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2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

261 reports with mileage · 52 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.

  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 80 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 77 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 49 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

7 crash reports6 fire reports9 injury reports

Structure complaints

20 reports
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156,000 miles · Jan 3, 2014
Exterior LightingStructure

WHILE DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY STARTED TO HEAR A BANGING NOISE TURNS OUT IT WAS MY PLASTIC THAT'S ABOVE MY HATCH WHERE MY 3 RED BRAKE LIGHT IS IT HASN'T FALLEN OFF YET JUST LOOSE AND FLOPPING AROUND I HAVE READ THIS HAPPENS TO A LOT OF TRAILBLAZER THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL ON THIS AND EVEN YOU GUYS ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM THE …

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WHILE DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY STARTED TO HEAR A BANGING NOISE TURNS OUT IT WAS MY PLASTIC THAT'S ABOVE MY HATCH WHERE MY 3 RED BRAKE LIGHT IS IT HASN'T FALLEN OFF YET JUST LOOSE AND FLOPPING AROUND I HAVE READ THIS HAPPENS TO A LOT OF TRAILBLAZER THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL ON THIS AND EVEN YOU GUYS ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM THE MOLDING WHICH IS DOUBLE SIDED TAPE IS NOT A PROPER USE FOR THIS THE COMPANY SHOULD HAVE TO FIX IT IS IT GONNA TAKE ONE FLYING OFF AND CAUSING A DEATH AND MAJOR ACCIDENT BEFORE ANYONE DOES SOMETHING? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10558291

Mileage unknown · Jun 24, 2013
Structure

BACK PASSENGER DOOR LATCH IS BROKEN.. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10521401

140,000 miles · Oct 23, 2012
Structure

CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER EXT WAS TOWED FROM HIGHWAY DUE TO A RUPTURED TRANSMISSION LINE. TOW TRUCK DRIVER TOWED VEHICLE FROM THE REAR WHEELS. UPON DELIVERING VEHICLE TO REPAIR SHOP, THE ENTIRE UPPER HATCH TRIM MOLDING (HIGH MOUNT BRAKE LIGHT COVER) PIECE AND THE HIGH MOUNT BRAKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY WAS MISSING WITH ONLY THE TWO WIRES …

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CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER EXT WAS TOWED FROM HIGHWAY DUE TO A RUPTURED TRANSMISSION LINE. TOW TRUCK DRIVER TOWED VEHICLE FROM THE REAR WHEELS. UPON DELIVERING VEHICLE TO REPAIR SHOP, THE ENTIRE UPPER HATCH TRIM MOLDING (HIGH MOUNT BRAKE LIGHT COVER) PIECE AND THE HIGH MOUNT BRAKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY WAS MISSING WITH ONLY THE TWO WIRES DANGLING. UPON INSPECTION, THE PIECE IS ONLY HELD ON THE VEHICLE BY 2 BOLTS AND DOUBLE SIDED TAPE. THE DOUBLE SIDED TAPE ON THE REAR GLASS WAS DRY AND CRUMBLING (COMPLETELY INEFFECTIVE). SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING BACKWARDS BEHIND THE TOW TRUCK, THE PIECE WAS NOT ABLE TO WITHSTAND THE FORCE OF WIND WHICH PUSHED THE PIECE UPWARD UNTIL IT ULTIMATELY CRACKED AND BROKE OFF THE VEHICLE. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY REPORTS OF THIS PIECE FALLING OFF FROM TRAILBLAZER MODELS GOING FORWARD AND GM HAS DONE NOTHING TO REDESIGN OR FIX THE PROBLEM. A LARGE PLASTIC PIECE SUCH AS THAT SHOULD NOT USE 2 BOLTS AND DOUBLE SIDED TAPE AS A PRIMARY MEANS OF ATTACHMENT. AT A MINIMUM, A SAFETY NOTICE SHOULD BE SENT THAT TOWING A TRAILBLAZER FROM THE REAR AT HIGH SPEEDS MAY RESULT IN THIS PIECE BREAKING OFF, POSING A REAL SAFETY CONCERN (FLYING HIGHWAY DEBRIS) TO THE FOLLOWING VEHICLE(S). PARTS ARE FALLING OFF VEHICLES AND NO ONE BUT THE DISGRUNTLED OWNERS SEEM TO CARE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10482023

139,000 miles · Sep 17, 2012
Service Brakes, HydraulicStructure

DRIVING APPROX 70MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, SUDDENLY HEARD A "WHAP WHAP WHAP" NOISE COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. I SLOWED DOWN, AND THE SOUND DIMINISHED. ARRIVING HOME, I FOUND THAT THE CENTER BRAKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY HAD COME LOOSE AT BOTH ENDS. THE TWO CENTER CONNECTIONS LUCKILY HELD, OR ELSE THE PIECE WOULD HAVE COME OFF THE …

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DRIVING APPROX 70MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, SUDDENLY HEARD A "WHAP WHAP WHAP" NOISE COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE. I SLOWED DOWN, AND THE SOUND DIMINISHED. ARRIVING HOME, I FOUND THAT THE CENTER BRAKE LIGHT ASSEMBLY HAD COME LOOSE AT BOTH ENDS. THE TWO CENTER CONNECTIONS LUCKILY HELD, OR ELSE THE PIECE WOULD HAVE COME OFF THE CAR AND POSSIBLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE READ THAT OTHER TRAILBLAZERS HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10475663

Mileage unknown · Sep 8, 2009
StructureVisibility

THE REAR WINDSHIELD CAME UNHINGED FROM THE REAR DOOR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10283150

Mileage unknown · Aug 3, 2009
Structure

DESIGN FLAW OF THE CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP APPLIQUE (AKA - REAR UPPER LIFTGATE MOLDING) DURING THE WINTER MONTHS, ICE AND SNOW BUILDS UP BEHIND THE MOLDING, AND WHEN THE USER ATTEMPTS TO OPEN THE LIFTGATE, THE MOLDING IS SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE, SOMETIMES RESULTS IN PERMANENT BREAKAGE OF THE MOLDING, OR EVEN SHATTERING…

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DESIGN FLAW OF THE CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP APPLIQUE (AKA - REAR UPPER LIFTGATE MOLDING) DURING THE WINTER MONTHS, ICE AND SNOW BUILDS UP BEHIND THE MOLDING, AND WHEN THE USER ATTEMPTS TO OPEN THE LIFTGATE, THE MOLDING IS SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE, SOMETIMES RESULTS IN PERMANENT BREAKAGE OF THE MOLDING, OR EVEN SHATTERING OF THE REAR WINDOW. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT THE COMPANY IS ALREADY AWARE OF, AS EVIDENCED BY A RELEASED TSB. AS EVIDENCED BY NUMEROUS REPORTS ON "TRAILVOY.COM", MANY GROUP MEMBERS HAVE REPORTED HAVING THIS EXACT PROBLEM. I HAVE READ REPORTS OF THIS PIECE MYSTERIOUSLY COMING OFF, TO THE SURPRISE OF THE DRIVER, WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD. IT SEEMS THAT WHEN THIS VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED, TOO MUCH OF THE LIFTGATE'S STRUCTURE WAS LEFT TO RELY ON THE STABILITY OF PLASTIC AND GLASS. FOR INSTANCE, ON MY VEHICLE, AFTER BREAKAGE OF THE MOLDING, THE FORCE EXERTED BY THE GLASS LIFT ARMS CAUSED THE ADHESIVE TO SEPARATE FROM THE WINDOWS HINGE, LEAVING IT "DANGLING BY A THREAD". I FEEL THAT THIS A PROBLEM THAT HAS OCCURRED IN TOO MANY CASES; A PROBLEM THAT COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE SAFETY ISSUES WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD. IT IS AN EXPENSIVE PART TO REPLACE ($700-$1000, WITH LABOR). CHEVROLET HAS SINCE REDESIGNED THE TRAILBLAZER VEHICLES TO TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM. I FEEL THAT CHEVROLET SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE TO CORRECT THEIR DESIGN ERROR ON THE OLDER VEHICLES, INSTEAD OF LEAVING IT UP TO THE CONSUMER TO PAY FOR IT OUT OF THEIR OWN POCKET.*TR

NHTSA ODI #10279189

52,000 miles · May 17, 2009
Structure

HIGH MOUNT REAR STOP TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY IS LOOSE. OPENED THE TAILGATE ON 5/11/09 HEARD METAL CRUNCHING. EVER SINCE MY BACK GLASS VIBRATES VIOLENTLY WHEN GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, INCREASING THE POSSIBILITY OF IT BLOWING OUT. ON 5/17/09 AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION NOTICED THAT THE TOP ASSEMBLY HAS BROKEN AWAY FROM THE TRUCK ON BOTH…

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HIGH MOUNT REAR STOP TAIL LAMP ASSEMBLY IS LOOSE. OPENED THE TAILGATE ON 5/11/09 HEARD METAL CRUNCHING. EVER SINCE MY BACK GLASS VIBRATES VIOLENTLY WHEN GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, INCREASING THE POSSIBILITY OF IT BLOWING OUT. ON 5/17/09 AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION NOTICED THAT THE TOP ASSEMBLY HAS BROKEN AWAY FROM THE TRUCK ON BOTH SIDES (STILL BEING HELD ON BY THE CENTER) SHOULD THIS COME OFF IT PUTS ME AND DRIVERS BEHIND ME AT RISK OF AN ACCIDENT. THIS PROBLEM PUTS MY CHILDREN AT RISK OF GLASS SHATTERING ON THEM OR BEING INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS MY ONLY VEHICLE AND I HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO DRIVE IT UNTIL IT GOES TO THE SHOP THIS WEEK. I HAVE READ SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ONLINE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10268989

27,000 miles · May 11, 2009
Structure

I WAS GOING OUT TO MY SUV WHICH IS A 2003 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER EXT TO OPEN THE BACK IT WAS COLD OUTSIDE BUT NO ICE WAS VISIBLE ON MY TRUCK OR ANYTHING I HEARD A CRACK I THOUGH IT WAS ICE EVEN THOUGH I DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING BUT NOTICED MY TAIL LIGHT COVER ON TOP LOOKED BROKE SO TOOK IT TO LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP TO GET CHECKED THEY…

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I WAS GOING OUT TO MY SUV WHICH IS A 2003 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER EXT TO OPEN THE BACK IT WAS COLD OUTSIDE BUT NO ICE WAS VISIBLE ON MY TRUCK OR ANYTHING I HEARD A CRACK I THOUGH IT WAS ICE EVEN THOUGH I DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING BUT NOTICED MY TAIL LIGHT COVER ON TOP LOOKED BROKE SO TOOK IT TO LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP TO GET CHECKED THEY SAID YES IT IS CRACKED IT WILL COST YOU 1800 DOLLARS TO FIX I DID NOT HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY FOR A LITTLE PIECE BUT GUY SAID YOU WILL BE FINE AS LONG AS THE LIFTGATE LIFTS WHICH IT DID IT SEEMED FINE THEN ON THE WAY TO OUR DESTINATION ONE DAY ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY THE PIECE FLEW HALF WAY OFF FLAPPING BEHIND US FREAKING OUT WE PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE WE HAD TO RIP IT OFF NO CHOICE OR WE WERE STUCK THEIR AND THE PIECE WOULD OF FLEW OFF AND CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. WELL IT IS STILL OFF UNTIL IT GETS REPAIRED BUT THIS JUST IN THE LAST WEEK I SEEN 2 MORE TRAILBLAZER EXT WITH THE SAME PIECE MISSING JUST IN MY SMALL TOWN OF POTTSVILLE WHICH HAD ME THINKING THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG. BUT WHAT CONCERNED ME THE MOST WAS THE THIRD TRAILBLAZER EXT IN A WAL-MART PARKING LOT WITH THE PIECE BROKE BUT STILL ATTACHED.THAT PERSON PROBABLY HAS NO IDEA THAT THE PIECE WILL PROBABLY FALL OFF WILL ON THE HIGHWAY WHICH COULD CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT. I DID TALK TO THE LADY DOWN THE STREET FROM ME WHICH WAS ONE OF THE TRAILBLAZERS I SEEN AND ASK SHE SAID THE SAME THING THAT IT CRACKED WHEN OPENING THEN TOOK IT TO SHOP THEY SAID YOUR LUCKY THIS PIECE COULD HAVE FLEW OFF WHILE DRIVING. SO PLEASE INVESTIGATE THE 2003-2006 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER EXT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10268414

112,000 miles · May 31, 2008
Structure

THE REAR WINDOW IN THE GATE ON MY 2003 TRAILBLAZER HAS BECOME DISCONNECTED ON ONE SIDE AT THE HINGE. IT APPEARS TO BE A DEFECT WITH THE WAY IT IS ADHERED (VIA SOME SORT OF GLUE) AS THERE IS NO DAMAGE TO THE AREA ITSELF. AS MY VEHICLE IS AN EXT MODEL, IT HAS A SECTION ACROSS THE VERY TOP THAT IS ALSO SIMPLY GLUED TO THE BODY WH…

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THE REAR WINDOW IN THE GATE ON MY 2003 TRAILBLAZER HAS BECOME DISCONNECTED ON ONE SIDE AT THE HINGE. IT APPEARS TO BE A DEFECT WITH THE WAY IT IS ADHERED (VIA SOME SORT OF GLUE) AS THERE IS NO DAMAGE TO THE AREA ITSELF. AS MY VEHICLE IS AN EXT MODEL, IT HAS A SECTION ACROSS THE VERY TOP THAT IS ALSO SIMPLY GLUED TO THE BODY WHICH HOLDS THE CENTRALLY MOUNTED BRAKE LIGHT. I'VE NOTICED SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE LAST YEAR THAT THIS SECTION WITH THE BRAKE LIGHT COMES IN CONTACT WITH THE ROOF WHEN YOU OPEN THE MAIN GATE & SEEMS REALLY LOOSE HOT WEATHER. TODAY, WHEN I OPENED THE REAR LATCH/GATE I HEARD AN UNUSUAL SOUND AND WHEN I CLOSED THE GATE & INSPECTED IT I NOTED THAT THE WINDOW PORTION APPEARED SKEWED. UPON FURTHER EXAMINATION OF THE WINDOW AREA I DISCOVERED THAT THE PASSENGER-SIDE WINDOW HINGE HAD SEPARATED FROM THE GATE & WAS NO LONGER FORMING A SEAL. AS THERE WAS NO PHYSICAL DAMAGE TO THE AREA (THE HINGE SIMPLY LIFTED RIGHT AWAY FROM THE AREA IT WAS GLUED TO), ONE WOULD ASSUME THAT THIS MUST A DEFECT IN ASSEMBLY & MAY AFFECT SIMILAR VEHICLES. IF THE OTHER HINGE WERE TO ALSO SEPARATE THE ENTIRE GLASS ASSEMBLY WOULD NO LONGER BE ATTACHED TO THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD RESULT IN CAUSING A COLLISION OR OTHER INCIDENT TO VEHICLES FOLLOWING THE AFFECTED VEHICLE. OBVIOUSLY, OTHER DAMAGE CAUSED BY RAIN/ELEMENTS WOULD ALSO BE A CONCERN WITH THE LACK OF PROPER SEAL BETWEEN THE WINDOW & THE REAR GATE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10229377

71,700 miles · Sep 13, 2007
Exterior LightingPower TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic

MY 2003 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER HAS A THIRD BRAKE LIGHT ACROSS THE TOP HATCH .WHILE DRIVING DOWN A BUSY HIGHWAY IT WAS FLYING LIKE A WING ON THE BACK OF MY VEHICLE LUCKILY DOT FALLING COMPLETELY OFF BUT WHEN I STOPPED IT CAME CRASHING DOWN ONTO MY WINDOW OF HATCH LUCKILY NOT BREAKING ALL I COULD DO IS BREAK IT COMPLETELY OFF SO IT WOU…

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MY 2003 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER HAS A THIRD BRAKE LIGHT ACROSS THE TOP HATCH .WHILE DRIVING DOWN A BUSY HIGHWAY IT WAS FLYING LIKE A WING ON THE BACK OF MY VEHICLE LUCKILY DOT FALLING COMPLETELY OFF BUT WHEN I STOPPED IT CAME CRASHING DOWN ONTO MY WINDOW OF HATCH LUCKILY NOT BREAKING ALL I COULD DO IS BREAK IT COMPLETELY OFF SO IT WOULD NOT FLY INTO SOMEONE'S WINDSHIELD BEHIND ME I WORK WITH A LADY WITH THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL AND HERS FLEW RIGHT OFF HER LATCH CAUSING IT TO SMASH LUCKILY NO ONE WAS BEHIND HER. I ALSO HAVE IT IN THE SHOP DUE TO RUSTY CORRODED HOSES THAT WENT TO TRANSMISSION CAUSING ALL FLUID TO DRAIN ALMOST BURNING UP MY TRANSMISSION NO INDICATION LIGHTS EVER CAME ON OTHER THAN IT SKIPPING A LITTLE LUCKILY A SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON A WEEK LATER I TOOK IT TO GARAGE AND JUST IN TIME. UNFORTUNATELY EVEN WITH POWER TRAIN WARRANTY THIS PROBLEM IS COSTING ME 500.00 OUT OF MY POCKET NO FAULT OF MINE WHEEL WELLS AND BRAKE DRUMS HAVE BEEN BEATEN DUE TO LOTS OF RUST BUILD UP AND DOORS THAT WERE RECALLED AND FIXED THREE TIMES STILL NOT WORKING RIGHT ALSO FRONT HEADLIGHT REPLACED TWICE IN TWO YEARS CAUSING ME TO BE PULLED OVER TWICE AS I DID NOT REALIZE THE PROBLEM OF MY LIGHTS GOING OUT FREQUENTLY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10202853

Official recalls

3

05V494000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

Oct 27, 2005

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE A REAR SIDE CLOSURE LATCH THAT MAY NOT LATCH OR UNLATCH DUE TO CORROSION CAUSED BY ROAD SPLASH, SUCH AS WATER AND ROAD SALT. THESE VEHICLES WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE DOOR IS NOT LATCHED PROPERLY AND IT GOES UNNOTICED, IT MAY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. IF AN UNBELTED OCCUPANT FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE, PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SEAL ALONG THE LOWER PART OF THE ROCKER PANEL TO PREVENT INTRUSION OF CORROSIVE MATERIAL, AND INSPECT THE REAR SIDE CLOSURE LATCHES. FUNCTIONAL LATCHES WILL BE CLEANED AND LUBRICATED. NON-FUNCTIONING LATCHES WILL BE REPLACED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 24, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.

04V527000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights

Nov 1, 2004

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, VIBRATION AND HEAT MAY CAUSE THE TAIL LAMP/STOP LAMP BULB TO LOOSEN IN ITS SOCKET. IF THIS OCCURS, THE BULB MAY FLICKER AND EVENTUALLY BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: AN INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMP WILL NOT CONVEY THE DRIVER'S INTENTION OF STOPPING TO DRIVERS IN FOLLOWING VEHICLES, AND AN INOPERATIVE REAR TURN SIGNAL LAMP WILL NOT CONVEY THE DRIVER'S INTENTION TO TURN TO DRIVERS IN FOLLOWING VEHICLES. BOTH OF THESE FAILURES CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TAIL LAMP/STOP LAMP ASSEMBLIES, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 22, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

04V046000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer

Feb 4, 2004

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEMS THAT WILL NOT TURN ON, CEASE OPERATION WHILE IN USE, FAIL TO TURN OFF/ON BY THEMSELVES (MOISTURE SENSITIVE WIPER SYSTEM), OR HAVE CONTINUOUS WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP OPERATION BECAUSE THE PRESENCE OF WATER WITHIN THE WIPER MODULES CAN EITHER CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT OR CAN LEAD TO THE CORROSION OF COMPONENTS WITHIN THE MODULE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: DEPENDING ON THE OCCURRENCE AND WEATHER SITUATION, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL COVER THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE VENT HOLE WITH A PATCH. ALSO, THE WIPER MOTOR, CIRCUIT BOARD, AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR WILL BE INSPECTED TO SIGNS OF WATER INTRUSION AND/OR CORROSION AND BE REPLACED AS REQUIRED. THE RECALL BEGAN JULY 6, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

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

6

RQ17002 · 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.

EA07009 · Fuel Pump Module Leaks Gasoline

Opened Jul 10, 2007 · Closed Aug 28, 2008

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

DURING THE COURSE OF THIS EA INVESTIGATION, ODI OBSERVED THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE COMPLAINTS (88%) AND WARRANTY CLAIMS (94%) WERE REPORTED FOR VEHICLES THAT ARE REGISTERED FOR USE IN THE SALT BELT REGION OF THE US.THIS AREA INCLUDES 20 STATES IN THE NORTHEAST, MID ATLANTIC AND THE MIDWEST REGIONS AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.CONSUMERS IN THE SALT BELT REGION REPORTED TO ODI THAT THEY COULD SMELL FUEL VAPORS IN THEIR VEHICLES WHILE DRIVING.UPON FURTHER EXAMINATION OF THEIR VEHICLES, THEY DISCOVERED THAT FUEL VAPORS WERE COMING OUT OF THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. THIS CONDITION IS CAUSED BY CORROSION OF THE RETURN AND SENDER LINES OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE.WATER AND ROAD SALT COLLECT ON TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP LEADING TO SMALL PINHOLES APPEARING ON THE FUEL LINES.FUEL MAY LEAK AND COLLECT ON TOP OF THE MODULE AND/OR SPILL ONTO THE GROUND.THE DATA EVALUATED UNDER THIS INVESTIGATION REFLECT A RELATIVELY LOW FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE THAT LARGELY ARISES IN SALT BELT STATES.GM HAS EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THE SUBJECT COMPONENT TO TEN YEARS OR 120,000 MILES.FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED AT THIS TIME; ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SELECT DOCUMENT SEARCH.

PE07014 · Fuel Tank Leak

Opened Mar 13, 2007 · Closed Jun 12, 2007

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly; Fuel System, Other:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

IN JUNE 2007, GM WILL EXPAND ITS SPECIAL POLICY TO ADDRESS FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE (ICV) FRACTURES ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) TRAILBLAZER EXT AND GMC ENVOY XL VEHICLES.THE EXPANDED POLICY COVERS MY 2002-2004 TRAILBLAZER EXT, GMC ENVOY XL, AND GMC ENVOY XUV VEHICLES AND WILL EXTEND FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER COMES FIRST).GM WILL PROVIDE FREE REPAIR OF THE FUEL TANK. IT IS SENDING LETTERS TO OWNERS BEGINNING IN JUNE OF 2007.THIS ACTION SUPERSEDES GM'S PREVIOUS 7 YEAR/70,000 MILE SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 2002 TRAILBLAZER EXT AND ENVOY XL VEHICLES.THE CONDITION IS MOST OFTEN REPORTED AS ILLUMINATION OF THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON (SES) LIGHT.THE VEHICLE'S DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF A FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE LEAK AND ILLUMINATES THE SES LIGHT.OTHER OWNERS REPORT SMELLING GASOLINE FUMES. THE ACTION TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

IN JUNE 2007, GM WILL EXPAND ITS SPECIAL POLICY TO ADDRESS FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE (ICV) FRACTURES ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) TRAILBLAZER EXT AND GMC ENVOY XL VEHICLES.THE EXPANDED POLICY COVERS MY 2002-2004 TRAILBLAZER EXT, GMC ENVOY XL, AND GMC ENVOY XUV VEHICLES AND WILL EXTEND FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER COMES FIRST).GM WILL PROVIDE FREE REPAIR OF THE FUEL TANK. IT IS SENDING LETTERS TO OWNERS BEGINNING IN JUNE OF 2007.THIS ACTION SUPERSEDES GM'S PREVIOUS 7 YEAR/70,000 MILE SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 2002 TRAILBLAZER EXT AND ENVOY XL VEHICLES.THE CONDITION IS MOST OFTEN REPORTED AS ILLUMINATION OF THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON (SES) LIGHT.THE VEHICLE'S DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF A FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE LEAK AND ILLUMINATES THE SES LIGHT.OTHER OWNERS REPORT SMELLING GASOLINE FUMES. THE ACTION TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

Fuel System, Other:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

IN JUNE 2007, GM WILL EXPAND ITS SPECIAL POLICY TO ADDRESS FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE (ICV) FRACTURES ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) TRAILBLAZER EXT AND GMC ENVOY XL VEHICLES.THE EXPANDED POLICY COVERS MY 2002-2004 TRAILBLAZER EXT, GMC ENVOY XL, AND GMC ENVOY XUV VEHICLES AND WILL EXTEND FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER COMES FIRST).GM WILL PROVIDE FREE REPAIR OF THE FUEL TANK. IT IS SENDING LETTERS TO OWNERS BEGINNING IN JUNE OF 2007.THIS ACTION SUPERSEDES GM'S PREVIOUS 7 YEAR/70,000 MILE SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 2002 TRAILBLAZER EXT AND ENVOY XL VEHICLES.THE CONDITION IS MOST OFTEN REPORTED AS ILLUMINATION OF THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON (SES) LIGHT.THE VEHICLE'S DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF A FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE LEAK AND ILLUMINATES THE SES LIGHT.OTHER OWNERS REPORT SMELLING GASOLINE FUMES. THE ACTION TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

PE07013 · Fuel Pump Module Leaks Gasoline

Opened Mar 12, 2007 · Closed Jul 10, 2007

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

ODI HAS RECEIVED REPORTS THAT THE FUEL PUMP MODULE LEAKS FUEL AND OR VAPOR UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE.GM STATES, THE FAILURE MECHANISM IS CORROSION OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE FLANGE WHICH MAY LEAD TO A FUEL LEAK.CORROSION OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE FLANGE IS THE RESULT OF THE VEHICLE OPERATING IN A CORROSIVE ENVIRONMENT.ODI HAS UPGRADED THIS PE TO ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA07-009) TO FURTHER ASSESS THIS ISSUE.

EA04021 · Brake Lamp Failure

Opened Aug 3, 2004 · Closed Nov 4, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights

GM STATES THAT SOME BRAKE/TAIL LAMP BULBS CAN PREMATURELY BECOME INOPERATIVE DUE TO MALFUNCTIONING BRAKE/TAIL LAMP SOCKETS.ON MARCH 2, 2004, GM INITIATED A 6-YEAR/72,000 MILE SPECIAL POLICY FOR 989,487 SUBJECT VEHICLES TO INSPECT AND REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE/TAIL LAMP BULB SOCKET ASSEMBLIES.ON APRIL 4, 2004, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE04-032) BASED ON CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING BRAKE LIGHTS NOT OPERATING WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.ON AUGUST 3, 2004 ODI UPGRADED PE04-032 TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA04-021).BY LETTER DATED OCTOBER 27, 2004 GM NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 04V527) COVERING SUBJECT VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT ALREADY REPAIRED UNDER GM'S SPECIAL POLICY.MY 2004 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT AFTER AUGUST 8, 2003 CONTAIN IMPROVED BRAKE LAMP ASSEMBLIES AND ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.GM DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE IMPROVED BRAKE LAMP ASSEMBLY ON SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT ON AUGUST 8, 2003 AND EARLIER.THE ACTION TAKEN BY GM IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

PE04001 · Fuel Spillage During Refueling

Opened Jan 5, 2004 · Closed May 7, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON THE MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER.BASED ON GM'S INFORMATION REQUEST (IR) RESPONSE, ODI ADDED TO ITS ANALYSIS THE MY 2003 GMC ENVOY AND OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA VEHICLES.THESE VEHICLES SHARE THE SAME VEHICLE PLATFORM (GM 360/370) AND FUEL FILL COMPONENTS.INCIDENT SUMMARY NUMBERS REPORTED ABOVE INCLUDE THESE VEHICLES.EPA REGULATES THE FUEL DISPENSING RATES AT FILLING STATIONS AND GM STATES THAT THE REPORTS OF SPITBACK FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE PRINCIPALLY CAUSED BY FUEL DISPENSING PUMPS EXCEEDING THE RATE SPECIFIED BY EPA.ODI FINDS THAT THE RATE OF COMPLAINTS, FIELD REPORTS AND WARRANTY IS LOW COMPARED TO OTHER VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR A SPITBACK ISSUE.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF THE AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON THE MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER.BASED ON GM'S INFORMATION REQUEST (IR) RESPONSE, ODI ADDED TO ITS ANALYSIS THE MY 2003 GMC ENVOY AND OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA VEHICLES.THESE VEHICLES SHARE THE SAME VEHICLE PLATFORM (GM 360/370) AND FUEL FILL COMPONENTS.INCIDENT SUMMARY NUMBERS REPORTED ABOVE INCLUDE THESE VEHICLES.EPA REGULATES THE FUEL DISPENSING RATES AT FILLING STATIONS AND GM STATES THAT THE REPORTS OF SPITBACK FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE PRINCIPALLY CAUSED BY FUEL DISPENSING PUMPS EXCEEDING THE RATE SPECIFIED BY EPA.ODI FINDS THAT THE RATE OF COMPLAINTS, FIELD REPORTS AND WARRANTY IS LOW COMPARED TO OTHER VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR A SPITBACK ISSUE.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF THE AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON THE MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER.BASED ON GM'S INFORMATION REQUEST (IR) RESPONSE, ODI ADDED TO ITS ANALYSIS THE MY 2003 GMC ENVOY AND OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA VEHICLES.THESE VEHICLES SHARE THE SAME VEHICLE PLATFORM (GM 360/370) AND FUEL FILL COMPONENTS.INCIDENT SUMMARY NUMBERS REPORTED ABOVE INCLUDE THESE VEHICLES.EPA REGULATES THE FUEL DISPENSING RATES AT FILLING STATIONS AND GM STATES THAT THE REPORTS OF SPITBACK FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE PRINCIPALLY CAUSED BY FUEL DISPENSING PUMPS EXCEEDING THE RATE SPECIFIED BY EPA.ODI FINDS THAT THE RATE OF COMPLAINTS, FIELD REPORTS AND WARRANTY IS LOW COMPARED TO OTHER VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR A SPITBACK ISSUE.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF THE AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.