2015 GMC Sierra 3500

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.

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated that after parking in the driveway and turning off the vehicle, approximately 30 minutes later, the rear passenger’s side roof rail air bag erroneously deployed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V504000 (AIR BAGS). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 155,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11683447

Incident

Aug 10, 2025

Mileage

155,000 mi

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V504000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11595810

Incident

Jun 21, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle abruptly lost motive power and decelerated to 25 MPH. The contact stated that the message “Engine Power Reduced” was displayed. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent, but always occurred while driving at high speeds. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 48,815,

NHTSA ID

11567785

Incident

Nov 18, 2023

Mileage

48,815 mi

The service trailer brake icon keeps appearing on my screen I’m afraid it’s going to not work properly when towing trailers it’s constantly going on and off I believe it’s the brake control module switch but also could be in the harness just want Gm to be aware of the many blogs that I have read about with this problem The problem first appeared about two months ago

NHTSA ID

11495699

Incident

Oct 4, 2022

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, another vehicle merged into the lane that the contact was driving in and the contact pressed on the horn pad however, there was no sound coming from the horn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the horn was replaced. The contact stated the failure had occurred several times and the horn was replaced each time. The manufacturer was contacted and stated there was no recall related to the failure and offered no additional assistance. The failure mileage was 120,000.

NHTSA ID

11485685

Incident

Jan 21, 2022

Mileage

120,000 mi

4 weeks ago, constant repeated loud chime and visual warning stating " service trailer brake system". This is constantly alarming and unable to be cancelled or acknowledged throughout the drive. This results in distracted driving. Furthermore, it occurs both when towing a trailer or not towing. I have noticed decreased braking of the trailer as well. Have not gone to dealer yet.

NHTSA ID

11483929

Incident

Aug 1, 2022

Vehicle has a cp4 fuel pump. This pump has a high failure rate. Upon failure the vehicle shuts down and cannot be restarted. This can happen at any time and anywhere. Can happen while on a highway or freeway. This vehicle is used to haul heave loads. This failure can ending up to $10,000 or more to repair. This failure has not happened on this vehicle yet. Am very concerned about me safety and the safety of others because of the high failure rate.

NHTSA ID

11476314

Incident

Jul 28, 2022

The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V504000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts are not available.

NHTSA ID

11444736

Incident

Dec 1, 2021

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