Disks Unavailable Due to Storage Controller Detection Issue (vSAN)

Products

• VMware vSAN

Issue/Introduction

• vSAN disk groups appear offline or are inaccessible in the vSphere Client.
• The storage adapter is missing from the ESXi host's hardware inventory
• The controller is not visible in the Hardware Remote Management console Inventory (Ie iDRAC/iLO or equivalent).
• Cold power cycles do not restore controller visibility.

Environment

vSAN 8.x/9.x

ESXi 8.x/9.x

 

Cause

This issue is caused by a physical hardware layer failure. The HBA controller is failing to enumerate on the PCIe bus, rendering it invisible to both the ESXi kernel and the hardware management controller. This typically indicates a fault with the HBA card itself, the PCIe riser assembly, the slot on the system board, or the physical cabling connecting these components.

Resolution

Open a support request with the hardware vendor to initiate hardware diagnostic and replacement of failed hardware components if required.  

Additional Information

If the card is visible in Hardware Management console but missing from ESXi, the issue is likely a driver/firmware compatibility issue (please consult the VMware Compatibility Guide).
This article applies specifically to scenarios where the device is entirely absent from the management controller’s hardware inventory.