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2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

261 reports with mileage · 52 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.

  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 80 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 77 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 49 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

7 crash reports6 fire reports9 injury reports

What owners actually said

313 reports
180,000 miles · Mar 5, 2010
Electrical System

WE OWN A CHEVY TRAILBLAZER, 2003 EXT! I SWEAR THE SUV IS POSSESSED!SPEEDOMETER SPORADICALLY ACTS UP, STATING HIGHER MPH, SOMETIMES IT GOES OVER 100MPH, WHEN WERE ONLY GOING 30MPH! IT WONT GO BACK TO 0 UNLESS YOU TURN THE VEHICLE ON/OFF REPEATEDLY! OIL, BATTERY AND TEMP GAUGES ALL HIGH, YET DEALER CANT FIND PROBLEM! PROBLEM DOESN…

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WE OWN A CHEVY TRAILBLAZER, 2003 EXT! I SWEAR THE SUV IS POSSESSED!SPEEDOMETER SPORADICALLY ACTS UP, STATING HIGHER MPH, SOMETIMES IT GOES OVER 100MPH, WHEN WERE ONLY GOING 30MPH! IT WONT GO BACK TO 0 UNLESS YOU TURN THE VEHICLE ON/OFF REPEATEDLY! OIL, BATTERY AND TEMP GAUGES ALL HIGH, YET DEALER CANT FIND PROBLEM! PROBLEM DOESN'T ALWAYS OCCUR YET I RELY ON MY NAVIGATION SYSTEM TO DETERMINE SPEED AS I NO LONGER TRUST THE 2003 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10316979

37,500 miles · Mar 2, 2010
Electrical System

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PANEL STOPS WORKING. GAS GAUGE SHOWS EMPTY, BATTERY LIGHT APPEARS, OIL GAUGE AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS START ACTING ERRATICALLY. I HAD MY 2003 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER AT THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. 1ST TIME THEY REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR, NEXT TIME I WAS TOLD THE BATTERY WAS WEAK. I HAD THE BATTERY CHECKED AT ANOTHER LO…

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INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PANEL STOPS WORKING. GAS GAUGE SHOWS EMPTY, BATTERY LIGHT APPEARS, OIL GAUGE AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS START ACTING ERRATICALLY. I HAD MY 2003 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER AT THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. 1ST TIME THEY REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR, NEXT TIME I WAS TOLD THE BATTERY WAS WEAK. I HAD THE BATTERY CHECKED AT ANOTHER LOCATION AND IT TESTED FINE. MY INSTRUMENTS ARE NOT REGISTERING PROPERLY AGAIN. THIS IS ABOUT THE 4TH TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED AND I DON'T WANT TO BE STUCK SOMEWHERE ALONG THE HIGHWAY. I NEVER KNOW WHEN THIS PROBLEM WILL RESTART. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10315916

89,500 miles · Mar 2, 2010
Exterior LightingLatches/locks/linkagesSuspension

PURCHASED A 2003 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER-EXT LT IN DEC 2002 FROM THE DEALER, TEAM CHEVROLET IN PASADENA. SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THERE'S BEEN SEVERAL RECALLS, ONE IN PARTICULAR THAT KEEPS RECURRING ARE THE BRAKE LIGHTS KEEP BURNING, THE DEALER CHANGED BOTH UNITS BUT IT KEEPS BURNING OUT. I GOT TIRED OF TAKING IT TO THE DEALER,…

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PURCHASED A 2003 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER-EXT LT IN DEC 2002 FROM THE DEALER, TEAM CHEVROLET IN PASADENA. SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, THERE'S BEEN SEVERAL RECALLS, ONE IN PARTICULAR THAT KEEPS RECURRING ARE THE BRAKE LIGHTS KEEP BURNING, THE DEALER CHANGED BOTH UNITS BUT IT KEEPS BURNING OUT. I GOT TIRED OF TAKING IT TO THE DEALER, SO I PURCHASED NEW BULBS AND LOOKED INTO REPLACING THEM MYSELF. HOWEVER WHEN I UNSCREWED THE BULB, I NOTICED THE BULB JUST DIDN'T BURN NORMALLY (LIKE A HOME LAMP) IT LOOKED MORE OF AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE, THE LINING OF WHERE THE BULB IS SCREWED IN LOOKED LIKE IT HAD WHITE RESIDUE AND IT SMELLED SMOKY. ALSO, DON'T KNOW IF ITS THE SHOCKS OR SUSPENSION,MAKES ODD NOISES. DEALER SAID ITS FINE, BUT THE NOISE IS STILL THERE.SHORLY AFTER MY ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON...THE DEALER COULD NOT FIGURE WHAT WAS WRONG AFTER A 2 TO 3 WEEK AND COSTLY EXPENSE AND TIME...THEY SWITCHED OUT THE GAS TANK...COME TO FIND OUT, THAT WASN'T THE PROBLEM, THE ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON AGAIN, THEY SAID ONE OF THE PISTONS NEEDED REPLACING...$$$ THAT WAS A BIG EXPENSE AND TIME CONSUMING... EVERYTIME I TOOK IT TO THEM IT, SOMETHING WAS FIXED, THEY CHARGE, I PAY, AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WOULD TURN ON, IT GOT FRUSTRATING. TILL, THEY FINALLY GOT IT RIGHT. NOW MY CAR SOUNDS HORRIBLE (SHOCKS/SUSPENSION NOISE GOT WORSE) WHEN I GO OVER CITY BUMPS OR DRIVING EVEN SMALL LIKE HILLS, AND MIND YOU,WHICH IS DRIVEN BY MYSELF (FEMALE 124LBS) IT SHOULDN'T SQUEAK OR MAKE NOISES, THE BRAKES PEDAL MAKES A NOISE WHEN I PLACE MY FOOT ON IT....YES IT HAS 90K MILES AND IT'S AN 8 YEAR OLD CAR, BUT I KEPT UP WITH THE MAINTENANCES, I'VE TAKEN IT TO THE SAME DEALER SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED, ONLY DRIVE IT TO AND FROM WORK....THE CAR IS IN GOOD CONDITION, NO HIT/SCRATCHES/NO TEARS.... I CAN'T EXPLAIN WHY.... ARE THERE ANY OTHER RECALLS, THE DEALER ISN'T AWARE OF??? FOR INSTANCE THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF THE GAS TANK RECALL..WHICH THEY WERE CHARGING ME OVER $1200 TO REPAIR, HOW CAN I TRUST THEY ARE DOING THEIR JOB? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10315703

65,828 miles · Jan 7, 2010
Power Train

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY STOPPED. THE TACHOMETER BEGAN TO RISE BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD OR REVERSE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE SUN GEAR FAILED AND THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION NEEDE…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY STOPPED. THE TACHOMETER BEGAN TO RISE BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD OR REVERSE. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A REPAIR SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE SUN GEAR FAILED AND THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. HE CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY COULD NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 65,828.

NHTSA ODI #10298639

87,000 miles · Dec 10, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

I PURCHASED A 2003 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER EXT IN JUNE,2007. IN JAN OF 2009 MY PROBLEM FIRST BEGAN. WHILE DRIVING NORMAL SPEED, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT SOMETIMES COMES ON IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED BY THE "REDUCED ENGINE POWER". WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE CAR IMMEDIATELY LOSES POWER AND THE VEHICLES ONLY GOES AROUND 10MPH. YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN …

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I PURCHASED A 2003 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER EXT IN JUNE,2007. IN JAN OF 2009 MY PROBLEM FIRST BEGAN. WHILE DRIVING NORMAL SPEED, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT SOMETIMES COMES ON IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED BY THE "REDUCED ENGINE POWER". WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE CAR IMMEDIATELY LOSES POWER AND THE VEHICLES ONLY GOES AROUND 10MPH. YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN. IT CAN HAPPEN SEVERAL TIMES IN A DAY OR NOT AT ALL. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN IT HAPPENS BECAUSE YOU CAN SOMETIMES STOP THE TRAFFIC FLOW. THE LIGHT WILL COME OFF AND THE VEHICLE WILL RETURN TO NORMAL SPEED IF YOU STOP THE CAR AND THEN RESTART IT. IT HAPPENS PARTICULARLY WHEN IT IS COLD OUTSIDE. IN THE MORNING IT CAN HAPPEN 15-20 TIMES BEFORE I GET TO WORK, AND THEN IN THE AFTERNOON ONLY ONCE OR TWICE. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO SEVERAL AUTO REPAIR SHOPS AND NO ONE SEEMS TO BE ABLE TO FIX IT. THEY RECOMMEND ONE THING, I PAY FOR IT AND THEN IT HAPPENS AGAIN. I HAVE HAD MY CLUTCH REPLACED AND ALSO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SYSTEM. I RESEARCHED "CHEVY REDUCED ENGINE POWER" ON THE INTERNET AND THERE ARE A GREAT AMOUNT OF PAGES OF PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THIS SAME PROBLEM. IT APPEARS TO HAPPEN TO CHEVY SUVS, IN PARTICULAR THE TRAILBLAZER. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW SO MANY PEOPLE CAN EXPERIENCE THIS SAME PROBLEM AND THERE NOT BE A RECALL. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO 2 CHEVY DEALERS AND THEY DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT TO DO. I PAID $18K FOR THIS VEHICLE IN JUNE, 2007 - I PUT $5K DOWN AND STILL OWE ABOUT $10K. CHEVY NEEDS TO RECOGNIZE THIS PROBLEM AND CORRECT IT. THE VEHICLE IS VIRTUALLY UNDRIVABLE AND UNSAFE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10295282

89,000 miles · Dec 8, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

ANTIFREEZE IS LEAKING FROM REAR HEATER CORE. CAUSED MY ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. FLUID LEAKS AT A FAIRLY RAPID RATE. IN DOING RESEARCH I FOUND THAT THEY CHANGED THE HEATER CORE SO THIS REPAIR COSTS AN EXTRA $500 FOR PARTS TO RETROFIT A NEW HEATER CORE. IF THERE IS A FLAW IN THE DESIGN WHY ISN'T THIS A RECALL? IT COULD CAUSE ENGIN…

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ANTIFREEZE IS LEAKING FROM REAR HEATER CORE. CAUSED MY ENGINE TO OVERHEAT. FLUID LEAKS AT A FAIRLY RAPID RATE. IN DOING RESEARCH I FOUND THAT THEY CHANGED THE HEATER CORE SO THIS REPAIR COSTS AN EXTRA $500 FOR PARTS TO RETROFIT A NEW HEATER CORE. IF THERE IS A FLAW IN THE DESIGN WHY ISN'T THIS A RECALL? IT COULD CAUSE ENGINE DAMAGE. I CALLED GM WITH NO LUCK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10294970

99,000 miles · Dec 5, 2009
Electrical System

MY CHEVY TRAILBLAZER 2003 EXT SPEEDOMETER HAS BROKE. APPARENTLY, THERE IS AN EPIDEMIC PROBLEM WITH TRAILBLAZERS. GM HAS RECALLED ALL VEHICLES IN THIS CLASS EXCEPT THE TRAILBLAZER. WHY?????????? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10294573

91,020 miles · Nov 19, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

RE: SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT-FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE FRACTURE #05012. ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO I STARTED TO SMELL GASOLINE IN A VERY STRONG WAY IN MY 2003 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER EXT AND HAD THIS CHECKED OUT AND WAS TOLD THAT MY GASOLINE TANK NECK WAS CRACKED. THIS APPARENTLY IS A RECALL BUT I WAS TOLD MY VEHICLE HAD TOO MANY MILES AN…

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RE: SPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT-FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE FRACTURE #05012. ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO I STARTED TO SMELL GASOLINE IN A VERY STRONG WAY IN MY 2003 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER EXT AND HAD THIS CHECKED OUT AND WAS TOLD THAT MY GASOLINE TANK NECK WAS CRACKED. THIS APPARENTLY IS A RECALL BUT I WAS TOLD MY VEHICLE HAD TOO MANY MILES AND WOULD NOT RECEIVE A NEW GAS TANK. I HAVE 3 CHILDREN AND THE SMELL WAS VERY OVERWHELMING THIS HAS TO PRESENT SOME TYPE OF DANGER WHILE DRIVING. MY VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND MY AUTO MECHANIC CAN OBTAIN A GAS TANK FROM A DEALERSHIP FOR $600. THE TOTAL COST OF REPAIR IS $800. IS IT POSSIBLE TO RECEIVE SOME TYPE OF REIMBURSEMENT FOR THIS CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER FROM A DEFECT THAT IS NOT MY FAULT? *TR THANK YOU, DENISE RANDALL

NHTSA ODI #10292862

Mileage unknown · Nov 9, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

I AM FILING A COMPLAINT AGAINST THE 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. I TOOK MY CAR INTO THE MECHANIC BECAUSE TO SEE WHY THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. HE STATED IN THAT IS WAS THE EVAP SYSTEM, MEANING GASES ARE LEAKING FROM MY CAR. HE STATED IN THAT ITS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THESE MODELS BECAUSE THE HOSE ATTACHED TO MY GAS TANK C…

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I AM FILING A COMPLAINT AGAINST THE 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. I TOOK MY CAR INTO THE MECHANIC BECAUSE TO SEE WHY THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. HE STATED IN THAT IS WAS THE EVAP SYSTEM, MEANING GASES ARE LEAKING FROM MY CAR. HE STATED IN THAT ITS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THESE MODELS BECAUSE THE HOSE ATTACHED TO MY GAS TANK CAUSES THE RIM TO CRACK AND GAS LEAKS THROUGH THE CRACK EVERYTIME I FILL UP MY CAR. I INQUIRED HAVING IT FIXED. IN SOME MANY WORDS HE STATED THE ONLY THING I COULD DO IS TO REPLACE THE GAS TANK, BUT PART (THE HOSE) HAS NOT BEEN MODIFIED FROM THE ORIGINAL, SO BASICALLY I WILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. HE SHOWED ME WHERE THE GAS TANK WAS MOIST FROM GAS LEAKING. I AM FORTUNATE TO HAVE NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT YET. HOWEVER JUST TO KNOW THAT I HAVE GAS LEAKING FROM MY CAR IS ENOUGH TO HAVE ME CONCERNED. I WOULD APPRECIATE IF SOMEONE CAN LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM. THANKS *TR

NHTSA ODI #10291558

69,000 miles · Nov 6, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WAS COMING ON AND WE HAD DIAGNOSTIC DONE AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE GAS CAP. WE REPLACED SEVERAL TIME. EVERYTIME I DROVE OR RODE IN MY VEHICLE I SMELLED GAS AND I WOULD GET A HORRIBLE HEADACHE. MY HUSBAND TOOK MY VEHICLE TO GET AN EMISSION TEST DONE WE WERE TOLD THE FUEL TANK WAS CRACKED AT THE NECK …

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THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT WAS COMING ON AND WE HAD DIAGNOSTIC DONE AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE GAS CAP. WE REPLACED SEVERAL TIME. EVERYTIME I DROVE OR RODE IN MY VEHICLE I SMELLED GAS AND I WOULD GET A HORRIBLE HEADACHE. MY HUSBAND TOOK MY VEHICLE TO GET AN EMISSION TEST DONE WE WERE TOLD THE FUEL TANK WAS CRACKED AT THE NECK AND LEAKING GAS. WE HAD IT REPAIRED NOV 6, 2009 AFTER WE HAD BEEN TOLD OF THIS. THE SHOP THAT REPAIRED MY VEHICLE SAID THEY WERE SHOCKED IT HAD NOT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THERE WAS EVIDENCE THIS HAD BEEN GOING ON FOR A WHILE. PROBABLY WHEN WE WERE TOLD THE GAS CAP WAS LOOSE IS WHEN IT STARTED, AND THAT HAD BEEN OVER A YEAR BEFORE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10291261

Official recalls

3

05V494000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

Oct 27, 2005

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE A REAR SIDE CLOSURE LATCH THAT MAY NOT LATCH OR UNLATCH DUE TO CORROSION CAUSED BY ROAD SPLASH, SUCH AS WATER AND ROAD SALT. THESE VEHICLES WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE DOOR IS NOT LATCHED PROPERLY AND IT GOES UNNOTICED, IT MAY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. IF AN UNBELTED OCCUPANT FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE, PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SEAL ALONG THE LOWER PART OF THE ROCKER PANEL TO PREVENT INTRUSION OF CORROSIVE MATERIAL, AND INSPECT THE REAR SIDE CLOSURE LATCHES. FUNCTIONAL LATCHES WILL BE CLEANED AND LUBRICATED. NON-FUNCTIONING LATCHES WILL BE REPLACED. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 24, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.

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.

04V046000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer

Feb 4, 2004

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEMS THAT WILL NOT TURN ON, CEASE OPERATION WHILE IN USE, FAIL TO TURN OFF/ON BY THEMSELVES (MOISTURE SENSITIVE WIPER SYSTEM), OR HAVE CONTINUOUS WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP OPERATION BECAUSE THE PRESENCE OF WATER WITHIN THE WIPER MODULES CAN EITHER CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT OR CAN LEAD TO THE CORROSION OF COMPONENTS WITHIN THE MODULE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: DEPENDING ON THE OCCURRENCE AND WEATHER SITUATION, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL COVER THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE VENT HOLE WITH A PATCH. ALSO, THE WIPER MOTOR, CIRCUIT BOARD, AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR WILL BE INSPECTED TO SIGNS OF WATER INTRUSION AND/OR CORROSION AND BE REPLACED AS REQUIRED. THE RECALL BEGAN JULY 6, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; 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

6

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.

PE07014 · Fuel Tank Leak

Opened Mar 13, 2007 · Closed Jun 12, 2007

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly; Fuel System, Other:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

IN JUNE 2007, GM WILL EXPAND ITS SPECIAL POLICY TO ADDRESS FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE (ICV) FRACTURES ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) TRAILBLAZER EXT AND GMC ENVOY XL VEHICLES.THE EXPANDED POLICY COVERS MY 2002-2004 TRAILBLAZER EXT, GMC ENVOY XL, AND GMC ENVOY XUV VEHICLES AND WILL EXTEND FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER COMES FIRST).GM WILL PROVIDE FREE REPAIR OF THE FUEL TANK. IT IS SENDING LETTERS TO OWNERS BEGINNING IN JUNE OF 2007.THIS ACTION SUPERSEDES GM'S PREVIOUS 7 YEAR/70,000 MILE SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 2002 TRAILBLAZER EXT AND ENVOY XL VEHICLES.THE CONDITION IS MOST OFTEN REPORTED AS ILLUMINATION OF THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON (SES) LIGHT.THE VEHICLE'S DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF A FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE LEAK AND ILLUMINATES THE SES LIGHT.OTHER OWNERS REPORT SMELLING GASOLINE FUMES. THE ACTION TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

IN JUNE 2007, GM WILL EXPAND ITS SPECIAL POLICY TO ADDRESS FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE (ICV) FRACTURES ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) TRAILBLAZER EXT AND GMC ENVOY XL VEHICLES.THE EXPANDED POLICY COVERS MY 2002-2004 TRAILBLAZER EXT, GMC ENVOY XL, AND GMC ENVOY XUV VEHICLES AND WILL EXTEND FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER COMES FIRST).GM WILL PROVIDE FREE REPAIR OF THE FUEL TANK. IT IS SENDING LETTERS TO OWNERS BEGINNING IN JUNE OF 2007.THIS ACTION SUPERSEDES GM'S PREVIOUS 7 YEAR/70,000 MILE SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 2002 TRAILBLAZER EXT AND ENVOY XL VEHICLES.THE CONDITION IS MOST OFTEN REPORTED AS ILLUMINATION OF THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON (SES) LIGHT.THE VEHICLE'S DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF A FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE LEAK AND ILLUMINATES THE SES LIGHT.OTHER OWNERS REPORT SMELLING GASOLINE FUMES. THE ACTION TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.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.

Fuel System, Other:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

IN JUNE 2007, GM WILL EXPAND ITS SPECIAL POLICY TO ADDRESS FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE (ICV) FRACTURES ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) TRAILBLAZER EXT AND GMC ENVOY XL VEHICLES.THE EXPANDED POLICY COVERS MY 2002-2004 TRAILBLAZER EXT, GMC ENVOY XL, AND GMC ENVOY XUV VEHICLES AND WILL EXTEND FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER COMES FIRST).GM WILL PROVIDE FREE REPAIR OF THE FUEL TANK. IT IS SENDING LETTERS TO OWNERS BEGINNING IN JUNE OF 2007.THIS ACTION SUPERSEDES GM'S PREVIOUS 7 YEAR/70,000 MILE SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 2002 TRAILBLAZER EXT AND ENVOY XL VEHICLES.THE CONDITION IS MOST OFTEN REPORTED AS ILLUMINATION OF THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON (SES) LIGHT.THE VEHICLE'S DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF A FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE LEAK AND ILLUMINATES THE SES LIGHT.OTHER OWNERS REPORT SMELLING GASOLINE FUMES. THE ACTION TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.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.

PE07013 · Fuel Pump Module Leaks Gasoline

Opened Mar 12, 2007 · Closed Jul 10, 2007

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

ODI HAS RECEIVED REPORTS THAT THE FUEL PUMP MODULE LEAKS FUEL AND OR VAPOR UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE.GM STATES, THE FAILURE MECHANISM IS CORROSION OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE FLANGE WHICH MAY LEAD TO A FUEL LEAK.CORROSION OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE FLANGE IS THE RESULT OF THE VEHICLE OPERATING IN A CORROSIVE ENVIRONMENT.ODI HAS UPGRADED THIS PE TO ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA07-009) TO FURTHER ASSESS THIS ISSUE.

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.

PE04001 · Fuel Spillage During Refueling

Opened Jan 5, 2004 · Closed May 7, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage; Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON THE MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER.BASED ON GM'S INFORMATION REQUEST (IR) RESPONSE, ODI ADDED TO ITS ANALYSIS THE MY 2003 GMC ENVOY AND OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA VEHICLES.THESE VEHICLES SHARE THE SAME VEHICLE PLATFORM (GM 360/370) AND FUEL FILL COMPONENTS.INCIDENT SUMMARY NUMBERS REPORTED ABOVE INCLUDE THESE VEHICLES.EPA REGULATES THE FUEL DISPENSING RATES AT FILLING STATIONS AND GM STATES THAT THE REPORTS OF SPITBACK FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE PRINCIPALLY CAUSED BY FUEL DISPENSING PUMPS EXCEEDING THE RATE SPECIFIED BY EPA.ODI FINDS THAT THE RATE OF COMPLAINTS, FIELD REPORTS AND WARRANTY IS LOW COMPARED TO OTHER VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR A SPITBACK ISSUE.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF THE AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.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.SEE ATTACHED REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON THE MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER.BASED ON GM'S INFORMATION REQUEST (IR) RESPONSE, ODI ADDED TO ITS ANALYSIS THE MY 2003 GMC ENVOY AND OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA VEHICLES.THESE VEHICLES SHARE THE SAME VEHICLE PLATFORM (GM 360/370) AND FUEL FILL COMPONENTS.INCIDENT SUMMARY NUMBERS REPORTED ABOVE INCLUDE THESE VEHICLES.EPA REGULATES THE FUEL DISPENSING RATES AT FILLING STATIONS AND GM STATES THAT THE REPORTS OF SPITBACK FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE PRINCIPALLY CAUSED BY FUEL DISPENSING PUMPS EXCEEDING THE RATE SPECIFIED BY EPA.ODI FINDS THAT THE RATE OF COMPLAINTS, FIELD REPORTS AND WARRANTY IS LOW COMPARED TO OTHER VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR A SPITBACK ISSUE.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF THE AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.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.SEE ATTACHED REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap

THIS INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED ON THE MODEL YEAR (MY) 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER.BASED ON GM'S INFORMATION REQUEST (IR) RESPONSE, ODI ADDED TO ITS ANALYSIS THE MY 2003 GMC ENVOY AND OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA VEHICLES.THESE VEHICLES SHARE THE SAME VEHICLE PLATFORM (GM 360/370) AND FUEL FILL COMPONENTS.INCIDENT SUMMARY NUMBERS REPORTED ABOVE INCLUDE THESE VEHICLES.EPA REGULATES THE FUEL DISPENSING RATES AT FILLING STATIONS AND GM STATES THAT THE REPORTS OF SPITBACK FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE PRINCIPALLY CAUSED BY FUEL DISPENSING PUMPS EXCEEDING THE RATE SPECIFIED BY EPA.ODI FINDS THAT THE RATE OF COMPLAINTS, FIELD REPORTS AND WARRANTY IS LOW COMPARED TO OTHER VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR A SPITBACK ISSUE.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF THE AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.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.SEE ATTACHED REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.