TL* THE CONTACT'S SON OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW LOOKED ABNORMAL. WHEN THE DOOR WAS OPENED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT HAD CAUGHT FIRE AND EXTINGUISHED ITSELF OUT. FIRE AND POLICE REPORTS WERE NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO …
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TL* THE CONTACT'S SON OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW LOOKED ABNORMAL. WHEN THE DOOR WAS OPENED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SEAT HAD CAUGHT FIRE AND EXTINGUISHED ITSELF OUT. FIRE AND POLICE REPORTS WERE NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL TO PROVE THAT THE MALFUNCTION WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFAULT. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 190,000. *LN PHOTOS ATTACHED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #11267981
92,000 miles · Sep 22, 2014
SeatsFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARK IN A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY, THE DRIVER SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
NHTSA ODI #10638124
104,000 miles · Dec 10, 2013
SeatsFire
AFTER MAKING A FEW ERRANDS, I PARKED MY 2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER EXT IN MY DRIVEWAY AROUND NOON. I IMMEDIATELY WENT INSIDE MY HOUSE. AROUND 4:30 PM I WENT TO GET IN MY TRUCK AND FOUND THE DRIVERS SEAT HAD BEEN ON FIRE. THE ENTIRE SEAT AND CEILING WAS DESTROYED. THE CEILING'S MELTED PLASTIC/MATERIALS WERE ALL OVER EVERYTHING. EVERY…
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AFTER MAKING A FEW ERRANDS, I PARKED MY 2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER EXT IN MY DRIVEWAY AROUND NOON. I IMMEDIATELY WENT INSIDE MY HOUSE. AROUND 4:30 PM I WENT TO GET IN MY TRUCK AND FOUND THE DRIVERS SEAT HAD BEEN ON FIRE. THE ENTIRE SEAT AND CEILING WAS DESTROYED. THE CEILING'S MELTED PLASTIC/MATERIALS WERE ALL OVER EVERYTHING. EVERYTHING WAS COOL TO THE TOUCH AT THIS TIME.THERE IS FIRE DAMAGE THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE INSIDE OF THE TRAILBLAZER. EVERYTHING INSIDE IS COVERED WITH HEAVY BLACK SOOT OR PIECES OF MELTED PLASTIC. YOU CAN'T SEE THROUGH THE WINDOWS. I HAD MY HUSBAND CALL 911. POLICE & FIRE RESPONDED. THEY DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY. THE TRUCK IS A TOTAL LOSS. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. THE FIRE MARSHALL SAYS IT STARTED IN ONE OF THE MOTORS IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT. I DO NOT HAVE HEATED SEATS. HE ALSO STATED THAT WE WERE FORTUNATE THAT THERE WAS NO OPEN WINDOW TO HELP FUEL THE FIRE AND THAT VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITHOUT OCCUPANTS WHEN THIS OCCURRED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10555535
24,000 miles · Mar 18, 2012
Seats
DRIVERS SEAT ,LEFT SIDE COVER WITH POWER SEAT CONTROL, HAS BROKEN OFF 3 TIMES. WHEN GETTING IN TRUCK YOU MUST SIT ON COVER. THIS CAUSES THE COVER TO BREAK. THE WIRING IS THE ONLY THING HOLDING THE COVER ON. THIS COULD CAUSE A FIRE OR ACCIDENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10452092
76,628 miles · Oct 11, 2010
Seats
THE DRIVER'S POWER SEAT CONTROL PANEL HAS BROKEN OFF THREE TIMES. I REPLACED IT TWO TIMES. THIS TIME, I HAVE SIMPLY TAKEN A PLASTIC TIE AND FASTENED IT MORE OR LESS IN PLACE. IT LOOKS JUNKY, BUT AT LEAST IT IS USABLE FOR A WHILE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10360015
64,000 miles · May 16, 2008
Air BagsSeatsCrashInjury
I WAS REAR ENDED BY A GUY DOING 40 MPH. MY TRUCK WAS LIFTED IN THE AIR AND PUSHED INTO THE REAR END OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED AND MY SEAT BROKE!! POSSIBLE DEFECT IN THE SEAT? I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WHEN THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED. THE SPARE TIRE HOLDER WAS RIPPED OFF MY TRUCK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10228026
35,000 miles · Sep 5, 2006
Seats
THE PANEL FOR THE POWER SEAT CONTROLS ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT IS DESIGNED SUCH THAT IT IS BROKEN LOOSE EASILY BY SIMPLY ENTERING AND EXITING THE VEHICLE. IT'S DESIGN AND MOUNTING LOCATION CAUSES IT TO HAVE TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE DRIVER AS HE ENTERS OR EXITS THE VEHICLE. ONCE THE MOUNTING SUPPORTS BREAK, THE CONTROLS ARE ON…
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THE PANEL FOR THE POWER SEAT CONTROLS ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT IS DESIGNED SUCH THAT IT IS BROKEN LOOSE EASILY BY SIMPLY ENTERING AND EXITING THE VEHICLE. IT'S DESIGN AND MOUNTING LOCATION CAUSES IT TO HAVE TO SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF THE DRIVER AS HE ENTERS OR EXITS THE VEHICLE. ONCE THE MOUNTING SUPPORTS BREAK, THE CONTROLS ARE ONLY SUPPORTED BY THE WIRING. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10167418
251 miles · May 23, 2005
SeatsSteeringInjury
WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SEAT SUDDENLY LOWERED TO THE RIGHT WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN. THE CONSUMER BROKE ONE OF HIS RIGHT RIBS IN THE PROCESS OF THE SEAT COLLAPSING. THE STEERING WHEEL DID NOT RETURN TO THE NORMAL POSITION AFTER MAKING THE TURN. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED. *AK …
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WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SEAT SUDDENLY LOWERED TO THE RIGHT WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN. THE CONSUMER BROKE ONE OF HIS RIGHT RIBS IN THE PROCESS OF THE SEAT COLLAPSING. THE STEERING WHEEL DID NOT RETURN TO THE NORMAL POSITION AFTER MAKING THE TURN. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE HAD NOT BEEN DETERMINED. *AK *SC
NHTSA ODI #10115897
Mileage unknown · Oct 1, 2004
SeatsStructure
DRIVER SEAT DOES NOT ALIGN PROPERLY WITH STEERING WHEEL. *BF THE SEAT BELT COULD CUT INTO THE DRIVER'S NECK. *SC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10095480
Mileage unknown · Aug 20, 2004
SeatsSteering
WHEN GETTING INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS PLACED TOWARDS THE LEFT OF THE VEHICLE AND NOT IN THE CENTER OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT CONTACTED THE CONSUMER. *AK THE CONSUMER SUGGESTED THERE WAS A DIFFERENCE IN T…
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WHEN GETTING INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS PLACED TOWARDS THE LEFT OF THE VEHICLE AND NOT IN THE CENTER OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP, HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT CONTACTED THE CONSUMER. *AK THE CONSUMER SUGGESTED THERE WAS A DIFFERENCE IN THE LEATHER VERSUS FABRIC. THE MANUFACTURER CONFIRMED THAT THE ALIGNMENT BETWEEN THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE DRIVERS SEAT WAS NOT STRAIGHT. *SC *JB
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.
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.
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.
2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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