2015 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.

After starting the vehicle, I turned on the rear defrost button and within a few minutes the rear window started producing smoke inside the vehicle. I turned the truck off immediately and then approximately 30 seconds later, the rear window on the passenger side shattered. There is a recall that was issued for this exact problem but when i contacted the dealership, I was informed that the recall applied to Canadian vehicle models only and that there was no recall issued in the U.S. for this problem. I believe that there was a great risk for my family's safety as my child sits directly in front of this window and presented an injury risk to her, as well as the overall fire risk that could have occurred if I had not noticed the issue immediately. There were no warnings before the incident occurred. I had to pay out of pocket to have the window replaced.

NHTSA ID

11725053

Incident

Mar 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the defroster was activated, and there was smoke inside the vehicle before the rear glass shattered. No warning light was illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ID

11722449

Incident

Mar 6, 2026

Mileage

50,000 mi

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2015 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 189,458 and the contact stated he discovered on Carfax that mileage was 188,052; however, the contact discovered that the mileage was 112,708.

NHTSA ID

11713486

Incident

Aug 10, 2023

Mileage

189,458 mi

I have went to a dealership to try and trade this vehicle in and they have informed me that this vehicles odometer has been rolled back prior to me purchasing it. It was not disclosed to me from Bob Rorhman Hyandia that this had happened.

NHTSA ID

11713408

Incident

Aug 10, 2023

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost automotive power and stalled. No warning lights was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the Fuel Pump Module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.

NHTSA ID

11672477

Incident

Jun 17, 2025

Mileage

129,000 mi

Blown head gasket. Engine hydro-locked.

NHTSA ID

11667151

Incident

Mar 12, 2025

Had tailgate switch safety recall completed in June 2024. Beginning November 25th, 2024, tailgate switch began randomly opening tailgate while driving and parked with vehicle turned off. The lower “push button” in attached photo is the one that controls the tailgate. One time while closing tailgate, the switch kept activating repeatedly for nearly a minute before it stopped. We live in the mountains and have been having heavy fog and rain. Contacted dealer and dealer stated that we would be responsible for repair. Contacted dealer on December 2, 2024 and dealer scheduled truck for repair December 18th 2024. Truck is not equipped with any indicator if tailgate comes open. Have to keep tailgate strapped shut at all times now.

NHTSA ID

11628404

Incident

Nov 25, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 2500. The contact stated that while driving at 45-48 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact used a vehicle scanner and retrieved diagnostic test code P0420 that indicated an efficient operating below threshold, and the contact cleared the code. Additionally, the contact stated while the exhaust filter was being cleaned, an unknown message was displayed. Upon clearing the code, the check engine warning light illuminated again. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed the contact that there was no warranty coverage. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.

NHTSA ID

11620052

Incident

Oct 2, 2024

Mileage

83,000 mi

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