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2004 Chevrolet Suburban

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2004 Chevrolet Suburban do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 118.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

167 reports with mileage · 37 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 72 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 17 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

12 crash reports6 fire reports8 injury reports

Engine And Engine Cooling complaints

12 reports
Clear category filter
200,000 miles · Jan 3, 2023
Air BagsEngine And Engine CoolingInjury

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph he noticed the temperature gauge increased to the high indicator. The engine coolant hot message was displayed. The contact stated that while attempting to pull over there was an abnormal popping noise and smoke was detected. T…

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The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph he noticed the temperature gauge increased to the high indicator. The engine coolant hot message was displayed. The contact stated that while attempting to pull over there was an abnormal popping noise and smoke was detected. The air bag warning light illuminated and the driver's side air bag deployed without impact or crash and struck the driver in the face, chest, and right hand. There was no medical attention provided, or a fire or police report filed. The vehicle was left on the side of the road. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA ODI #11499926

80,000 miles · Sep 27, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 70 MPH WHEN THE REDUCE ENGINE POWER STABILITY WARNING MESSAGE DISPLAYED AS THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY DECELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY, THROTTLE BODY SENSORS AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 70 MPH WHEN THE REDUCE ENGINE POWER STABILITY WARNING MESSAGE DISPLAYED AS THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY DECELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY, THROTTLE BODY SENSORS AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 183,632.

NHTSA ODI #10427656

75,000 miles · Mar 18, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

2004 CHEVY SUBURBAN W/80,000 MI. USED FOR TOWING RV-"REDUCED ENGINE POWER". CODES ARE NOT SPECIFIC FOR THE PROBLEM AND MULTIPLE REPAIRS HAVE NOT FIXED PROBLEM. THIS IS AN EXTREME HAZARD WHEN TOWING AS RIG CANNOT MOVE OFF THE ROAD WITH SO LITTLE POWER. I AM READING MANY POSTS ONLINE FOR THE SAME ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10392185

104,788 miles · Feb 15, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 3-5 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE WARNING LIGHT DISPLAYED REDUCED ENGINE POWER. SHE ENGAGED HER HAZARD LIGHTS AND PULLED OVER TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD. SHE TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND WAITED A FEW SECONDS AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART IT. WHEN SHE RESTARTED…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 3-5 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE WARNING LIGHT DISPLAYED REDUCED ENGINE POWER. SHE ENGAGED HER HAZARD LIGHTS AND PULLED OVER TO THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD. SHE TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND WAITED A FEW SECONDS AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART IT. WHEN SHE RESTARTED THE VEHICLE THE REDUCED ENGINE LIGHT WAS STILL ON AND SHE TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AGAIN AND RESTARTED IT. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 104,788.

NHTSA ODI #10382823

95,000 miles · Nov 26, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolinePower Train

2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE HAS HAD THE FOLLOWING ISSUES BEFORE 100K MILES: 1. REPLACED FUEL PUMP 2. ENGINE OVERHEATING(TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPT 2X FOR ISSUE) 3. OIL PRESSUE - LOST OIL PRESSUE 4. TRANSMISSION NEEDS REPLACED *TR

NHTSA ODI #10210000

30,000 miles · Mar 11, 2007
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

OWNER OF A 2004 CHEVY TAHOE Z71 4X4 LAT AUGUST 2006 MY VEHICLE WILL NOT START AFTER AN OVERNIGHT STAY. SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IN MAY OF 2004, I HAD TO REPLACE THE SPEEDOMETER. AFTER TOWING MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, 5 TIMES I WAS TOLD THAT I HAD A BAD INTAKE MANIFOLD AND IT WAS CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO NOT START. THEY REPLAC…

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OWNER OF A 2004 CHEVY TAHOE Z71 4X4 LAT AUGUST 2006 MY VEHICLE WILL NOT START AFTER AN OVERNIGHT STAY. SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IN MAY OF 2004, I HAD TO REPLACE THE SPEEDOMETER. AFTER TOWING MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, 5 TIMES I WAS TOLD THAT I HAD A BAD INTAKE MANIFOLD AND IT WAS CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO NOT START. THEY REPLACED IT. A FEW WEEKS LATER. ABOUT A MONTH LATER MY VEHICLE DID NOT START. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER, THEY CLAIMED THAT THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. 3 WEEKS LATER THE PROBLEM EMERGED AGAIN, THIS TIME I WAS TOLD THAT MY BATTERY WAS BAD, THEY REPLACED IT. NOW THIS WEEKEND OF MARCH 10, THE SAME PROBLEM. MY VEHICLE IS DEAD AND WILL NOT START. I AM VERY ANAL ABOUT TAKING MY VEHICLE FOR REGULAR CHECKUPS. WHY IS THAT THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE BUT THE DEALER CANNOT FIND OR FIX IT. I CANNOT RELY ON Y VEHICLE, I MAY GO TO WORK OR TO STORE ETC. EXPECT TO GET IN MY VEHICLE TO COME HOME OR EVEN ON VACATION. THE POINT IS THAT I DON'T KNOW WHEN IT IS GOING TO START OR HALT ON ME. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10184760

53,599 miles · Jun 16, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE REDUCED ENGINE POWER ALARM RINGS AND THE ENGINE IMMEDIATELY LOSES POWER. THE POWER RETURNS AFTER THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF AND BACK ON. THE DEALERSHIP REWIRED THE VEHICLE, REPLACED THE MODULATOR, SENSOR AND RELAY. THESE ATTEMPTS HAVE NOT REPAIRED THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI #10160013

Mileage unknown · Dec 8, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling

2004 CHEVY SUBURBAN EXHAUST SYSTEM PRODUCES NOISE AT IDLE ;DRIVING;AND AFTER SHUT DOWN. GM CLAIMS NOISE (POPPING) IS FROM MUFFLER HEAT SHIELD EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION. TSB TO CORRECT NOISE (MODIFYING HEAT SHIELD) IS INEFFECTIVE. IN 2004 MOTOR MAGAZINE REPORTED GM ACKNOWLEDGED THE NOISE CAME FROM TRAPPED WATER INSIDE THE MUFFLE…

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2004 CHEVY SUBURBAN EXHAUST SYSTEM PRODUCES NOISE AT IDLE ;DRIVING;AND AFTER SHUT DOWN. GM CLAIMS NOISE (POPPING) IS FROM MUFFLER HEAT SHIELD EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION. TSB TO CORRECT NOISE (MODIFYING HEAT SHIELD) IS INEFFECTIVE. IN 2004 MOTOR MAGAZINE REPORTED GM ACKNOWLEDGED THE NOISE CAME FROM TRAPPED WATER INSIDE THE MUFFLER. THE WATER TURNS TO SUPER HEATED STEAM AND PRODUCES A POP OR BANG INSIDE THE MUFFLER. GM WILL NOT REPLACE THE MUFFLER AS THE PROBLEM GOES BACK TO 2000 MODEL YEAR. MOREOVER PEOPLE ASK WHAT THAT STRANGE NOISE IS FROM MY SUBURBAN, I TELL THEM A DEFECTIVE MUFFLER. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10144771

10,000 miles · Aug 16, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

THERE IS A "LACK OF POWER" WITH MY 2004 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 1500. MY PREVIOUS 1999 CHEVY TAHOE TOWED MY BOAT AND TRAILER EASILY MY NEW SUBURBAN WITH 40 MORE HORSEPOWER HAS A VERY DIFFICULT TIME TOWING THE TRAILER. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITHOUT THE TRANSMISSION CONSTANTLY SHIFTING IN AND OUT OF LOWER G…

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THERE IS A "LACK OF POWER" WITH MY 2004 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 1500. MY PREVIOUS 1999 CHEVY TAHOE TOWED MY BOAT AND TRAILER EASILY MY NEW SUBURBAN WITH 40 MORE HORSEPOWER HAS A VERY DIFFICULT TIME TOWING THE TRAILER. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITHOUT THE TRANSMISSION CONSTANTLY SHIFTING IN AND OUT OF LOWER GEARS. IT DOESN'T SEEM TO MATTER IF I AM IN TOW MODE OR NOT. WITH 40 MORE HP. THAN THE OTHER VEHICLE AND THE SAME AMOUNT OF TORQUE THIS SHOULD BE EASY FOR THIS TRUCK. MORE IMPORTANTLY THERE IS A GREAT LACK OF ACCELERATION WHEN YOU DEPRESS THE PEDAL. I GUESS YOU WOULD CALL IT A BIG LAG. I AM TOLD THIS IS CALLED "TORQUE MANAGEMENT." WELL TORQUE MANAGEMENT ALMOST GOT MY FAMILY KILLED THE OTHER DAY! WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC A CAR CAME OVER THE HILL RATHER QUICKLY I STEPPED ON THE GAS .....AND NOTHING HAPPENED IT WAS LIKE I WAS DRAGGING AN ANCHOR. THE DEALER SAYS THAT IS THE WAY THEY ARE DESIGNED AND COMPUTER CONTROLLED AND THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10133100

27 miles · Mar 30, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling

VEHICLE HAD AN ODOR THAT SMELLED LIKE ANTIFREEZE. CONSUMER AND ALL OF HER FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS BECAME ILL AFTER RIDING IN THE VEHICLE. THEY HAD HEADACHES/BURNING EYES/NUMBNESS, AND SORE THROATS. THE PROBLEM WAS REPORTED, AND THE MANUFACTURER STATED NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT…

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VEHICLE HAD AN ODOR THAT SMELLED LIKE ANTIFREEZE. CONSUMER AND ALL OF HER FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS BECAME ILL AFTER RIDING IN THE VEHICLE. THEY HAD HEADACHES/BURNING EYES/NUMBNESS, AND SORE THROATS. THE PROBLEM WAS REPORTED, AND THE MANUFACTURER STATED NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT PRIOR TO THE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE THERE WAS AN ANTIFREEZE SPILL, AND SHE WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THAT AT TIME OF PURCHASE. CONSUMER STOPPED DRIVING THE VEHICLE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10117111

Official recalls

4

06V289000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Aug 3, 2006

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH AN 8.1L V8 (RPO L8-VIN G) ENGINE HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL PULSE DAMPER RETAINER CLIP MAY FRACTURE RESULTING IN INADEQUATE RETENTION OF THE DAMPER.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE DAMPER COMES LOOSE, A FUEL LEAK MAY RESULT. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE FUEL RAIL PULSE DAMPER RETAINER CLIP FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC TRUCKS AT 1-866-996-9463.

05V163000 · Seat Belts:rear/other

Apr 22, 2005

ON CERTAIN CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE 2ND ROW CENTER OCCUPANT SEAT BELT ROUTING MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO POSITION THE LAP PORTION OF THE SAFETY BELT LOW AROUND THE HIPS OF OCCUPANTS, ESPECIALLY SMALLER OCCUPANTS, SEATED IN THIS POSITION. APPROPRIATE USE OF A CHILD SEAT OR BOOSTER SEAT, AS RECOMMENDED FOR SMALL CHILDREN, DOES IMPROVE THE FIT CONDITION FOR THIS USER GROUP. IN ADDITION TO INSTRUCTIONS ON PROPER INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD RESTRAINT (WITH CHILD SEATS OR BOOSTERS), SPECIAL VERBIAGE FOR RESTRAINING OLDER CHILD IS INCLUDED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. ALSO, THE SUGGESTED SEAT BELT FIT/ROUTING FOR ADULTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF SEATING POSITION, IS DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL TEXT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A LAP PORTION OF THE SEAT BELT ROUTING THAT IS NOT LOW AND SNUG ON THE HIPS CAN ALLOW THE LAP BELT TO RIDE UP ON AN OCCUPANT'S ABDOMEN INSTEAD OF FITTING LOW AROUND THEIR HIPBONES, AND THEREFORE, CAN EXPOSE THEM TO MORE RISK OF ABDOMINAL AND INTERNAL ORGAN INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL CUT OPEN THE GUIDE LOOP, REMOVE A PORTION OF THE LOOP, AND THEN THE REMAINING TWO SIDES SHOULD BE FOLDED OVER AND SECURED WITH A RETAINER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 21, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.

05V043000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Feb 8, 2005

CERTAIN TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH BOSCH HYDRO-BOOST BRAKE ASSEMBLIES, THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER PRESSURE ACCUMULATOR MAY CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY DURING NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF A SEPARATION OCCURRED AND THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE WERE OPEN, FRAGMENTS FROM THE ACCUMULATOR COULD CAUSE INJURY TO PEOPLE IN THE IMMEDIATE AREA. THE PRESENCE OF THIS CRACK OR FRACTURED SURFACE COULD ALLOW THE HYDRAULIC FLUID TO LEAK FROM THE ACCUMULATOR CIRCUIT OF THE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY. THE LOSS OF FLUID WOULD CAUSE INCREASED STEERING AND BRAKING EFFORT AND A CRASH MAY OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL TEST THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY FOR FUNCTIONAL OPERATION OF THE TWO-FUNCTION VALVE. IF THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY FAILS THE TEST, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 23, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC TRUCKS AT 1-866-996-9463 AND HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.

04V045000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Feb 4, 2004

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, ?PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.? SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION BRAKE HYDRO-BOOST HOUSING RELIEF VALVE BORE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: CONSEQUENTLY, THE VALVE O-RING SEAL MAY FRACTURE. STEERING EFFORTS MAY BE SLIGHTLY INCREASED WHILE BRAKING OR PARKING. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, A FRACTURED SEAL MAY REQUIRE A SLIGHT INCREASE IN THE APPLIED BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT TO ACHIEVE THE SAME VEHICLE DECELERATION RATE AS PRIOR TO THE SEAT FRACTURE.

Remedy: DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE THE HYDRO-BOOST RELIEF VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 18, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463; OR HUMMER AT 1-866-486-6376.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

EA04012 · Hydraulic Pump Failres

Opened Apr 30, 2004 · Closed Feb 28, 2005

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist; Steering:hydraulic Power Assist System

GM IS CONDUCTING A RECALL ON ALL SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILD BETWEEN MAY 1999 AND OCTOBER 14, 1999.SIGNIFICANT CHANGES WERE INCORPORATED INTO PRODUCTION IN EARLY OCTOBER 1999, AND VEHICLES BUILT AFTER THAT DATE HAVE LOWER WARRANTY FAILURE RATES.THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA APPEAR TO SUPPORT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THESE CHANGES. GM MADE ADDITIONAL CHANGES IN NOVEMBER 1999, FEBRUARY 2000, MAY 2001, AND FEBRUARY 2004.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS PROBLEM AND WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION, IF WARRANTED, IN THE FUTURE.FOR FURTHER TECHNICAL DETAILS SEE THE ATTACHED ENGINEERING ANALYSIS REPORT.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist

GM IS CONDUCTING A RECALL ON ALL SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILD BETWEEN MAY 1999 AND OCTOBER 14, 1999.SIGNIFICANT CHANGES WERE INCORPORATED INTO PRODUCTION IN EARLY OCTOBER 1999, AND VEHICLES BUILT AFTER THAT DATE HAVE LOWER WARRANTY FAILURE RATES.THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA APPEAR TO SUPPORT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THESE CHANGES. GM MADE ADDITIONAL CHANGES IN NOVEMBER 1999, FEBRUARY 2000, MAY 2001, AND FEBRUARY 2004.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS PROBLEM AND WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION, IF WARRANTED, IN THE FUTURE.FOR FURTHER TECHNICAL DETAILS SEE THE ATTACHED ENGINEERING ANALYSIS REPORT.

Steering:hydraulic Power Assist System

GM IS CONDUCTING A RECALL ON ALL SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILD BETWEEN MAY 1999 AND OCTOBER 14, 1999.SIGNIFICANT CHANGES WERE INCORPORATED INTO PRODUCTION IN EARLY OCTOBER 1999, AND VEHICLES BUILT AFTER THAT DATE HAVE LOWER WARRANTY FAILURE RATES.THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA APPEAR TO SUPPORT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THESE CHANGES. GM MADE ADDITIONAL CHANGES IN NOVEMBER 1999, FEBRUARY 2000, MAY 2001, AND FEBRUARY 2004.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS PROBLEM AND WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION, IF WARRANTED, IN THE FUTURE.FOR FURTHER TECHNICAL DETAILS SEE THE ATTACHED ENGINEERING ANALYSIS REPORT.