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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
97,563 miles · Sep 14, 2010
Fuel System, Other

2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER 4WD FUEL GAUGE NOT ACCURATE, GOING FROM F-E WHILE DRIVING AFTER FILLING WITH GAS. FROM ONLINE RESEARCH THIS IS THE FUEL SENDER PROBLEM THAT IS A WIDE PROBLEM FROM ALL TRAILBLAZERS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10355432

107,000 miles · Sep 13, 2010
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND SHUT OFF. UPON RESTART, THE GAUGES BEGAN TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND SHUT OFF. UPON RESTART, THE GAUGES BEGAN TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 107,000.

NHTSA ODI #10355260

90,000 miles · Sep 13, 2010
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH HE NOTICED THE SPEEDOMETER WAS DISPLAYING A SPEED OF 25 MPH. INTERMITTENTLY THE SPEEDOMETER DISPLAYS DIFFERENT SPEEDS OTHER THAN THE SPEED THE VEHICLE IS ACTUALLY TRAVELING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO BE EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH HE NOTICED THE SPEEDOMETER WAS DISPLAYING A SPEED OF 25 MPH. INTERMITTENTLY THE SPEEDOMETER DISPLAYS DIFFERENT SPEEDS OTHER THAN THE SPEED THE VEHICLE IS ACTUALLY TRAVELING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO BE EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE AND IT HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. HE ALSO MENTIONED THAT APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS AGO THE TACHOMETER EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE IN WHICH IT DISPLAYED IMPROPER READINGS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO BE EXAMINED FOR THIS FAILURE AND HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THIS FAILURE CONTINUES TO RECUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 91,000. UPDATED 11/02/10. *LJ UPDATED 11/19/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE TACHOMETER DID NOT WORK AS WELL. UPDATED 12/02/10

NHTSA ODI #10355199

Mileage unknown · Sep 8, 2010
Electrical System

I TOO AM A RELUCTANT OWNER OF A 2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER THAT CONSTANTLY GETS THE IRRITATING VIEW OF AN INSTRUMENT PANEL THAT HAS GO HAYWIRE. SOMETIMES THESE THINGS WORK AND SOMETIMES THEY DO NOT. I DON'T BELIEVE I HAVE ONE WORKING GAUGE IN MY TRAILBLAZER. IT WOULD BE REALLY GRACIOUS FOR THOSE THAT ARE RELYING ON OUR HARD OWN D…

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I TOO AM A RELUCTANT OWNER OF A 2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER THAT CONSTANTLY GETS THE IRRITATING VIEW OF AN INSTRUMENT PANEL THAT HAS GO HAYWIRE. SOMETIMES THESE THINGS WORK AND SOMETIMES THEY DO NOT. I DON'T BELIEVE I HAVE ONE WORKING GAUGE IN MY TRAILBLAZER. IT WOULD BE REALLY GRACIOUS FOR THOSE THAT ARE RELYING ON OUR HARD OWN DOLLARS TO GIVE US A PRODUCT WORTH SPENDING ON. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10354563

121,000 miles · Sep 8, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE THROTTLE BODY FAILED WHILE THE CONTACT WAS AT A STOP LIGHT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY AND THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A MECHANIC WHERE THEY INSPECTED AND REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY AT HER EXPENSE FOR…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE THROTTLE BODY FAILED WHILE THE CONTACT WAS AT A STOP LIGHT CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED IMMEDIATELY AND THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A MECHANIC WHERE THEY INSPECTED AND REPLACED THE THROTTLE BODY AT HER EXPENSE FOR $200. THE DEALER WAS ALSO CALLED AND INFORMED HER TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING BUT SHE INFORMED THEM THAT SHE WOULD TAKE THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER MECHANIC AND THEY WILL REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED, FILED A CLAIM AND WAS ALSO INFORMED TO CONTACT NHTSA AND FILE A CLAIM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000. UPDATED 12/8/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE THROTTLE BODY FAILED MANY TIMES AND THE LAST TIME IT FAILED, THE CONSUMER WAS APPROACHING A RED LIGHT AND THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY STALLED. UPDATED 12/13/10

NHTSA ODI #10354509

88,000 miles · Sep 6, 2010
Electrical System

MY VOLTMETER ON THE GAUGE CLUSTER DOESN'T WORK. IT APPEARS TO WORK WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED AND JUMPS TO 12-14 VOLTS BUT SLOWLY MOVES DOWN TO ZERO AND STAYS THERE NO MATTER WHAT I DO TO TRY AND MAKE IT MOVE. IF I DO NOT KNOW THE VOLTAGE I AM RUNNING I WONT BE ABLE TO QUICKLY RESOLVE ANY PROBLEMS SHOULD THERE BE ANY SERIOUS PROBL…

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MY VOLTMETER ON THE GAUGE CLUSTER DOESN'T WORK. IT APPEARS TO WORK WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED AND JUMPS TO 12-14 VOLTS BUT SLOWLY MOVES DOWN TO ZERO AND STAYS THERE NO MATTER WHAT I DO TO TRY AND MAKE IT MOVE. IF I DO NOT KNOW THE VOLTAGE I AM RUNNING I WONT BE ABLE TO QUICKLY RESOLVE ANY PROBLEMS SHOULD THERE BE ANY SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT WOULD SHOW THROUGH MY VOLTMETER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10354040

70,000 miles · Sep 3, 2010
Electrical System

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM & CONTROL PANEL IN MY 2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER LS HAS BEEN MALFUNCTIONING FOR MANY, MANY MONTHS, TO INCLUDE TOTAL DARKNESS AND CONSTANT "DINGING" OF THE ALARMS. MY LOCAL DEALER CONTINUES TO TELL ME THAT THEY "CAN NOT REPLICATE" THE PROBLEM ON THE COMPUTER; EVEN THOUGH THE TECHNICIAN HAS SEEN THE "DEAD" PANEL WIT…

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ELECTRICAL SYSTEM & CONTROL PANEL IN MY 2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER LS HAS BEEN MALFUNCTIONING FOR MANY, MANY MONTHS, TO INCLUDE TOTAL DARKNESS AND CONSTANT "DINGING" OF THE ALARMS. MY LOCAL DEALER CONTINUES TO TELL ME THAT THEY "CAN NOT REPLICATE" THE PROBLEM ON THE COMPUTER; EVEN THOUGH THE TECHNICIAN HAS SEEN THE "DEAD" PANEL WITH HIS OWN EYES. HE CLAIMS HE HAS TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. OBVIOUSLY I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH A BUNCH OF IDIOTS OR LIARS. I AM CONVINCE BOTH, AFTER READING ALMOST 700 COMPLAINTS WITH YOUR AGENCY. WHERE IS THE PROTECTION FOR THE CONSUMER? WHO IS GOING TO HELP ALL THESE PEOPLE AND THE "THOUSANDS" WHO DON'T KNOW ABOUT THE WIDESPREAD PROBLEM. GM SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO RECALL THESE CARS FOR THE CONTROL PANEL FAILURES. PLEASE HELP US. NO ONE ELSE WILL...... *TR

NHTSA ODI #10353827

50,000 miles · Sep 3, 2010
Electrical System

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TACHOMETER NO LONGER FUNCTIONED. THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD STICK AT THE BOTTOM AND FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS …

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TACHOMETER NO LONGER FUNCTIONED. THE SPEEDOMETER WOULD STICK AT THE BOTTOM AND FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED WHEN THE COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT SPOKEN WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000. UPDATED 12/23/10*LJ UPDATED 01/03/11*JB

NHTSA ODI #10353715

92,000 miles · Sep 1, 2010
Electrical System

2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER LT SPEEDOMETER FLICKER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10353263

45,323 miles · Aug 29, 2010
Electrical System

I HAVE A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER WITH ONLY 45,000 MILES AND RECENTLY HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE DASHBOARD WHERE NONE OF THE GAUGES WORK. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND SUDDENLY THE SPEED AND ALL MY OTHER GAUGES STOPPED WORKING. I HAD NO CLUE HOW FAST I WAS GOING OR ANYTHING ABOUT MY TRUCK. I HAVE READ WHERE THIS HAS HAPP…

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I HAVE A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER WITH ONLY 45,000 MILES AND RECENTLY HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE DASHBOARD WHERE NONE OF THE GAUGES WORK. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND SUDDENLY THE SPEED AND ALL MY OTHER GAUGES STOPPED WORKING. I HAD NO CLUE HOW FAST I WAS GOING OR ANYTHING ABOUT MY TRUCK. I HAVE READ WHERE THIS HAS HAPPENING TO SEVERAL OF THE 2004'S THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS ON THE WEB AND THIS SITE. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL BY NOW. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10352623

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.