Investigations
| NHTSA ID | Manufacturer | Date open | Date close | Subject | Recall campaign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | ||||||
| PE12003 | GENERAL MOTORS LLC | 02/09/2012 | 06/11/2012 | Driver's Master Power Window Switch | ||
| The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this investigation on february 9, 2012 in response to complaints alleging driver door module melting and/or burning in my 2006-2007 chevrolet trailblazers. in response to odi's information request letter, general motors presented 167 reports and 698 warranty claims that related to the alleged problem. odi has received a total of 83 complaints, 66 alleging the door module had melted or burned, and the remaining 17 stating that the window switches acted erratically or were inoperative. twenty-eight of the reports received have led to driver door fires, some of which allege the vehicle was keyed off and unattended. based on the agency's current analysis, odi has upgraded its investigation to an engineering analysis (ea12-004) to determine whether the subject vehicles contain a defect that presents an unreasonable risk to safety.the vehicle models and production dates of affected vehicles will be evaluated, particularly other gmt360 vehicles. the odi reports cited above can be reviewed online at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/complaints under the following identification (odi) numbers: 10247838, 10260600, 10274337, 10275626, 10284010, 10396958, 10406203, 10409023, 10414691, 10417938, 10423865, 10426281, 10434446, 10445657, 10447754, 10447757, 10447770, 10447788, 10447813, 10447831, 10447865, 10447880, 10447892, 10447938, 10447994, 10447996, 10447997, 10448028, 10448086, 10448138, 10448176, 10448201, 10448337, 10448455, 10448464, 10448478, 10448540, 10448900, 10448941, 10449150, 10449166, 10449169, 10449236, 10449722, 10450055, 10450202, 10450284, 10451584, 10451878, 10451918, 10452197, 10452301, 10452586, 10452743, 10452895, 10453161, 10453227, 10453261, 10453578, 10453746, 10453951, 10454196, 10454211, 10454539, 10454673, 10455122, 10455150, 10455279, 10455469, 10456285, 10456529, 10457116, 10457644, 10457811, 10458224, 10458485, 10458599, 10458743, 10458846, 10460062, 10460141, 10460732, 10460843 | ||||||
| EA12004 | GENERAL MOTORS LLC | 06/11/2012 | Driver's Master Power Window Switch | |||
| The office of defects investigation (odi) opened preliminary evaluation pe12-003 on february 9, 2012 in response to complaints alleging driver door module melting and/or burning in my 2006-2007 chevrolet trailblazers. in response to odi's information request (ir) letter, general motors (gm) presented 167 reports and 698 warranty claims that related to the alleged problem. odi has received a total of 83 complaints, 66 alleging the door module had melted or burned, and the remaining 17 stating that the window switches acted erratically or were inoperative. twenty-eight of the reports received have led to driver door fires, some of which allege the vehicle was keyed off and unattended. based on the agency's current analysis, odi has upgraded its investigation to determine whether the subject vehicles contain a defect that presents an unreasonable risk to safety.the vehicle models and production dates of affected vehicles will be evaluated, particularly other gmt360 vehicles.the odi reports cited above can be reviewed online at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/complaints under the following identification (odi) numbers: 10247838, 10260600, 10274337, 10275626, 10284010, 10396958, 10406203, 10409023, 10414691, 10417938, 10423865, 10426281, 10434446, 10445657, 10447754, 10447757, 10447770, 10447788, 10447813, 10447831, 10447865, 10447880, 10447892, 10447938, 10447994, 10447996, 10447997, 10448028, 10448086, 10448138, 10448176, 10448201, 10448337, 10448455, 10448464, 10448478, 10448540, 10448900, 10448941, 10449150, 10449166, 10449169, 10449236, 10449722, 10450055, 10450202, 10450284, 10451584, 10451878, 10451918, 10452197, 10452301, 10452586, 10452743, 10452895, 10453161, 10453227, 10453261, 10453578, 10453746, 10453951, 10454196, 10454211, 10454539, 10454673, 10455122, 10455150, 10455279, 10455469, 10456285, 10456529, 10457116, 10457644, 10457811, 10458224, 10458485, 10458599, 10458743, 10458846, 10460062, 10460141, 10460732, 10460843 | ||||||
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | |||
| 10/15/2012 | 76800 | ||
| Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet trailblazer ext. the contact stated that the windows and doors failed to respond when engaged using the door module. the vehicle was not taken to a mechanic or the dealer for repairs or inspection. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure mileage was 76,800. | |||
| 10/15/2012 | 76800 | ||
| Tl- the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet trailblazer ext. the contact stated that the door module failed to operate the windows and doors. the vehicle was not taken to a mechanic and was not repaired. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure mileage was 76,800. mh | |||
| 03/12/2012 | 39000 | 1 | |
| The driver's door window and door lock has been working intermittently over the last 1 1/2 yrs. this last march, the window stopped working . then the door lock followed and then the entire door. i have no control over any aspect of the car with that door. i makes a buzz-zapping sound. i cannot lock the windows at all in the back, so now my young children play with the windows and hang out them. the doors are supposed to lock when the truck is put into gear, but that does not always happen. sometimes it will happen 10 minutes into a trip , sometimes not at all. in the last month the front passenger side window stopped working also. my sons are now complaining of hearing a buzz, click, click, click, sound coming from the back doors. i assume it is the vehicle attempting to lock the doors since we are driving but it is unable to. the driver side mirror also has a mind of its own due to the malfunction of the electrical or the door. it will change its positioning all by itself . i always have to readjust it manually just to find it pointing at the ground later on. i took it to my chevrolet dealer and was told my vehicle is not included in the recall because of where i purchased it and where i limy live. this is a safety issue apart from the obvious electrical zapping that can be heard, but it is also for children when the vehicle is in motion. i am unemployed and it is going to cost over $150 for them to look at it, and he said there is no recall so to fix it, i will have to pay. there is constant exposure to salt air here in florida. my kids lives are at stake. i do not care where i live, this is there safety. what if they open the window and get hurt because i cannot lock the window because of problems with my car door.the recall needs to be nation wide and it needs to resolved before someone get hurts. *tr | |||
| 03/12/2012 | 39000 | ||
| The driver's door window and door lock has been working intermittently over the last 1 1/2 yrs. this last march, the window stopped working . then the door lock followed and then the entire door. i have no control over any aspect of the car with that door. i makes a buzz-zapping sound. i cannot lock the windows at all in the back, so now my young children play with the windows and hang out them. the doors are supposed to lock when the truck is put into gear, but that does not always happen. sometimes it will happen 10 minutes into a trip , sometimes not at all. in the last month the front passenger side window stopped working also. my sons are now complaining of hearing a buzz, click, click, click, sound coming from the back doors. i assume it is the vehicle attempting to lock the doors since we are driving but it is unable to. the driver side mirror also has a mind of its own due to the malfunction of the electrical or the door. it will change its positioning all by itself . i always have to readjust it manually just to find it pointing at the ground later on. i took it to my chevrolet dealer and was told my vehicle is not included in the recall because of where i purchased it and where i limy live. this is a safety issue apart from the obvious electrical zapping that can be heard, but it is also for children when the vehicle is in motion. i am unemployed and it is going to cost over $150 for them to look at it, and he said there is no recall so to fix it, i will have to pay. there is constant exposure to salt air here in florida. my kids lives are at stake. i do not care where i live, this is there safety. what if they open the window and get hurt because i cannot lock the window because of problems with my car door.the recall needs to be nation wide and it needs to resolved before someone get hurts. | |||
| 04/22/2010 | 7600 | ||
| Ive had my trailblazer for two years now about 4/2010 the windows would go up and down on their own and the power lock stoped working so chevy replaced the main control swich then about 6/2011 i had to replace the wheel berrings and the sensor twice and about 01/2012 the wipers and washer fluid wouldnt shut off got a new wiper motor put in and now the truck has been sitting since 4/2012 had to have it towed from albany because the truck just all of a sudden slowed down even with my foot on the gas pedal and now i have ten different codes that came up two for the camshaft sensor and solenoid the knock sensor the crankshaft sensor and a few other ones... we called chevrolet and they have no clue what is going on nor what is wrong with it | |||
| 10/30/2010 | 83200 | ||
| Driver's door electric window/mirror/lock controls began to work intermittently, crackling noise from driver's door. driver side rear view mirror turned downward making it useless. driver's door window began raising and lowering by itself. | |||
| 04/22/2010 | 7600 | ||
| Ive had my trailblazer for two years now about 4/2010 the windows would go up and down on their own and the power lock stoped working so chevy replaced the main control swich then about 6/2011 i had to replace the wheel berrings and the sensor twice and about 01/2012 the wipers and washer fluid wouldnt shut off got a new wiper motor put in and now the truck has been sitting since 4/2012 had to have it towed from albany because the truck just all of a sudden slowed down even with my foot on the gas pedal and now i have ten different codes that came up two for the camshaft sensor and solenoid the knock sensor the crankshaft sensor and a few other ones... we called chevrolet and they have no clue what is going on nor what is wrong with it | |||
| 10/30/2010 | 83200 | ||
| Driver's door electric window/mirror/lock controls began to work intermittently, crackling noise from driver's door. driver side rear view mirror turned downward making it useless. driver's door window began raising and lowering by itself. | |||
| 04/22/2010 | 7600 | ||
| Ive had my trailblazer for two years now about 4/2010 the windows would go up and down on their own and the power lock stoped working so chevy replaced the main control swich then about 6/2011 i had to replace the wheel berrings and the sensor twice and about 01/2012 the wipers and washer fluid wouldnt shut off got a new wiper motor put in and now the truck has been sitting since 4/2012 had to have it towed from albany because the truck just all of a sudden slowed down even with my foot on the gas pedal and now i have ten different codes that came up two for the camshaft sensor and solenoid the knock sensor the crankshaft sensor and a few other ones... we called chevrolet and they have no clue what is going on nor what is wrong with it | |||
| 10/30/2010 | 83200 | ||
| Driver's door electric window/mirror/lock controls began to work intermittently, crackling noise from driver's door. driver side rear view mirror turned downward making it useless. driver's door window began raising and lowering by itself. | |||
| 10/01/2012 | 71967 | 1 | |
| All controls on drivers side door quit working. i got online & found a recall on this for my vehicle. i called the phone number for the recall & they informed me that my car was'nt covered because of the vin #. they told me if i went to a dealer & paid for a diagnostic test they may offer some assistance to have it fixed. they know it is a defect but are trying to get out of fixing mine because of a vin #. i can't afford to pay for the diagnostic test & then have them tell me i owe more because i have a vin# they don't want to fix. *tr | |||
| 10/01/2012 | 71967 | ||
| All controls on drivers side door quit working. i got online &found a recall on this for my vehicle. i called the phone number for the recall & they informed me that my car was'nt covered because of the vin #. they told me if i went to a dealer & paid for a diagnostic test they may offer some assistance to have it fixed. they know it is a defect but are trying to get out of fixing mine because of a vin #. i can't afford to pay for the diagnostic test & then have them tell me i owe more because i have a vin# they don't want to fix. | |||
| 08/02/2012 | 85100 | 1 | |
| As i was driving on the highway, my doors unlocked and locked several times over a period of 30 minutes. i then heard loud chirps from stereo speakers and then the smell of burning plastic. at this point i lost all window controls and audio(door chimes, radio and onstar). to this date i have not been able to use radio or driver side window controls but still notice a smell of melting rubber or plastic. i have two children with autism and i do not feel safe taking it on family outings. *tr | |||
| 08/02/2012 | 85100 | ||
| As i was driving on the highway, my doors unlocked and locked several times over a period of 30 minutes. i then heard loud chirps from stereo speakers and then the smell of burning plastic. at this point i lost all window controls and audio(door chimes, radio and onstar). to this date i have not been able to use radio or driver side window controls but still notice a smell of melting rubber or plastic. i have two children with autism and i do not feel safe taking it on family outings. | |||
| 06/01/2012 | 1 | ||
| Most recent is a driver's side door/window controls that have completely stopped working. controls have been sporadic for over a month and have now stopped completely with the window in the down position. i have been lucky not to experience the burning/melting issue others have before it stopped working all together - but my window is now in the down position and cannot be closed. in addition to the door/window controls, the rear window wiper stopped working about a year ago, the fuel sensor went out over a year and a half ago so tank always registers empty and check engine light is always on. (i have received the offer from chevy to have the fuel sensor repaired, but because i will be responsible for half of the repair costs, i have yet to have it done -- chevy should pay 100%, not 50%). i've already replaced the tie rods about a year ago, but was just told that they need to be replaced again. i've had issues with the car violently shaking @ 60 mph shortly after i bought it (used) from a dealer. after quite the run around and four extended stays at the dealers repair shop it was magically taken care of after i threatened to file lemon law paperwork. i'm just done. *tr | |||
| 06/01/2012 | |||
| Most recent is a driver's side door/window controls that have completely stopped working. controls have been sporatic for over a month and have now stopped completely with the window in the down position. i have been lucky not to experience the burning/melting issue others have before it stopped working all together - but my window is now in the down position and cannot be closed. in addition to the door/window controls, the rear window wiper stopped working about a year ago, the fuel sensor went out over a year and a half ago so tank always registers empty and check engine light is always on. (i have received the offer from chevy to have the fuel sensor repaired, but because i will be responsible for half of the repair costs, i have yet to have it done -- chevy should pay 100%, not 50%). i've already replaced the tie rods about a year ago, but was just told that they need to be replaced again. i've had issues with the car violently shaking @ 60 mph shortly after i bought it (used) from a dealer. after quite the run around and four extended stays at the dealers repair shop it was magically taken care of after i threatened to file lemon law paperwork. i'm just done | |||
| 03/03/2012 | 129000 | ||
| I was driving down the road about 20 mph and the drivers window went down by itself and wouldnt go back up, sometimes when you try to start vehicle nothing happens and then a few seconds later it starts on its own,when it rains all the speakers quit working except the front tweeter speakers, sometimes when i shut the drivers door kinda hard it wont start and u cant lock doors with keyless entry,fuel guage quit working after i filled up with gas. | |||
| 06/01/2012 | 99921 | ||
| For the past few months, while operating the vehicle, the lights on the driver side door for power features would flicker on and then off causing heated seats to not work, windows could not go up or down, inability to power lock or unlock. numerous times the drive has had to cross the center console to enter or exit the vehicle when the drive door would not unlock. today on 6/1/12, the panel was not lite up and would not allow windows to operate, unlock or lock or heat for seats. after trying a few more times, there was a smell of fire and smoke. (yellowish). thankfully the car was in the parked position and we were able to get out, open the door by manually pushing the lock button to open. we quickly removed the power main door switch from the door hand rest where it was apparent by smell and touch of the burning of the equipment. | |||
| 03/12/2012 | |||
| I seem to be having the same issues as others. my drivers side door electrical does not work at all. no windows, mirrors, heated seats. the light will not come on when the door is opened, the radio and lights will no longer stay on when the key is shut off. does anyone know what causes this and how much it cost to fix it? if this is a known issue why has there not been a recall? | |||
| 05/02/2011 | 99000 | ||
| Gas gauge bcame very erratic. finally didn't register at all. check engine light came on while out of town. took the car to a merlin automotive for repair. spent hundreds of dollars and the light would not go off. mass air flow meter, plugs, fuel rail, throttle position sensor, fuel injectors. they even called in a chevy technician who could not figure it out. when i returned home i took it to my local repair shop where they dropped the tank and replaced the sending unit. hundreds of dollars in expenses. then the heating fan switch started smoking and had to be replaced as it had melted and nothing worked . also, every door rusted through at the bottom including hte rear ahtch. dealers' response:welcome to wisconsin. i spent $700 to have the rust cleaned up. | |||
| 04/17/2011 | 102000 | ||
| I own a 2006 chevy trailblazer ext. on april 17th 2011 i was driving on highway 1-96 in michigan with my 2 young kids. gas gague read 48 miles till empty when the vehicle suddenly stalled,it was out of gas. my kids and i had to walk along a major highway to nearest gas station to get gas. the truck ran fine before stalling out at 70 mph. i am thankful there were no cars close behind me when the vehicle suddenly stalled. | |||
| 12/30/2010 | 39000 | ||
| Lights on the dash not working, and also the hot /cold lights on the heater console in the front just quit working, and only 43,000 miles it makes it complicated at night to see how much gas you have or how fast your going. also the air/heat unit on the console for the back seat just quit working, so if i have passengers in the car with me, then they just freeze to death in the back seats, because there is no heat. | |||
| 12/06/2010 | 78000 | ||
| My fuel gauge on my 2006 chevy trailblazer slowly stopped to where it is no longer working at all. also, suddenly today, both of my dim (low beam) head lights stopped working after having the battery replaced. have checked fuses and they are ok. i have seen many complaints for both of these issues. | |||
| 09/16/2010 | 70000 | ||
| As of today, my reduced engine power light came on and there appears to be an issue with the electronic throttle control system. when i turned the car off, and then restarted it, the problem went away, but then a few minutes later, came on again, and the car would not accelerate. this is a major safety concern as the problem occured crossing an intersection. luckily there was no oncoming traffice, or it could have been very serious. | |||
| 03/30/2010 | 71715 | ||
| 3 weeks ago, per the fuel guage had 1/4 tank, no 'low fuel' light indicator. however, my vehicle ran out of gas, leaving me to coast to the side of the road on a corner. i was stranded. i have not let the tank get that low since, out of fear the guage was not reading it properly. last night, i filled the vehicle. apporximately a mile from the gas station, my check engine light came on & the guage registered empty with the light indicator. during my 10 minute drive it continued to fluctuate between empty & full. i am affraid of the vehicle cutting out again while driving in traffic or manuevering through corners. this is very dangerous. | |||
| 11/12/2008 | 34000 | 1 | |
| Light keep going out while driving at night. *tr | |||
| 10/20/2009 | 38000 | 1 | |
| Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6) my 2006 chevrolet trailblazer ext ls has a faulty the fuel gauge/fuel sending unit. at first it would show full when we filled up, but after driving for 5 minutes would go to empty. now it never even registers the fuel level anymore, and the check engine light stays on all the time. i am afraid of stalling, especially since i have children with me. the dealership told me that they couldn't fix it because no recall had been issued. this problem started at around 38,000 miles. [xxx]*tr | |||
| 09/12/2009 | 1 | ||
| On sept. 12th, the battery on my 2006 trailblazer died. while trying to jump the battery, sparks flew and the charge was unsuccessful. the battery was replaced that day with a new one. on sept. 16th, the door control module on the driver's side stopped working and the fuel gauge was erratic. on sept. 22nd, the entire control instrument panel stopped working. none of the gauges or displays work. on sept. 24th, replaced the door control module with a used part to save money. the instrument panel still does not work, and from what i understand, both issues (door control module and instrument panel) are common problems with trailblazers. chevrolet has not put either of these on the recall list. the instrument panel is not exactly a wear and tear item, and i have never had this part go out on any other car i've driven. the fix is $400-600 and the diagnostic test alone is $100. i cannot afford to get this fixed, and not having a speedometer, temperature or fuel gauge is a huge safety issue for a single mom and 2 young kids! *tr | |||
| 03/10/2009 | 40000 | 1 | |
| 2006 chevrolet trailblazer ext gas tank does not read after filling up. a full tank reads empty. the fuel tank low fuel light comes on making it unusable. *tr | |||
| 11/11/2008 | 52924 | 1 | |
| There were no events that led to the part failure. i own a 2006 chevrolet trailblazer ext and have had multiple problems with the vehicle the most recent being, having to replace the alternator and battery due to a bad/faulty diode in the alternator. *tr | |||
| 04/24/2008 | 44000 | 1 | |
| Vehicle was on and being driven on the highway/freeway when it shut off and lost power. vehicle came a stop and restarted vehicle and it did not start immediately after a few attempts it started as if nothing happened and i drove it home. luckily i arrived home and entered my driveway and it shut off again and has not been able to be restarted since. i have not gotten any resolution or help from a chevrolet company and they can not say what it possibly could be. there are trailblazer forums online that state the same by other owner who are experiencing the same. please help as i and my kids could have been hurt or killed. *tr | |||
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - FRONT UNDERHOOD | |||
| 02/11/2006 | 1211 | 3 | 01/02/2006 |
| Steering wheel shakes violently, it has been in dealer for over 30 days. have tried many things to repair, nothing has worked. it only does it some of the time so it is hard to diagnose... i do not want a car that is not safe for me and my kids!! please help us! manufacturer does not seem to care! date feb 11, 2006 was first date in to dealer for repair.... has been in 3 times! to date they have fixed or repaired the: tires, rotors, calipers, master cylinder, brake booster, (and i am sure some others that i can't think of right now) thank you for your time! the kuhr family. *jb | |||