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2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Trailblazer years

Owner complaints for the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer are substantially higher than the model-year median of 87.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

899 reports with mileage · 182 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 627 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 101 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 93 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

56 crash reports31 fire reports47 injury reports

Air Bags complaints

42 reports
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Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 2014
Air BagsCrashInjury

I WAS COME DOWN A SECONDARY ROAD THERE IS A STOP SIGN SO I CAME TO A STOP LOOK BOTH WAYS TO MAKE SURE I COULD MAKE IT CROSS THE HIGHWAY SAFETIED I MADE IT CROSS TWO LANES GOT IN THE TURN LANE SO I COULD GET IN THE OTHER LANE BUT BEFORE I COULD DO THAT A CAR HIT ME ON THE DRIVE SIDE TOTAL MY TRAILBLAZER OUT MY AIRBAGS DIDN'T COME…

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I WAS COME DOWN A SECONDARY ROAD THERE IS A STOP SIGN SO I CAME TO A STOP LOOK BOTH WAYS TO MAKE SURE I COULD MAKE IT CROSS THE HIGHWAY SAFETIED I MADE IT CROSS TWO LANES GOT IN THE TURN LANE SO I COULD GET IN THE OTHER LANE BUT BEFORE I COULD DO THAT A CAR HIT ME ON THE DRIVE SIDE TOTAL MY TRAILBLAZER OUT MY AIRBAGS DIDN'T COME OUT AT ALL THE HOOD OF MY SUV CAME OFF DOOR WOULDN'T OPEN UP THEY USED THE JAWS OF LIFE TO TRY TO OPEN THE DOOR BUT IT DIDN'T WORK SO THEY GOT ME OUT ON THE PASSAGE SIDE. I HAD A HEAD INJURE GOT STAPLES IN MY HEAD. IT WAS A LOT OF DAMAGE DONE TO MY SUV I'M BLESSED TO BE ALIVE. THE PERSON IN THE SUV HE GOT HURT NOTHING TO BAD HE DIDN'T HAVE TO GO TO THE HOSP HIS UP BACK SOME INJURE TO IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10562472

Mileage unknown · Nov 8, 2013
Air BagsSeat BeltsCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE DRIVER BECAME DISTRACTED AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO BE THROWN FORWARD. THE DRIVER'S HEAD IMPACTED THE WINDSHIELD AND AS A RESULT, HE SUSTAINE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE DRIVER BECAME DISTRACTED AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO BE THROWN FORWARD. THE DRIVER'S HEAD IMPACTED THE WINDSHIELD AND AS A RESULT, HE SUSTAINED BLEEDING FROM THE BRAIN. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10551484

116,000 miles · Sep 11, 2013
Air BagsCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE MAKING A U-TURN, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY WHEN THE FRONT BUMPER OF ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVERS SIDE AND REAR OF THE CONTACTS VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK AND NOSE INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED.…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE MAKING A U-TURN, THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY WHEN THE FRONT BUMPER OF ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVERS SIDE AND REAR OF THE CONTACTS VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK AND NOSE INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.

NHTSA ODI #10543107

129,000 miles · Jul 2, 2013
Air BagsCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30-40 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER, SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE LANDING ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE FACE AND THE RIGHT LEG. A POLICE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30-40 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER, SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE LANDING ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE FACE AND THE RIGHT LEG. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 129,000. UPDATED 8/5/13 *CN

NHTSA ODI #10522871

Mileage unknown · Aug 16, 2011
Air BagsCrash

I HIT A DEER AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. MY SON THAT WAS RIDING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT ALSO WAS WEARING HIS SEAT BELT BUT THE SEAT BELT DID NOT CATCH AND HE WAS SLAMMED INTO THE DASH. I REFUSE TO BELIEVE THAT THIS IS NORMAL BEHAVIOR FOR THOSE SAFETY DEVICES. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10419650

96,000 miles · Feb 24, 2011
Air BagsElectrical SystemService Brakes, HydraulicCrashInjury

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING 45 MPH, SHE DROVE OVER A BUMP, THE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE, SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND IT CRASHED INTO A HIGHWAY CEMENT WALL. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED FACIAL INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO …

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING 45 MPH, SHE DROVE OVER A BUMP, THE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE, SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND IT CRASHED INTO A HIGHWAY CEMENT WALL. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED FACIAL INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO BE INSPECTED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE SPEEDOMETER DID NOT INDICATE THE CORRECT SPEED AT WHICH THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 96,000.

NHTSA ODI #10384282

107,000 miles · Sep 22, 2010
Air BagsCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN HIS WIFE CRASHED INTO A DEER AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. THE DRIVER WAS ALSO INVOLVED IN ANOTHER CRASH WHEN TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. SHE LOOKED DOWN TO CHECK ON A NOISE SHE HEARD AND WHEN SHE LOOKED UP THE THE VEHICL…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY WHEN HIS WIFE CRASHED INTO A DEER AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. THE DRIVER WAS ALSO INVOLVED IN ANOTHER CRASH WHEN TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. SHE LOOKED DOWN TO CHECK ON A NOISE SHE HEARD AND WHEN SHE LOOKED UP THE THE VEHICLE LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED HEAD ON INTO A TREE. THE DRIVER AND THREE OTHER OCCUPANTS WERE INURED. THE GEORGIA HIGHWAY PATROL RESPONDED AND FILED A REPORT. THE PARAMEDICS ALSO RESPONDED AND TRANSPORTED THE FOUR OCCUPANTS TO THE HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A STORAGE LOT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 107,000.

NHTSA ODI #10356973

50,000 miles · May 18, 2010
Air BagsCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WHERE THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED YET NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT HE HAS ONLY ENTERED THE VEHICLE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH WHERE THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED YET NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT HE HAS ONLY ENTERED THE VEHICLE THREE TIMES SINCE THE CRASH AND EACH TIME, HE EXPERIENCED A STINGING SENSATION IN HIS EYES THAT HE STATED WAS SIMILAR TO TEAR GAS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 50,000.

NHTSA ODI #10331038

80,700 miles · Apr 27, 2010
Air BagsCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO MANEUVER THE STEERING WHEEL TO AVOID CRASHING INTO A DEER AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THE CONTACTS FACE HIT THE STEERING WHEEL UPON IMPACT AND SUSTAINED…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO MANEUVER THE STEERING WHEEL TO AVOID CRASHING INTO A DEER AND LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THE CONTACTS FACE HIT THE STEERING WHEEL UPON IMPACT AND SUSTAINED A BROKEN NOSE. THE CONTACT WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND WAS TOWED BY HER INSURANCE COMPANY TO AN UNKNOWN LOCATION. A POLICE REPORT WAS AVAILABLE, IF NEEDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,700.

NHTSA ODI #10327766

95,272 miles · Feb 23, 2010
Air BagsCrashInjury

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH HE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THEN INTO A LIGHT POLE WHICH DESTROYED THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, DURING THE CRASH NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE INJURED. NO ONE WAS INJURED IN THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DI…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH HE CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE AND THEN INTO A LIGHT POLE WHICH DESTROYED THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, DURING THE CRASH NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER WERE INJURED. NO ONE WAS INJURED IN THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP WHO STATED THAT NO FAILURES COULD BE FOUND. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 95,272 UPDATED 03/30/10. *LJ ACCORDING TO GM, THE NOTICE ON THE DASH READOUT STATED THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. UPDATED 06/30/10.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10313103

Official recalls

2

05V198000 · Exterior Lighting:turn Signal

May 5, 2005

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE DRIVER WISHING TO SIGNAL A TURN BY MOVING THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL LEVER, (UP OR DOWN) MAY CAUSE THE FRONT MARKER/TURN LIGHTS AND REAR TURN LIGHTS TO FLASH IN A MANNER SIMILAR TO HAZARD WARNING, RATHER THAN FLASHING ON THE DESIRED SIDE ONLY.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CLEARLY SIGNAL THEIR INTENTIONS TO TURN, CHANGE TRAVEL LANES, OR POTENTIALLY WARN OTHERS OF AN IMPAIRED VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT FLASHER MODULES WITH A NEW FLASHER MODULE DESIGNED WITH SEALED RELAYS AND MORE DURABLE CONTACT MATERIAL INSIDE OF THE RELAYS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2005. ISUZU BEGAN MAILING OWNER LETTERS ON AUGUST 4, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, AND OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

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.

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

4

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.

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.

PE04032 · Brake Lamp Failure

Opened Apr 6, 2004 · Closed Aug 3, 2004

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

THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002-04 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER VEHICLES.GM REPORTS THAT OTHER VEHICLES SHARING THIS PLATFORM AND BRAKE LAMP DESIGN ARE THE MY 2002-2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER EXT; GMC ENVOY, XL, XUV; OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA AND 2004 BUICK RAINIER.COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT THE REAR BRAKE LAMP DOES NOT OPERATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.THERE IS NO INDICATION TO THE DRIVER FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE THAT ONE OR MORE BRAKE LAMPS BULBS ARE NOT FUNCTIONING.GM FOUND THAT HEAT FROM THE BULB COULD DEFORM THE LAMP SOCKET, PRODUCE ELECTRICAL ARCING AND AN INOPERATIVE BULB.TO CORRECT THE CONDITION, GM CHANGED THE BULB TO A BULB THAT TRANSMITS LESS HEAT TO THE SOCKET AND CHANGED THE SOCKET TO A THERMOPLASTIC POLYMER TO IMPROVE THERMAL STABILITY.THESE CHANGES WERE IMPLEMENTED INTO PRODUCTION VEHICLES ON OCTOBER 1, 2003.GM IMPLEMENTED A SPECIAL POLICY BY NOTIFYING CONSUMERS THAT IF THEY SHOULD EXPERIENCE A BRAKE LAMP FAILURE TO GO TO THEIR GM DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE CIRCUIT BOARD CONTAINING THE BRAKE LAMP REPLACED ALONG WITH NEW BULBS.THIS POLICY IS GOOD FOR THE FIRST 6 YEARS OR 72,000 MILES OF THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE.ODI WILL UPGRADE THIS INVESTIGATION TO EA 04-021 AND INCLUDE THE ABOVE MENTIONED VEHICLES.