2008 GMC Sierra 2500

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.

IN A LETTER DATED AUGUST 27, 2008, GENERAL MOTORS CORP. (GM) NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 08V-441) TO ADDRESS A SAFETY RELATEDDEFECT THAT CAN RESULT IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE IN APPROXIMATELY 850,000 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID OPTION.THE SUBJECT VEHICLES OF THIS INVESTIGATION COMPRISE OVER THREE-QUARTERS OF THE RECALL POPULATION. ACCORDING TO GM, A SHORT CIRCUIT ON THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID HEATER MODULE MAY OVERHEAT THE CONTROL-CIRCUIT GROUND WIRE. THIS MAY CAUSE OTHER ELECTRICAL FEATURES TO MALFUNCTION, CREATE AN ODOR OR CAUSE SMOKE AND IN RARE CASES IT MAY CAUSE A FIRE.AS A REMEDY, GM DEALERS WILL INSTALL A WIRE HARNESS WITH AN IN-LINE FUSE. IN ADDITION TO THE SUBJECT VEHICLES, SEVERAL OTHER GM MODELS WITH THE HEATED WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID OPTION ARE INCLUDED IN RECALL 08V-441: MY 2006-2008 BUICK LUCERNE (MANUFACTURED AUGUST 2005 THROUGH NOVEMBER 2007); MY 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE (MANUFACTURED FEBRUARY 2007 THROUGH APRIL 2007); MY 2006-2008 CADILLAC DTS (MANUFACTURED MAY 2007 THROUGH NOVEMBER 2007); MY 2007-2008 SATURN OUTLOOK (MANUFACTURED AUGUST 2006 THROUGH APRIL 2007); AND MY 2007-2008 GMC ACADIA (MANUFACTURED AUGUST 2006 THROUGH APRIL 2007) VEHICLES.GM IS INSTRUCTING OWNERS TO TAKE THEIR VEHICLE TO A DEALER FOR SERVICE IF THEY EXPERIENCE SYMPTOMS OF WINDSHIELD WASHER HEATER MODULE SHORT CIRCUITS. GM'S RECALL RESOLVES THE SAFETY DEFECT CONCERNS PURSUED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THIS ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IS CLOSED.

IN RESPONSE TO AN INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER SENT BY THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION(ODI) DURING PRELIMINARY EVALUATION PE08-010, GM PROVIDED ODI WITH 41 ALLEGATIONS OF NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES INCLUDING 16 ALLEGATIONS OF FIRES ORIGINATING WITH THE IGNITION IN THE OFF POSITION.ONE OF THE FIRES WAS DETERMINED TO BE CAUSED BY AN ARSON EVENT.ODI HAS ALSO RECEIVED 5 REPORTS, 4 OF WHICH ARE OF DUPLICATIVE OF REPORTS PROVIDED BY GM, ALLEGING NON-CRASH ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.IN TOTAL, ODI IS AWARE OF 41 NON-CRASHENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES THAT ARE UNRELATED TO ARSON.EIGHT OF THE 41 FIRE ALLEGATIONS ALSO ALLEGE PROPERTY DAMAGE AS A RESULT OF THE FIRES.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA08-010) TO FURTHER ASSESS THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY, ORIGIN AND CAUSE OF THE ALLEGED NON-CRASH RELATED ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.

The curtain airbags on both the passenger and driver side deployed while driving down the road. The truck is available for inspection although the deployed bags have been cut off in order to drive it home. Pictures were taken before doing so and are available for inspection. My son is pretty shaken up and has injuries to his shoulder, face and his ears are ringing.

NHTSA ID

11736887

Incident

May 10, 2026

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2008 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while researching the history of the vehicle it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 166,521 and while researching online, it was discovered that the mileage was 207,759.

NHTSA ID

11656262

Incident

Apr 23, 2025

Mileage

207,759 mi

High speed collision with a cement truck destroyed most of the front portion of the vehicle. Neither passenger nor driver airbag deployed and seat belts did not lock up, injuring the driver. No warning lights indicating an airbag problem appeared prior to crash. The vehicle is now impounded at towing company yard pending insurance investigation.

NHTSA ID

11616145

Incident

Sep 19, 2024

A YEAR OR SO AFTER RECIEVINV MY AIRBAG RECALL SERVICE, MY DASH STARTED CRACKING. IT STARTED AT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG. IT IS NOW CRACKED IN OTHER PLACES AND RATTLES CONSTANTLY WHILE IN MOTION. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD. I'VE YET TO SEE A GMC/CHEVY FROM 2007.5-14 THAT THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM. IT SEEMS THAT THE DASH PIECES COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY/DEATH IF NOT FIXED. GM WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM ON THEIR END WITH OUT THE CONSUMER PAYING $450-750. THEY SAID THAT WAS THE REPLACEMENT COST WITH THE EXACT SAME DASH. THAT DASH WOULD MOST LIKELY CRACK AS WELL. WHY HAS GM NOT BEEN HELD ACCOUNTABLE? WILL PEOPLE HAVE TO BECOME INJURED/DEAD BEFORE THE PROBLEM IS FIXED? PICTURES CAN BE SENT ON REQUEST.

NHTSA ID

11386524

Incident

Oct 1, 2020

Mileage

80,000 mi

STEERING COLUMN SEPERATED AT THE TILT COLUMN PIVOT JOINT. TOTAL STEERING LOST. THE COLLAPSIBLE COLUMN SECTION ALLOWED THE PIVOT JOINT RETENTION TO DISSENGAGE ALSO SLIDE TOWARD ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THERE ARE TWO SET SCREWS, THAT WORK LOOSE (GOOGLE SEARCH OF ISSUE RESULTED IN LOTS OF DOCUMENTED CASES), AND SET SCREWS FELL OUT AND TOTAL STEERING COLUMN SHAFT SEPERATED AT PIVOT JOINT. NO INJURY, BUT ONLY DUE TO REMOTE COUNTY ROAD AT 7AM WITH NO TRAFFIC. VEHICLE WENT INTO DITCH VS ONCOMING TRAFFIC ONLY DUE TO CROWN OF RURAL COUNTY ROAD. VEHICLE SPEED WAS MINIMAL AS I JUST EXITED A TURN IN INTERSECTION. VEHICLE TOWED. WILL UPLOAD PICS LATER OR PLEASE REQUEST THEM ALSO. I AM SAVING ALL PARTS AS THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE. COLUMN WAS VERIFIED TO BE USED UP THRU AT LEAST 2017. BACKGROUND. AUTOMOTIVE MECHANICAL ENGINEER WITH 25+ YEARS EXPERIENCE IN COMMERCIAL TRUCK DESIGN INCLUDING STEERING SYSTEMS.

NHTSA ID

11376239

Incident

Nov 21, 2020

Mileage

201,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 GMC SIERRA 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO WILKINSON AUTOMOTIVE (3335 NC-87 SOUTH, SANFORD, NC 27332) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL FILTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO START AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED 2 DAYS LATER. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THERE WAS A DELAY WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT ABOUT A MANUFACTURER FUEL INJECTOR RECALL AND PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.

NHTSA ID

11349080

Incident

Jul 4, 2020

Mileage

97,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 GMC SIERRA 2500. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, IT SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS CONTACTED AND DROVE TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE MECHANIC'S SHOP. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HARRY ROBINSON BUICK GMC (6000 S 36TH ST, FORT SMITH, AR 72908, (479) 646-8600) FOR A SECOND DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE DEALER FOUND THAT THE MAIN CONTROL MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER: 14515B AS A POSSIBLE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11258168

Incident

Feb 12, 2019

Mileage

100,000 mi

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 GMC SIERRA 2500. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V383000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED PREMIER GMC (2000 EASTERN RD, RITTMAN, OH 44270, (888) 564-1107) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF *TR

NHTSA ID

11220538

Incident

May 27, 2016

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that some owners of Heavy Duty Trucks and Utilities may ask if they can lower their tire pressures. Tire pressures being set to the "Tire and Loading Label" will ensure the safe handling and ride characteristics of the truck and should not be lowered.

New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, B3935, C0750, C0755, C0760, C0765, and/or C0775.

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a bump feel or clunk noise at a stop or on launch. Dealer should communicate to the customer this condition is a normal operating characteristic

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.