← New search

2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Trailblazer years

Owner complaints for the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer are substantially higher than the model-year median of 87.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

701 reports with mileage · 200 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 285 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 114 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 103 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

68 crash reports14 fire reports51 injury reports

Power Train complaints

103 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Apr 8, 2011
Power Train

MY 2003 TRAILBLAZER HAS GONE TO THE SHOP NOW SEVERAL TIMES. THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND HAS A PROBLEMS SHIFTING INTO GEAR. I HAVE TAKEN MY VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND IT DRIVES FINE FOR A LITTLE WHILE NOW I HAVE THE PROBLEM AGAIN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10395312

38,000 miles · Feb 15, 2011
Power Train

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. THE ENGINE REMAINED ON, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. THE CONTACT TRIED MOVING THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE AS WELL WITH AND IT FAILED TO ACCELERATE IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TRANSMISSION…

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 35 MPH THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP. THE ENGINE REMAINED ON, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. THE CONTACT TRIED MOVING THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE AS WELL WITH AND IT FAILED TO ACCELERATE IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TRANSMISSION REPAIR FACILITY AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE PROBLEM CAME FROM A BEARING IN THE TRANSFER CASE THAT WAS TOO SMALL AND IT HAD BEGAN TO WEAR DOWN. THE FAILURE CAUSED THE TRANSFER CASE TO BECOME STUCK IN THE NEUTRAL POSITION. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 38,000.

NHTSA ODI #10382815

80,000 miles · Feb 14, 2011
Engine And Engine CoolingExterior LightingFuel System, Gasoline

I AM FILING A COMPLAINT .AND WILL CONTINUE TO FILE COMPLAINTS UNTIL ALL OF THE CONSUMERS ISSUES HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED. I UNDERSTAND THAT GM IS NOT WILLING TO HOLD THEIRSELFS LIABLE FOR THESE ISSUES ,BUT PEOPLE SPEND PRETTY PENNIES OUT OF POCKET TO PURCHASE VEHICLES FROM THESE MANUFACTURERS TO SPEND MORE MONEY TO PAY FOR REPAIRS AF…

Read full complaint

I AM FILING A COMPLAINT .AND WILL CONTINUE TO FILE COMPLAINTS UNTIL ALL OF THE CONSUMERS ISSUES HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED. I UNDERSTAND THAT GM IS NOT WILLING TO HOLD THEIRSELFS LIABLE FOR THESE ISSUES ,BUT PEOPLE SPEND PRETTY PENNIES OUT OF POCKET TO PURCHASE VEHICLES FROM THESE MANUFACTURERS TO SPEND MORE MONEY TO PAY FOR REPAIRS AFTER JUST A SHORT WHILE OF OWNING THESE . I HAVE RESEARCHED ISSUES I AM HAVING WITH MY VEHICLE , AND I AM HAVING ALL THE ABOVE LISTED ISSUES , AND DO NOT WISH TO SPEND LARGE AMOUNTS OF MONEY TO PAY FOR THESE COST CONSIDERING I AM STILL PAYING FOR THIS VEHICLE . I JUST SPOKE WITH A REPRESENTIVE ABOUT THESE COMPLAINTS ,AND HAVE SET UP AN APPOINMENT TO PAY A DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSTICS , BUT AM HOPING THAT I CAN GET CLOSURE ON THESE ISSUES WITHOUT PAYING BIG EXPENSES. I HOPE EVERYONE ELSE WILL FOLLOW SUIT AND KEEP INPUTTING YOUR COMPLAINTS UNTIL THEY ARE RESOLVED. MY VEHICLE ISSUES ARE THE FAN CLUTCH NEEDS REPLACED, MY GAS TANK HAS BEEN REPLACED ALREADY,JUST REPLACED MY SERPINTINE BELT THIS MORNING, MY EXTERIOR LIGHTS (BRAKE/TURN SIGNAL) HAVE BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES OVER TWO MONTHS, AND ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON , SOMETHING DOESNT SEEM RIGHT UNDERNEATH THIS VEHICLE EITHER. I JUST FEEL LIKE I AM PAYING FOR A PEICE OF JUNK ON TOP OF PAYING TO KEEP THE VEHICLE RUNNING. OH YEA THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD TO HAVE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OF BODY WORK DONE AS WELL THANKS TO MOTHER NATURE. I JUST HOPE THEY WILL BE RESPONSIBLE ENOUGH TO TAKE ON THIS RESPONSIBILTY OF THEIRS ,NOT OURS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10382537

98,000 miles · Feb 2, 2011
Power Train

NO PROBLEMS WITH MY 2003 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER PREVIOUSLY. WENT OUT TO START IT AND IT WOULDN'T GO IN REVERSE. NEEDED NEW TRANSMISSION AT A COST OF $4,000 DOLLARS. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH TRAILBLAZERS BUT IT HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10379978

67,064 miles · Jun 23, 2010
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER LTZ. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5-10 MPH, THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE 4X4 ACTUATOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CLAIMS ADJUSTER FOR THE CONTACT'S EXTENDED WARRANTY ADJUSTOR ADVISED THAT ONLY THE SENSOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACE…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER LTZ. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5-10 MPH, THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE 4X4 ACTUATOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CLAIMS ADJUSTER FOR THE CONTACT'S EXTENDED WARRANTY ADJUSTOR ADVISED THAT ONLY THE SENSOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER DID NOT AGREE. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE SAFE TO PUT ON THE ROAD WITH ONLY REPLACING THE SENSOR AND NOT THE ACTUAL ACTUATOR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 67,064.

NHTSA ODI #10339702

92,000 miles · Apr 23, 2010
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 50 MPH, THERE WAS AN UNUSUAL GRINDING COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED WITHIN FIVE MONTHS AFTER REPAIRS. THE DEALER ADVISED …

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 50 MPH, THERE WAS AN UNUSUAL GRINDING COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED WITHIN FIVE MONTHS AFTER REPAIRS. THE DEALER ADVISED THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE TIRES. THE DEALER WOULD NOT MAKE REPAIRS UNDER THE VEHICLE WARRANTY, STATING THE CONTACT VOIDED THE WARRANTY BY INSTALLING USED TIRES ON THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS IN AGREEMENT WITH THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA ODI #10327147

84,600 miles · Jan 13, 2010
Power Train

I HAVE A 2003 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER LT. A FEW WEEKS AGO I FOUND OUT MY 4X4 WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. AFTER ONLY DRIVING MY BLAZER 3 TIMES, AT HIGHWAY SPEED (70), I HEARD A VERY LOUD KNOCK IN THE FRONT END SHORTLY FOLLOWED BY CONTINUOUS KNOCKING AND VERY QUICKLY LOST CONTROL OF THE BRAKES. DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES BEING ON MY SIDE I W…

Read full complaint

I HAVE A 2003 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER LT. A FEW WEEKS AGO I FOUND OUT MY 4X4 WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. AFTER ONLY DRIVING MY BLAZER 3 TIMES, AT HIGHWAY SPEED (70), I HEARD A VERY LOUD KNOCK IN THE FRONT END SHORTLY FOLLOWED BY CONTINUOUS KNOCKING AND VERY QUICKLY LOST CONTROL OF THE BRAKES. DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES BEING ON MY SIDE I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF OF THE HIGHWAY AND PLACE THE CAR IN PARK AND HAVE IT TOWED TO THE GARAGE. UPON REVIEW OF THE FRONT END IT WAS DETERMINED THE FRONT END DIFFERENTIAL LITERALLY BLEW APART. MY TRAILBLAZER ONLY HAS 84,000 MILES AND I NOW HAVE TO REPLACE THE WHOLE FRONT AXLE. MOST LIKELY AT A COST OF AT LEAST $2,000.00. THIS REPAIR INCLUDES THE COST OF AN AXLE FROM A SALVAGE YARD...NOT A NEW ONE AND ENTAILS AT LEAST 16 HOURS OF LABOR. WITH REVIEW OF ARTICLES POSTED TO AUTO SITES ON THE INTERNET, THIS IS A VERY WIDE SPREAD ISSUE WITH TRAILBLAZERS. WHY IS GM NOT STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE AND ADDRESSING THESE ISSUES? I WAS LUCKY THIS MORNING. MY MECHANIC DOES NOT KNOW HOW I WAS NOT IN A SERIOUS WRECK SEEING THAT THIS HAPPENED DURING MORNING RUSH HOUR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10299686

96,000 miles · Oct 30, 2009
Power Train

TRANSMISSION WENT OUT ON 2003 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER LT. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON TO INDICATE THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE. HAVE TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10290326

48,000 miles · Oct 4, 2009
Power Train

PURCHASED A NEW 2003 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER AND 3 DAYS LATER DELIVERY THE CHECK 4WD LIGHT CAME ON FOR SERVICE.WE WERE IN MAINE AT THE TIME AND HAD IT LOOKED AT BY A CHEVY DEALER THERE & THEY ASSUMED IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONWITH A CODE SO ALL THEY DID WAS RESET THE COMPUTER (OR S WE WERE TOLD) A FEW DAYS LATER THE TRANSMISSION…

Read full complaint

PURCHASED A NEW 2003 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER AND 3 DAYS LATER DELIVERY THE CHECK 4WD LIGHT CAME ON FOR SERVICE.WE WERE IN MAINE AT THE TIME AND HAD IT LOOKED AT BY A CHEVY DEALER THERE & THEY ASSUMED IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONWITH A CODE SO ALL THEY DID WAS RESET THE COMPUTER (OR S WE WERE TOLD) A FEW DAYS LATER THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED HARD. THE DEALER RECOMMENDED THAT WE DRIVE IT AWHILE. IT DID THE SAME NOISE ON & OFF FOR A FEW MONTHS & THEY STILL COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. MUCH LATER ON AFTER MY FRUSTRATION WITH THE DEALERSHIP. I STARTED TO GET A LOUD CLUNKING SOUND IN THE FRONT END NOTICEABLY ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. DEALER SAID IT WAS THE PLASTIC COWLING IN THE FRONT THAT WAS RATTLING. AFTER TAKING IT TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP THEY DISCOVERED THAT THE TRANSMISSION END BEARING OUT OF THE FRONT AXEL IS N/G & IT NEEDS TO BE REBUILT. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE,ESPECIALLY AFTER ALL THE COMPLAINTS OF THIS TRANSMISSION ON THE GM TRUCKS. WHY HAS THERE NOT BEEN A RECALL ON THIS IS BEYOND ME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10286251

76,000 miles · Aug 10, 2009
Power Train

SUN SHELL, (HOUSING) ON TRANSMISSION SHREDDED INTO OIL PAN AND RADIATOR. WAS TOLD THE TRANSMISSION LITERALLY EXPLODED SENDING METAL EVERYWHERE. CHECKED ON LINE POSTS AND SEE IT IS VERY COMMON ON 2003 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER, (76000 MILES). VERY DANGEROUS. LEFT ME STRANDED ON THE EXPRESSWAY. NO WARNING SIGNS!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10279890

Official recalls

8

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.

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.

03V250000 · Equipment:other:owners/service/other Manual

Jul 15, 2003

CERTAIN MINIVANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER UNIVERSAL ANCHORAGE SYSTEM.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL. THIS SUPPLEMENT DESCRIBES AND SHOWS THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORS THAT ARE LOCATED IN THE VEHICLE AND ON THE CHILD RESTRAINT OR BOOSTER CUSHION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 18, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

03V151000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Apr 23, 2003

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A LEFT-FRONT BRAKE PIPE WITH A CIRCUMFERENTIAL SCORE AT A RANDOM LOCATION ALONG THE LENGTH 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF BRAKING PERFORMANCE IS REDUCED, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT-FRONT BRAKE PIPE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MAY 29, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-8006.

03V075000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Mar 6, 2003

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A MECHANICAL OVERRIDE THAT COULD ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY TO BE REMOVED WITH THE SHIFT LEVER IN A POSITION OTHER THAN PARK. IN ADDITION, THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN OVERRIDE THAT CAN ALLOW THE TRANSMISSION TO BE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK WITH THE IGNITION IN THE OFF POSITION.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THESE OVERRIDES ARE NOT PERMITTED UNLESS THE VEHICLE HAS A LOCKING STEERING COLUMN.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL ELIMINATE THESE CONDITIONS BY DISABLING THE OVERRIDES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MAY 29, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR HUMMER AT 1-866-486-6376.

03V051000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Feb 14, 2003

ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG THAT MAY NOT DEPLOY AS DESIGNED. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG INFLATOR COULD RUPTURE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN REDUCED CAPABILITY OF THE AIR BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER. ALSO IF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR RUPTURED, PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A NEW DRIVER'S AIR BAG. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 11, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

02V222000 · Air Bags:frontal

Aug 9, 2002

CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

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

8

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.

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.

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.

EA04002 · Windshield Wiper Failure

Opened Jan 6, 2004 · Closed Feb 10, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer; Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor

ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2003, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-042) TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002 AND 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER AND TRAILBLAZER EXT, GMC ENVOY AND ENVOY XL, AND OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA VEHICLES.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS ON JANUARY 6, 2004, AND THE SCOPE WAS EXPANDED TO INCLUDE CERTAIN MY 2003 ISUZU ASCENDER VEHICLES.ALL SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE BUILT ON GENERAL MOTORS? GMT360 AND GMT370 PLATFORMS AND WERE ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH A WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY REFERRED TO AS THE FAMILY DESIGN MODULE (P/N 15171306 BASE, P/N 15171307 FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH RAINSENSE AUTOMATIC MOISTURE SENSITIVE WIPERS).WATER ENTERS THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE CAUSING THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ON THE CONTROL CIRCUIT BOARD TO CORRODE AND SHORT OUT, THUS RENDERING THE WIPER MOTOR/MODULE INOPERATIVE.IN NOVEMBER 2002, GM INTRODUCED INTO VEHICLE PRODUCTION A REDESIGNED WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY REFERRED TO AS THE ?GLOBAL? DESIGN MODULE (P/N 15094704 BASE, P/N 15094705 FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH RAINSENSE) TO BETTER CONTROL WATER INTRUSION.ODI HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 1,179 NON-DUPLICATIVE OWNER AND FIELD REPORTS ALLEGING WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE ON VEHICLES ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH THE ?FAMILY? DESIGN MODULE.BY LETTER DATED FEBRUARY 2, 2004, GM HAS NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO. 04V-046).ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

Additional source detail variants (4)

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer

ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2003, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-042) TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002 AND 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER AND TRAILBLAZER EXT, GMC ENVOY AND ENVOY XL, AND OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA VEHICLES.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS ON JANUARY 6, 2004, AND THE SCOPE WAS EXPANDED TO INCLUDE CERTAIN MY 2003 ISUZU ASCENDER VEHICLES.ALL SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE BUILT ON GENERAL MOTORS? GMT360 AND GMT370 PLATFORMS AND WERE ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH A WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY REFERRED TO AS THE FAMILY DESIGN MODULE (P/N 15171306 BASE, P/N 15171307 FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH RAINSENSE AUTOMATIC MOISTURE SENSITIVE WIPERS).WATER ENTERS THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE CAUSING THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ON THE CONTROL CIRCUIT BOARD TO CORRODE AND SHORT OUT, THUS RENDERING THE WIPER MOTOR/MODULE INOPERATIVE.IN NOVEMBER 2002, GM INTRODUCED INTO VEHICLE PRODUCTION A REDESIGNED WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY REFERRED TO AS THE ?GLOBAL? DESIGN MODULE (P/N 15094704 BASE, P/N 15094705 FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH RAINSENSE) TO BETTER CONTROL WATER INTRUSION.ODI HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 1,179 NON-DUPLICATIVE OWNER AND FIELD REPORTS ALLEGING WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE ON VEHICLES ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH THE ?FAMILY? DESIGN MODULE.BY LETTER DATED FEBRUARY 2, 2004, GM HAS NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO. 04V-046).ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer

ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2003, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-042) TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002 AND 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER AND TRAILBLAZER EXT, GMC ENVOY AND ENVOY XL, AND OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA VEHICLES.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS ON JANUARY 6, 2004, AND THE SCOPE WAS EXPANDED TO INCLUDE CERTAIN MY 2003 ISUZU ASCENDER VEHICLES.ALL SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE BUILT ON GENERAL MOTORS? GMT360 AND GMT370 PLATFORMS AND WERE ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH A WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY REFERRED TO AS THE FAMILY DESIGN MODULE (P/N 15171306 BASE, P/N 15171307 FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH RAINSENSE AUTOMATIC MOISTURE SENSITIVE WIPERS).WATER ENTERS THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE CAUSING THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ON THE CONTROL CIRCUIT BOARD TO CORRODE AND SHORT OUT, THUS RENDERING THE WIPER MOTOR/MODULE INOPERATIVE.IN NOVEMBER 2002, GM INTRODUCED INTO VEHICLE PRODUCTION A REDESIGNED WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY REFERRED TO AS THE ?GLOBAL? DESIGN MODULE (P/N 15094704 BASE, P/N 15094705 FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH RAINSENSE) TO BETTER CONTROL WATER INTRUSION.ODI HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 1,179 NON-DUPLICATIVE OWNER AND FIELD REPORTS ALLEGING WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE ON VEHICLES ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH THE ?FAMILY? DESIGN MODULE.BY LETTER DATED FEBRUARY 2, 2004, GM HAS NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO. 04V-046).ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor

ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2003, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-042) TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002 AND 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER AND TRAILBLAZER EXT, GMC ENVOY AND ENVOY XL, AND OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA VEHICLES.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS ON JANUARY 6, 2004, AND THE SCOPE WAS EXPANDED TO INCLUDE CERTAIN MY 2003 ISUZU ASCENDER VEHICLES.ALL SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE BUILT ON GENERAL MOTORS? GMT360 AND GMT370 PLATFORMS AND WERE ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH A WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY REFERRED TO AS THE FAMILY DESIGN MODULE (P/N 15171306 BASE, P/N 15171307 FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH RAINSENSE AUTOMATIC MOISTURE SENSITIVE WIPERS).WATER ENTERS THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE CAUSING THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ON THE CONTROL CIRCUIT BOARD TO CORRODE AND SHORT OUT, THUS RENDERING THE WIPER MOTOR/MODULE INOPERATIVE.IN NOVEMBER 2002, GM INTRODUCED INTO VEHICLE PRODUCTION A REDESIGNED WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY REFERRED TO AS THE ?GLOBAL? DESIGN MODULE (P/N 15094704 BASE, P/N 15094705 FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH RAINSENSE) TO BETTER CONTROL WATER INTRUSION.ODI HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 1,179 NON-DUPLICATIVE OWNER AND FIELD REPORTS ALLEGING WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE ON VEHICLES ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH THE ?FAMILY? DESIGN MODULE.BY LETTER DATED FEBRUARY 2, 2004, GM HAS NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO. 04V-046).ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor

ON SEPTEMBER 17, 2003, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-042) TO INVESTIGATE ALLEGED WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002 AND 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER AND TRAILBLAZER EXT, GMC ENVOY AND ENVOY XL, AND OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA VEHICLES.THE INVESTIGATION WAS UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS ON JANUARY 6, 2004, AND THE SCOPE WAS EXPANDED TO INCLUDE CERTAIN MY 2003 ISUZU ASCENDER VEHICLES.ALL SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE BUILT ON GENERAL MOTORS? GMT360 AND GMT370 PLATFORMS AND WERE ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH A WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY REFERRED TO AS THE FAMILY DESIGN MODULE (P/N 15171306 BASE, P/N 15171307 FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH RAINSENSE AUTOMATIC MOISTURE SENSITIVE WIPERS).WATER ENTERS THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE CAUSING THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ON THE CONTROL CIRCUIT BOARD TO CORRODE AND SHORT OUT, THUS RENDERING THE WIPER MOTOR/MODULE INOPERATIVE.IN NOVEMBER 2002, GM INTRODUCED INTO VEHICLE PRODUCTION A REDESIGNED WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY REFERRED TO AS THE ?GLOBAL? DESIGN MODULE (P/N 15094704 BASE, P/N 15094705 FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH RAINSENSE) TO BETTER CONTROL WATER INTRUSION.ODI HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 1,179 NON-DUPLICATIVE OWNER AND FIELD REPORTS ALLEGING WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE ON VEHICLES ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH THE ?FAMILY? DESIGN MODULE.BY LETTER DATED FEBRUARY 2, 2004, GM HAS NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NO. 04V-046).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.

PE03042 · Windshield Wiper Failure

Opened Sep 17, 2003 · Closed Jan 6, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer; Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES (CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER (EXT), GMC ENVOY (XL), AND OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA) ARE BUILT ON THE GMT360 AND GMT370 PLATFORMS AND WERE ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH A WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY REFERRED TO AS THE ?FAMILY? DESIGN MODULE (P/N 15171306 BASE, P/N 15171307 FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH RAINSENSE AUTOMATIC MOISTURE SENSITIVE WIPERS).THE WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY IS LOCATED INSIDE THE PLENUM AT THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD AND IS MOUNTED ON AN INCLINE APPROXIMATELY EQUAL TO THE RAKE OF THE WINDSHIELD.GM REPORTS THAT VEHICLES ARE SUBJECT TO A QUALITY ASSURANCE WATER TEST AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT.THE TEST EXPOSES THE VEHICLES TO AN AMOUNT OF WATER THAT EXCEEDS THE PLENUM?S CAPABILITY TO DIVERT WATER AWAY FROM THE WIPER MODULE, ALLOWING WATER TO RISE TO A LEVEL THAT EXCEEDS THE HEIGHT OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR COVER VENT HOLE.WATER ENTERS THROUGH THE VENT HOLE THEN FLOWS DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THE MODULE AND POOLS CAUSING THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ON THE CONTROL CIRCUIT BOARD TO CORRODE AND SHORT OUT, THUS RENDERING THE WIPER MOTOR/MODULE INOPERATIVE.ON NOVEMBER 2, 2002 GM INTRODUCED INTO VEHICLE PRODUCTION A REDESIGNED WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY REFERRED TO AS THE ?GLOBAL? DESIGN MODULE (P/N 15094704 BASE, P/N 15094705 FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH RAINSENSE) THAT USES A POLYTETRAFLUOROETHYLENE MEMBRANE COVERED VENT HOLE TO CONTROL WATER INTRUSION.THERE ARE A TOTAL OF 1,172 NON-DUPLICATIVE OWNER AND FIELD REPORTS ALLEGING WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE, TWO VEHICLE CRASHES ALLEGEDLY CAUSED BY WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE, AND 43,219 WARRANTY CLAIMS FOR WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY OR WIPER CONTROL MODULE REPLACEMENT ON VEHICLES ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH THE ?FAMILY? DESIGN MODULE.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA04-002) TO FURTHER STUDY THE SCOPE AND SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THIS ISSUE.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES (CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER (EXT), GMC ENVOY (XL), AND OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA) ARE BUILT ON THE GMT360 AND GMT370 PLATFORMS AND WERE ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH A WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY REFERRED TO AS THE ?FAMILY? DESIGN MODULE (P/N 15171306 BASE, P/N 15171307 FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH RAINSENSE AUTOMATIC MOISTURE SENSITIVE WIPERS).THE WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY IS LOCATED INSIDE THE PLENUM AT THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD AND IS MOUNTED ON AN INCLINE APPROXIMATELY EQUAL TO THE RAKE OF THE WINDSHIELD.GM REPORTS THAT VEHICLES ARE SUBJECT TO A QUALITY ASSURANCE WATER TEST AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT.THE TEST EXPOSES THE VEHICLES TO AN AMOUNT OF WATER THAT EXCEEDS THE PLENUM?S CAPABILITY TO DIVERT WATER AWAY FROM THE WIPER MODULE, ALLOWING WATER TO RISE TO A LEVEL THAT EXCEEDS THE HEIGHT OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR COVER VENT HOLE.WATER ENTERS THROUGH THE VENT HOLE THEN FLOWS DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THE MODULE AND POOLS CAUSING THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ON THE CONTROL CIRCUIT BOARD TO CORRODE AND SHORT OUT, THUS RENDERING THE WIPER MOTOR/MODULE INOPERATIVE.ON NOVEMBER 2, 2002 GM INTRODUCED INTO VEHICLE PRODUCTION A REDESIGNED WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY REFERRED TO AS THE ?GLOBAL? DESIGN MODULE (P/N 15094704 BASE, P/N 15094705 FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH RAINSENSE) THAT USES A POLYTETRAFLUOROETHYLENE MEMBRANE COVERED VENT HOLE TO CONTROL WATER INTRUSION.THERE ARE A TOTAL OF 1,172 NON-DUPLICATIVE OWNER AND FIELD REPORTS ALLEGING WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE, TWO VEHICLE CRASHES ALLEGEDLY CAUSED BY WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE, AND 43,219 WARRANTY CLAIMS FOR WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY OR WIPER CONTROL MODULE REPLACEMENT ON VEHICLES ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH THE ?FAMILY? DESIGN MODULE.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA04-002) TO FURTHER STUDY THE SCOPE AND SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THIS ISSUE.

Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor

THE SUBJECT VEHICLES (CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER (EXT), GMC ENVOY (XL), AND OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA) ARE BUILT ON THE GMT360 AND GMT370 PLATFORMS AND WERE ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH A WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY REFERRED TO AS THE ?FAMILY? DESIGN MODULE (P/N 15171306 BASE, P/N 15171307 FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH RAINSENSE AUTOMATIC MOISTURE SENSITIVE WIPERS).THE WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY IS LOCATED INSIDE THE PLENUM AT THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD AND IS MOUNTED ON AN INCLINE APPROXIMATELY EQUAL TO THE RAKE OF THE WINDSHIELD.GM REPORTS THAT VEHICLES ARE SUBJECT TO A QUALITY ASSURANCE WATER TEST AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT.THE TEST EXPOSES THE VEHICLES TO AN AMOUNT OF WATER THAT EXCEEDS THE PLENUM?S CAPABILITY TO DIVERT WATER AWAY FROM THE WIPER MODULE, ALLOWING WATER TO RISE TO A LEVEL THAT EXCEEDS THE HEIGHT OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR COVER VENT HOLE.WATER ENTERS THROUGH THE VENT HOLE THEN FLOWS DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THE MODULE AND POOLS CAUSING THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS ON THE CONTROL CIRCUIT BOARD TO CORRODE AND SHORT OUT, THUS RENDERING THE WIPER MOTOR/MODULE INOPERATIVE.ON NOVEMBER 2, 2002 GM INTRODUCED INTO VEHICLE PRODUCTION A REDESIGNED WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY REFERRED TO AS THE ?GLOBAL? DESIGN MODULE (P/N 15094704 BASE, P/N 15094705 FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH RAINSENSE) THAT USES A POLYTETRAFLUOROETHYLENE MEMBRANE COVERED VENT HOLE TO CONTROL WATER INTRUSION.THERE ARE A TOTAL OF 1,172 NON-DUPLICATIVE OWNER AND FIELD REPORTS ALLEGING WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE, TWO VEHICLE CRASHES ALLEGEDLY CAUSED BY WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE, AND 43,219 WARRANTY CLAIMS FOR WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY OR WIPER CONTROL MODULE REPLACEMENT ON VEHICLES ORIGINALLY EQUIPPED WITH THE ?FAMILY? DESIGN MODULE.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA04-002) TO FURTHER STUDY THE SCOPE AND SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THIS ISSUE.