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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.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

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

Fuel System, Gasoline complaints

93 reports
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60,000 miles · Jul 11, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

CRACK IN FUEL TANK 2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER LS. CRACK IS JUST BELOW WHERE THE FILLER TUBE GOES INTO TANK. I HAVE RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FIND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM BUT THERE IS NO RECALL. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT A FIRE AND EXPLOSION. A NEW FUEL TANK FROM THE DEALER IS OVER $1000. I HAVE TRIED TO PATCH IT BUT IT IS MADE OF A SP…

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CRACK IN FUEL TANK 2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER LS. CRACK IS JUST BELOW WHERE THE FILLER TUBE GOES INTO TANK. I HAVE RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FIND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM BUT THERE IS NO RECALL. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT A FIRE AND EXPLOSION. A NEW FUEL TANK FROM THE DEALER IS OVER $1000. I HAVE TRIED TO PATCH IT BUT IT IS MADE OF A SPECIAL PLASTIC THAT IS HERD TO REPAIR. *TT

NHTSA ODI #10411718

103,000 miles · Jul 7, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER LS 4WD. I HAD NOTICED A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE. ABOUT TWO DAYS LATER MY SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS AN EVAPORATIVE LEAK DETECTED ACCORDING TO THE CODES THAT THE COMPUTER WAS GIVING. THE MECHANIC THEN CHECKED THE VEHICLE FUR…

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2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER LS 4WD. I HAD NOTICED A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE. ABOUT TWO DAYS LATER MY SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC TO HAVE IT CHECKED OUT AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS AN EVAPORATIVE LEAK DETECTED ACCORDING TO THE CODES THAT THE COMPUTER WAS GIVING. THE MECHANIC THEN CHECKED THE VEHICLE FURTHER AND NOTICE THAT THERE WAS A HAIRLINE FRACTURE IN THE FUEL TANK NEAR THE FILLER NOZZLE. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE AND HE TOLD ME TO CONTACT CHEVY FOR A POSSIBLE RECALL. I DID CONTACT CHEVY AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO RECALL BUT I COULD TAKE IT TO A CHEVY DEALERSHIP AND HAVE IT FIXED AT MY EXPENSE. I CAN NOT EVEN PARK THIS VEHICLE IN MY GARAGE FOR RISK OF A FIRE AND THE VEHICLE CAN NOT PASS EMISSIONS INSPECTION BECAUSE IT HAS A LEAK. I HAVE RECEIVED A CITATION FOR FAILURE TO INSPECT BECAUSE IT WONT PASS THE INSPECTION PROCESS. IT WILL COST ME APPROX $800 TO HAVE THIS FIXED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10410873

102,000 miles · May 2, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

GAS GAUGE READING IS INCORRECT. THE GAS GAUGE READS 3/4 IMMEDIATELY AFTER A FILL-UP AND THEN READS EMPTY SOON THEREAFTER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10398661

70,000 miles · May 2, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

THE FUEL GAUGE DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. IT SOMETIMES INDICATES THERE IS MORE FUEL THAN THERE ACTUALLY IS IN THE TANK. SOMETIMES IT SHOWS IT IS EMPTY WHEN IT IS NOT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10398621

Mileage unknown · Apr 15, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE FUEL CAP WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED WITHIN ONE YEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND AGAIN, LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE FUEL CAP. THE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE FUEL CAP WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED WITHIN ONE YEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND AGAIN, LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE FUEL CAP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES IN WHICH EACH TIME; THE FUEL CAP WAS REPLACED AS THE REMEDY BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE FUEL TANK EXHIBITED A HAIRLINE FRACTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REPAIRS IN WHICH THE FUEL TANK WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10396015

Mileage unknown · Feb 17, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON; HAS COME ON RECURRENTLY SINCE (CODE P0442), WHICH INDICATES LEAK IN FUEL EVAP SYSTEM. ANALYZED BY INDEPENDENT TECH AND POWERS-SWAIN CHEVROLET (A GM DEALER) VERIFIES FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE FRACTURE. GM'S RESOLUTION TO DATE IS REFUSAL TO ACT DUE TO AGE/MILEAGE OF CAR. GM HAS A RECALL FOR SAME DEFE…

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CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON; HAS COME ON RECURRENTLY SINCE (CODE P0442), WHICH INDICATES LEAK IN FUEL EVAP SYSTEM. ANALYZED BY INDEPENDENT TECH AND POWERS-SWAIN CHEVROLET (A GM DEALER) VERIFIES FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE FRACTURE. GM'S RESOLUTION TO DATE IS REFUSAL TO ACT DUE TO AGE/MILEAGE OF CAR. GM HAS A RECALL FOR SAME DEFECT ON LONG BODY 2002-2004 MODELS. THEIR CAMPAIGN 07099A IS PART OF THEIR RECALL. I HAVE SEEN MANY OTHER TRAILBLAZER FUEL SYSTEM PROBLEMS ON INTERNET SITES. THIS DEFECT ALLOWS FUEL VAPOR (POSSIBLY IGNITABLE) TO ESCAPE IN THE VICINITY OF ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL ON THIS DEFECT, REGARDLESS OF AGE/MILEAGE OF VEHICLES.

NHTSA ODI #10383817

Mileage unknown · Feb 14, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

ON MY 2004 TRAILBLAZER, MY WIFE COMPLAINED ABOUT GAS FUMES IN THE CAR. I NOTICED GAS STREAMING FROM AROUND THE TOP OF GAS TANK. I DROPPED THE GAS TANK DOWN AND NOTICED THE LEAK WAS STREAMING FROM ONE OF THE METAL LINES EXITING FROM THE FUEL PUMP. THE CORROSION WAS SO BAD I ONLY HAD TO LIGHTLY PUSH ON THE METAL LINE AND IT BROKE…

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ON MY 2004 TRAILBLAZER, MY WIFE COMPLAINED ABOUT GAS FUMES IN THE CAR. I NOTICED GAS STREAMING FROM AROUND THE TOP OF GAS TANK. I DROPPED THE GAS TANK DOWN AND NOTICED THE LEAK WAS STREAMING FROM ONE OF THE METAL LINES EXITING FROM THE FUEL PUMP. THE CORROSION WAS SO BAD I ONLY HAD TO LIGHTLY PUSH ON THE METAL LINE AND IT BROKE INTO. IF MY WIFE DIDN'T SMELL THE FUMES THIS COULD HAVE BURST INTO A FIRE IF IT EVENTUALLY SPRAYED ONTO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10382660

146,000 miles · Feb 10, 2011
Fuel System, Gasoline

CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER HAS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. I CAN SMELL GAS WHEN VEHICLE IS IN GARAGE. LOOKED UNDERNEATH AND FOUND A CRACK IN THE FUEL TANK FILLER HOSE FLANGE. CALLED CHEVY AND FOUND THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN, #05012 AND TSB 07076. CHEVROLET TOLD ME THE SAME PROBLEM HAS BEEN FOUND AND FIXED ON MODELS AS THE TRAILBLAZER, …

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CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER HAS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. I CAN SMELL GAS WHEN VEHICLE IS IN GARAGE. LOOKED UNDERNEATH AND FOUND A CRACK IN THE FUEL TANK FILLER HOSE FLANGE. CALLED CHEVY AND FOUND THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN, #05012 AND TSB 07076. CHEVROLET TOLD ME THE SAME PROBLEM HAS BEEN FOUND AND FIXED ON MODELS AS THE TRAILBLAZER, BUT MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE COVERED. THE REASON IS MY VEHICLE IS REGISTERED IN TENNESSEE AND IS NOT ON THE "CORROSION LIST OF STATES". I DID NOT SEE THE DIFFERENCE AS THERE ARE VEHICLES DOCUMENTED HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS MINE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10381505

125,000 miles · Jan 24, 2011
Fuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THE CRUISE CONTROL AS WELL AS THE FUEL GAUGE NO LONGER FUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THEY DO NOT KNOW HOW TO REMEDY THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRE…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THE CRUISE CONTROL AS WELL AS THE FUEL GAUGE NO LONGER FUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THEY DO NOT KNOW HOW TO REMEDY THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

NHTSA ODI #10378404

75,000 miles · Dec 20, 2010
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL ODOR WAS VERY STRONG WHEN FUEL WAS ADDED TO THE FUEL TANK. THE SMELL BEGAN TO FADE AFTER THE FUEL STARTED TO BURN. THE CONTACTS MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS COMING FROM THE FUEL TANK MO…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL ODOR WAS VERY STRONG WHEN FUEL WAS ADDED TO THE FUEL TANK. THE SMELL BEGAN TO FADE AFTER THE FUEL STARTED TO BURN. THE CONTACTS MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS COMING FROM THE FUEL TANK MODULE, WHICH FAILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 126030. UPDATED 05/03/11*LJ THE SECOND TIME THE CONSUMER WENT TO THE DEALER, SHE WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW GAS TANK DUE TO A CRACK LOCATED IN THE NECK AREA. UPDATED 08/08/11

NHTSA ODI #10371747

Official recalls

2

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.

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

4

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.

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.