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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
55,000 miles · Oct 3, 2009
Electrical System

I HAVE A 2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER THAT HAS FAULTY GAUGES. A FEW MONTHS AGO MY TRAILBLAZER SPEEDOMETER BECAME INOPERATIVE, AND IT CURRENTLY POINTS STRAIGHT DOWN. SAME GOES WITH MY OIL GAUGE. IT HAS BEEN ESTIMATED BETWEEN 500-600 DOLLARS TO REPAIR, BUT AFTER RESEARCH, I HAVE FOUND MANY CONSUMERS HAVE DONE THIS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM T…

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I HAVE A 2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER THAT HAS FAULTY GAUGES. A FEW MONTHS AGO MY TRAILBLAZER SPEEDOMETER BECAME INOPERATIVE, AND IT CURRENTLY POINTS STRAIGHT DOWN. SAME GOES WITH MY OIL GAUGE. IT HAS BEEN ESTIMATED BETWEEN 500-600 DOLLARS TO REPAIR, BUT AFTER RESEARCH, I HAVE FOUND MANY CONSUMERS HAVE DONE THIS FOR THE SAME PROBLEM TO RESURFACE. I FEEL THAT NOT KNOWING WHAT SPEED YOU ARE GOING POSES A MAJOR THREAT TO MY FAMILY, MYSELF AND ANYONE ELSE ON THE ROAD. PLEASE RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10286174

123,101 miles · Sep 28, 2009
Tires

I HAD TWO BLOWOUTS ON THE FRONT TIRE (DRIVERS SIDE) AND BACK TIRE (DRIVERS SIDE). ON SEPT. 26, 2009. I RAN INTO THE CURB AND ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE; BUT SINCE I WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 40 MPH I WAS ABLE TO KEEP FROM CRASHING OR ROLLING OVER. ON THE 7TH OF SEPT MY TIRE WENT FLAT AND I TOOK IT TO SEARS AND THEY ADVISED IT…

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I HAD TWO BLOWOUTS ON THE FRONT TIRE (DRIVERS SIDE) AND BACK TIRE (DRIVERS SIDE). ON SEPT. 26, 2009. I RAN INTO THE CURB AND ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE; BUT SINCE I WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 40 MPH I WAS ABLE TO KEEP FROM CRASHING OR ROLLING OVER. ON THE 7TH OF SEPT MY TIRE WENT FLAT AND I TOOK IT TO SEARS AND THEY ADVISED IT WAS THE VALVE STEM THAT CAUSED THE FLAT. THEY REPLACED THE VALVE STEM PER MY ROAD HAZARD AGREEMENT. BACK IN MARCH OF 2009 I HAD A FLAT WHILE ON VACATION IN FORT WORTH AND TOOK IT TO DISCOUNT TIRES, AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS THE VALVE STEM AND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE STEM. UPON RETURNING HOME I TOOK MY CAR TO SEARS AND INFORMED THEM OF THE INCIDENT AND THEY ADVISED THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF A RECALL, CHECKED THE VALVE STEMS AND SAID THEY DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING WRONG. WHEN THE BLOWOUTS OCCURRED, WE TOOK THE TIRES BACK TO SEARS AND HAD TO PAY FOR REPLACEMENT TIRES (WITH THE ROADHAZARD FEE IT WAS APPRX $230) BECAUSE SEARS STILL SAYS THEY HAVE NOT RECEIVED INFORMATION ON A RECALL NOTICE FOR BRIDGESTONE TIRE VALVE STEMS. I FOUND THE INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET AND ALSO WAS MADE AWARE IN MARCH BY THE DISCOUNT TIRE STORE IN FORT WORTH. I STILL HAVE 2 TIRES FROM SEARS REMAINING ON THE VEHICLE AND THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THEM DUE TO RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10285495

49,000 miles · Sep 23, 2009
Electrical System

WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, MY SPEEDOMETER FAILED AND STARTED REPORTING THE SPEED WELL ABOVE THE SPEED I WAS GOING. MY SPEEDOMETER NOW GETS STUCK BETWEEN 70-120MPH EVEN WHEN PARKED. THIS PRESENTS A SAFETY ISSUE AS I HAVE NO IDEA OF THE SPEED AT WHICH I AM TRAVELING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10285037

60,000 miles · Sep 20, 2009
Electrical System

2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER SPEEDOMETER SHOWS INCORRECT SPEED. ACTUAL SPEED ABOUT 30MPH. SHOWS 80>120, ALSO SHOWS 120MPH WHEN SITTING STILL. VARIOUS INCORRECT SPEEDS VERY HIGH MPH WHEN ACTUAL SPEEDS 20>65.. ONGOING PROBLEM FOR PAST SEVERAL YEARS. DAUGHTER DROVE VEHICLE AND REPORTED TO DEALERSHIPS BUT THEY WANTED TO CHARGE EXTRAVAGANT…

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2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER SPEEDOMETER SHOWS INCORRECT SPEED. ACTUAL SPEED ABOUT 30MPH. SHOWS 80>120, ALSO SHOWS 120MPH WHEN SITTING STILL. VARIOUS INCORRECT SPEEDS VERY HIGH MPH WHEN ACTUAL SPEEDS 20>65.. ONGOING PROBLEM FOR PAST SEVERAL YEARS. DAUGHTER DROVE VEHICLE AND REPORTED TO DEALERSHIPS BUT THEY WANTED TO CHARGE EXTRAVAGANT AMOUNTS TO FIX IT. SHE COULDN'T AFFORD IT AND NOR COULD I. WE DROVE IT AS IS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10284657

56,000 miles · Sep 18, 2009
Electrical System

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. SHE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH ALL OF THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL FAILED, THEN IMMEDIATELY TURNED BACK ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. A TECHNICIAN CONCLUDED THAT BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE, THEY COULD NOT MAKE A…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. SHE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH ALL OF THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL FAILED, THEN IMMEDIATELY TURNED BACK ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. A TECHNICIAN CONCLUDED THAT BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE, THEY COULD NOT MAKE ANY REPAIRS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 56,000. BL

NHTSA ODI #10284509

54,300 miles · Sep 16, 2009
Electrical System

2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER LT.. MY GAUGES FOR OIL, SPEEDOMETER, WATER ARE NOT WORKING AT TIMES. THE SPEEDOMETER WILL SAY I AM DOING 90 WHEN IN FACT I AM ONLY GOING 35 MPH IF THAT! I DON'T USE THE HIGHWAY MUCH, MORE CITY DRIVING AND I SEE THAT MY TRAILBLAZER IS NOT THE ONLY ONE WILL THIS PROBLEM. I REALLY FEEL THAT A RECALL N…

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2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER LT.. MY GAUGES FOR OIL, SPEEDOMETER, WATER ARE NOT WORKING AT TIMES. THE SPEEDOMETER WILL SAY I AM DOING 90 WHEN IN FACT I AM ONLY GOING 35 MPH IF THAT! I DON'T USE THE HIGHWAY MUCH, MORE CITY DRIVING AND I SEE THAT MY TRAILBLAZER IS NOT THE ONLY ONE WILL THIS PROBLEM. I REALLY FEEL THAT A RECALL NEEDS TO BE DONE BY GM ON THIS PROBLEM. OTHER TRAILBLAZER OWNERS HAVE BEEN REPORTING THIS PROBLEM SINCE 2006. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY MY GM DEALERSHIP THAT IT WILL BE ABOUT $600 TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE MAKE GM LISTEN TO US OWNERS AND ISSUE A RECALL. THANK YOU! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10284164

80,000 miles · Sep 16, 2009
Electrical System

2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER SPEEDOMETER MALFUNCTIONING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10284144

383 miles · Sep 14, 2009
Seat Belts

DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WILL NOT RELEASE. BOUGHT BRAND NEW IN 2004 AND HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING OFF THE CAR LOT. HAS SINCE BEEN REPLACED JUST ONCE, BUT PROBLEM CONTINUED. UP UNTIL 2 MONTHS AGO, SEATBELT WOULD RELEASE SHORTLY, BUT NOW IT HAS BEEN STUCK FOR 3 WEEKS. TRYING TO GET GM TO REPLACE, BUT THEY HAVE JUST NOW AGREED TO PAY 50…

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DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WILL NOT RELEASE. BOUGHT BRAND NEW IN 2004 AND HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING OFF THE CAR LOT. HAS SINCE BEEN REPLACED JUST ONCE, BUT PROBLEM CONTINUED. UP UNTIL 2 MONTHS AGO, SEATBELT WOULD RELEASE SHORTLY, BUT NOW IT HAS BEEN STUCK FOR 3 WEEKS. TRYING TO GET GM TO REPLACE, BUT THEY HAVE JUST NOW AGREED TO PAY 50%. PREVIOUSLY WHEN IT WAS REPLACED IT WAS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE OF THEIRS AND I WAS NOT ALLOWED TO DRIVE IT AT ALL. THIS TIME, SINCE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY, THEY HAVE NOT MADE AN ATTEMPT TO PUT ME IN ANOTHER VEHICLE OR OFFER TO FIX IT. IT TOOK ALMOST 6 WEEKS FOR THEM TO SAY THEY WOULD PAY 50%. SEEMS VERY CARELESS OF GM CONSIDERING I AM OUT OF THE HABIT OF EVEN REACHING FOR MY SEATBELT B/C IT NEVER WORKS. I HAVE AN APPT. WITH THE CHEVY DEALER WEDNESDAY AND AM GOING TO TRY TO CONTINUE TO PRESS TO GM THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS BUILT AND THEY NEED TO REALIZE WHAT A PRIORITY THIS IS, AND BE THANKFUL THAT I HAVE YET TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10283958

51,000 miles · Sep 8, 2009
Electrical System

2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER LS: 76K MILES 1. INSTRUMENT PANEL INTERMITTENTLY MALFUNCTIONS UNDER NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS, THE SPEEDOMETER WILL NOT REGISTER CORRECT SPEED AND WILL MOVE PAST 120 MPH WHEN IN PARK (NEEDLE POINTING STRAIGHT DOWN), SOUNDS LIKE A POPPING OR CRACKLING NOISE FROM INSTRUMENT PANEL AT TIMES. I THOU…

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2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER LS: 76K MILES 1. INSTRUMENT PANEL INTERMITTENTLY MALFUNCTIONS UNDER NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS, THE SPEEDOMETER WILL NOT REGISTER CORRECT SPEED AND WILL MOVE PAST 120 MPH WHEN IN PARK (NEEDLE POINTING STRAIGHT DOWN), SOUNDS LIKE A POPPING OR CRACKLING NOISE FROM INSTRUMENT PANEL AT TIMES. I THOUGHT THIS PROBLEM WAS MORE PRONE TO HAPPEN MORE WITH VERY COLD OR VERY HOT TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE BUT NOW ALSO HAPPENS NO MATTER WHAT THE TEMPERATURE IS OUTSIDE. ONLY WAY I HAVE FOUND TO GET SPEEDOMETER BACK TO ZERO IS TO START ENGINE AND TURN OFF ENGINE AFTER MINUTE OR SO - THIS PROCESS COULD TAKE STARTING/RE-STARTING 20 TO 30 TIMES TO GET SPEEDOMETER BACK TO ZERO. BAD FOR STARTER AND CONSUMES TOO MUCH GASOLINE TO CONTINUE DOING THIS. 2. SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY UNDER NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS. ALL ELECTRICAL (LIGHTS, RADIO, A/C, ETC.) CUT OFFS AND ENGINE CUTS OFF WHEN DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS - SOMETIMES THIS OCCURS WHILE DRIVING AND SOMETIMES OCCURS WHEN SLOWING TO STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. AT TIMES I WILL SMELL A BURNING SMELL LIKE SOMETHING ELECTRICAL IS BURNING. I IMMEDIATELY PULL OVER, TURN OFF THE CAR AND CHECK UNDER THE HOOD BUT CANNOT SEE ANYTHING BURNING HOWEVER I SMELL IT. AFTER THE VEHICLE SITS FOR A FEW MINUTES IT CAN BE RESTARTED AND I DO NOT SMELL THE BURNING SMELL. I AM A SINGLE MOM WITH COLLEGE/HIGH SCHOOL CHILDREN (AGES 25, 22, 17) LIVING AT HOME AND I HAVE A 7 MONTH OLD GRANDCHILD AT HOME. I AM ON A VERY LIMITED BUDGET AND DO NOT HAVE MONEY TO REPAIR EITHER OF THESE PROBLEMS AS THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. BOTH OF THESE ISSUES ARE SAFETY ISSUES. THERE ARE TONS OF COMPLAINTS REGARDING CHEVY TRAILBLAZERS ON THE INTERNET. WHEN WILL GM BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR MANUFACTURING AND SELLING LEMONS!?! GM NEEDS TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY AND REPAIR THESE LEMONS - THE CONSUMER'S SAFETY IS AT STAKE HERE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10283352

70,000 miles · Sep 8, 2009
Electrical System

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING 10-15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO LOOSE POWER. OCCASIONALLY THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF, THE BATTERY AND RPM GAUGES ALSO STOPPED WORKING. THE CONTACT FEELS IS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK SINCE THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH. THE CURRENT MIL…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING 10-15 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO LOOSE POWER. OCCASIONALLY THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF, THE BATTERY AND RPM GAUGES ALSO STOPPED WORKING. THE CONTACT FEELS IS AWARE OF THE SAFETY RISK SINCE THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

NHTSA ODI #10283345

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.