LEAST ANOTHER 50K MILES. WE'LL SEE... *TR

NHTSA ODI #10515746

121,000 miles · May 24, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

OIL CONSUMPTION - AFTER ADVISING TERRY LABONTE CHEVROLET (GREENSBORO, NC) OF OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUES FROM 60K THRU 99K AND FORMER DIAGNOSTICS COMPLETED BY COLLINS CHEVROLET (MT. AIRY, NC) @ 55K 59K & 60K GM IS UNWILLING TO MAKE REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY AT 121K STATING THAT NO NOTES WERE RECORDED OF INCIDENTS UPON PRIOR NOTIFICATION.…

Read full complaint

OIL CONSUMPTION - AFTER ADVISING TERRY LABONTE CHEVROLET (GREENSBORO, NC) OF OIL CONSUMPTION ISSUES FROM 60K THRU 99K AND FORMER DIAGNOSTICS COMPLETED BY COLLINS CHEVROLET (MT. AIRY, NC) @ 55K 59K & 60K GM IS UNWILLING TO MAKE REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY AT 121K STATING THAT NO NOTES WERE RECORDED OF INCIDENTS UPON PRIOR NOTIFICATION. DEALERSHIP STATED REPAIR REQUIRE PISTON REBUILD FOR $5100 GM REP APPROVED REPAIR FOR $1365. GM CUST CARE UNWILLING TO COVER REPAIR AND HAS DISREGARDED PRIOR DOCUMENTATION OF COMPLAINT AT 55K, 59K, & 60K. DEALERSHIP ARE AWARE OF PROBLEMATIC 5.3 STATING UPON DESCRIPTION OF ISSUE WITHOUT REVIEW OF RECORDS THAT VEHICLE IS 07. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10513479

Mileage unknown · May 20, 2013
StructureCrashInjury

WE WERE DRIVING HOME WHEN A PERSON RAN A RED LIGHT AND HIT US. WE WERE CROSSING AN INTERSECTION ABOUT 15 MILES AN HOUR AND THEY HIT THE FRONT PART OF OUR SUBURBAN. EVERYTHING WAS DAMAGED THE HOOD , AND EVERYTHING INSIDE THE HOOD SUSTAINED DAMAGE. THERE WAS A LIQUID THAT WAS LEAKING BUT I AM UNAWARE OF THE SUBSTANCE. THE PERS…

Read full complaint

WE WERE DRIVING HOME WHEN A PERSON RAN A RED LIGHT AND HIT US. WE WERE CROSSING AN INTERSECTION ABOUT 15 MILES AN HOUR AND THEY HIT THE FRONT PART OF OUR SUBURBAN. EVERYTHING WAS DAMAGED THE HOOD , AND EVERYTHING INSIDE THE HOOD SUSTAINED DAMAGE. THERE WAS A LIQUID THAT WAS LEAKING BUT I AM UNAWARE OF THE SUBSTANCE. THE PERSON THAT HIT US MUST HAVE BEEN GOING ABOUT 40-60 MILES AN HOUR. AFTER THEY FLED THE SEEN POLICE MENTIONED THAT THEIR AIR BAGS WERE DEPLOYED. MY CONCERN WAS WHY OUR AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AS WELL. MY DAUGHTER AND I BOTH HIT OUR HEADS ON OUR SIDE WINDOWS. MY SON HAD SLIGHT INJURY MOSTLY FROM THE SEATBELT. MY SONS DOOR HAD TO BE OPENED FROM THE POLICE OFFICER ON THE SCREEN. MY BIGGEST CONCERN WAS ABOUT THE AIRBAGS AND ALSO THE ONSTAR DID NOT WORK AS WELL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10512756

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.

21V052000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Feb 5, 2021

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500, Sierra 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 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, 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." 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 23, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 20, 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 N212328780.

10V240000 · Electrical System

Jun 4, 2010

GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2009 BUICK, LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 BUICK ENCLAVE; CADILLAC CTS; MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL; SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MODEL YEAR 2009 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WASHER FLUID SYSTEM (HWFS). A RECALL WAS IMPLEMENTED IN 2008 TO ADD A FUSE TO THE CONTROL CIRCUIT HARNESS TO ADDRESS THE POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF A PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD (PCB) ELECTRICAL SHORT. HOWEVER, THERE HAVE BEEN NEW REPORTS OF THERMAL INCIDENTS ON HWFS MODULES AFTER THIS IMPROVEMENT WAS INSTALLED. THESE INCIDENTS RESULTED FROM A NEW FAILURE MODE ATTRIBUTED TO THE DEVICE'S THERMAL PROTECTION FEATURE. THE SIGNIFICANCE VARIES FROM MINOR DISTORTION TO CONSIDERABLE MELTING OF THE PLASTIC AROUND THE HWFS FLUID CHAMBER.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE HEATED WASHER MODULE TO IGNITE AND A FIRE MAY OCCUR.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL PERMANENTLY DISABLE AND REMOVE THE HEATED WASHER FLUID MODULE. AN UPDATED PAGE FOR THE OWNER MANUAL WILL BE PROVIDED AND INSERTED IN THE OWNER MANUAL TO DOCUMENT THAT THE FEATURE HAS BEEN PERMANENTLY DISABLED AND REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 11, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

08V441000 · Electrical System

Aug 28, 2008

GM IS RECALLING 857,735 MY 2006-2008 BUICK LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MY 2007-2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL, SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MY 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WIPER WASHER FLUID SYSTEM. A SHORT CIRCUIT ON THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE WASHER FLUID HEATER MAY OVERHEAT THE CONTROL-CIRCUIT GROUND WIRE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS MAY CAUSE OTHER ELECTRICAL FEATURES TO MALFUNCTION, CREATE AN ODOR, OR CAUSE SMOKE INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A WIRE HARNESS WITH AN IN-LINE FUSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CADILLAC AT 1-800-982-2339 OR HTTP://WWW.CADILLAC.COM; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR HTTP://WWW.SATURN.COM, GMC AT 1-866-996-9436; OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493; OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .

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.