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2011 Chevrolet Tahoe

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 246.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

274 reports with mileage · 172 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 185 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 81 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 17 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

5 crash reports2 fire reports3 injury reports

What owners actually said

446 reports
52,710 miles · May 8, 2014
Fuel/propulsion System

TRAVELING WEST ON I-10 FROM HOUSTON TO CALIFORNIA. ABOUT 15 MILES OUT OF VAN HORN TX GOING TO EL PASO THE CAR SHUT DOWN. ALL THE LIGHTS CAME ON THE DASHBOARD AND I COULD NOT STEER THE CAR. WE GOT OVER TO THE SHOULDER (IT WAS A STRUGGLE). THE CAR WAS DEAD. WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING. CALLED FOR HELP. ABOUT 15-20 MIN. LATER TRIED TO ST…

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TRAVELING WEST ON I-10 FROM HOUSTON TO CALIFORNIA. ABOUT 15 MILES OUT OF VAN HORN TX GOING TO EL PASO THE CAR SHUT DOWN. ALL THE LIGHTS CAME ON THE DASHBOARD AND I COULD NOT STEER THE CAR. WE GOT OVER TO THE SHOULDER (IT WAS A STRUGGLE). THE CAR WAS DEAD. WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING. CALLED FOR HELP. ABOUT 15-20 MIN. LATER TRIED TO START THE CAR AGAIN AND IT WORKED. WHEN I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD I DID NOT SEE ANYTHING WRONG. DROVE TO EL PASO AND FOUND OUT THAT THE SENSORS FROM THE GAS TANK TO THE ENGINE WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY (FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR). IT SHOULD READ ABOUT 50-60 PSI AND WE WERE READING ABOUT 43 PSI. IN SHORT THE COMPUTER TOLD MY ENGINE "WE ARE OUT OF GAS." SO THAT IS WHY IT JUST SHUT DOWN, EVEN THOUGH I WAS NOT EMPTY. I NOTICED THAT THERE IS ALREADY A SIMILAR RECALL ALREADY ON CHEVY CARS/TRUCKS LIKE THE TRAILBLAZER. I THINK THIS MAY BE A PROBLEM ON MORE MODELS THAN WHAT IS BEING REPORTED! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10587285

Mileage unknown · Apr 3, 2014
Structure

THIS TAHOE HAS 2 CRACKS IN DASH . RIGHT AT THE AIR BAG SPACE & IN FRONT OF THE DRIVER. WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN IF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOY. THIS IS A PRODUCT DEFECT. THIS TAHOE HAS ONLY 47K MILES ON IT. THIS IS NOT RIGHT FOR GMC TO DO THIS TO THE BUYERS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10577140

47,000 miles · Jan 9, 2014
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)

WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON 678 HIGHWAY MY TRACTION CONTROL AND STABILIK TURNED OFF AND THE ENGINE MODE LIGHT TURNED CAUSING MY TRUCK DROP IN SPEED FROM 55 TO 40. HAD TO PULL OVER AND SHUT THE TRUCK OFF AND WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10559199

65,000 miles · Jan 8, 2014
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineVehicle Speed Control

I STARTED TO ENCOUNTER THE FOLLOWING ERRORS ON MY 2011 CHEVY TAHOE; SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, SERVICE STABILITRAK, ENGINE POWER REDUCED DURING THE WINTER MONTHS OF 2012-2013. I COULD BE SIMPLY DOING THE TASK OF WARMING THE VEHICLE UP IN THE MORNING, DRIVING ON A PAVED ROAD GOING 35MPH, OR FULL BLOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF FREEWAY/HIGH…

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I STARTED TO ENCOUNTER THE FOLLOWING ERRORS ON MY 2011 CHEVY TAHOE; SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, SERVICE STABILITRAK, ENGINE POWER REDUCED DURING THE WINTER MONTHS OF 2012-2013. I COULD BE SIMPLY DOING THE TASK OF WARMING THE VEHICLE UP IN THE MORNING, DRIVING ON A PAVED ROAD GOING 35MPH, OR FULL BLOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF FREEWAY/HIGHWAY TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE WILL VIOLENTLY START TO IDLE WITH THE WARNING INDICATORS MENTIONED ABOVE, I THEN HAVE TO SOMEHOW PULL OVER IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC BECAUSE I'M UNABLE TO GET ANY POWER DUE TO THE ENGINE POWER REDUCTION. SHUT THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY OFF AND PATIENTLY WAIT UNTIL IT DECIDES TO RESET. THIS COULD HAPPEN ONCE A DAY TO MULTIPLE TIMES A DAY. IT COULD HAPPEN IMMEDIATELY ONE AFTER ANOTHER OR AT ANY GIVEN TIME. THE SERVICE ENGINE INDICATOR WILL STAY ON FOR ABOUT A DAY BEFORE IT GOES AWAY. LEAVING YOU WITH THE IMPRESSION THE VEHICLE IS FINE. WELL IT'S NOT UNTIL IT HAPPENS AGAIN AND AGAIN. I WAS ABOUT TO TAKE MY VEHICLE IN RIGHT BEFORE IT WAS TURNING SPRING WEATHER WAS WARMING, (NOT SURE IF THIS HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE ISSUE) BUT SURPRISINGLY IT STOPPED. ALL SPRING AND SUMMER I HAD NOT ONE ISSUE UNTIL NOW! JANUARY 8TH 2014 AND THE WEATHER IS COLD. THIS SEEMS AFTER READING ON A FEW BLOGS ON THE WEB, NUMEROUS GM OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. THEY TAKE THE VEHICLE IN TO HAVE SERVICED AND THE SERVICE FAILS. IT SOUNDS MORE LIKE A FAULTY PRODUCT WHICH IS UNSAFE HAVING THE ENGINE POWER REDUCED WITH NO ABILITY TO GET OUT OF TRAFFIC IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10559097

32,520 miles · Jan 7, 2014
Power Train

DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON A DARK, VERY COLD EVENING DURING RUSH HOUR ON A HIGHWAY AND THE TAHOE SUDDENLY LOSES POWER. AS SOON AS THIS HAPPENS, LOTS OF IDIOT LIGHTS AND WARNING MESSAGES APPEAR ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. TELLING ME THAT STABILITY CONTROL IS DISABLED AND NEED SERVICED AND THAT ENGINE POWER IS BEING REDUCED. I WA…

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DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON A DARK, VERY COLD EVENING DURING RUSH HOUR ON A HIGHWAY AND THE TAHOE SUDDENLY LOSES POWER. AS SOON AS THIS HAPPENS, LOTS OF IDIOT LIGHTS AND WARNING MESSAGES APPEAR ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. TELLING ME THAT STABILITY CONTROL IS DISABLED AND NEED SERVICED AND THAT ENGINE POWER IS BEING REDUCED. I WAS IN THE LEFT LANE AND HAD TO CUT THROUGH TRAFFIC TO GET TO A A VERY SNOWY SHOULDER - FORTUNATELY SAFELY. THE TRUCK CONTINUED TO LIMP ALONG AND I MANAGED TO EVENTUALLY FIND A SAFE PLACE TO STOP. TURNS OUT THAT THE THROTTLE BODY SENSOR WAS BAD AND THAT THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE. I FOUND THE SERVICE BULLETIN ONLINE AND GM FIXED IS RIGHT AWAY TODAY. THERE IS NO RECALL, BUT MOST GMC/CHEVY FORUMS HAD DOZENS OF POSTS OF THE SAME SITUATION, MANY WHERE FOLKS ENCOUNTERED MORE SERIOUS SAFETY SITUATIONS. THIS APPEARS TO GO BACK MANY OLDER MODEL YEARS AS WELL SO IT SEEMS GM SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND ADDRESS IT IN THEIR NEWER VEHICLES WHICH THEY HAVE NOT. WHY DOES THE ENGINE CUT OUT SO SUDDENLY AND OTHER UNRELATED SAFETY FEATURES ARE DISABLED SEEMS VERY DANGEROUS IN HIGHWAY DRIVING CONDITIONS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10558965

46,585 miles · Dec 23, 2013
Electronic Stability Control (esc)

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROX 60 MPH. THE TRUCK DROPPED SPEED RAPIDLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. LIGHTS STARTING FLASHING AND STATING REDUCED ENGINE POWER - SERVICE STABILITRAK. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PULL OVER I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE TRUCK LUNGED FORWARD. THIS HAPPENED THREE TIMES BEFORE THE ENGINE SPUTTERED AND SHUT OFF - …

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I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROX 60 MPH. THE TRUCK DROPPED SPEED RAPIDLY AND WITHOUT WARNING. LIGHTS STARTING FLASHING AND STATING REDUCED ENGINE POWER - SERVICE STABILITRAK. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO PULL OVER I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE TRUCK LUNGED FORWARD. THIS HAPPENED THREE TIMES BEFORE THE ENGINE SPUTTERED AND SHUT OFF - ON THE HIGHWAY. GM/CHEVROLET STATES THIS IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THE TRUCK IS LESS THAN 3 YEARS OLD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10557002

55,000 miles · Oct 4, 2013
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE DASHBOARD BECAME CRACKED UNEXPECTEDLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. THE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE DASHBOARD BECAME CRACKED UNEXPECTEDLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

NHTSA ODI #10546797

60,000 miles · Sep 30, 2013
Structure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

NHTSA ODI #10546168

29,000 miles · May 16, 2013
SuspensionCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE SUSPENSION FAILED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AS A RESULT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED TRAUMA TO THE LEG AND A COLLAPSED SPINE DISC. A POLICE REPORT …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE SUSPENSION FAILED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AS A RESULT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED TRAUMA TO THE LEG AND A COLLAPSED SPINE DISC. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS NOT PROVIDED WITH A DIAGNOSIS AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10512443

10,000 miles · Apr 29, 2013
Structure

AFTER EVERY RAIN, THE REAR DOORS FILL WITH WATER. I CLEAR THE DRAIN HOLES REGULARLY BUT AFTER EACH RAIN I STILL NEED TO TAKE OFF THE SEAL AND LET THE WATER DRAIN. IF IT IS A HEAVY RAIN, THE DOORS TAKE OVER 15 MINUTES TO DRAIN BECAUSE THEY ARE COMPLETELY FULL. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO DO THIS AFTER EVERY RAIN. I AM CONCERNED THA…

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AFTER EVERY RAIN, THE REAR DOORS FILL WITH WATER. I CLEAR THE DRAIN HOLES REGULARLY BUT AFTER EACH RAIN I STILL NEED TO TAKE OFF THE SEAL AND LET THE WATER DRAIN. IF IT IS A HEAVY RAIN, THE DOORS TAKE OVER 15 MINUTES TO DRAIN BECAUSE THEY ARE COMPLETELY FULL. I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO DO THIS AFTER EVERY RAIN. I AM CONCERNED THAT RUST WILL FORM AND THAT THERE WILL BE ELECTRICAL ISSUES. IF I AM NOT HOME FOR SEVERAL DAYS AFTER IT RAINS AND THE TRUCK IS SITTING, THIS MEANS THE WATER IS SITTING IN THERE. AT NIGHT, IF THE TEMPERATURE DROPS BELOW FREEZING, THIS WATER WILL FREEZE IN THE DOORS. THIS NEVER HAPPENED IN MY 2002 TAHOE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10509917

Official recalls

5

21V050000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Feb 5, 2021

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL, and 2009-2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, GMC Sierra 2500 and Sierra 3500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2007-2008 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 22, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 1, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328760.

21V054000 · Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Feb 5, 2021

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally GM is recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL and 2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL and 2010-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 25, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed to 40 VIN owners on May 11, 2021. A second owner notification letter was mailed to all other owners on January 24, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328800.

14V827000 · Electrical System:ignition

Dec 30, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the "Start" position.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If stuck in the "Start" position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the "Accessory" position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If the vehicle is in a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ignition lock housing, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on February 12, 2015. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14696 for the original equipment, and 14912 for the service replacement parts.

11V339000 · Steering:linkages

Jun 28, 2011

GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV; CHEVROLET SILVERADO HD, SILVERADO LD, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; AND GMC SIERRA HD, SIERRA LD, YUKON, AND YUKON XL VEHICLES. THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT ATTACHING BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD ALLOW THE JOINTS TO SEPARATE, AND THE DRIVER COULD EXPERIENCE LOSS OF STEERING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: GM DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ENSURE THAT THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT BOLTS ARE TIGHTENED TO THE PROPER SPECIFICATION. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JULY 13, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

11V007000 · Suspension:rear:axle:spindle

Jan 6, 2011

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

Consequence & remedy

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

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

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.