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NHTSA safety investigation

NHTSA Investigation DP10001

Defect Petition · General Motors, LLC · FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

ClosedDefect Petition

An investigation is not a finding that a defect exists.

NHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.

Model years namedModel years in our database that NHTSA associated with this inquiry. Being named in an investigation says nothing about whether an individual vehicle has any problem.
27
13 models
Opened
Jan 7, 2010
Defect Petition
Closed
May 23, 2011
No associated recall recorded

What NHTSA is examining

The agency's own description of the inquiry, quoted as published

Fuel Level Gauge System Failure

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.

An investigation is a separate record from a recall and from a manufacturer communication. A manufacturer campaign to repair a safety defect or a failure to meet a federal safety standard.

Investigation details

Identifiers, dates and outcome as recorded by NHTSA

Action number
DP10001
Investigation type
Defect Petition (DP)
Status
Closed
Manufacturer
General Motors, LLC
Component
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
Opened
Jan 7, 2010
Closed
May 23, 2011
Associated recall campaign
None recorded

Vehicles named in this investigation

27 model years across 13 models

Being named here means NHTSA included the vehicle in the scope of its inquiry. It is not a statement that these vehicles have a defect.