NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
103 reports47,500 miles · Jun 13, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
VEHICLE FUEL GAUGE STARTED FLUCTUATING FROM FULL TO EMPTY, AND VEHICLE WOULD PAUSE WHILE ACCELERATING. DEALER PRICED REPAIR AT $535. THIS PROBLEM STARTED AT 47,500 MILES AND NOW FUEL GAUGE IS STUCK ON EMPTY. VEHICLE STILL RANDOMLY HESITATES ON ACCELERATION. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON GM RANIERS, TRAILBLAZERS, YUKONS…
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VEHICLE FUEL GAUGE STARTED FLUCTUATING FROM FULL TO EMPTY, AND VEHICLE WOULD PAUSE WHILE ACCELERATING. DEALER PRICED REPAIR AT $535. THIS PROBLEM STARTED AT 47,500 MILES AND NOW FUEL GAUGE IS STUCK ON EMPTY. VEHICLE STILL RANDOMLY HESITATES ON ACCELERATION. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON GM RANIERS, TRAILBLAZERS, YUKONS, ETC. GM HAS BEEN AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM/DEFECT FOR SOME TIME WITH NO RESPONSE.
NHTSA ODI #10406692
28,426 miles · May 3, 2011
Electrical SystemExterior LightingFuel System, Gasoline
GAS GAUGE IS ERRATIC, GOES FROM EMPTY TO FULL AND FULL TO EMPTY LEAVING YOU WITH NO IDEA HOW MUCH FUEL YOU HAVE. WHEN SLOWING DOWN OR TURNING, VEHICLE LUNGES OR STALLS. ALSO, LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WILL GO OFF WITH NO WARNING AND TAKES TIME TO RE-LIGHT. LOW BEAMS ALSO TEND TO FLICKER TO DIM.
NHTSA ODI #10399035
82,000 miles · May 2, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
WE FILLED UP THE SUV AND THE GAS GAUGE DID NOT REGISTER THAT THE TANK WAS FULL. AFTER A WHILE THE GAUGE SLOWLY MOVED UP AND SHOWED THAT THE TANK WAS FULL. AFTER A COUPLE OF WEEKS OF THAT, THE GAUGE NOW DOES NOT MOVE OFF OF EMPTY AT ALL. OFTEN TIMES THE GAS REMINDER SIGNAL GOES OFF LETTING US KNOW THAT THE TANK IS EMPTY, HOWEV…
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WE FILLED UP THE SUV AND THE GAS GAUGE DID NOT REGISTER THAT THE TANK WAS FULL. AFTER A WHILE THE GAUGE SLOWLY MOVED UP AND SHOWED THAT THE TANK WAS FULL. AFTER A COUPLE OF WEEKS OF THAT, THE GAUGE NOW DOES NOT MOVE OFF OF EMPTY AT ALL. OFTEN TIMES THE GAS REMINDER SIGNAL GOES OFF LETTING US KNOW THAT THE TANK IS EMPTY, HOWEVER WE HAD JUST FILLED UP THE TANK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10398671
45,000 miles · Apr 30, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline
GAS GAUGE IS INACCURATE- DOES NOT READ GASOLINE LEVEL CORRECTLY 2005 BUICK RAINIER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10398356
60,000 miles · Dec 29, 2010
Electrical System
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER GOING CRAZY. SPEEDOMETER READING 80 WHEN GOING 45 (I'M ESTIMATING OBVIOUSLY BECAUSE I HAVE NO IDEA EXACTLY HOW FAST), FUEL GAUGE WORKING WHEN IT WANTS TO. FEEL UNSAFE IN THIS VEHICLE. DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR FAULTY CLUSTER. ESTIMATED $600. WHEN I RESEARCH MANY GM VEHICLES HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS (STEPP…
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INSTRUMENT CLUSTER GOING CRAZY. SPEEDOMETER READING 80 WHEN GOING 45 (I'M ESTIMATING OBVIOUSLY BECAUSE I HAVE NO IDEA EXACTLY HOW FAST), FUEL GAUGE WORKING WHEN IT WANTS TO. FEEL UNSAFE IN THIS VEHICLE. DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR FAULTY CLUSTER. ESTIMATED $600. WHEN I RESEARCH MANY GM VEHICLES HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS (STEPPER MOTORS) BUT NOT MY VEHICLE. FUNNY, WHEN THEY SOLD IT TO ME THEY TOLD ME IT WAS EXACTLY LIKE THE TAHOE. TAHOE HAS RECALL, WHY NOT MY BUICK RAINIER? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10373389
45,501 miles · Sep 12, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline
FUEL GAUGE REGISTERS INACCURATE READINGS, GIVING FALSE "LOW FUEL" WARNINGS IMMEDIATELY AFTER FILL UP AND DROPPING TO E UNPREDICTABLY AT OTHER TIMES, CAUSING GREAT CONSTERNATION AT BEING "RUN OVER" ON THE FREEWAY OR STRANDED WITHOUT PROPER WARNING. THE GAUGE SEEMS TO BOUNCE UP AND DOWN AT WILL. THIS IS AN '05 BUICK RAINIER, UNDER…
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FUEL GAUGE REGISTERS INACCURATE READINGS, GIVING FALSE "LOW FUEL" WARNINGS IMMEDIATELY AFTER FILL UP AND DROPPING TO E UNPREDICTABLY AT OTHER TIMES, CAUSING GREAT CONSTERNATION AT BEING "RUN OVER" ON THE FREEWAY OR STRANDED WITHOUT PROPER WARNING. THE GAUGE SEEMS TO BOUNCE UP AND DOWN AT WILL. THIS IS AN '05 BUICK RAINIER, UNDER 47K MILES, SISTER VEHICLE TO CHEVY TRAILBLAZER AND GMC ENVOY WHICH ARE ALREADY DOCUMENTED WITH THIS PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10355106
100,000 miles · Aug 29, 2010
Fuel System, GasolineSuspension
HAVING DIFFICULTY WITH DRIVING VEHICLE. SEEMED TO BE OVER ROAD. SEVERAL EVALUATIONS AT CAR DEALERSHIP, DIFFERENT FIXES WITHOUT RESOLUTIONS. FINALLY THE AIR SYSTEM WHICH REGULATES THE BALANCE, HEIGHT ETC STOPPED FUNCTIONALLY. THE CAR SITS LOW TO THE GROUND. I FIRST STARTED COMPLAINING OF UNUSUAL NOISES FROM THE SPEAKERS OF T…
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HAVING DIFFICULTY WITH DRIVING VEHICLE. SEEMED TO BE OVER ROAD. SEVERAL EVALUATIONS AT CAR DEALERSHIP, DIFFERENT FIXES WITHOUT RESOLUTIONS. FINALLY THE AIR SYSTEM WHICH REGULATES THE BALANCE, HEIGHT ETC STOPPED FUNCTIONALLY. THE CAR SITS LOW TO THE GROUND. I FIRST STARTED COMPLAINING OF UNUSUAL NOISES FROM THE SPEAKERS OF THE CAR. APPROXIMATELY 9 MONTHS AGO. DEALERSHIP DID NOT KNOW WHAT THAT COULD BE. NOW I AM TOLD THE COMPRESSOR AND THE SHOCK SYSTEM IS GONE. THE COST TO FIX IS 3000.00 I HAVE FOUND A COMPANY WHO HAS AN ADAPTIVE KIT WITH CONVERSION TO STANDARD SHOCK SYSTEM. THIS COMPANY TELLS ME THAT THEY ARE SEDMOMG 15 TO 20 OF THESE KITS OUT A WEEK. GMC DOES NOT OFFER ANY OPTIONS. MY CONCERN IS THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM FOR MULTIPLE MONTHS WITHOUT THE DEALERSHIPS ABILITY TO FIND THE PROBLEM IN A TIMELY MANNER. THE CAR WAS RENDERED UNSAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE IT WAS HARD TO STEER AND DIFFICULT TO KEEP IN YOUR OWN LANE. ADDITIONALLY, THE GAS GAGE HAS GONE BADE, APPROXIMATELY 50,000, THE FIRST RAINIER I HAD THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH GETTING THE FUEL INTO THE TANK. TRADED THE 2004 FOR 2005 BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM. NOW THIS GAS TANK THE GAUGE IS DEFECTIVE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10352603
68,000 miles · Jul 27, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED ON THE CONSOLE. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE ENGINE HEADS HAD FAILED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS UNABLE TO PASS EMISSIONS DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED ON THE CONSOLE. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE ENGINE HEADS HAD FAILED AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS UNABLE TO PASS EMISSIONS DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 70,000.
NHTSA ODI #10345623
70,000 miles · May 17, 2010
Electrical System
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT DISPLAY THE PROPER SPEED THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 81,000.
NHTSA ODI #10330757
101,000 miles · Apr 26, 2010
Electrical System
SPEEDOMETER FAILURE. PRIOR TO BECOMING PINNED AT 120 PLUS MPH, WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. TICKING NOISE UPON STOPPING. MECHANIC STATED HE WAS AWARE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH GM VEHICLES AND THOUGHT IT WAS A RECALL. DEFECTIVE PART IS SPEEDOMETER "CLUSTER" MADE BY SPEEDO. THIS IS UNSAFE ON THE ROAD AS I AM UNABLE TO DETERMINE…
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SPEEDOMETER FAILURE. PRIOR TO BECOMING PINNED AT 120 PLUS MPH, WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. TICKING NOISE UPON STOPPING. MECHANIC STATED HE WAS AWARE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH GM VEHICLES AND THOUGHT IT WAS A RECALL. DEFECTIVE PART IS SPEEDOMETER "CLUSTER" MADE BY SPEEDO. THIS IS UNSAFE ON THE ROAD AS I AM UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE SPEED AT WHICH I AM TRAVELING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10327618
NHTSA investigations
3RQ17002 · Loss Of Headlights
Opened Apr 24, 2017 · Closed Mar 29, 2021
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:headlights
The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV. The original scope of this investigation was expanded to include all vehicles equipped with the subject Headlight Driver Module (HDM). The focus of the investigation was to determine whether actions performed by General Motors adequately addressed any unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety in the subject vehicles concerning the headlights and the HDM that controls them.Under normal electrical load and environmental conditions, the HDM can overheat inside the Underhood Electrical Center (UEC). This can cause the module to fail and result in a simultaneous loss of both low beam headlights and both daytime running lights (DRLs), often with no warning or prior detectability to the driver. This failure can be intermittent or permanent. No other exterior lights are affected. High beams, turn signals, brake lights, and reverse lights are still operational.General Motors addressed this issue with 2 recalls (14V755 & 15V519) and a special coverage program (N172091910). In view of the recalls and special coverage program implemented by GM and the vehicle high beams continuing to operate, ODI has tentatively concluded that the actions taken by GM mitigate any unreasonable risk to safety posed by HDM failure in the subject vehicles.Accordingly, the investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at NHTSA.gov under the identification numbers in the attached document.
PE11014 · Fuel Level Gauge System Failure
Opened Apr 25, 2011 · Closed Sep 23, 2011
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Other; Fuel System, Other:storage:fuel Gauge System
The office of defects investigations (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by General Motors (GM) as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers.In total, there were 5,089 unique reports indicating an inaccurate fuel level reading while driving.General Motors stated that this condition occurs when the contacts of the fuel sensor wear prematurely.Most of the complaints indicated an empty fuel gauge reading after filling the tank.Less than 10 percent of theODI complaints involved an engine stall incident.During this investigation, GM developed a remedy procedure and issued special coverage bulletin instructing dealers to install a new design fuel level sensor.The bulletin was sent to dealers on August 10, 2011 and the owner letter mailing began on August 15, 2011.See the investigative file for copies of GM's bulletin and owner letter.This preliminary evaluation is closed.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Fuel System, Other
The office of defects investigations (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by General Motors (GM) as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers.In total, there were 5,089 unique reports indicating an inaccurate fuel level reading while driving.General Motors stated that this condition occurs when the contacts of the fuel sensor wear prematurely.Most of the complaints indicated an empty fuel gauge reading after filling the tank.Less than 10 percent of theODI complaints involved an engine stall incident.During this investigation, GM developed a remedy procedure and issued special coverage bulletin instructing dealers to install a new design fuel level sensor.The bulletin was sent to dealers on August 10, 2011 and the owner letter mailing began on August 15, 2011.See the investigative file for copies of GM's bulletin and owner letter.This preliminary evaluation is closed.
Fuel System, Other:storage:fuel Gauge System
The office of defects investigations (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by General Motors (GM) as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers.In total, there were 5,089 unique reports indicating an inaccurate fuel level reading while driving.General Motors stated that this condition occurs when the contacts of the fuel sensor wear prematurely.Most of the complaints indicated an empty fuel gauge reading after filling the tank.Less than 10 percent of theODI complaints involved an engine stall incident.During this investigation, GM developed a remedy procedure and issued special coverage bulletin instructing dealers to install a new design fuel level sensor.The bulletin was sent to dealers on August 10, 2011 and the owner letter mailing began on August 15, 2011.See the investigative file for copies of GM's bulletin and owner letter.This preliminary evaluation is closed.
DP10001 · Fuel Level Gauge System Failure
Opened Jan 7, 2010 · Closed May 23, 2011
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Other; Fuel System, Other:storage:fuel Gauge System
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 668 complaints alleging inaccurate fuel gauge reading while driving in model year 2005-07 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, and Saab 9-7x vehicles.Of the 668 complaints, 58 incidents were alleged to result in a vehicle stall.Of the 58 stalling incidents, 43 complaints reported stalling because the fuel level reading indicated more fuel availability than what is actually in the fuel tank. One complaint alleged a vehicle crash after the vehicle stalled while exiting the interstate, became disabled, and was struck from behind.Summarily, the complaints show an apparent increasing trend, with most complaints received within the past year.A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Fuel System, Other
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 668 complaints alleging inaccurate fuel gauge reading while driving in model year 2005-07 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, and Saab 9-7x vehicles.Of the 668 complaints, 58 incidents were alleged to result in a vehicle stall.Of the 58 stalling incidents, 43 complaints reported stalling because the fuel level reading indicated more fuel availability than what is actually in the fuel tank. One complaint alleged a vehicle crash after the vehicle stalled while exiting the interstate, became disabled, and was struck from behind.Summarily, the complaints show an apparent increasing trend, with most complaints received within the past year.A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.
Fuel System, Other:storage:fuel Gauge System
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 668 complaints alleging inaccurate fuel gauge reading while driving in model year 2005-07 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, and Saab 9-7x vehicles.Of the 668 complaints, 58 incidents were alleged to result in a vehicle stall.Of the 58 stalling incidents, 43 complaints reported stalling because the fuel level reading indicated more fuel availability than what is actually in the fuel tank. One complaint alleged a vehicle crash after the vehicle stalled while exiting the interstate, became disabled, and was struck from behind.Summarily, the complaints show an apparent increasing trend, with most complaints received within the past year.A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.
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