My 16 year old son was making a left hand turn out of a school onto a road with no curve, no hole, no accident but the 4 side air bags deployed for no reason. He was OK and pulled over for safety and got a ride home. We had it towed home and contacted gmac buick and they had it towed to a dealership and had a diagnostic test ran…
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My 16 year old son was making a left hand turn out of a school onto a road with no curve, no hole, no accident but the 4 side air bags deployed for no reason. He was OK and pulled over for safety and got a ride home. We had it towed home and contacted gmac buick and they had it towed to a dealership and had a diagnostic test ran and found no reason for them to deploy but they said the car had been altered because we had put subs and a radio in it through a lisc. Professional but that makes them not liable for anything that would happen. They said putting a radio in can cause the bags to deploy or brakes to fail and it is in their manual and they are not liable for any problem if we alter the car in any way. If this is the case anyone with an aftermarket radio should be warned that their child car anyone can be killed and it will. E no one's fault. I am out a car because insurance said they don't cover it because it wasn't an accident and GMAC says it happens not uncommonly but that they will not help in any way. They told me I was not allowed to talk abijt this to anyone. They read me a statement on the phone which said I can not talk outside of GMAC. They don't want people knowing this is happening. People need to be aware that bags can randomly deploy and if he was in the interstate he could have been killed. I am terrified to get in it and drive. Why do people not know this can happen. Why is gmac not doing anything or putting out psas saying people could die if they out sibs in professionally or otherwise.
NHTSA ODI #11533809
84,120 miles · Mar 17, 2014
Air BagsService BrakesCrashInjury
DRIVING ON FREEWAY, ENGAGED IN NORMAL BREAKING AND WHEELS LOCKED UP AND BRAKES NO LONGER WORKED. I DID NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO BRAKE OR STEER THE SUV. I ULTIMATELY HIT THE CENTER DIVIDER NEARLY HEAD ON, MOSTLY MIDDLE TO PASSENGER SIDE FRONT OF CAR. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. HAD GM MECHANIC LOOK AT THE BRAKES AFTER THE ACC…
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DRIVING ON FREEWAY, ENGAGED IN NORMAL BREAKING AND WHEELS LOCKED UP AND BRAKES NO LONGER WORKED. I DID NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO BRAKE OR STEER THE SUV. I ULTIMATELY HIT THE CENTER DIVIDER NEARLY HEAD ON, MOSTLY MIDDLE TO PASSENGER SIDE FRONT OF CAR. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. HAD GM MECHANIC LOOK AT THE BRAKES AFTER THE ACCIDENT TO ATTEMPT TO DETERMINE WHAT WENT WRONG WITH BRAKES. THEY STATED THAT THE BRAKE MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT IT CAN CAUSE THE "COMPUTERS TO NOT COMMUNICATE CORRECTLY."' THE BAD BRAKE MODULE ALSO MEANT ABS BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10572718
109,082 miles · Dec 18, 2011
Air BagsService Brakes, HydraulicCrash
ONE SUNDAY MORNING. TURNED CAR OFF AND HEARD A HUMMING SOUND COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD ON THE DRIVER SIDE. FRIEND AT CHURCH THOUGHT IT SOUNDED LIKE THE ABS MODULE RUNNING. REMOVED THE FUSE, CUTTING OFF ABS MODULE. WAS ADVISED BY FRIEND TO REPLACE FUSE WHEN WE WENT TO LEAVE CHURCH BUT TO TAKE OUT WHEN WE GOT HOME OR THE BATTERY…
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ONE SUNDAY MORNING. TURNED CAR OFF AND HEARD A HUMMING SOUND COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD ON THE DRIVER SIDE. FRIEND AT CHURCH THOUGHT IT SOUNDED LIKE THE ABS MODULE RUNNING. REMOVED THE FUSE, CUTTING OFF ABS MODULE. WAS ADVISED BY FRIEND TO REPLACE FUSE WHEN WE WENT TO LEAVE CHURCH BUT TO TAKE OUT WHEN WE GOT HOME OR THE BATTERY MIGHT GO DEAD. HE SAID GET IT TO A DEALERSHIP ASAP. I TOOK THE RAINIER TO JOHN NEWSOME SUPERSTORE IN HARTSVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA. I SPOKE TO SHOP FOREMAN AND HE AGREED IT WAS THE ABS MODULE. COST TO REPLACE WAS $1200 AND BEING UNEMPLOYED AND MY WIFE ONLY ONE WORKING. A MECHANIC SAID IT WAS STILL OK TO DRIVE WITHOUT ANTI LOCKING BRAKES. HE WAS ASE CERTIFIED AND TOLD ME TO STAY MY DISTANCE FROM OTHER CARS IN THE RAIN AND NOT TO DRIVE ON THE SNOW. NOTHING ABOUT SLAMMING ON THE BRAKES. THAT'S JUST WHAT HAPPEN, ON OCTOBER 25/ 2011 I TOP A HILL AROUND 9PM AT NIGHT RUNNING THE SPEED LIMIT. THE HILL IS POINTED AND AS YOU TOP THE HILL YOU CAN NOT SEE WHAT IS IN FRONT OF YOU UNTIL YOU START DOWN THE HILL. ONCE THE RAINIER STARTED DOWN THE HILL, IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD STOOD A LARGE DEER. I HAD TO MAKE A SPLIT DECISION AND THAT DECISION WAS TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL STRAIGHT AT THE DEER AND APPLY THE BRAKES. WHEN I HAD APPLIED THE BRAKES THE REAR END OF THE RAINIER STARTED TO GO AROUND ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. I NEVER TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL, BUT AS THE REAR OF THE CAR STARTED GOING AROUND THE DRIVER SIDE IT FORCE THE CAR TO GO FORWARD INTO AN EMBANKMENT, AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CAR FLIP OVER AND SLIDE UPSIDE DOWN, DOWN THE ROAD. WHEN THE RAINIER CAME TO A STOP, I UNBUCKLED MY SEATBELT AND FEEL TO WHAT WAS THE ROOF. COULD NOT OPEN ANY DOORS OR GET ANY WINDOWS DOWN BUT YET THE RADIO WAS STILL PLAYING AND THE MOTOR WAS OFF. I CLIMBED OUT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WINDOW, WHICH BROKE DURING THE ACCIDENT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10440347
120,000 miles · Nov 28, 2011
Air BagsService Brakes, HydraulicCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 BUICK RANIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKES WOULD PERFORM FINE EVEN THOUGH THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE MODULE FAILED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LATER INVOLVED IN A CR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 BUICK RANIER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKES WOULD PERFORM FINE EVEN THOUGH THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE MODULE FAILED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LATER INVOLVED IN A CRASH WHEN HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE ATTEMPTING TO AVOID A DEER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AS THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 120,000.
NHTSA ODI #10437468
86,000 miles · Oct 26, 2011
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE SIDE AIR BAGS SUDDENLY DEPLOYED ERRONEOUSLY. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED DURING THE DEPLOYMENT. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER OR CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000. …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK RAINIER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE SIDE AIR BAGS SUDDENLY DEPLOYED ERRONEOUSLY. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED DURING THE DEPLOYMENT. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER OR CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
NHTSA ODI #10432932
38,000 miles · Jul 7, 2009
Air BagsCrashInjury
2005 BUICK RAINIER WAS IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH A CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VAN IN COMING TRAFFIC. MY WIFE DRIVING THE RAINIER HIT HER HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND BENT IT. SHE RECEIVE A LARGE LACERATION REQUIRING ABOUT 30 STITCHES, CLAVICLE STRAIN, BROKEN COLLAR BONE AND MULTIPLE BRUISES. SHE WAS WEARING THE SEAT BELT. …
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2005 BUICK RAINIER WAS IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH A CHRYSLER TOWN & COUNTRY VAN IN COMING TRAFFIC. MY WIFE DRIVING THE RAINIER HIT HER HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND BENT IT. SHE RECEIVE A LARGE LACERATION REQUIRING ABOUT 30 STITCHES, CLAVICLE STRAIN, BROKEN COLLAR BONE AND MULTIPLE BRUISES. SHE WAS WEARING THE SEAT BELT. COLLISION WAS STRONG ENOUGH TO LIFT THE REAR OF THE CAR OFF THE GROUND AND TURN IT FACING THE SAME DIRECTION AS THE VAN SHE HIT. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10275950
167 miles · Mar 8, 2005
Air BagsTires
ON FEBRUARY 18, 2005 APPROXIMATELY 6:25 AM WAS TRAVELING WEST ON QUAIL MEADOW DRIVE APPROXIMATELY 65 FEET FROM STOP SIGN A BUS MADE A TURN INTO MY LANE COMING FROM INTERSECTING STREET. MOVED OVER TO RIGHT ONTO THE CURVE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 30 TO 35 MPH, THE RIGHT REAR TIRE CAUGHT THE EDGE OF A GUTTER WHICH WAS APPROXIMATELY …
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ON FEBRUARY 18, 2005 APPROXIMATELY 6:25 AM WAS TRAVELING WEST ON QUAIL MEADOW DRIVE APPROXIMATELY 65 FEET FROM STOP SIGN A BUS MADE A TURN INTO MY LANE COMING FROM INTERSECTING STREET. MOVED OVER TO RIGHT ONTO THE CURVE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 30 TO 35 MPH, THE RIGHT REAR TIRE CAUGHT THE EDGE OF A GUTTER WHICH WAS APPROXIMATELY 3 FEET FROM WHERE CARE ENTERED THE CURVE. WHEN THE TIRE HIT THE EDGE OF THE GUTTER THAT WAS ROUNDED, THE TIRE BLEW THROWING THE CAR TO THE RIGHT AND THE OVERHEAD AIRBAGS DEPLOYED CAUSING SEAT BELTS TO GRAB TIGHT AROUND ME, AND I MANAGED TO STOP THE CAR BETWEEN A LIGHT POLE AND A BRICK FENCE. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE WHEEL, TIRE, AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE, HEADLINER, SEAT BELTS, AIRBAG SENSORS AND THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE AIR BAG MODULES HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $3800.00. OEM PARTS WERE REPLACED. WHEN THE CAR WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE DEALERSHIP HAD TO ORDER ANOTHER AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE BECAUSE THE FIRST ONE THEY RECEIVED WAS DEFECTIVE.*AK
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 212, 'WINDSHIELD MOUNTING.' THE WINDSHIELD URETHANE BEAD MAY NOT HAVE ADHERED TO THE BODY IN CERTAIN AREAS DURING THE CURE PROCESS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF A CRASH OCCURS, THE WINDSHIELD MAY NOT BE RETAINED, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 10, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, 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
3
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.
PE11014 · Fuel Level Gauge System Failure
Opened Apr 25, 2011 · Closed Sep 23, 2011
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Other; Fuel System, Other:storage:fuel Gauge System
The office of defects investigations (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by General Motors (GM) as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers.In total, there were 5,089 unique reports indicating an inaccurate fuel level reading while driving.General Motors stated that this condition occurs when the contacts of the fuel sensor wear prematurely.Most of the complaints indicated an empty fuel gauge reading after filling the tank.Less than 10 percent of theODI complaints involved an engine stall incident.During this investigation, GM developed a remedy procedure and issued special coverage bulletin instructing dealers to install a new design fuel level sensor.The bulletin was sent to dealers on August 10, 2011 and the owner letter mailing began on August 15, 2011.See the investigative file for copies of GM's bulletin and owner letter.This preliminary evaluation is closed.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Fuel System, Other
The office of defects investigations (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by General Motors (GM) as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers.In total, there were 5,089 unique reports indicating an inaccurate fuel level reading while driving.General Motors stated that this condition occurs when the contacts of the fuel sensor wear prematurely.Most of the complaints indicated an empty fuel gauge reading after filling the tank.Less than 10 percent of theODI complaints involved an engine stall incident.During this investigation, GM developed a remedy procedure and issued special coverage bulletin instructing dealers to install a new design fuel level sensor.The bulletin was sent to dealers on August 10, 2011 and the owner letter mailing began on August 15, 2011.See the investigative file for copies of GM's bulletin and owner letter.This preliminary evaluation is closed.
Fuel System, Other:storage:fuel Gauge System
The office of defects investigations (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by General Motors (GM) as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers.In total, there were 5,089 unique reports indicating an inaccurate fuel level reading while driving.General Motors stated that this condition occurs when the contacts of the fuel sensor wear prematurely.Most of the complaints indicated an empty fuel gauge reading after filling the tank.Less than 10 percent of theODI complaints involved an engine stall incident.During this investigation, GM developed a remedy procedure and issued special coverage bulletin instructing dealers to install a new design fuel level sensor.The bulletin was sent to dealers on August 10, 2011 and the owner letter mailing began on August 15, 2011.See the investigative file for copies of GM's bulletin and owner letter.This preliminary evaluation is closed.
DP10001 · Fuel Level Gauge System Failure
Opened Jan 7, 2010 · Closed May 23, 2011
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Other; Fuel System, Other:storage:fuel Gauge System
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 668 complaints alleging inaccurate fuel gauge reading while driving in model year 2005-07 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, and Saab 9-7x vehicles.Of the 668 complaints, 58 incidents were alleged to result in a vehicle stall.Of the 58 stalling incidents, 43 complaints reported stalling because the fuel level reading indicated more fuel availability than what is actually in the fuel tank. One complaint alleged a vehicle crash after the vehicle stalled while exiting the interstate, became disabled, and was struck from behind.Summarily, the complaints show an apparent increasing trend, with most complaints received within the past year.A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Fuel System, Other
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 668 complaints alleging inaccurate fuel gauge reading while driving in model year 2005-07 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, and Saab 9-7x vehicles.Of the 668 complaints, 58 incidents were alleged to result in a vehicle stall.Of the 58 stalling incidents, 43 complaints reported stalling because the fuel level reading indicated more fuel availability than what is actually in the fuel tank. One complaint alleged a vehicle crash after the vehicle stalled while exiting the interstate, became disabled, and was struck from behind.Summarily, the complaints show an apparent increasing trend, with most complaints received within the past year.A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.
Fuel System, Other:storage:fuel Gauge System
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 668 complaints alleging inaccurate fuel gauge reading while driving in model year 2005-07 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, and Saab 9-7x vehicles.Of the 668 complaints, 58 incidents were alleged to result in a vehicle stall.Of the 58 stalling incidents, 43 complaints reported stalling because the fuel level reading indicated more fuel availability than what is actually in the fuel tank. One complaint alleged a vehicle crash after the vehicle stalled while exiting the interstate, became disabled, and was struck from behind.Summarily, the complaints show an apparent increasing trend, with most complaints received within the past year.A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.
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