NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
234 reports131,667 miles · Jul 13, 2021
Air Bags
The contact owns a 2009 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the service air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V052000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure.…
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The contact owns a 2009 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that the service air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V052000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 131,667
NHTSA ODI #11424663
Mileage unknown · Jul 6, 2021
Air Bags
There was no incident, yet. However, this recall was issued on February 5, 2021, today is July 6, 2021. My safety and the safety of passengers are at risk because there is no resolution from the manufacturer thus far, over five months. This recall also negatively affects the resell/trade-in value of my vehicle. Because of the ac…
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There was no incident, yet. However, this recall was issued on February 5, 2021, today is July 6, 2021. My safety and the safety of passengers are at risk because there is no resolution from the manufacturer thus far, over five months. This recall also negatively affects the resell/trade-in value of my vehicle. Because of the active recall, dealers will not trade for my vehicle for a reasonable value. So, due to the manufacturer being unable to fix the problem in a timely manner, I am financially impacted.
NHTSA ODI #11423600
Mileage unknown · Jun 18, 2021
Power Train
First had transmission replaced, then a second one, now third time they say transfer case, locking itself in gear, and dangerous cause wanted to take off fast in reverse. All this happening just in a couple months time. Cost 3500 for transmission, now saying transfer case will cost me more money, and I still owe 800 on the trans…
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First had transmission replaced, then a second one, now third time they say transfer case, locking itself in gear, and dangerous cause wanted to take off fast in reverse. All this happening just in a couple months time. Cost 3500 for transmission, now saying transfer case will cost me more money, and I still owe 800 on the transmission replacement. It is a 2009 GMC Sierra LD, vin is [XXX]. Thank you hope you can help me out on this. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA ODI #11421412
150,000 miles · Apr 13, 2021
Air BagsUnknown Or Other
HELLO, I WAS JUST AT MOSSY GMC IN NEW ORLEANS,LA., WHERE I WENT TO SEE ABOUT GETTING MY RECALLED AIRBAG ORDERED AND REPLACED. THE SERVICE REP TOLD ME THAT WHEN THEY CHANGE OUT THE AIRBAG, MOST OF THE TIME THE DASHBOARD CRACKS EVEN MORE, WHERE THEY WILLBE WORKING, BUT THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THE BROKEN DASHBOARD. I FEEL THAT THIS I…
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HELLO, I WAS JUST AT MOSSY GMC IN NEW ORLEANS,LA., WHERE I WENT TO SEE ABOUT GETTING MY RECALLED AIRBAG ORDERED AND REPLACED. THE SERVICE REP TOLD ME THAT WHEN THEY CHANGE OUT THE AIRBAG, MOST OF THE TIME THE DASHBOARD CRACKS EVEN MORE, WHERE THEY WILLBE WORKING, BUT THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THE BROKEN DASHBOARD. I FEEL THAT THIS IS TOTALLY REDICULOUS! IF I DIDN'T HAVE THAT DAMAGE BEFORE GOING INTO A SERVICE CENTER, AND NOW I HAVE DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE SERVICE CENTER, I SHOULD NOT BE HAVING TO PAY FOR A NEW DASHBOARD OUT OF MY OWN POCKET. I FEEL THAT A CRACKED DASHBOARD COULD COMPOUND THE SEVERITY OF A CAR CRASH, BEING SAID, IT COULD SHATTER INTO PIECES UPON AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND SEND SHARDS OF DASHBOARD FLYING AT BOTH THE DRIVER AND THEIR PASSENGERS. THE SHARDS, COULD ALSO LACERATE THE AIRBAGS AND RENDER THEM USELESS. PLEASE HELP ME OUT WITH THIS SITUATION.
NHTSA ODI #11407870
Mileage unknown · Apr 8, 2021
Air Bags
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V053000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED ALPINE BUICK GMC, LITTLETON/DENVER (3106 W COUNTY LINE RD, LITTLETON, CO 80129, (720) 826-7170) WHERE IT WAS CO…
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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V053000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED ALPINE BUICK GMC, LITTLETON/DENVER (3106 W COUNTY LINE RD, LITTLETON, CO 80129, (720) 826-7170) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11407126
Mileage unknown · Apr 7, 2021
Air Bags
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V050000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT HERITAGE BUICK GMC LOCATED AT 930 EAST I-30 FRONTAGE RD, ROCKWALL, TX 75087, (972) 807-0165, INFORMED HIM THAT ANY DAMAGES WHILE FACILITATING THE RECALL REPAIR WOUL…
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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V050000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT HERITAGE BUICK GMC LOCATED AT 930 EAST I-30 FRONTAGE RD, ROCKWALL, TX 75087, (972) 807-0165, INFORMED HIM THAT ANY DAMAGES WHILE FACILITATING THE RECALL REPAIR WOULD RESULT IN OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES TO THE VEHICLE OWNER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE PART WAS AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA ODI #11406913
Mileage unknown · Mar 31, 2021
Air Bags
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V050000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS FRUSTRATED THAT THERE HAD NOT YET BEEN A REMEDY FOR THE RECALL. THE CONTACT CALLED BERT OGDEN BUICK GMC (4216 SO…
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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 21V050000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS FRUSTRATED THAT THERE HAD NOT YET BEEN A REMEDY FOR THE RECALL. THE CONTACT CALLED BERT OGDEN BUICK GMC (4216 SOUTH EXPRESSWAY 281, EDINBURG, TX 78542, (833) 359-5344) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED AND FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. ## VIN PASSED ## GMC 2009 SIERRA ##
NHTSA ODI #11405785
48,000 miles · Mar 16, 2021
Air BagsUnknown Or Other
TAKATA PASSENGER AIRBAG GM RECALL N212328780. GM SAFETY RECALL LETTER DATED 02/2021 INDICATING PART IS NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE AND I WILL BE NOTIFIED ONCE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. I REQUEST, WITH CONCERN, AN INVESTIGATION BE PERFORMED ON THE AIRBAG PROPELLANT COMPONENTS FOR SIGNS OF EXPANSION PROBLEM WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSED A CRACK/SP…
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TAKATA PASSENGER AIRBAG GM RECALL N212328780. GM SAFETY RECALL LETTER DATED 02/2021 INDICATING PART IS NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE AND I WILL BE NOTIFIED ONCE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. I REQUEST, WITH CONCERN, AN INVESTIGATION BE PERFORMED ON THE AIRBAG PROPELLANT COMPONENTS FOR SIGNS OF EXPANSION PROBLEM WHICH MAY HAVE CAUSED A CRACK/SPLIT IN VEHICLE DASH SURFACE. THIS COMPLETE CRACK/SPLIT IS LOCATED NEAR UPPER LEFT CORNER OF RECALLED PASSENGER AIRBAG/COVER. DASH APPEARS TO BE SLIGHTLY RAISED IN THAT AREA OF CRACK/SPLIT. PREVIOUS GM RECALL ISSUED FOR SAME DASH PROBLEM FOR OTHER MODEL YEAR VEHICLES?
NHTSA ODI #11403317
Mileage unknown · Mar 2, 2021
Air Bags
I KEEP RECEIVING THE LETTERS ABOUT MY RECALL BUT THE AIR BAG IS NEVER IN STOCK, I ALSO HAVE A CHEVY TAHOE 2011 WITH SAME ISSUE
NHTSA ODI #11398646
128,000 miles · Feb 9, 2021
Air Bags
CONTACTED GM CORPORATE, THEY TOLD ME THEY CAN'T HELP ME AND TO CALL THE LOCAL DEALER TO SCHEDULE GETTING THE SERVICE TO GET DONE. LOCAL DEALER DOES NOT HAVE ANY INFORMATION, IS NOT ABLE TO GET PARTS, AND IS NOT WILLING TO DO SERVICE AS IT WILL NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AS ITS NOT IN GM'S SYSTEM. GM IS CONTINUING TO STALL AND…
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CONTACTED GM CORPORATE, THEY TOLD ME THEY CAN'T HELP ME AND TO CALL THE LOCAL DEALER TO SCHEDULE GETTING THE SERVICE TO GET DONE. LOCAL DEALER DOES NOT HAVE ANY INFORMATION, IS NOT ABLE TO GET PARTS, AND IS NOT WILLING TO DO SERVICE AS IT WILL NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AS ITS NOT IN GM'S SYSTEM. GM IS CONTINUING TO STALL AND THIS HAS BEEN A FOUR YEAR ORDEAL. LOCAL DEALER HAS NO TIMEFRAME OF WHEN THE SYSTEM WILL BE UPDATED SO THEY CAN BEGIN THE WORK, THEY HAVE NO CLUE WHEN THEY WILL BE ABLE TO GET PARTS OR IF THEY WILL EVEN BE ABLE TO GET PARTS.
NHTSA ODI #11395382
Official recalls
4Feb 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.
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.
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.
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
2DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds
Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
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