← New search

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.

About this comparison →

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

Exterior Lighting complaints

101 reports
Clear category filter
50,000 miles · Mar 31, 2013
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

THERE ARE A FEW THINGS. AND I JUST WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS A RECALL OR POSSIBLE RECALL ISSUE AT HAND. THE FIRST THING THAT HAPPENED WAS THE RPM GAUDGE. IT WILL STICK AT 3000RPM OR HIGHER. BUT THE ENGINE IS NOT OVER REVING AND THE NEEDLE STILL MOVES UP AND DOWN AS IF IT WOULD WHEN READING CORRECTLY. BUT DOESN'T DROP BELOW …

Read full complaint

THERE ARE A FEW THINGS. AND I JUST WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS A RECALL OR POSSIBLE RECALL ISSUE AT HAND. THE FIRST THING THAT HAPPENED WAS THE RPM GAUDGE. IT WILL STICK AT 3000RPM OR HIGHER. BUT THE ENGINE IS NOT OVER REVING AND THE NEEDLE STILL MOVES UP AND DOWN AS IF IT WOULD WHEN READING CORRECTLY. BUT DOESN'T DROP BELOW THE 3000RPM. THEN IT RANDOMLY RESETS AND WORKS CORRECTLY THEN WILL AGAIN RANDOMLY STICK AT 3000 EMPTY OR HIGHER. THE NEXT THING THAT HAPPENS IS THE BATTERY LIGHT WILL RANDOMLY FLICKER. NOT ALL THE TIME JUST AT RANDOM. I HAD THE BATTERY TESTED AND ITS HOLDING A CHARGE JUST FINE. THE WEIRD THING NEXT WAS I KILLED THE POWER. NO KEY IN AT ALL AND IT STILL FLICKERED ON MY DASHBOARD. THEN STOPPED THE NEXT DAY. ANOTHER THING I WAS DRIVING HOME 1 NIGHT FROM WORK. TURNED MY BLINKERS ON TO TURN ONTO MY ROAD AND MY INTERIOR LIGHTS SLOWLY COME ON AND SLOWLY TURN BACK OFF. MY HEAD LIGHT WIRE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE BURNT OUT ABOUT A YR AGO WHICH I REPLACED. NOW I'M HAVING ISSUES WITH THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE BULB FOR MY LOW BEAM IS NOT BLOWN. IF U HIT IT COMES BACK ON. MY DRIVERS SIDE SPEAKER HAS NOT WORKED SINCE I PURCHASED MY TRAILBLAZER. AND IT WILL RANDOMLY WORK. THIS IS RECENT. I REALLY THINK THERE IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. AND MY CONSENT IS A FIRE. IVE HAD IT JUST UNDER 2 YRS. AND I'M ONLY THE 2ND OWNER AND IT HAD 34000 MILES ON IT WHEN I BOUGHT IT IN JUNE OF 2011. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10505168

164,000 miles · Jan 28, 2013
Exterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY FAILED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,000. THE VIN WA…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY FAILED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10494914

92,000 miles · Nov 7, 2012
Electrical SystemExterior LightingFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, HE DISCOVERED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SOCKETS FOR THE LIGHTS HAD BECOME BURNED. IN ADDITION, THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT INTERMITTENTLY FAI…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, HE DISCOVERED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE SOCKETS FOR THE LIGHTS HAD BECOME BURNED. IN ADDITION, THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT INTERMITTENTLY FAILED AND THE SOCKET FOR THE PASSENGER HEADLIGHT WAS ALSO FOUND TO BE BURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A MECHANIC OR THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,112.

NHTSA ODI #10483611

116,000 miles · Oct 17, 2012
Exterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT SUDDENDLY FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DRIVE. THE HEADLIGHT BULB WAS REPLACED BY THE CONTACT AND ONE MONTH LATER; THE FAILURE RECURRED WITH THE PASSENGER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT. TH…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT SUDDENDLY FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DRIVE. THE HEADLIGHT BULB WAS REPLACED BY THE CONTACT AND ONE MONTH LATER; THE FAILURE RECURRED WITH THE PASSENGER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT. THE DEFECT OCCURRED SPORADICALLY AND THE HEADLIGHT BULB WAS REPLACED EACH TIME. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.

NHTSA ODI #10480821

102,340 miles · Aug 22, 2012
Exterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE HEADLIGHTS WOULD MALFUNCTION SPORADICALLY WITHOUT ANY WARNINGS. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THIS FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,340. UPDATED 09/12/2012 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10471861

42,000 miles · Jun 22, 2012
Exterior Lighting

LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. HIGHBEAMS AND FOGS STILL WORK. PROBLEM GOES AWAY AFTER VEHICLE SITS TURNED OFF. OCCURANCES GETTING MORE FREQUENT. VERY DANGEROUS. *TT

NHTSA ODI #10462739

Mileage unknown · Jan 24, 2012
Exterior Lighting

LEFT REAR BLINKER DOES NOT TURN WORK. BULB HAS BEEN REPLACED. THE WHEN I TURN ON THE BLINKER IT MAKES A RAPID BLINKING NOISE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10445104

Mileage unknown · Dec 28, 2011
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

WHEN I FIRST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE I THOUGHT I HAD A GREAT SUV. LITTLE DID I KNOW THAT WITHIN THE FIRST MONTH OF OWNING IT DID I MAKE A HUGE MISTAKE. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER OF 2 KIDS. I CHECKED OUT THE CRASH RATINGS AND THEY WERE GREAT!! I LIKED EVERYTHING ABOUT MY TB. LOOKING BACK, AFTER THE 4TH PROBLEM WITHIN THAT FIRST MONTH. …

Read full complaint

WHEN I FIRST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE I THOUGHT I HAD A GREAT SUV. LITTLE DID I KNOW THAT WITHIN THE FIRST MONTH OF OWNING IT DID I MAKE A HUGE MISTAKE. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER OF 2 KIDS. I CHECKED OUT THE CRASH RATINGS AND THEY WERE GREAT!! I LIKED EVERYTHING ABOUT MY TB. LOOKING BACK, AFTER THE 4TH PROBLEM WITHIN THAT FIRST MONTH. I SHOULD HAVE RAN AWAY SCREAMING FROM IT, AS I DO NOW DAILY. THE LIGHTS FLICKER WHEN YOU DRIVE AT NIGHT. THE HEADLIGHTS CONSTANTLY GO OUT. THE CHECK GAUGES LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY COMING ON. THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE DROPS FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE TACH GOES CRAZY. THE "BELL" FOR THE LIGHTS (WHEN YOU HAVE THE KEYS OUT AND THE LIGHTS ARE STILL ON, OR WHEN YOU HAVE THE KEYS IN AND THE DRIVERS DOOR OPEN) WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO. THE BATTERY GAUGE WORKS WHEN IT FEELS LIKE IT. THE GAS GAUGE HASN'T HAD A PROBLEM LATELY. I AM WONDERING...DOESN'T ALL OF THAT CONSTITUTE AS A SAFETY PROBLEM?? I HAVE HAD THE LIGHTS LOOKED AT AND AM TOLD THERE ISN'T ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE..REALLY?? I AM GOING TO HAVE TO HAVE THE GAUGES LOOKED AT NOW AND FROM WHAT I SEE IT WILL COST ABOUT $600-$800. WHERE OTHER CHEVY VEHICLES HAVE HAD THIS COVERED UNDER A RECALL. THERE ARE MANY OTHER PROBLEMS I'VE HAD, THE O2 SENSOR, TEMP GAUGE, OTHER LIGHTING ISSUES THAT I HAVE TAKEN CARE OF BUT THIS IS GETTING TO BE A BIT MUCH. I SEE MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM. IT CAN'T BE FROM NORMAL WEAR ON THE VEHICLE. PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS BEFORE SOMEONE'S FAMILY REALLY GETS HURT, IF THEY HAVEN'T ALREADY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10441445

76,000 miles · Nov 28, 2011
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

I HAVE A 2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER; WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY; ALL GAUGES, LIGHTS, ETC. ABRUPTLY STOPPED WORKING AND CONTINUE TO NOT WORK. I RESEARCHED ON LINE AND FOUND IT COULD BE WHAT IS CALLED THE "CLUSTER BOARD". I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A LOCAL CHEVY DEALER IN DAYTONA BEACH FL. THEY INSISTED IT WAS THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE…

Read full complaint

I HAVE A 2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER; WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY; ALL GAUGES, LIGHTS, ETC. ABRUPTLY STOPPED WORKING AND CONTINUE TO NOT WORK. I RESEARCHED ON LINE AND FOUND IT COULD BE WHAT IS CALLED THE "CLUSTER BOARD". I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A LOCAL CHEVY DEALER IN DAYTONA BEACH FL. THEY INSISTED IT WAS THE IGNITION SWITCH. THEY REPLACED THAT MECHANISM FOR JUST UNDER $300. THE FOLLOWING WEEK (THIS OCCURRED IN 2010); THE EXACT SAME SITUATION RECURRED; SO I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY THEN AGREED IT WAS THE CLUSTER BOARD WHICH WOULD NOW COST ME CLOSE TO $700.00. IN ORDER TO AVOID BEING RIPPED OFF TO THE TUNE OF ALMOST $1K; I PURCHASED A GPS UNIT SO I COULD AT LEAST MONITOR MY SPEED. THE SPEED/RPMS NEVER REGISTER CORRECTLY; HOWEVER, SO FAR THE OTHER GAUGES SEEMS TO BE OK (EXCEPT FOR THE OIL PRESSURE, IT GOES OUT OF WHACK FREQUENTLY SO I JUST BRING IT IN QUICKLY TO MAKE SURE I HAVE SUFFICIENT OIL AND THAT IT'S CLEAR/CLEAN). MOST RECENTLY MY HEADLIGHTS JUST GO OUT WITHOUT WARNING; I AM ABLE TO USE THE HIGH BEAMS, BUT OF COURSE THAT PUTS ME IN JEOPARDY OF GETTING A TICKET. THERE ARE SO MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE 2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER - I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL ON THE CLUSTER BOARD AND THE ELECTRICAL ISSUES (LIGHTING). I CANNOT AFFORD TO HAVE ALL THE REPAIRS COMPLETED AND WOULD LIKE TO SEE CHEVROLET TAKE ON SOME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE COST OF THESE FLAWS IN THE MANUFACTURING OF THIS VEHICLE. *KB

NHTSA ODI #10437455

91,000 miles · Nov 17, 2011
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND THE ONLY LIGHTS THAT WOULD FUNCTION WERE THE FOG LIGHTS AND HIGH BEAMS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAIL…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND THE ONLY LIGHTS THAT WOULD FUNCTION WERE THE FOG LIGHTS AND HIGH BEAMS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 91,000.

NHTSA ODI #10436213

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.