2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext 370

On August 15, 2012 General Motors (GM) announced a regional recall action (12V-406) involving model year (MY) 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, Isuzu Ascender and MY2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the salt belt states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. The recall remedy requires the inspection and repair or replacement of the master power window switch, which GM refers to as a driver door module (DDM). At the same time, GM implemented a special coverage program to replace failed DDMs for vehicles registered outside of these states. ODI was not satisfied with GM's exclusion of non-salt belt vehicles and continued its investigation. On June 13, 2013, GM submitted a related recall notification (13V-248) to reclassify the initial special coverage program into a safety recall for vehicles that were not previously repaired under special coverage.The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Engineering Analysis EA12-004 on June 11, 2012 to further investigate allegations of DDM thermal incidents in model year (MY) 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. Thermal incidents involve cases where fire-related events such as smoke and melt are present. ODI has received 170 reports alleging a thermal event occurred. Complainants stated that the DDM melted and in some cases produced odor and/or smoke. Fourteen of these incidents led to a fire where visible flames were reported or the damage extended significantly beyond the DDM. In addition to the 170 reports listed above, ODI received 63 reports alleging the DDM acted erratically or became inoperative. In response to ODI's Information Request (IR), GM provided 619 unique consumer complaints that related to the alleged problem. Seventy-seven of those reports led to a fire with flame, and 4 reported injuries of smoke inhalation and/or slight burns from contact with hot switches. GM also submitted 20,400 warranty claims for replacement of the DDM, most of which involved inoperative switches. The problem condition is caused by fluids, such as rain water, entering the driver's door module and subsequently causing corrosion that could result in an electrical short in the printed circuit board. A short may cause the power door lock and power window switches to function intermittently or become inoperative. However, the electrical short may also cause overheating that could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke or in some cases fire with flame. The circuit board was redesigned and GM implemented the new design into vehicle production on May 14, 2007. All failures cited above occurred in vehicles produced before this build date (i.e., with the original design DDM). GM also reported that all MY 2006-2007 GMT360/370 platform vehicles and MY 2005 SAAB 9-7x vehicles utilized the same DDM and therefore ODI expanded the subject population to include these vehicles.This investigation is closed on the basis of GM's announcement of safety recalls 12V-406 and 13V-248. The ODI complaints cited above can be reviewed at: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID, see the attached list for ODI numbers.

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/owners/SearchNHTSAID 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

The office of defects investigations (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by General Motors (GM) as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers.In total, there were 5,089 unique reports indicating an inaccurate fuel level reading while driving.General Motors stated that this condition occurs when the contacts of the fuel sensor wear prematurely.Most of the complaints indicated an empty fuel gauge reading after filling the tank.Less than 10 percent of theODI complaints involved an engine stall incident.During this investigation, GM developed a remedy procedure and issued special coverage bulletin instructing dealers to install a new design fuel level sensor.The bulletin was sent to dealers on August 10, 2011 and the owner letter mailing began on August 15, 2011.See the investigative file for copies of GM's bulletin and owner letter.This preliminary evaluation is closed.

The Office of Defects Investigation has received 668 complaints alleging inaccurate fuel gauge reading while driving in model year 2005-07 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, and Saab 9-7x vehicles.Of the 668 complaints, 58 incidents were alleged to result in a vehicle stall.Of the 58 stalling incidents, 43 complaints reported stalling because the fuel level reading indicated more fuel availability than what is actually in the fuel tank. One complaint alleged a vehicle crash after the vehicle stalled while exiting the interstate, became disabled, and was struck from behind.Summarily, the complaints show an apparent increasing trend, with most complaints received within the past year.A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.

WHILE DRIVING ON A SMOOTH HI-WAY (NO VIBRATIONS) THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WENT OFF. I SWITCHED TO HI BEAMS AND PULLED OFF THE ROAD AT FIRST OPPORTUNITY. WHEN I SWITCHED BACK TO LOW BEAMS AND THEY WORKED PERFECTLY. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES IN THE 11 YEARS OF OWNERSHIP, TWICE IN ONE WEEK. COULD NEVER INDUCE THE PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID

10981630

Incident

Jan 25, 2016

Mileage

120,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING ON THE AND RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC AND THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF . I TRY TO RESTART AND IT START UP WHEN I TRY TO PROCEED IT SHUT OFF AND WOULD NOT START BACK UP AT ALL.

NHTSA ID

10969532

Incident

Mar 29, 2017

Mileage

35 mi

DRIVING ON FREEWAY AT A CRUISE CONTROL SPEED OF 70 MPH WITHOUT ANY WARNING LIGHTS OR MALFUNCTIONS WITH THE TRUCK, WHITE SMOKE WAS NOTED FROM BEHIND THE TRUCK. SMOKE IMMEDIATELY BECAME WORSE AND TRUCK WAS PULLED OFF ON SIDE OF ROAD. SMOKE WAS NOTED COMING FROM UNDER FRONT HOOD AS WELL. DRIVER THEN SAW FLAMES COMING UP DRIVER SIDE WINDOW. DRIVER RAN FROM VEHICLE AND IT WAS CONSUMED IN FIRE. THE WHOLE VEHICLE WAS A FIRE BOMB AND DESTROYED. NO INJURY WAS SUSTAINED BY DRIVER AS OF NEXT DAY EXCEPT TO SAY SHOCK AND EMOTIONAL TRAUMA. DRIVER SIDE DOOR SWITCH FOR SAFETY RECALL OF POSSIBLE FIRE WAS DONE AND SERVICED ON APRIL 2015. TRUCK WAS IN THE SHOP THE PREVIOUS DAY FOR A TIE ROD REPAIR, OIL CHANGE, AND TIRE ROTATION. MECHANIC SAID THE TRUCK LOOKED IN GOOD SHAPE WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS NOTED ON THE VEHICLE. I HAVE PICTURES ON MY PHONE OF A BALL OF FIRE THAT WAS THE TRUCK.

NHTSA ID

10887593

Incident

Jul 20, 2016

Mileage

144,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER EXT 370. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V755000 (VISIBILITY) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

10838041

Incident

Nov 25, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER EXT 370. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS BECAME INOPERABLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE HDM MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V519000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

10817671

Incident

Jan 3, 2015

Mileage

125,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER EXT 370. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 126,000.

NHTSA ID

10794560

Incident

Nov 17, 2015

Mileage

126,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER EXT 370. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V755000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER STATED THAT PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DELAY AND STATED THAT THE REMEDY WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT DID NOT EXPERIENCE A FAILURE RELATED TO THE RECALL; HOWEVER, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

NHTSA ID

10778189

Incident

Jan 27, 2015

Mileage

110,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER EXT 370. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD ERRONEOUSLY INDICATE THAT THE FUEL TANK WAS EMPTY. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE FUEL GAUGE WOULD PROVIDE AN ACCURATE FUEL READING BEFORE DISPLAYING EMPTY AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,800.

NHTSA ID

10767289

Incident

May 1, 2015

Mileage

71,800 mi

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.