IllustrationTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE BRAKES WERE BEING SERVICED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE TECHNICIAN NOTICED THAT THE ENTIRE FRONT END FRAME WAS RUSTED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,542.
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Trailblazer years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
880–25K
16325–50K
27450–75K
17675–100K
137100–150K
61150K+
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
Structure complaints
23 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE OF THE CORROSION BY VISIBLY INSPECTING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR STABILIZER BAR WAS TOTALLY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE I…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE OF THE CORROSION BY VISIBLY INSPECTING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR STABILIZER BAR WAS TOTALLY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE INSPECTED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SUBFRAME THAT SUPPORTED THE REAR SUSPENSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 8-4669457241. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIF…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME WAS RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
ELECTRICAL FIRE STARTED IN DRIVER DOOR WHILE TRUCK WAS PARKED AND NOT RUNNING. IT WAS A TOTAL LOSS.
WHILE TRAVELING WESTBOUND ON 192 IN OSCEOLA COUNTY BETWEEN NARCOOSSEE ROAD AND NOVA ROAD THERE WERE SEVERAL BARRICADES 4 TO 5 INCHES IN THE TRAFFIC LANE. I WAS IN THE LEFT LANE WITH THE BARRICADES OVER THE YELLOW LINE ON THE LEFT-HAND SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS TOOK PLACE AT APPROXIMATELY 8:15 AM WHILE TAKING MY CHILDREN TO SCHOO, D…
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WHILE TRAVELING WESTBOUND ON 192 IN OSCEOLA COUNTY BETWEEN NARCOOSSEE ROAD AND NOVA ROAD THERE WERE SEVERAL BARRICADES 4 TO 5 INCHES IN THE TRAFFIC LANE. I WAS IN THE LEFT LANE WITH THE BARRICADES OVER THE YELLOW LINE ON THE LEFT-HAND SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS TOOK PLACE AT APPROXIMATELY 8:15 AM WHILE TAKING MY CHILDREN TO SCHOO, DURING THE MORNING TIME TRAFFIC. MY VEHICLE STRUCK A LARGE ROUND ORANGE BARRICADE ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I ATTEMPTED TO MANEUVER AND AVOIDANCE HOWEVER I WAS TRAVELING NEXT TO A SEMI AND WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. AS A RESULT MY VEHICLE NOW HAS A SCRATCH ON THE LEFT SIDE. I THEN CALLED DOT TO REPORT THE DAMAGES AND TO HAVE THE SITE INVESTIGATED FOR FUTURE INCIDENCES. THE COMPANY CONDUCTING THE CONSTRUCTION WORK IS JR DAVIS CONSTRUCTION. THERE IS NOT A PULL OFF ZONE OR A PLACE I FELT SAFE STOPPING TO DIRECTLY SPEAK WITH AN INDIVIDUAL IN CHARGE. I TRAVEL THIS ROAD SEVERAL TIMES A DAY AND HAVE NEVER SEEN THE BARREL BARRICADES IN THE ROAD AS THEY WERE THIS MORNING.
ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, 2015 AT APPROXIMATELY 8:55PM MY MOTHER WAS INVOLVED IN A 1 CAR ACCIDENT ON BAUM RD LOCATED IN TALLAHASSEE, FL. SHE WAS THE ONLY PASSENGER DETERMINED TO BE IN THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. ACCORDING TO THE CRASH REPORT, D1 (DRIVER ONE) WAS TRAVELING WESTBOUND ON BAUM RD GOING THE NORMAL POSTED S…
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ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, 2015 AT APPROXIMATELY 8:55PM MY MOTHER WAS INVOLVED IN A 1 CAR ACCIDENT ON BAUM RD LOCATED IN TALLAHASSEE, FL. SHE WAS THE ONLY PASSENGER DETERMINED TO BE IN THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. ACCORDING TO THE CRASH REPORT, D1 (DRIVER ONE) WAS TRAVELING WESTBOUND ON BAUM RD GOING THE NORMAL POSTED SPEED OF 55MPH, WHEN SHE VEERED TOWARDS THE CENTER OF THE RD AND SUDDENLY TURNED RIGHT VEERING OF THE RIGHT SHOULDER OF THE RD AND STRIKING SEVERAL TREES ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AND FRONT END. D1 WAS WEARING HER SEATBELT AND MANAGED TO EXIT OUT THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW BEFORE COMING TO HER FINAL RESTING PLACE ON THE SHOULDER OF THE RD. WHEN I WENT TO RETRIEVE MY MOTHERS THINGS FROM HER TRAILBLAZER, I NOTICED THAT NO AIR BAGS HAD DEPLOYED. AND AS FAST AS MY MOM WAS GOING AND THE TYPE OF IMPACT & DAMAGE HER SUV SUSTAINED, I WOULD THINK AND HOPE THE AIRBAGS WOULD DEPLOY IN THIS TYPE OF ACCIDENT, THUS PREVENTING SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. MY MOM WAS NOT SO LUCKY, AND MYSELF AND MY FAMILY HAVE ENDURED GREAT PAIN FROM LOOSING HER SO SUDDENLY.
DRIVING I-85 NORTH BOUND ON THE MORNING ON 6/15/2015 HEADED TO WORK WHEN THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE BLEW OUT CAUSING MY 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER TO CROSS OVER INTO ANOTHER LANE THEN BACK INTO THE LANE I WAS IN, SPIN UNCONTROLLABLE, ALL OF A SUDDEN THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED SPINNING AND THEN THE VEHICLE JUST SHUT DOWN, STEERING W…
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DRIVING I-85 NORTH BOUND ON THE MORNING ON 6/15/2015 HEADED TO WORK WHEN THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE BLEW OUT CAUSING MY 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER TO CROSS OVER INTO ANOTHER LANE THEN BACK INTO THE LANE I WAS IN, SPIN UNCONTROLLABLE, ALL OF A SUDDEN THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED SPINNING AND THEN THE VEHICLE JUST SHUT DOWN, STEERING WHEEL LOCKS, THE CAR COMES TO A STOP AND SLAMS INTO A GUARD RAIL WHERE I AM FACING SOUTH BOUND TRAFFIC, NONE OF MY AIR BAGS DEPLOY, I HAVE A NECK AND BACK INJURY THAT TO THIS DAY I AM STILL BEING TREATED FOR AND MY PASSENGER WHO WAS A COWORKER RIDING TO WORK WITH ME THAT MORNING ALSO HAD A BACK INJURY. MY VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS BY INSURANCE COMPANY COULD NOT BE REPAIRED, LOST TIME FROM WORK, STILL HAVE MEDICAL BILLS, OCCURRING, ALTHOUGH I HAVE FULL COVERAGE INSURANCE BUT BECAUSE IT WAS A ONE VEHICLE ACCIDENT THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT LOSS WAGES. JUST HAD THESE TIRES PUT ON MY TRUCK ABOUT 6 MONTHS AGO, HEARD ABOUT PEOPLE PASSING THESE BAD TIRES ON AS NEW TIRES , DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS THE CASE OR NOT. DON'T KNOW WHY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, DON'T KNOW WHY STEERING WHEEL SPIN THEN LOCKED UP, THANK GOD IT WAS NOT WORSE! STATE TROOPER SAID IT COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE FROM THE WAY I LANDED.
MY RIGHT SIDE BACK DOOR DOES NOT OPEN AND MY LEFT BACK DOOR DOES NOT CLOSE UNLESS I HIT THE LOCK FIRST. ALSO AS I AM DRIVING NO MATTER WHAT THE WEATHER MY 4 WHEEL DRIVE WILL JUST KICK IN ON ITS OWN. NOW IT FEEL AS THOUGH THE TRANSMISSION IS GOING. THIS TO ME IS A DANGER TO MY CHILDREN AND MYSELF> I ALSO FEEL THAT THESE ARE DEFEC…
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MY RIGHT SIDE BACK DOOR DOES NOT OPEN AND MY LEFT BACK DOOR DOES NOT CLOSE UNLESS I HIT THE LOCK FIRST. ALSO AS I AM DRIVING NO MATTER WHAT THE WEATHER MY 4 WHEEL DRIVE WILL JUST KICK IN ON ITS OWN. NOW IT FEEL AS THOUGH THE TRANSMISSION IS GOING. THIS TO ME IS A DANGER TO MY CHILDREN AND MYSELF> I ALSO FEEL THAT THESE ARE DEFECTS IN THIS VEHICLE AS I FEEL G.M SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER G.M AGAIN. SOMEONE SHOULD LOOK INTO THIS. *TR
BACK HATCH AND WINDOW WILL ONLY OPEN OCCASIONALLY IF I'M LUCKY. TAIL LIGHTS WENT OUT ONCE AND I WAS ABLE TO GET THE HATCH OPEN TO FIX IT. THEY ARE OUT AGAIN AND I CAN'T GET THE HATCH TO OPEN NOW. I HAVE BEEN REPLACING HEAD LAMPS ABOUT EVERY 8 TO 10 MONTHS. HEAD LIGHTS ARE NOW GOING OFF FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHILE I'M DRIVING…
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BACK HATCH AND WINDOW WILL ONLY OPEN OCCASIONALLY IF I'M LUCKY. TAIL LIGHTS WENT OUT ONCE AND I WAS ABLE TO GET THE HATCH OPEN TO FIX IT. THEY ARE OUT AGAIN AND I CAN'T GET THE HATCH TO OPEN NOW. I HAVE BEEN REPLACING HEAD LAMPS ABOUT EVERY 8 TO 10 MONTHS. HEAD LIGHTS ARE NOW GOING OFF FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHILE I'M DRIVING AT NIGHT. I CAN FLIP ON THE BRIGHTS AND THEN WAIT A FEW MINUTES AND FLIP BACK TO LOW BEAMS, SOMETIMES THIS WORKS SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T. THE DOME LIGHTS WILL NOT COME ON AND STAY ON AFTER I TURN IT OFF. HALF OF THE DASH LIGHTS FOR THE RADIO ARE OUT, SOMETIMES THEY WILL COME ON IF I TAP THEM. THE FEATURE THAT LETS YOU TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND THE RADIO WILL CONTINUE TO PLAY AND THE WINDOWS WILL STILL ROLL DOWN AS LONG AS YOU DON'T OPEN THE DOOR, IS NOT WORKING. BOTH O2 SENSORS ARE OUT AND HAVE BEEN FOR A LONG TIME. I PURCHASED THIS SUV BRAND NEW FROM A CHEVY DEALER. I HAVE PAID IT OFF AND KEPT UP ALL OF THE GENERAL MAINTENANCE ON IT. WHEN I TOOK IT IN TO GET THESE ISSUES FIXED I WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE OVER $2500.00 TO FIX AND THAT DID NOT INCLUDE LABOR. THIS SUV IS A LEMON, IF I WAS IN A POSITION TO TRADE IT IN OR BUY A NEW ONE I WOULD, AND I WOULD NOT BE GETTING ANOTHER CHEVY. I HAVE NEVER BEEN NOTIFIED OF ANY RECALLS. I ONLY FOUND OUT ABOUT THE ELECTRICAL RECALLS ON THE TURN SIGNALS AND TAIL LIGHTS BECAUSE A FRIEND HAD HEARD ABOUT THEM AND SUGGESTED A WEBSITE TO CHECK. I'M CALLING THE DEALER TODAY TO SEE IF I CAN GET THESE ISSUES TAKEN CARE OF. ANOTHER REASON I WILL NOT BE BUYING CHEVY AGAIN. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAIL BLAZER. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE FRAME WAS CRACKED NEAR THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Official recalls
205V198000 · 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
4RQ17002 · 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.