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
What owners actually said
1,081 reports
3 miles · Oct 17, 2017
Power TrainSuspension
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4 -WHEEL DRIVE FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 101, NO. 110, NO. 114, NO. 225, NO. 209, & NO. 208. VECHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A LEFT -FRONT BRAKE PIPE WITH A CIRCUMFERENTIAL SCORE AT A RANDOM LOCATION ALONG THE LENGHT OF THE PIPE AS THE…
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CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4 -WHEEL DRIVE FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 101, NO. 110, NO. 114, NO. 225, NO. 209, & NO. 208. VECHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A LEFT -FRONT BRAKE PIPE WITH A CIRCUMFERENTIAL SCORE AT A RANDOM LOCATION ALONG THE LENGHT OF THE PIPE AS THE RESULT OF THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS. IF THE BRAKE PIPE PARTIALLY OR FULLY FRACTURED,BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL WOULD IMMEDIATELY INCREASE AND FRONT BRAKE PERFORMANCE WOULD BE REDUCED UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKETS MAY FRACTURE. MISSING WELDS ON THE REAR FLOW PLAN THE CALIBRATION OF THE TRANSFER CASE CONTROL MODULE COULD CAUSE INSUFFICIENT HIGH SPEED GEAR ENGAGEMENT. THIS FRACTURE COULD RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM FROM THE FRAME SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A RANGE SHIFT COLLAR IN THE TRANSMISSION TRANSFER CASE THAT CONTAINS CRACKS.
NHTSA ODI #11034190
Mileage unknown · Oct 13, 2017
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SHORTED OUT AND VARIOUS GAUGES FAILED TO WORK. WHILE DRIVING, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SCREEN WENT BLANK NUMEROUS TIMES INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE RESTARTED TO RESET THE COMPUTE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SHORTED OUT AND VARIOUS GAUGES FAILED TO WORK. WHILE DRIVING, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SCREEN WENT BLANK NUMEROUS TIMES INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE RESTARTED TO RESET THE COMPUTER. THE DEALER (OCEAN CREST CHEVROLET BUICK GMC CADILLAC, 855 ALTERNATE HWY 101, WARRENTON, OR 97146, (503) 836-7913) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOT RECALL CAMPAIGN AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED WITH A CASE NUMBER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11033281
140,000 miles · Jul 25, 2017
Fuel/propulsion System
MY WIFE CALLED ME FROM WORK COMPLAINING OF STRONG GAS SMELL, AFTER LOOKING AROUND AND UNDER VEHICLE FOUND NOTHING LOOKED AGAIN WHEN WE BROUGHT IT HOME ,BUT LEFT IT RUNNING THIS TIME AND GAS IS POURING OUT FROM RUSTED FITTINGS ON TOP OF THE TANK.
NHTSA ODI #11010612
162,500 miles · May 12, 2017
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED AND INDEPENDENTLY TURNED OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO TURN THE HEADLIGHTS BACK ON, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL MORE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILU…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED AND INDEPENDENTLY TURNED OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO TURN THE HEADLIGHTS BACK ON, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL MORE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,500.
NHTSA ODI #10985053
151,000 miles · Apr 15, 2017
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesVehicle Speed Control
GEAR SHIFT LOCKED INTO THE PARKED POSITION WHILE VEHICLE STILL MOVING AND IN DRIVE. BRAKE PEDAL ALSO LOCKED.MY AUTISTIC SON WAS IN THE VEHICLE WITH ME. GM KNOWS ABOUT THIS ISSUE AS FAR BACK AS 2002 . DO THEY CARE ABOUT THE IMPACT ? I AM THE 3RD OWNER ,BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE OF SAFETY RATING AND THAT IT HAS LESS THAN 92000 M…
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GEAR SHIFT LOCKED INTO THE PARKED POSITION WHILE VEHICLE STILL MOVING AND IN DRIVE. BRAKE PEDAL ALSO LOCKED.MY AUTISTIC SON WAS IN THE VEHICLE WITH ME. GM KNOWS ABOUT THIS ISSUE AS FAR BACK AS 2002 . DO THEY CARE ABOUT THE IMPACT ? I AM THE 3RD OWNER ,BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE OF SAFETY RATING AND THAT IT HAS LESS THAN 92000 MILES ON IT. I HAVE OWNED IT FOR 5 YEARS.
NHTSA ODI #10978651
176,000 miles · Apr 14, 2017
Electrical SystemFire
STARTER RELAY SHORTED OUT AND CAUSED A FIRE IN THE FUSEBOX. THE VEHICKLE WAS PARKED AND IGNITION WAS OFF.
NHTSA ODI #10972391
Mileage unknown · Mar 30, 2017
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Exterior Lighting
PEP BOYS AUTO PARTS TOLD ME I HAD A RECALL ON THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH
NHTSA ODI #10969448
125,000 miles · Mar 16, 2017
Electrical System
SPEEDOMETER DISPLAYS 50 MILES PER HR AND THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK AND NOT EVEN MOVING.
WELL HAVE A REAR TAIL LIGHT BULB STOP WORKING AND BROKE THE OUTER SHELL. AND MY SUN ROOF STOPPED WORKING AND ISN'T COMPLETELY SEALED WHEN IT RAINS WATER LEAKS FROM THE TOP!!
NHTSA ODI #10958743
126,000 miles · Feb 26, 2017
Power Train
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE CAME LOSE AND THE CAR COULD NOT BE PLACED IN GEAR. IT WAS STUCK INTO PARK. THE PLASTIC CABLE CONNECTOR TO THE TRANSMISSION CRACKED, WHICH ALLOWED THE BALL TO COME OUT OF THE TRANSMISSION PREVENT THE CAR NOT BEING ABLE TO BE PUT INTO GEAR.
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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