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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.

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

What owners actually said

1,081 reports
17,000 miles · Mar 15, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

THE BRAKES WERE MAKING A LOUD SCREECHING NOISE. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE NEAREST CHEVY DEALERSHIP. THE TRUCK ONLY HAD ABOUT 15,000 MILES ON IT. UPON INSPECTION, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOUND THAT ALL FOUR BRAKE ROTORS WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED AND PITTED. THIS VEHICLE IS HOUSED IN A GARAGE WHEN NOT IN USE, SO RUSTING SHOULD NOT O…

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THE BRAKES WERE MAKING A LOUD SCREECHING NOISE. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE NEAREST CHEVY DEALERSHIP. THE TRUCK ONLY HAD ABOUT 15,000 MILES ON IT. UPON INSPECTION, THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT FOUND THAT ALL FOUR BRAKE ROTORS WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED AND PITTED. THIS VEHICLE IS HOUSED IN A GARAGE WHEN NOT IN USE, SO RUSTING SHOULD NOT OCCUR EASILY. ALL FOUR ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED. THIS IS JUST ONE OF 21 PROBLEMS I HAVE HAD WITH THIS VEHICLE- NOT TO MENTION THE SEVERE BACK PAIN THE DRIVER'S SEAT IS CAUSING ME.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10114111

Mileage unknown · Mar 15, 2005
Power Train

THE VEHICLE SWITCHES FROM 2WD TO AWD ON ITS OWN. THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO KLUNK AND BUCK. IT ALMOST FEELS LIKE SOMEONE IS HITTING THE VEHICLE FOM BEHIND. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE WE FIGURED OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE DEALERSHIP. THIS WAS ONLY ONE OF TWENTY-ONE FAILURES I HAVE EXPERIENCE…

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THE VEHICLE SWITCHES FROM 2WD TO AWD ON ITS OWN. THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO KLUNK AND BUCK. IT ALMOST FEELS LIKE SOMEONE IS HITTING THE VEHICLE FOM BEHIND. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE WE FIGURED OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE DEALERSHIP. THIS WAS ONLY ONE OF TWENTY-ONE FAILURES I HAVE EXPERIENCED WITH THIS VEHICLE SINCE I PURCHASED IT IN MAY OF 2004- NOT TO MENTION MY SEVERE BACK PAIN THAT IS CAUSED FROM THE DRIVER'S SEAT. I HAVE OWNED 9 VEHICLES, AND HAVE NEVER WITNESSED SUCH POOR QUALITY IN A AUTOMOBILE. I AM SEEKING A BUY-BACK FROM GM.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10114110

5,800 miles · Feb 16, 2005
Electrical SystemPower TrainVisibility

THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE REDUCED ENGINE POWER LIGHT CAME ON THE FIRST TIME AND THE TRUCK HAD NO ACCELERATION. THERE WAS A CODE RECORDED WHEN SERVICE WAS PERFORMED AND PCM WAS REPROGRAMMED. THE NEXT 3 TIMES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE TRUCK WOULD ONLY ACCELERATE IF THE RPM'S REVED UP TO 2, THEN THE TRUCK WOULD M…

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THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE REDUCED ENGINE POWER LIGHT CAME ON THE FIRST TIME AND THE TRUCK HAD NO ACCELERATION. THERE WAS A CODE RECORDED WHEN SERVICE WAS PERFORMED AND PCM WAS REPROGRAMMED. THE NEXT 3 TIMES THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE TRUCK WOULD ONLY ACCELERATE IF THE RPM'S REVED UP TO 2, THEN THE TRUCK WOULD MOVE VERY SLOWLY. THE PROBLEM THEY FOUND THIS TIME WAS A FAULTY INGITION SWITCH (2 TIMES) A PROGRAM UPGRADE OF THE MOTHERBOARD OF THE TRUCK, AND THE TORK CONVERTER CLUTCH MODULE. WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES STOPPED WORKING DURING A SNOW/RAIN STORM.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10110644

Mileage unknown · Feb 16, 2005
Electrical System

THE HOME SECURITY (AUTOMATIC GARAGE DOOR OPENER) SYSTEM HAS BEEN FAILING IN MY TRAILBLAZER. A FEW DAYS AGO WERE LEAVING THE HOUSE FOR DINNER, I OPENED THE GARAGE DOOR WITH THE MANUAL BUTTON JUST INSIDE THE GARAGE. APPROXIMATELY 1 MINUTE LATER I BEGAN PULLING OUT OF THE GARAGE WHEN I SUDDENLY BACKED INTO MY GARAGE DOOR. CONFUS…

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THE HOME SECURITY (AUTOMATIC GARAGE DOOR OPENER) SYSTEM HAS BEEN FAILING IN MY TRAILBLAZER. A FEW DAYS AGO WERE LEAVING THE HOUSE FOR DINNER, I OPENED THE GARAGE DOOR WITH THE MANUAL BUTTON JUST INSIDE THE GARAGE. APPROXIMATELY 1 MINUTE LATER I BEGAN PULLING OUT OF THE GARAGE WHEN I SUDDENLY BACKED INTO MY GARAGE DOOR. CONFUSED ABOUT THE SITUATION I PULLED THE TRAILBLAZER BACK IN AND GOT OUT TO INVESTIGATE. THE GARAGE DOOR HAD CLOSED APPROXIMATELY HALF WAY AND HIT THE TAILGATE JUST BELOW THE WIPER BLADE CAUSING SEVERAL DEEP SCRATCHES. I MANAGED TO POP THE GARAGE DOOR BACK INTO THE RAILS AND BEND THE ALUMINUM PIECES BACK IN PLACE SO THAT THE DOOR IS NOW SERVICEABLE. NOW LATE FOR AN APPOINTMENT I GOT BACK INSIDE THE TRUCK AND THE DOOR BEGAN TO CLOSE AGAIN. THIS HAS NOW BEEN HAPPENING QUITE FREQUENTLY. IT IS MY BELIEF THAT THERE IS SOME KIND OF A SHORT OR SOMETHING IN THE ELECTRONICS THAT CAUSE THE AUTOMATIC GARAGE DOOR OPENER TO SEND A SIGNAL WHEN SOMEONE CLOSES THE DOOR. I NOW HAVE AN ESTIMATE FOR OVER $500 IN PAINT AND REPAIRS WHICH I AM EAGER TO HAVE FIXED, BUT NOT IF THIS KEEPS HAPPENING. I'VE CONTACTED MY DEALER AND HE HAS TOLD ME HOW TO DEPROGRAM MY OPENER BUT I AM HOLDING OFF UNTIL I CAN HAVE AN INSURANCE AGENT OR SOMEONE FROM THE DEALERSHIP LOOK AT THE PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10110620

Mileage unknown · Feb 15, 2005
Fuel System, Gasoline

2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER FUEL FILLER INLET OVERFLOWS UPON TANK FILL-UP. THIS CONDITION OCCURS AT FILL-UP WHEN PUMP HANDLE IS SET ON AUTOMATIC SHUT OFF, OR WHEN SHUT OFF OCCURS WHEN MANUALLY FILLING. THIS CONDITION IS REPEATABLE, AND HAPPENS REGARDLESS OF WHAT GAS STATION IS USED. THIS CONDITION WAS REPORTED TO A LOCAL CHEVRO…

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2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER FUEL FILLER INLET OVERFLOWS UPON TANK FILL-UP. THIS CONDITION OCCURS AT FILL-UP WHEN PUMP HANDLE IS SET ON AUTOMATIC SHUT OFF, OR WHEN SHUT OFF OCCURS WHEN MANUALLY FILLING. THIS CONDITION IS REPEATABLE, AND HAPPENS REGARDLESS OF WHAT GAS STATION IS USED. THIS CONDITION WAS REPORTED TO A LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER. THEIR FIX WAS TO REPLACE THE INLET FILLER HOSE TO THE TANK. THIS FIX WAS UNSUCCESSFUL AND THE CONDITION STILL EXISTS. CURRENTLY ATTEMPTING TO SCHEDULE ANOTHER SERVICE APPOINTMENT.

NHTSA ODI #10110563

Mileage unknown · Feb 11, 2005
Visibility

WHILE DRIVING, IN INCLEMENT WEATHER THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WOULD COME ON AND GO OFF ON THEIR OWN. THE CONSUMER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR NEEDED REPLACEMENT. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10111401

Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 2005
EquipmentFuel System, Gasoline

THE PROBLEM IS THAT MY 2004 CHEVROLET TRAIL BLAZER SPITS UP FUEL BACK OUT OF THE FUEL TANK AFTER FILLING UP THE TANK. I AM NOT TRYING TO TOP OFF. EVERYTIME I FILL UP, FUEL SPITS BACK OUT FROM THE TANK AFTER I REMOVE THE FUEL PUMP. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO THE DEALER TWICE NOW, THEY ARE ON THEIR THIRD ATTEMPT TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I…

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THE PROBLEM IS THAT MY 2004 CHEVROLET TRAIL BLAZER SPITS UP FUEL BACK OUT OF THE FUEL TANK AFTER FILLING UP THE TANK. I AM NOT TRYING TO TOP OFF. EVERYTIME I FILL UP, FUEL SPITS BACK OUT FROM THE TANK AFTER I REMOVE THE FUEL PUMP. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO THE DEALER TWICE NOW, THEY ARE ON THEIR THIRD ATTEMPT TO FIX THE PROBLEM. IT HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE I TOOK MY CAR IN TO THE DEALER. I THOUGHT MAYBE IT WAS THE GAS STATION I WAS USING. SO I TRIED SEVERAL DIFFERENT PUMPS IN DIFFERENT CITIES AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. THAT'S WHEN I DECIDED TO TAKE THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10108358

200 miles · Jan 26, 2005
Fuel System, Gasoline

THE GAS TANK ALWAYS OVERFLOWES WHEN FILLED. IT IS HARD TO POSITION THE NOZZLE INTO THE FILLER NECK SO THAT GAS FLOWS WITHOUT HOLDING THE PUMP HANDLE AND REPOSITIONING SEVERAL TIMES DURING THE FILLING PROCESS. THE OVEFLOW IS NOT FROM TRYING TO TOP OFF THE TANK EITHER. IT HAPPENS WHEN THE TANK IS NOT EVEN FULL. I HAVE HAD THE …

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THE GAS TANK ALWAYS OVERFLOWES WHEN FILLED. IT IS HARD TO POSITION THE NOZZLE INTO THE FILLER NECK SO THAT GAS FLOWS WITHOUT HOLDING THE PUMP HANDLE AND REPOSITIONING SEVERAL TIMES DURING THE FILLING PROCESS. THE OVEFLOW IS NOT FROM TRYING TO TOP OFF THE TANK EITHER. IT HAPPENS WHEN THE TANK IS NOT EVEN FULL. I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP MORE THAN FIVE TIMES FOR THIS AND FOR ELECTRICAL/BATTERY PROBLEMS IN LESS THAN ONE YEAR. NO CORRECTION HAS BEEN MADE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10107927

3,200 miles · Jan 25, 2005
Power Train

PURCHASED NEW TRAILBLAZER IN MAY 04. WHEN VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY 3,000 MILES ON IT, I STARTED GETTING A RATTLE OR LOUD BUZZ WHEN ACCELERATING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 PER HOURS JUST BEFORE THE VEHICLE SHIFTS. OCCASIONALLY, THE SHIFT IF JERKY. THE VEHICLE HAS TO BE WARM AND THE RATTLE OR BUZZ FIRST MANIFESTED ITSELF AFTER I TURNE…

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PURCHASED NEW TRAILBLAZER IN MAY 04. WHEN VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY 3,000 MILES ON IT, I STARTED GETTING A RATTLE OR LOUD BUZZ WHEN ACCELERATING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 PER HOURS JUST BEFORE THE VEHICLE SHIFTS. OCCASIONALLY, THE SHIFT IF JERKY. THE VEHICLE HAS TO BE WARM AND THE RATTLE OR BUZZ FIRST MANIFESTED ITSELF AFTER I TURNED RIGHT AND ACCELERATED FROM A STOP. WHEN WARM, THIS SOUND IS REPEATED ALMOST EVERY TIME I TURN RIGHT AND ACCELERATE. WHEN WARM IS ALSO OCCURS WHEN I JUST ACCELERATE FROM A FULL STOP. OCCASIONALLY, IT WILL ALSO OCCUR AFTER A TIGHT LEFT TURN. I REPORTED IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THE COMPUTER DID NOT SHOW ANYTHING WRONG. ON THE SECOND TRIP TO THE DEALER I REPORTED IT AGAIN. STILL NO FIX. THE NOISE IS VERY ANNOYING, BUT I CANNOT TELL THAT IT IS DOING DAMAGE. I CERTAINLY WOULD NOT HAVE BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE IF IT MADE THIS NOISE ON THE ROAD TEST. I AM ESTIMATING THE RATTLE OR BUZZ SOUND HAS OCCURRED AT LEAST 75 TIME TO DATE. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10107919

Mileage unknown · Jan 18, 2005
Air BagsCrashInjury

I WAS DRIVING A CHEVY TRAILBLAZER RENTED FROM HERTZ ON DECEMBER 29, 2004. ON HIGHWAY 285 NEAR MILE MARKER 189.5, I ENCOUNTERED BLACK ICE ON A CURVE. THE VEHICLE STARTED A 4-WHEEL DRIFT INTO THE ONCOMING LANE. I ATTEMPTED TO AVOID COLLIDING WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT HAD SPUN OUT. THE ABS DID NOT WORK. THERE WAS NO STABILITY …

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I WAS DRIVING A CHEVY TRAILBLAZER RENTED FROM HERTZ ON DECEMBER 29, 2004. ON HIGHWAY 285 NEAR MILE MARKER 189.5, I ENCOUNTERED BLACK ICE ON A CURVE. THE VEHICLE STARTED A 4-WHEEL DRIFT INTO THE ONCOMING LANE. I ATTEMPTED TO AVOID COLLIDING WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE THAT HAD SPUN OUT. THE ABS DID NOT WORK. THERE WAS NO STABILITY CONTROL. I STRUCK AN EMBANKMENT AND THE VEHICLE FLIPPED OVER. ALTHOUGH THERE WAS BOTH FRONTAL AND SIDE IMPACT, NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. IT IS MY BELIEF THAT THE CHEVY TRAILBLAZER IS INHERENTLY UNSAFE. THERE IS NO WAY THIS VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE ROLLED OVER AT THE SPEED AT WHICH I WAS DRIVING. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10106552

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.