IllustrationTHE SPEEDOMETER HAS QUIT WORKING PROPERLY IN A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER WITH 71,000 MILES. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO KNOW THE RATE OF SPEED OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. THE REPAIR HAS NOT BEEN MADE YET. *TR
2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Trailblazer years
Owner complaints for the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer are substantially higher than the model-year median of 87.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Trailblazer years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
880–25K
16325–50K
27450–75K
17675–100K
137100–150K
61150K+
899 reports with mileage · 182 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 627 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Exterior Lighting. Review the 101 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 93 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
56 crash reports31 fire reports47 injury reports
Electrical System complaints
627 reports2004 TRAILBLAZER, SPEEDOMETER FAILED. NEEDLE SITS AT 60 MPH WHEN STOPPED, MOVES PAST 120MPH AS YOU DRIVE. I CONSIDER IT A SAFETY ISSUE IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO MONITOR YOUR SPEED.GM IS REPAIRING OUT OF WARRANTY 03/04 CADILLAC ESCALADE,CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN,AND TAHOE; AND GMC YUKON FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM. I DON'…
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2004 TRAILBLAZER, SPEEDOMETER FAILED. NEEDLE SITS AT 60 MPH WHEN STOPPED, MOVES PAST 120MPH AS YOU DRIVE. I CONSIDER IT A SAFETY ISSUE IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO MONITOR YOUR SPEED.GM IS REPAIRING OUT OF WARRANTY 03/04 CADILLAC ESCALADE,CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN,AND TAHOE; AND GMC YUKON FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY TRAILBLAZER IS NOT INCLUDED.. *TR
I OWN A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER AND THE SPEEDOMETER AS WELL AS ALL OF THE OTHER GAUGES STOPPED WORKING. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD LOOKED DOWN AND SAW THAT THE SPEEDOMETER SAID I WAS TRAVELING 100MPH, WHICH I KNEW I WASN'T BECAUSE I WAS IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. WHEN I STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT THE SPEEDOMETER DROPPED DOWN BUT …
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I OWN A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER AND THE SPEEDOMETER AS WELL AS ALL OF THE OTHER GAUGES STOPPED WORKING. I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD LOOKED DOWN AND SAW THAT THE SPEEDOMETER SAID I WAS TRAVELING 100MPH, WHICH I KNEW I WASN'T BECAUSE I WAS IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. WHEN I STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT THE SPEEDOMETER DROPPED DOWN BUT GOT STUCK ON 55MPH AND NOW IT WILL NOT MOVE AT ALL. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET FOR THIS PROBLEM AND DISCOVERED THAT SEVERAL OTHER OWNERS OF THE 2004 TRAILBLAZER HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS BUT CHEVROLET HAS FAILED TO RECOGNIZE THIS AS A SAFETY RECALL. I AM REQUESTING THAT THIS ISSUE BE BROUGHT UP AS A SAFETY COMPLAINT DUE TO THIS VEHICLE BEING OUR MAIN TRANSPORTATION FOR MYSELF AND MY FAMILY !! I AM NOW IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING PRICE QUOTES FROM AREA AUTOMOTIVE SHOPS BUT I HAVE READ THAT THE REPAIR COSTS ARE FROM $400.00 TO $800.00. I DON'T THINK I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY THIS AMOUNT IF CHEVROLET WOULD RECOGNIZE THIS AS A SAFETY HAZARD AND JUST RECALL THIS CERTAIN PROBLEM. I ALSO OWN A 2001 SILVERADO AND NOT TOO LONG AGO I RECEIVED A NOTICE IN THE MAIL THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE WIRE SUPPORTS FOR THE TRUCKS TAILGATE(DUE TO THE CURRENT SUPPORTS MIGHT BREAK UNDER THE RIGHT CIRCUMSTANCES). NOW I AM WONDERING IF A TAILGATE THAT I RARELY USE IS A SAFETY HAZARD THEN HOW IS AN INSTRUMENT THAT IS USED TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE OPERATING YOUR VEHICLE AT A SAFE SPEED OR MAKING SURE YOU DO NOT RUN OUT OF GAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSTATE NOT BEING RECALLED... THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELP AND CONCERN IN RESOLVING THIS MATTER. *TR
1. SPEEDOMETER CLUSTER IS DEFECTIVE, 2. STILL BROKE, 3. REPORTED TO CHEVROLET, I PAID FOR DIAGNOSIS, CHEVY ADVISED THERE IS NO RECALL OR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE. *TR
IN SEPTEMBER 2009, MY 2004 TRAILBLAZER STARTED GOING HAYWIRE! IT LOST ALL POWER (WHILE GOING DOWN THE INTERSTATE), THE POWER/CIGARETTE OUTLETS STOPPED WORKING, THE DOORS STARTED LOCKING THEMSELVES (SOMETIMES WITH THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION) , THE RADIO WOULD GO LOUD OR STOP WORKING, MY SPEEDOMETER WENT NUTS (LIKE SAYING THAT I WAS…
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IN SEPTEMBER 2009, MY 2004 TRAILBLAZER STARTED GOING HAYWIRE! IT LOST ALL POWER (WHILE GOING DOWN THE INTERSTATE), THE POWER/CIGARETTE OUTLETS STOPPED WORKING, THE DOORS STARTED LOCKING THEMSELVES (SOMETIMES WITH THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION) , THE RADIO WOULD GO LOUD OR STOP WORKING, MY SPEEDOMETER WENT NUTS (LIKE SAYING THAT I WAS DOING 65MPH, WHEN I WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP OR 120MPH DOWN THE HWY), THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT WOULD GO ON AND OFF,AND MY HEATER WILL NOT BLOW OUT THE VENTS IN THE DASH. WE HAVE TAKEN IT TO A MECHANIC. HE TRIED EVERYTHING FROM REPLACING THE BATTERY, FUEL FILTER, AND SPARK PLUGS. HE EVEN HOOKED IT UP TO HIS SCANNER (WHICH SHOWED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR) ALL THIS AND $700.00 LATER I STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS. NOW I'M TOLD THAT THE ELECTRICAL PANEL WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST AROUND $500-$900!! IF YOU LOOK AT CARCOMPLAINTS.COM YOU SEE THAT THERE ARE MANY MORE PEOPLE LIKE ME WITH THE SAME CAR AND THE SAME PROBLEMS. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE.HOW LONG WILL IT BE BEFORE SOMEONE PUSHES CHEVY INTO DOING A RECALL? DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO BE KILLED OR KILL SOMEONE ELSE FOR THIS TO HAPPEN? I WAS SO GLAD TO GOOGLE CAR COMPLAINTS AND FIND THAT IT WASN'T JUST ME THAT WAS HAVING SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS TRAILBLAZER. *TR
WITH DRIVING HOME MY SPEEDOMETER STARTING SCREWING UP. NOW IT DOESN'T WORK. COME TO FIND OUT THE CLUSTER IS BAD. MY DAD HAS A 05 SILVERADO AND THAT CLUSTER WAS RECALLED. WHY NOT THE TRAILBLAZERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENTAL CLUSTERS AND BATTERY CAGE FAILED. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER AND THEY INFORMED HIM THAT HIS WARRANTY WAS NOT VALID FOR THE REPAIR. THERE ARE NO RELATED RECALLS. THE CONTACT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS REPAIR CO…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENTAL CLUSTERS AND BATTERY CAGE FAILED. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER AND THEY INFORMED HIM THAT HIS WARRANTY WAS NOT VALID FOR THE REPAIR. THERE ARE NO RELATED RECALLS. THE CONTACT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS REPAIR COST OF $500. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000. UPDATED 02/01/10 *BF UPDATED 02/02/10.*JB
WE OWN A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. ON THE WAY HOME FROM CHRISTMAS WE NOTICED OUR SPEEDOMETER WAS NOT MOVING. THE SPEEDOMETER WAS EITHER TO FAST OR NOT FAST ENOUGH. WE HOPE TO BRING IT TO CARMAX, SINCE THE VEHICLE IS HOPEFULLY STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THIS PROBLEM COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR A TICKET FOR THE PERSON DRIVING THE …
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WE OWN A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. ON THE WAY HOME FROM CHRISTMAS WE NOTICED OUR SPEEDOMETER WAS NOT MOVING. THE SPEEDOMETER WAS EITHER TO FAST OR NOT FAST ENOUGH. WE HOPE TO BRING IT TO CARMAX, SINCE THE VEHICLE IS HOPEFULLY STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THIS PROBLEM COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR A TICKET FOR THE PERSON DRIVING THE CAR. *TR
THE PROBLEMS THAT ARE HAPPENING TO MY 2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER : I AM HAVING A WHINING NOISE IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AND WHEN I TRY TO ENGAGE INTO 4WD THE SOUND WORSENS AND THERE IS A VIBRATION IN THE FRONT AS WELL THE WHINING ALMOST RESEMBLES A LOW SIREN SOUND. I AM ALSO HAVING A MAJOR MALFUNCTION WITH MY SPEEDOMETER SINC…
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THE PROBLEMS THAT ARE HAPPENING TO MY 2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER : I AM HAVING A WHINING NOISE IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AND WHEN I TRY TO ENGAGE INTO 4WD THE SOUND WORSENS AND THERE IS A VIBRATION IN THE FRONT AS WELL THE WHINING ALMOST RESEMBLES A LOW SIREN SOUND. I AM ALSO HAVING A MAJOR MALFUNCTION WITH MY SPEEDOMETER SINCE THE WEATHER HAS GOTTEN COLDER??? I COULD ONLY BE MOVING 10MPH AND IT WILL REGISTER TO 120 OR EVEN SURPASS IT AND THEN GET STUCK, THE ONLY WAY TO UNSTICK IT IS TO SHUT THE CAR OFF AND KEEP RESTARTING IT UNTIL IT RESETS ITSELF BUT NOW IT IS STUCK AND WONT RESET, I WENT ONLINE TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS AND I ALL I FOUND OUT WAS THERE WERE TONS OF PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES WITH THEIR TRAILBLAZERS AS I AM HAVING. THESE PROBLEMS ARE OCCURRING AT ALL DIFFERENT TIMES DURING THE LIFE OF THE CAR SOME PEOPLE HAVE THEM HAPPEN AROUND 30,000 MILES OR SOME 50 THOUSAND AND MYSELF THE SPEEDOMETER IS HAPPENING AROUND 72,000 MILES. THE SPEEDOMETER SEEMED TO START TO ACT UP ONCE THE WEATHER WAS COLDER. ITS A SHAME THEY WILL FIX THE LARGER SUV'S DUE TO A LAWSUIT BUT SINCE THIS IS A SMALLER SUV IT'S NOT COVERED. WE HAVE TRIED TO REPLACE THE WHEEL BEARINGS IN THE TRUCK FOR THE FRONT END NOISE TO ONLY FIND THE NOISE DID NOT DISAPPEAR AFTER READING MANY OF OTHER COMPLAINTS FROM OTHERS IT SEEMS THIS COULD BE THE TRANSFER CASE ON THE TRUCK. I AM NOT GOING TO KEEP REPLACING PART AFTER PART TO ONLY FIND OUT ITS THE DRIVE TRAIN AND SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT THIS. *TR
THIS TRAIL BLAZER HAS BEEN A LEMON EVERY SINCE I BOUGHT IT.FIRST TWO BATTERIES KEPT SWELLING UP AND SMOKING AND THEN IT WOULDN'T START. I REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR. THEN THE MOTOR THREW A ROD. I PUT ANOTHER MOTOR IN IT. THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT AND HAD IT PUT ON A MACHINE TO CHECK IT OUT. IT CANNOT BE CHECKE…
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THIS TRAIL BLAZER HAS BEEN A LEMON EVERY SINCE I BOUGHT IT.FIRST TWO BATTERIES KEPT SWELLING UP AND SMOKING AND THEN IT WOULDN'T START. I REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR. THEN THE MOTOR THREW A ROD. I PUT ANOTHER MOTOR IN IT. THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT AND HAD IT PUT ON A MACHINE TO CHECK IT OUT. IT CANNOT BE CHECKED BECAUSE THE MACHINE READS THAT THE COMPUTER IS DEAD. IT STALLS EVERY NOW AND THEN AND GETS HORRIBLE GAS MILEAGE. I REPLACED THE GAS CAP BUT IT DIDN'T HELP. NOW THE TRANSMISSION HAS WENT OUT OF IT. PREVIOUSLY IT AUTOMATICALLY LOCKED THE DOORS WHEN IT WAS RUNNING LOCKING ME OUT. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON ALL THESE ELECTRIC PROBLEMS. I DO NOT HAVE ANY MONEY TO FIX THESE PROBLEMS YET I HAVE 16 MORE MONTHS TO PAY ON THIS TRUCK. I'VE ALWAYS BOUGHT CHEVROLET'S BUT I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER ONE AND SO WILL A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE. IF THEY CAN'T STAND BEHIND THERE VEHICLE'S THEIR NO GOOD FOR ANYTHING. ALL THESE DIFFERENT PROBLEMS STARTED AT DIFFERENT DATES. I ALSO HAD TO PUT A NEW EXHAUST SYSTEM ON IT. I DON'T KNOW HOW IT IS STILL RUNNING WITH THE COMPUTER DEAD. *TR
Official recalls
205V198000 · Exterior Lighting:turn Signal
May 5, 2005
ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE DRIVER WISHING TO SIGNAL A TURN BY MOVING THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL LEVER, (UP OR DOWN) MAY CAUSE THE FRONT MARKER/TURN LIGHTS AND REAR TURN LIGHTS TO FLASH IN A MANNER SIMILAR TO HAZARD WARNING, RATHER THAN FLASHING ON THE DESIRED SIDE ONLY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CLEARLY SIGNAL THEIR INTENTIONS TO TURN, CHANGE TRAVEL LANES, OR POTENTIALLY WARN OTHERS OF AN IMPAIRED VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT FLASHER MODULES WITH A NEW FLASHER MODULE DESIGNED WITH SEALED RELAYS AND MORE DURABLE CONTACT MATERIAL INSIDE OF THE RELAYS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2005. ISUZU BEGAN MAILING OWNER LETTERS ON AUGUST 4, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, AND OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.
04V527000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights
Nov 1, 2004
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, VIBRATION AND HEAT MAY CAUSE THE TAIL LAMP/STOP LAMP BULB TO LOOSEN IN ITS SOCKET. IF THIS OCCURS, THE BULB MAY FLICKER AND EVENTUALLY BECOME INOPERATIVE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: AN INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMP WILL NOT CONVEY THE DRIVER'S INTENTION OF STOPPING TO DRIVERS IN FOLLOWING VEHICLES, AND AN INOPERATIVE REAR TURN SIGNAL LAMP WILL NOT CONVEY THE DRIVER'S INTENTION TO TURN TO DRIVERS IN FOLLOWING VEHICLES. BOTH OF THESE FAILURES CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TAIL LAMP/STOP LAMP ASSEMBLIES, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 22, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
4RQ17002 · Loss Of Headlights
Opened Apr 24, 2017 · Closed Mar 29, 2021
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:headlights
The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV. The original scope of this investigation was expanded to include all vehicles equipped with the subject Headlight Driver Module (HDM). The focus of the investigation was to determine whether actions performed by General Motors adequately addressed any unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety in the subject vehicles concerning the headlights and the HDM that controls them.Under normal electrical load and environmental conditions, the HDM can overheat inside the Underhood Electrical Center (UEC). This can cause the module to fail and result in a simultaneous loss of both low beam headlights and both daytime running lights (DRLs), often with no warning or prior detectability to the driver. This failure can be intermittent or permanent. No other exterior lights are affected. High beams, turn signals, brake lights, and reverse lights are still operational.General Motors addressed this issue with 2 recalls (14V755 & 15V519) and a special coverage program (N172091910). In view of the recalls and special coverage program implemented by GM and the vehicle high beams continuing to operate, ODI has tentatively concluded that the actions taken by GM mitigate any unreasonable risk to safety posed by HDM failure in the subject vehicles.Accordingly, the investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at NHTSA.gov under the identification numbers in the attached document.
EA07009 · Fuel Pump Module Leaks Gasoline
Opened Jul 10, 2007 · Closed Aug 28, 2008
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
DURING THE COURSE OF THIS EA INVESTIGATION, ODI OBSERVED THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE COMPLAINTS (88%) AND WARRANTY CLAIMS (94%) WERE REPORTED FOR VEHICLES THAT ARE REGISTERED FOR USE IN THE SALT BELT REGION OF THE US.THIS AREA INCLUDES 20 STATES IN THE NORTHEAST, MID ATLANTIC AND THE MIDWEST REGIONS AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.CONSUMERS IN THE SALT BELT REGION REPORTED TO ODI THAT THEY COULD SMELL FUEL VAPORS IN THEIR VEHICLES WHILE DRIVING.UPON FURTHER EXAMINATION OF THEIR VEHICLES, THEY DISCOVERED THAT FUEL VAPORS WERE COMING OUT OF THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. THIS CONDITION IS CAUSED BY CORROSION OF THE RETURN AND SENDER LINES OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE.WATER AND ROAD SALT COLLECT ON TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP LEADING TO SMALL PINHOLES APPEARING ON THE FUEL LINES.FUEL MAY LEAK AND COLLECT ON TOP OF THE MODULE AND/OR SPILL ONTO THE GROUND.THE DATA EVALUATED UNDER THIS INVESTIGATION REFLECT A RELATIVELY LOW FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE THAT LARGELY ARISES IN SALT BELT STATES.GM HAS EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THE SUBJECT COMPONENT TO TEN YEARS OR 120,000 MILES.FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED AT THIS TIME; ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SELECT DOCUMENT SEARCH.
EA04021 · Brake Lamp Failure
Opened Aug 3, 2004 · Closed Nov 4, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights
GM STATES THAT SOME BRAKE/TAIL LAMP BULBS CAN PREMATURELY BECOME INOPERATIVE DUE TO MALFUNCTIONING BRAKE/TAIL LAMP SOCKETS.ON MARCH 2, 2004, GM INITIATED A 6-YEAR/72,000 MILE SPECIAL POLICY FOR 989,487 SUBJECT VEHICLES TO INSPECT AND REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE/TAIL LAMP BULB SOCKET ASSEMBLIES.ON APRIL 4, 2004, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE04-032) BASED ON CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING BRAKE LIGHTS NOT OPERATING WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.ON AUGUST 3, 2004 ODI UPGRADED PE04-032 TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA04-021).BY LETTER DATED OCTOBER 27, 2004 GM NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 04V527) COVERING SUBJECT VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT ALREADY REPAIRED UNDER GM'S SPECIAL POLICY.MY 2004 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT AFTER AUGUST 8, 2003 CONTAIN IMPROVED BRAKE LAMP ASSEMBLIES AND ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.GM DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE IMPROVED BRAKE LAMP ASSEMBLY ON SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT ON AUGUST 8, 2003 AND EARLIER.THE ACTION TAKEN BY GM IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
PE04032 · Brake Lamp Failure
Opened Apr 6, 2004 · Closed Aug 3, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002-04 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER VEHICLES.GM REPORTS THAT OTHER VEHICLES SHARING THIS PLATFORM AND BRAKE LAMP DESIGN ARE THE MY 2002-2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER EXT; GMC ENVOY, XL, XUV; OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA AND 2004 BUICK RAINIER.COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT THE REAR BRAKE LAMP DOES NOT OPERATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.THERE IS NO INDICATION TO THE DRIVER FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE THAT ONE OR MORE BRAKE LAMPS BULBS ARE NOT FUNCTIONING.GM FOUND THAT HEAT FROM THE BULB COULD DEFORM THE LAMP SOCKET, PRODUCE ELECTRICAL ARCING AND AN INOPERATIVE BULB.TO CORRECT THE CONDITION, GM CHANGED THE BULB TO A BULB THAT TRANSMITS LESS HEAT TO THE SOCKET AND CHANGED THE SOCKET TO A THERMOPLASTIC POLYMER TO IMPROVE THERMAL STABILITY.THESE CHANGES WERE IMPLEMENTED INTO PRODUCTION VEHICLES ON OCTOBER 1, 2003.GM IMPLEMENTED A SPECIAL POLICY BY NOTIFYING CONSUMERS THAT IF THEY SHOULD EXPERIENCE A BRAKE LAMP FAILURE TO GO TO THEIR GM DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE CIRCUIT BOARD CONTAINING THE BRAKE LAMP REPLACED ALONG WITH NEW BULBS.THIS POLICY IS GOOD FOR THE FIRST 6 YEARS OR 72,000 MILES OF THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE.ODI WILL UPGRADE THIS INVESTIGATION TO EA 04-021 AND INCLUDE THE ABOVE MENTIONED VEHICLES.