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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

What owners actually said

1,081 reports
80,000 miles · Jun 18, 2013
Electrical SystemVisibilityFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW SWITCH FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS ADVISED THAT THE SWITCH WIRING CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIF…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW SWITCH FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS ADVISED THAT THE SWITCH WIRING CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10520552

157,000 miles · May 20, 2013
Latches/locks/linkagesFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN ANOTHER DRIVER INFORMED HER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT MOVED OFF THE ROADWAY AND ATTEMPTED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE BUT THE DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK. THE DOOR FINALLY OPENED AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS OF ENGAGING THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK FU…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN ANOTHER DRIVER INFORMED HER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT MOVED OFF THE ROADWAY AND ATTEMPTED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE BUT THE DOORS WOULD NOT UNLOCK. THE DOOR FINALLY OPENED AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS OF ENGAGING THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK FUNCTION. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 157,000. ...UPDATED 07-10-13 *BF UPDATED 07/16/2013 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10512794

85,000 miles · May 10, 2013
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY WHEN I NOTICED MY HEADLIGHTS WENT DARK. ALL THE OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS WORKED WELL (RADIO AND STUFF) AND THE LIGHTS CAME BACK ON ABOUT 10 SECONDS LATER. THE INCIDENT HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES, BUT I CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT IS CAUSING IT. IT'S HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY, THE STREET, MY DRIVEWAY WHEN …

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I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY WHEN I NOTICED MY HEADLIGHTS WENT DARK. ALL THE OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS WORKED WELL (RADIO AND STUFF) AND THE LIGHTS CAME BACK ON ABOUT 10 SECONDS LATER. THE INCIDENT HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES, BUT I CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT IS CAUSING IT. IT'S HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY, THE STREET, MY DRIVEWAY WHEN I PULL IN... USUALLY IT LASTS ABOUT 20 SECONDS AND THEN THE LIGHTS COME BACK ON. THE HIGH BEAMS STILL SEEM TO WORK, THOUGH. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10511411

80,000 miles · Apr 7, 2013
Electrical System

FIRST, ALL MY LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD FLASH AT RANDOM TIMES (LIKE THE SEATBELT, ABS, CHECK ENGINE SOON, ETC.). THEN MY TACHOMETER (RPM GAUGE) STOPPED WORKING. NEXT MY GAS GAUGE STOPPED WORKING. NEXT CAME THE SPEEDOMETER. IT WOULD GET STUCK AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS AS A STARTING POINT AND I WOULD HAVE TO SUBTRACT THAT STA…

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FIRST, ALL MY LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD FLASH AT RANDOM TIMES (LIKE THE SEATBELT, ABS, CHECK ENGINE SOON, ETC.). THEN MY TACHOMETER (RPM GAUGE) STOPPED WORKING. NEXT MY GAS GAUGE STOPPED WORKING. NEXT CAME THE SPEEDOMETER. IT WOULD GET STUCK AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS AS A STARTING POINT AND I WOULD HAVE TO SUBTRACT THAT STARTING POINT SPEED FROM MY SPEEDOMETER SPEED TO FIND THE ACTUAL SPEED. FOR INSTANCE, IF THE SPEEDOMETER WAS STUCK ON 25 MPH WHEN I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, THEN ONCE I PICKED UP SPEED TO 100 MPH, I KNEW I WAS TRAVELING AT 75 MPH. FOR THE LAST 5 MONTHS THOUGH THE SPEEDOMETER HASN'T WORKED AT ALL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10507388

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 …

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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

151,000 miles · Mar 17, 2013
Fuel/propulsion System

AFTER COMPLETELY FILLING THE GAS TANK, FUEL BEGAN HEAVILY POURING OUT FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. IT APPEARS THAT THERE IS A LEAK WHERE THE FUEL HOSE (NOT SURE OF THE EXACT PART NAMES) MEETS THE FUEL TANK. IT SEEMS THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT AS OTHER COMPLAINTS PERTAINING TO THIS ISSUE ARE VERY NUMEROUS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10503330

Mileage unknown · Mar 16, 2013
Child Seat

LATCH MECHANISM FAILURE. INVESTIGATED BY CPST. LATCH INSTALLED ACCORDING TO MANUAL IN A REAR FACING MODE WITH TOP TETHER ON A SUNSHINE KIDS RADIAN XTSL. WHEN INSTALLED THE CHILD RIDING IN THE CAR IS ABLE TO REPEATEDLY KICK THE LATCH BY HER FEET AND LOOSEN IT. THE BELT SLIPS AND DOESN'T REMAIN WITH A TIGHT INSTALL. BOTH WEB…

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LATCH MECHANISM FAILURE. INVESTIGATED BY CPST. LATCH INSTALLED ACCORDING TO MANUAL IN A REAR FACING MODE WITH TOP TETHER ON A SUNSHINE KIDS RADIAN XTSL. WHEN INSTALLED THE CHILD RIDING IN THE CAR IS ABLE TO REPEATEDLY KICK THE LATCH BY HER FEET AND LOOSEN IT. THE BELT SLIPS AND DOESN'T REMAIN WITH A TIGHT INSTALL. BOTH WEBBING IS PARALLEL AND SHOULD "LOCK" INTO PLACE BUT IT FAILS TO DO SO. (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=2004, MAKE=CHEVROLET, MODEL=TRAILBLAZER). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10503266

97,864 miles · Feb 24, 2013
Fuel/propulsion System

I FEEL THAT I'M BEING TREATED UNFAIRLY, BECAUSE OF A SYSTEM CREATED BY GM,TO DETERMINE WHICH MODEL TRAILBLAZER VEHICLES ARE ARE SELECTED FOR RECALL REPAIR WITH SAFETY RELATED PROBLEMS. EVEN IF THE PROBLEM IS THE SAME, IN MY CASE. IE: A FAULTY FUEL TANK, THAT LEAKS FUEL. TODAY I HAD MY TANK TESTED BY A CHEVY DEALER, WHO TOLD ME I…

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I FEEL THAT I'M BEING TREATED UNFAIRLY, BECAUSE OF A SYSTEM CREATED BY GM,TO DETERMINE WHICH MODEL TRAILBLAZER VEHICLES ARE ARE SELECTED FOR RECALL REPAIR WITH SAFETY RELATED PROBLEMS. EVEN IF THE PROBLEM IS THE SAME, IN MY CASE. IE: A FAULTY FUEL TANK, THAT LEAKS FUEL. TODAY I HAD MY TANK TESTED BY A CHEVY DEALER, WHO TOLD ME I HAD A CRACKED TANK, WHERE THE FUEL TANK FILLER-NECK CONNECTS TO THE TANK. HE SAID IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL, BECAUSE MY MODEL WAS NOT A TRAILBLAZER EXT. MY MODEL IS TRAILBLAZER LS. BUT IT HAS THE SAME UNSAFE LEAK, FROM THE SAME LOCATION, AS THE EXT MODEL. MY MILEAGE, AND YEAR FIT THE RECALL,AND SO DOES THE PROBLEM. SO! WHY NOT THE FIX? THE DEALER TOLD ME IT WOULD COST ME $1700 TO REPAIR. WHY DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR THE SAME UNSAFE PROBLEM, THAT OTHERS ARE NOT? I CAN SHOW YOU PHOTOS OF 3 DIFFERENT TRAILBLAZER MODELS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. AND YOU COULD NOT PICK OUT WHICH ONE WAS MINE. SO WHY ARE THEY ONLY FIXING ONE MODEL..ALSO I'M STARTING TO GET A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT POPPING ON AND OFF. THIS COULD POSSIBLY BE CONNECTED TO THE FUEL TANK LEAK. SO NOW, WHEN I GO TO EMISSIONS TESTING I'M GOING TO FAIL. MAKING ME RESPONSIBLE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS, THAT ARE CLEARLY A DEFECTIVE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10499831

130,000 miles · Feb 12, 2013
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED AND THE SPEEDOMETER WAS PROVIDING AN INACCURATE SPEED READING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,00…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED AND THE SPEEDOMETER WAS PROVIDING AN INACCURATE SPEED READING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. UPDATED 03/01/13*LJ UPDATED 4/24/13 *CN

NHTSA ODI #10497925

Mileage unknown · Feb 8, 2013
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER SEIZED TEMPORARILY. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER SEIZED TEMPORARILY. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10496840

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.