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
30,000 miles · Feb 18, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingSeatsService Brakes, Hydraulic
(1) COMPLETE BRAKE JOB W/ROTORS AND DRUMS REPLACED, I WAS TOLD I HAD BEEN DRIVING WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON THOUGH I NEVER HAD USED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE..FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. (2) HATCH BACK DOOR "PISTONS??" THAT HOLDS UP THE HATCHBACK FAILED..FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. (3) FAN CLUTCH FAILED...FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. (4) PAINT CHIPP…
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(1) COMPLETE BRAKE JOB W/ROTORS AND DRUMS REPLACED, I WAS TOLD I HAD BEEN DRIVING WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON THOUGH I NEVER HAD USED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE..FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. (2) HATCH BACK DOOR "PISTONS??" THAT HOLDS UP THE HATCHBACK FAILED..FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. (3) FAN CLUTCH FAILED...FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. (4) PAINT CHIPPING/PEELING; RADIO BUTTONS CHIPPING/PEELING. (5) AC/HEATER GETS STUCK ON HOT AIR BLOWING OUT WHEN SWITCHING TO AC SOMETIMES. (6) PASSENGER SIDE FEELS LIKE TIRE OR FRONT END IS WOBBLY??...DEALERSHIP COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING. (7) DEC 2008, DRIVER SEAT HEATER WAS REPLACED DUE TO MAJOR OVERHEATING...FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. (8) FEB 2010 - 14 MONTHS LATER REPLACING DRIVER SEAT HEATER AGAIN DUE TO MAJOR OVERHEATING...SEAT HEATER HAS NOW BURNED 3 HOLES INTO LEATHER SEAT..NOT UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10311614
19,237 miles · Sep 21, 2007
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK RAINIER. WHILE DRIVING AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE STOPPED NORMALLY. HE IMMEDIATELY DROVE TO A MECHANIC, WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT ALL 4 BRAKES AND ROTORS WERE PITTED AND CAUSED THE BRAKE PADS TO F…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 BUICK RAINIER. WHILE DRIVING AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE STOPPED NORMALLY. HE IMMEDIATELY DROVE TO A MECHANIC, WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT ALL 4 BRAKES AND ROTORS WERE PITTED AND CAUSED THE BRAKE PADS TO FAIL. THE DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE ON TWO OCCASIONS AND THEY STATED THAT THE PITTING WAS DUE TO THE BRAKES OVERHEATING. THE REAR BRAKES AND PADS WERE REPLACED IN JULY OF 2007. THE FRONT BRAKES AND PADS WILL BE REPLACED IN SEPTEMBER OF 2007. THE MANUFACTURER DENIED THAT THERE WAS A DEFECT, BUT OFFERED TO PAY FOR THE REAR ROTOR REPLACEMENT. THE CONTACT FILED COMPLAINT NUMBER 71-538033018 WITH BUICK. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 20,150 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,237.
NHTSA ODI #10203656
Mileage unknown · Aug 20, 2007
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
BRAKES FAILED DUE TO DEFECTIVE BRAKE ROTORS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10200177
149 miles · Oct 5, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
DT: THE CONSUMER BOUGHT A NEW BUICK RAINIER IN 2005 AND SHE WAS VERY PLEASED WITH THE VEHICLE EXCEPT FOR THE BRAKE PEDAL WHICH WAS VERY SMALL. THE CONSUMER MISSED HITTING THE BRAKE PEDAL A FEW TIMES, AND THIS SCARED HER. THE CONSUMER TALKED TO THE DEALER, AND THEY SAID THAT THEY KNEW OF A PLACE WHERE THEY COULD MAKE ADJUSTME…
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DT: THE CONSUMER BOUGHT A NEW BUICK RAINIER IN 2005 AND SHE WAS VERY PLEASED WITH THE VEHICLE EXCEPT FOR THE BRAKE PEDAL WHICH WAS VERY SMALL. THE CONSUMER MISSED HITTING THE BRAKE PEDAL A FEW TIMES, AND THIS SCARED HER. THE CONSUMER TALKED TO THE DEALER, AND THEY SAID THAT THEY KNEW OF A PLACE WHERE THEY COULD MAKE ADJUSTMENTS FOR HANDICAPPED PEOPLE. THE CONSUMER WAS NOT HANDICAPPED AND THOUGHT IT WAS UNFAIR THAT SHE WAS GOING TO HAVE TO PAY FOR AN ADJUSTMENT. *AK (11/17/05) *SC
NHTSA ODI #10138673
11,200 miles · Jun 3, 2005
Service Brakes, HydraulicStructure
STEP ON BRAKE GRINDING NOISE WOULD NOT STOP THIS HAPPENED OVER 2 WK TIME CAR AT DEALER NOW POP NOISE INTERMINTENT IDLE PROBLEM 3 RD TIME BACK TO DEALER HAVE CONTACTED MANUFACTIOR HAVE 2 CASE REPORTS ON 1 CLOSED A NEW ONE OPENED
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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