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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

Fuel System, Gasoline complaints

93 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jul 8, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

I HAVE A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER LS THAT SEEMS TO HAVE A VERY STRONG GAS ODOR IN THE CABIN AND ALSO DRIPS GAS UNDERNEATH THE GAS TANK. I HEARD THAT THERE WAS RECALL DUE TO FUEL ODORS IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE AND DROPS OF GASOLINE ON THE GROUND FROM THE FUEL TANK INLET VALVE. I CAN'T FILL MY TANK UP BECAUSE OF LOSS OF FUEL …

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I HAVE A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER LS THAT SEEMS TO HAVE A VERY STRONG GAS ODOR IN THE CABIN AND ALSO DRIPS GAS UNDERNEATH THE GAS TANK. I HEARD THAT THERE WAS RECALL DUE TO FUEL ODORS IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE AND DROPS OF GASOLINE ON THE GROUND FROM THE FUEL TANK INLET VALVE. I CAN'T FILL MY TANK UP BECAUSE OF LOSS OF FUEL AND ODOR INSIDE VEHICLE. ALSO, I HAVE THE CONSTANT FEAR OF MY VEHICLE EXPLODING AT ANY GIVEN TIME. PLEASE HELP OR GIVE ADVISE AT WHAT I SHOULD DO!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10276157

40,000 miles · Jun 16, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

MY 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER 4WD HAS 41,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. RECENTLY THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON (SES) LIGHT BECAME ILLUMINATED. PERSONAL INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE REVEALED A SMALL CRACK IN THE PLASTIC FUEL TANK. THE CRACK WAS LOCATED AT THE "WELD" OR JOINT WHERE THE PLASTIC FUEL FILL PIPE CONNECTS TO THE TANK. THIS FILL…

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MY 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER 4WD HAS 41,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. RECENTLY THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON (SES) LIGHT BECAME ILLUMINATED. PERSONAL INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE REVEALED A SMALL CRACK IN THE PLASTIC FUEL TANK. THE CRACK WAS LOCATED AT THE "WELD" OR JOINT WHERE THE PLASTIC FUEL FILL PIPE CONNECTS TO THE TANK. THIS FILL PIPE ALSO HOUSES THE FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE (ICV). AS MY VEHICLE WAS PAST THE THREE-YEAR - 36,000 MILE WARRANTY PERIOD I ATTEMPTED TO GLUE THE LEAKING CRACK. THIS HELD FOR A FEW WEEKS, THE SES LIGHT WENT OUT AND THERE WAS NO ODOR OR APPEARANCE OF GASOLINE LEAKING FROM THE AREA. EVENTUALLY, THOUGH, THE LEAK RETURNED, EVIDENCED BY THE SES LIGHT ILLUMINATION AND GASOLINE LEAKING FROM THE REPAIRED AREA. ANOTHER REPAIR ATTEMPT WAS MADE AND IS CURRENTLY UNDER OBSERVATION. THIS EXACT PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE DETAILED IN GENERAL MOTORS DOCUMENT ID# 1985459; SUBJECT: SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT - FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE FRACTURE #07099 - (06/07/2007). THIS REFERENCED DOCUMENT ONLY PERTAINS TO 2002-2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER EXT AND GMC ENVOY XL, BOTH LONGER WHEELBASE MODELS THAN MY STANDARD LS MODEL. UPON MY DISCOVERY OF THIS MANUFACTURER KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE MODEL, I TOOK MY TRAILBLAZER TO THE LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER TODAY. THE SERVICE CONSULTANT SAID HE WAS NOT FAMILIAR WITH MY PROBLEM AND WAS UNABLE TO ACCESS THE COMPUTER DATABASE FOR ANY RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FOR MY VEHICLE. HE DID TAKE A COPY OF THE ABOVE REFERENCED SPECIAL COVERAGE ADJUSTMENT DOCUMENT AND PROMISED A RETURN CALL TOMORROW. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10274062

62,000 miles · May 26, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

HELLO I AM WRITING CONCERNING MY 2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE THE GAUGES ALL MESSED UP AND IT WOULD SAY I WAS GOING 90 WHEN I WASN'T MOVING AT ALL. NOW, THE DEALER WENT AHEAD AND FIXED THAT FOR ME, BUT NOW THE GAS GAUGE IS SCREWING UP, IT WILL SAY I HAVE MORE GAS THEN I HAVE, IT'S BEEN DOING THIS FO…

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HELLO I AM WRITING CONCERNING MY 2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE THE GAUGES ALL MESSED UP AND IT WOULD SAY I WAS GOING 90 WHEN I WASN'T MOVING AT ALL. NOW, THE DEALER WENT AHEAD AND FIXED THAT FOR ME, BUT NOW THE GAS GAUGE IS SCREWING UP, IT WILL SAY I HAVE MORE GAS THEN I HAVE, IT'S BEEN DOING THIS FOR ABOUT 2 MONTHS NOW, AND I'VE RAN OUT OF GAS THREE TIMES WITH MY BABIES IN THE CAR. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND THERE ARE ALOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE EXACT SAME THING. WHEN IS THIS GOING TO BE RECALLED? HOW MANY COMPLAINTS DOES IT TAKE? THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, I HAVE TO DRIVE 1000 MILES SOON, MY HUSBAND IS DEPLOYED NOW TO IRAQ AND I AM SUPPOSE TO GO TO VISIT FAMILY AND I'M SCARED TO DO THAT IN THIS VEHICLE AND ITS ALL I HAVE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10269952

Mileage unknown · Mar 15, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

FAULTY GAS TANK FILLER NECK ON MY 04 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER I'VE DONE RESEARCH ON THE WEB AND FOUND THERE ARE MANY TRAILBLAZERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM I'M HAVING AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS BECAUSE IT IS DANGEROUS TO HAVE FUEL LEAKING OUT OF THE GAS TANK I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER(GROSSINGER IN LINCOLNWOOD IL) AND WAS TOLD THE T…

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FAULTY GAS TANK FILLER NECK ON MY 04 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER I'VE DONE RESEARCH ON THE WEB AND FOUND THERE ARE MANY TRAILBLAZERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM I'M HAVING AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS BECAUSE IT IS DANGEROUS TO HAVE FUEL LEAKING OUT OF THE GAS TANK I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER(GROSSINGER IN LINCOLNWOOD IL) AND WAS TOLD THE TANK WOULD COST ME 1200 DOLLARS I CAN'T AFFORD THAT AND PAY A CAR NOTE I'M HOPING YOU COULD HELP ME WITH GM I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10261927

6,000 miles · Mar 8, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

MY COMPLAINT IS REGARDING A POTENTIAL INCIDENT. I OWN A 2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. I BOUGHT THIS NEW IN 2004. WITHIN 3 MONTHS, I SMELLED GAS FROM INSIDE THE TRUCK. THEN NOTICED WHEN I FILL THE TANK, IT LEAKS OUT OF THE TOP. I BROUGHT THIS TO GM ATTENTION AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALL AND THAT I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE 100%. CO…

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MY COMPLAINT IS REGARDING A POTENTIAL INCIDENT. I OWN A 2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. I BOUGHT THIS NEW IN 2004. WITHIN 3 MONTHS, I SMELLED GAS FROM INSIDE THE TRUCK. THEN NOTICED WHEN I FILL THE TANK, IT LEAKS OUT OF THE TOP. I BROUGHT THIS TO GM ATTENTION AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALL AND THAT I WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE 100%. COULD COST UP TO 1000. CAN YOU PLEASE INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE AND DETERMINE IF THERE ARE OTHERS OUT THERE LIKE ME? I BELEIVE THIS IS A LEMON TYPE ISSUE AND I AM PLANNING TO HAVE MY ATTORNEY TAKE ACTION BUT WANTED TO GET YOUR FEEDBACK?

NHTSA ODI #10261073

66,000 miles · Feb 19, 2009
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED SPORADICALLY ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. SHE TOOK HER VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT FUEL VAPORS WERE LEAKING AND COLLECTING ON TOP OF …

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED SPORADICALLY ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. SHE TOOK HER VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT FUEL VAPORS WERE LEAKING AND COLLECTING ON TOP OF THE MODULE. THE FAILURE CAUSED FUEL TO SPILL ONTO THE GROUND. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY $1,300 TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BECAUSE IT WAS NOT REGISTERED IN A SALT BELT STATE. SECONDLY, SHE NOTICED THAT THE GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WERE INOPERATIVE AND DISPLAYED INACCURATE INFORMATION. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE MANUFACTURER'S RECALL FOR THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL; THEREFORE, SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY $550 TO REPAIR THE COMPONENT. CURRENTLY, NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE IS 73,000. UPDATED 3/11/09 *CN UPDATED 03/13/09. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10259328

50,000 miles · Feb 13, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

I HAVE A 2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER LT. ON THE GAS TANK WHERE THE FILL NECK IS CONNECTED TO IT, THE SEAM IS CRACKED AND LEAKS GAS. I HAVE TRIED TO HAVE THE TANK REPAIRED BUT WITH NO SUCCESS. I HAVE CONTACTED GM AND VISITED A CHEVY DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS CONCERN AND THEY WANT ME TO PAY $1,300 + PLUS CHANGE THE TANK. THIS VEHICLE H…

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I HAVE A 2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER LT. ON THE GAS TANK WHERE THE FILL NECK IS CONNECTED TO IT, THE SEAM IS CRACKED AND LEAKS GAS. I HAVE TRIED TO HAVE THE TANK REPAIRED BUT WITH NO SUCCESS. I HAVE CONTACTED GM AND VISITED A CHEVY DEALERSHIP ABOUT THIS CONCERN AND THEY WANT ME TO PAY $1,300 + PLUS CHANGE THE TANK. THIS VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DAMAGED IN A WRECK. THIS IS SIMPLY A DEFECTIVE PART THAT CAUSES A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN FOR ME. I HAVE READ OF OTHER TRAILBLAZER GAS TANKS CRACKING AT THE SAME LOCATION THAT RESULTED IN A CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THEM. I THINK THAT GM SHOULD REPLACE THESE TANKS THAT CRACK BEFORE THEY RESULT IN A FIRE AND CAUSE DAMAGE OR INJURY. GM AND THE DEALERSHIP HAVE DEMONSTRATED NO CONCERN FOR MY SAFETY AND THAT OF MY FAMILY. I FEEL THAT THIS SAFETY ISSUE SHOULD EB DEALT WITH BY THE MANUFACTURER. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10258529

55,000 miles · Jan 15, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS GAS TANK FILLER NECK FAILED AND WAS LOOSE. AS A RESULT, FUEL LEAKS OUT. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AND THEY ONLY OFFERED TO PAY 50% OF THE REPAIR COST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. UPDATED …

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

NHTSA ODI #10255216

86,685 miles · Dec 18, 2008
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline

SPEEDOMETER AND FUEL GAGE COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING. RESEARCHED THE INTERNET AND LOTS OF PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED OF THIS VERY ISSUE, BUT NO RECALL HAS BEEN MADE. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND TO FIX THIS PROBLEM OUR DEALERSHIP SAID IT WOULD COST ANYWHERE AT THE LEAST $500. THIS REALLY UPSETS ME AS WE CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX THIS FOR …

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SPEEDOMETER AND FUEL GAGE COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING. RESEARCHED THE INTERNET AND LOTS OF PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED OF THIS VERY ISSUE, BUT NO RECALL HAS BEEN MADE. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND TO FIX THIS PROBLEM OUR DEALERSHIP SAID IT WOULD COST ANYWHERE AT THE LEAST $500. THIS REALLY UPSETS ME AS WE CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX THIS FOR THAT AMOUNT OF MONEY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10252233

63,800 miles · Dec 10, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline

A SMALL CRACK OR FRACTURE HAS DEVELOPED IN THE FUEL TANK FILLER NECK. THIS WILL CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON AND MAY CAUSE THE TB TO IDLE POORLY WHEN COLD. THERE IS A SMELL OF GASOLINE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10251420

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.