NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
11 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Sep 7, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed Control
Over the last 3 years we have had ongoing issues with our truck going into limp mode. We have spent thousands of dollars at dealerships and mechanics trying to troubleshoot the issue. Several occasions while trying to merge onto the freeway the truck would slip into limp mode causing us to have other drivers slam on their bre…
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Over the last 3 years we have had ongoing issues with our truck going into limp mode. We have spent thousands of dollars at dealerships and mechanics trying to troubleshoot the issue. Several occasions while trying to merge onto the freeway the truck would slip into limp mode causing us to have other drivers slam on their breaks almost hitting us. We had 2 cars in January of 2023 veer off the side of the road. We pulled over and thankfully they missed hitting one another. We just couldn't speed up to get out of their way. We cant believe their hasnt been a safety recall on the TCM for these trucks. GMC started doing Service bulletins in 2013 about the TCM causing the limp mode issues. There are dedicated facebook groups with over a 1,000 followers who are experiencing the same issues with these TCM's. Someone is going to die if they havent already. Several collisions, involving the years affected, are being re-investigated to determine why the vehicle slowed abruptly causing a fatal accident. A class action lawsuit is gaining momentum because GM will not do anything about the TCM.
NHTSA ODI #11543308
152,000 miles · Apr 13, 2021
Engine
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET, THE FUEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FAILED ALMOST CAUSING ME TO BE IN AN ACCIDENT. THE ENGINE SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS BLOWING UP WITH METAL ON METAL SOUNDS, LOSS OF CONTROL AND POWER. I HAD MY VEHICLE TRANSPORTED TO AN AUTHORIZED MECHANIC AND HE DETERMINED THE FUEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM HAD FAI…
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WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET, THE FUEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FAILED ALMOST CAUSING ME TO BE IN AN ACCIDENT. THE ENGINE SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS BLOWING UP WITH METAL ON METAL SOUNDS, LOSS OF CONTROL AND POWER. I HAD MY VEHICLE TRANSPORTED TO AN AUTHORIZED MECHANIC AND HE DETERMINED THE FUEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM HAD FAILED AND THE ENGINE WOULD HAVE TO BE REBUILT. I SPENT OVER $3000 TO HAVE IT REPAIRED AND IT STILL LEAKS OIL AND HAS ISSUES WITH PROVIDING CORRECT ENGINE POWER AND CONTROL. IT IS NOT SAFE NOR DEPENDABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11407913
150,000 miles · Jun 30, 2020
Engine
ACTIVE FUEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FAILED AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET. ENGINE STUCK IN 4 CYLINDERS. SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS GOING TO BLOW UP IT WAS RATTLING SO LOUD. RAPID LOSS OF POWER AND TORQUE AS A RESULT.
NHTSA ODI #11331766
118,000 miles · Jan 29, 2019
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineVehicle Speed Control
LIFE THREATENING SAFETY PROBLEM: WHILE MERGING INTO HIGH-SPEED TRAFFIC ON [XXX] IN CHARLOTTE NC, MY 2010 GMC SIERRA RAPIDLY DECELERATED FROM APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH TO 10 MPH. TWO TRACTOR-TRAILER TRUCKS GOING AT LEAST 70 MPH NARROWLY AVOIDED REAR-ENDING ME . ONLY THE LACK OF TRAFFIC ON THERE RIGHT SIDE PREVENTED A MAJOR DISASTER…
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LIFE THREATENING SAFETY PROBLEM: WHILE MERGING INTO HIGH-SPEED TRAFFIC ON [XXX] IN CHARLOTTE NC, MY 2010 GMC SIERRA RAPIDLY DECELERATED FROM APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH TO 10 MPH. TWO TRACTOR-TRAILER TRUCKS GOING AT LEAST 70 MPH NARROWLY AVOIDED REAR-ENDING ME . ONLY THE LACK OF TRAFFIC ON THERE RIGHT SIDE PREVENTED A MAJOR DISASTER. MY DASHBOARD SHOWED A ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED/SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL/SERVICE SABILITRAK WARNINGS, AND THE ENGINE IDLED ERRATICALLY AS I MANEUVERED OFF THE TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. THERE WAS NO THROTTLE RESPONSE. THIS ENGINEER DESIGN PUT THE SAFETY AND LIVES OF MANY AT RISK BY DUMPING ENGINE POWER TO WHAT IS THE EQUIVALENT OF SLAMMING ON THE BREAKS AT HIGH SPEED WITHOUT WARNING. IN APRIL 2018, APPROXIMATELY 8 MONTHS AGO, I HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD ROAD. AN AUTHORIZED DEALER COMPLETED A $679 REPLACEMENT OF MY THROTTLE-BODY GASKET AND GAS PEDAL ASSEMBLY (SEE ATTACHED RECEIPT). THE TRUCK DROVE WITHOUT ISSUE UNTIL THIS INCIDENT. I DIDN'T THINK THIS WAS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE IT DID NOT HAPPEN AT HIGH SPEED. NOW, I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED ON THE HIGHWAY. FINALLY, THE DEALER EXPLAINS THAT THERE ARE MULTIPLE ISSUES THAT CAN CAUSE THIS MALFUNCTION AND THEY ARE NOW COMPLETING ANOTHER $600+ REPAIR, REPLACING MULTIPLE PARTS (REPAIR BILL NOT YET AVAILABLE). BASED ON THIS TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPAIR HISTORY, A CONSUMER IS NEVER GETTING A GUARANTEED PERMANENT FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM. THIS BEGS THE OBVIOUS QUESTION, OF WHY IS THERE A DESIGNED MALFUNCTION THAT JEOPARDIZES SAFETY IN THIS MANNER? PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA ODI #11172843
11,458 miles · Jan 5, 2018
EngineVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH THROUGH A SNOW BANK, THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE STABILITY TRACK INDICATOR SIGNALED THE SYSTEM TO BE OFF AND NEEDED SERVICING. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH A CERTIFI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH THROUGH A SNOW BANK, THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE STABILITY TRACK INDICATOR SIGNALED THE SYSTEM TO BE OFF AND NEEDED SERVICING. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY, BRAKE SENSOR SWITCH, AND FAULTY AIR INTAKE SYSTEM FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DIRECTED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA AND/OR THE DEALER. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,458.
NHTSA ODI #11060669
178,000 miles · Sep 22, 2017
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE TRACTION CONTROL AND STABILIZER WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE ENGINE MADE A KNOCKING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AT THE DESIRED RPMS WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO JIM FAULK MOTORS …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE TRACTION CONTROL AND STABILIZER WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE ENGINE MADE A KNOCKING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AT THE DESIRED RPMS WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO JIM FAULK MOTORS (1201 N 2ND ST CLINTON, MO 64735; 660-956-0076 OR 877-819-4482) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE SAME DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES AND STATED THAT, DUE TO THE WARRANTY EXPIRING, THEY WERE UNABLE TO ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 178,000.
NHTSA ODI #11025073
54,300 miles · Nov 23, 2016
Engine
AT ~ 54,000 MILES, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED INCREASED OIL CONSUMPTION AND LOST COMPRESSION ON TWO CYLINDERS. THIS VEHICLE HAS ONLY BEEN SUBJECTED TO HIGHWAY MILEAGE OF ABOUT 30 MILES/DAY ON AVERAGE AND HAS BEEN PROPERLY MAINTAINED. THE DAMAGE WAS TO THE EXTENT THAT CYLINDERS HAD TO BE REPLACED AND IT TOOK THE DEALERSHIP 25 …
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AT ~ 54,000 MILES, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED INCREASED OIL CONSUMPTION AND LOST COMPRESSION ON TWO CYLINDERS. THIS VEHICLE HAS ONLY BEEN SUBJECTED TO HIGHWAY MILEAGE OF ABOUT 30 MILES/DAY ON AVERAGE AND HAS BEEN PROPERLY MAINTAINED. THE DAMAGE WAS TO THE EXTENT THAT CYLINDERS HAD TO BE REPLACED AND IT TOOK THE DEALERSHIP 25 DAYS TO REPAIR. A COWORKER HAD THE SAME ENGINE ISSUE ON HIS CHEVROLET SILVERADO WITH THE SAME 5.3 LITER ENGINE AT ~ 45,000 MILES. A CURSORY SEARCH OF THE INTERNET WILL REVEAL THAT THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF OWNERS COMMENTS THAT I HAVE RESEARCHED BELIEVE THAT IT IS CAUSED BY THE ACTIVE FUEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FAILING TO PROPERLY LUBRICATE COMPONENTS WHEN THE ENGINE CYCLES BETWEEN 4 AND 8 CYLINDERS. GM DISAVOWED ANY KNOWLEDGE OF THESE INCIDENTS WHEN CONTACTED. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF MY LOCAL GMC DEALERSHIP DISAVOWED ANY KNOWLEDGE ALSO ALTHOUGH I PRESENTED THEM OVER A DOZEN PAGES OF GM OWNERS GROUP WEB PAGES WITH DESCRIPTION OF THE SAME ENGINE FAILURES. HOWEVER, WHEN THEIR MECHANIC WAS QUESTIONED AS TO WHETHER HE WAS REPAIRING THE PROBLEM OR MERELY EXCHANGING DAMAGED PARTS, HE REPLIED "IT WON'T HAPPEN AGAIN, WE DO THIS ALL THE TIME". THIS TELLS ME THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT THE FIRST THAT THEY HAVE SEEN WITH THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA ODI #10927734
69,000 miles · Feb 8, 2016
Engine
ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON - TOOK TO DEALER - WAS TOLD IT WAS PO455 CODE EVAP FAILURE - EVAP VENT VALVE STUCK OPEN. WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM BUT NOT COVERED BY GMC - COST $501.17
NHTSA ODI #10824957
66,000 miles · Jan 4, 2016
Engine
WHILE DRIVING DOWN A STEEP HILL, LOST ENGINE POWER AND TRUCK SPEED WAS DRAMATICALLY REDUCED. DASH WARNING "REDUCED ENGINE POWER" DISPLAYED. COULD NOT ACCELERATE. THIS COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THIS SITUATION CAUSED DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #10817495
40,000 miles · Jan 1, 2015
Engine
AS I WAS DRIVING THE TRUCK SEEMED AS IF IT TURNED OFF, ALL THE GAUGES WENT DOWN APPEARING OF THE TRUCK WAS OFF AND NOT RUNNING. THE TRUCK WAS STILL RUNNING, BUT THE ENGINE DID NOT HAVE POWER OR ACCELERATION. CONTINUED TO DRIVE TILL I WAS AT A SAFETY ZONE. TURNED IT OFF AND DID NOT WANT TO START NO MORE I TOOK THE BATTERY CABLE O…
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AS I WAS DRIVING THE TRUCK SEEMED AS IF IT TURNED OFF, ALL THE GAUGES WENT DOWN APPEARING OF THE TRUCK WAS OFF AND NOT RUNNING. THE TRUCK WAS STILL RUNNING, BUT THE ENGINE DID NOT HAVE POWER OR ACCELERATION. CONTINUED TO DRIVE TILL I WAS AT A SAFETY ZONE. TURNED IT OFF AND DID NOT WANT TO START NO MORE I TOOK THE BATTERY CABLE OFF AND PUT IT BACK JUMP START IT AND EVERYTHING WENT BACK TO NORMAL. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10669495
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 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.
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.
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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