2004 Chevrolet Tahoe
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 467 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 26 Tahoe model years with reports.
Of the 2004 reports, 25 involved a crash and 7 involved a fire. 24 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Wheels, hubDec 17, 2007
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.
WHEEL SEPARATION CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.
Campaign 07E106000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasolineMay 19, 2006
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
Campaign 06E043000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, rear/otherApr 22, 2005
ON CERTAIN CREW CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE 2ND ROW CENTER OCCUPANT SEAT BELT ROUTING MAY MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO POSITION THE LAP PORTION OF THE SAFETY BELT LOW AROUND THE HIPS OF OCCUPANTS, ESPECIALLY SMALLER OCCUPANTS, SEATED IN THIS POSITION. APPROPRIATE USE OF A CHILD SEAT OR BOOSTER SEAT, AS RECOMMENDED FOR SMALL CHILDREN, DOES IMPROVE THE FIT CONDITION FOR THIS USER GROUP. IN ADDITION TO INSTRUCTIONS ON PROPER INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD RESTRAINT (WITH CHILD SEATS OR BOOSTERS), SPECIAL VERBIAGE FOR RESTRAINING OLDER CHILD IS INCLUDED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. ALSO, THE SUGGESTED SEAT BELT FIT/ROUTING FOR ADULTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF SEATING POSITION, IS DESCRIBED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL TEXT.
A LAP PORTION OF THE SEAT BELT ROUTING THAT IS NOT LOW AND SNUG ON THE HIPS CAN ALLOW THE LAP BELT TO RIDE UP ON AN OCCUPANT'S ABDOMEN INSTEAD OF FITTING LOW AROUND THEIR HIPBONES, AND THEREFORE, CAN EXPOSE THEM TO MORE RISK OF ABDOMINAL AND INTERNAL ORGAN INJURY.
DEALERS WILL CUT OPEN THE GUIDE LOOP, REMOVE A PORTION OF THE LOOP, AND THEN THE REMAINING TWO SIDES SHOULD BE FOLDED OVER AND SECURED WITH A RETAINER FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 21, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.
Campaign 05V163000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulicFeb 4, 2004
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, ?PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.? SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION BRAKE HYDRO-BOOST HOUSING RELIEF VALVE BORE.
CONSEQUENTLY, THE VALVE O-RING SEAL MAY FRACTURE. STEERING EFFORTS MAY BE SLIGHTLY INCREASED WHILE BRAKING OR PARKING. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, A FRACTURED SEAL MAY REQUIRE A SLIGHT INCREASE IN THE APPLIED BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT TO ACHIEVE THE SAME VEHICLE DECELERATION RATE AS PRIOR TO THE SEAT FRACTURE.
DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE THE HYDRO-BOOST RELIEF VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 18, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463; OR HUMMER AT 1-866-486-6376.
Campaign 04V045000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
467 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 12, 2014, fire
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN MY 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE CAUGHT ON FIRE BURNING TO THE GROUND. THE REPORT FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SAYS THAT THE FIRE STARTED DUE TO FAILURE OF EQUIPMENT OR A HEAT SOURCE AND THAT THERE WERE NO HUMAN FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE FIRE.WHILE LOOKING ON THE INTERNET I HAVE FOUND AT LEAST ONE OTHER PERSON THAT HAS ENCOUNTERED THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HER 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE. *TR
Engine, Mar 8, 2014
THE TAHOE HAS KNOWN FAULTY CASTECH CYLINDERS WHICH CAUSE COOLANT TO LEAK WITH NO EXPLANATION. OVER THE WINTER I HAVE HAD UNEXPLAINED COOLANT/ANTIFREEZE ISSUE WITH NO FOUND LEAKS (COOLANT WOULD BE BONE DRY AFTER A COUPLE WEEKS OF FILLING IT). I WAS TOLD THE ISSUE IS PROBABLY CAUSED BY THE FAULTY POROUS CYLINDER HEADS MADE BY CASTECH INSTALLED IN GM'S FROM 2001 - 2006. THIS TAHOE HAS A TOTAL OF 80,000 MILES NOW AND EXPERIENCING ISSUES DUE TO KNOWN FAULTY PARTS INSTALLED BY GM. CHEVROLET HAS TO BE AWARE OF THE DANGER THEY ARE PUTTING THEIR CUSTOMERS IN BY NOT HAVING A RECALL OF A FAULTY PART LOCATED IN THE ENGINE. HOW THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL I DO NOT UNDERSTAND. HOW CHEVROLET EXPECT THE CUSTOMER TO PAY 3-4K TO REPLACE THEIR FAULTY HEAD IS LUDICROUS. *TR
Service brakes, Feb 22, 2014
I WAS LEAVING WORK AND I WAS COMING TO A JUNCTION, APPLIED MY BRAKES AND NOTHING HAPPENED, I WAS SLOWLY GOING INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD AND A CAR WAS COMING TOWARDS ME, I HAD TO ACCELERATE TO GET IN FRONT OF HIM, TO AVOID HIM HITTING ME. I GOT TO THE MAIN JUNCTION WHICH IS ON A HILL AND I PRESSED VERY HARD ON THE BRAKES AND IT FINALLY STOPPED. I DROVE 2 MILES AN HOUR FOR ABOUT 100 FT AND TURNED INTO A GAS STATION. I CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND WHILE WAITING FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR. THE TOW TRUCK MAN GOT UNDER THE CAR AND SAID ALL MY BRAKE LINES WERE RUSTED AND LEAKING. I WAS LUCKY THERE WAS NOT A LOT OF TRAFFIC ON THE ROAD. WHY ARE THE BRAKE LINES RUSTED. IS THERE A RECALL ON THESE BRAKE LINES. *TR
Engine, Feb 19, 2014
GM USED DEFECTIVE ENGINE CYLINDER HEADS FOR MILLIONS OF 4.8/5.3 LITER V8 ENGINES FROM 2001-2006. THE CYLINDER HEADS CRACK CAUSING COOLANT TO FLOW INTO THE OIL AND CAUSE EXCESSIVE SLUDGE TO FORM AND CAUSE ENGINE FAILURE. GM KNOWS ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND ISSUED TSB TO IT'S SERVICE DEPARTMENTS:1 INFORMATION ON GRADUAL COOLANT LOSS OVER TIME WITH NO EVIDENCE OF LEAK FOUND #06-06-01-019B - (06/12/2007). THESE DEFECTIVE CYLINDER HEADS CAN CAUSE OVERHEATING AND COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. *TR
Service brakes, Feb 17, 2014
MY MECHANIC INFORMED ME TODAY THAT MY BRAKE LINES WERE VERY CORRODED AND IN DANGER OF A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 20, 2014
SPEEDOMETER IS READING ERRATICALLY. WHEN ENGINE IS TURNED OF IT DOES NOT GO TO ZERO AND WHEN DRIVING SOMETIMES IT READS FASTER THAN ACTUAL SPEED AND SOMETIMES LOWER. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jan 12, 2014
A FEW WEEKS AGO I WAS TRAVELING DOWN HWY 60 IN SOUTHWEST MISSOURI AND THE "REDUCED ENGINE POWER" LIGHT CAME ON. THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY SLOWED TO ABOUT 4-5 MILES PER HOUR AND I WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE. I CRAWLED TO THE NEXT EXIT WHERE I BARELY MADE IT UP THE INCLINE AND INTO A GAS STATION. WE CHECKED THE GAS, OIL, BATTERY, ETC. I TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE AND WHEN I STARTED IT UP AGAIN, IT SEEMED FINE. I CONTINUED HOME. THE NEXT DAY I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC WHO SAID THAT IT ALL CHECKED OUT PERFECTLY AND THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. THIS HAS HAPPENED 12-15 TIMES IN THE LAST MONTH AND EVERY TIME I TAKE IT TO THE MECHANIC, HE TELLS ME THAT THE COMPUTER IS NOT "THROWING CODES" AND THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. THIS IS NOT A FIGMENT OF MY IMAGINATION. THIS KEEPS HAPPENING. THE MOST RECENT "EPISODE" WAS LAST NIGHT. WE TOOK THE BOAT DOWN TO THE RIVER TO GO GIGGING AT NIGHT. WHEN I WENT TO PULL THE TRAILER UP THE BOAT RAMP AND PARK THE VEHICLE, THE "REDUCED ENGINE POWER" LIGHT AGAIN CAME ON AND I COULD NOT PULL UP THE HILL. EVERY TIME I ATTEMPTED IT, THE LIGHT CAME ON AND I ACTUALLY WENT BACKWARDS TOWARDS THE RIVER!! MY CHILDREN WERE IN THE VEHICLE AND I WAS SCARED WE WOULD BE TRAPPED IT SOMETHING FURTHER MALFUNCTIONED AND WE ROLLED BACK INTO THE DEEP COLD WATER!!! FROM WHAT I HAVE NOW RESEARCHED GM IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY A PROBLEM THIS POTENTIALLY DEADLY HAS NOT BEEN DEALT WITH! I AM NOT THE FIRST OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE AND HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM LIKE THIS. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER OF THREE BEAUTIFUL BOYS AND I AM SCARED TO DRIVE MY CAR BECAUSE OF THIS. I CANNOT PUT THEM IN A POTENTIALLY DEADLY SITUATION. SO OUR ONLY VEHICLE SITS AND WAITS IN OUR DRIVEWAY LEAVING ME STRANDED A LOT UNTIL GM CAN COME UP WITH A SOLUTION ON THEIR DIME. THIS ISN'T FAIR THAT A PROBLEM IS KNOW AND NO ONE AT GM WILL FIX IT. PLEASE HELP FIX THIS BEFORE SOMEONE DIES! *TR
Steering, Suspension, Jan 10, 2014
HUB BEARING L/F NOISE HAVE TAKING TO SHOP WHEEL FALLING OFF.450.TO FIX.GOOD THING I COULD HAVE GOT INTO A ACCIDENT OR KILLED SOMEONE OR MYSELF. *TR
Service brakes, Jan 9, 2014
TRIED TO STOP, BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR. BRAKE LINES AT THE FRAME UNDER DRIVER'S SIDE RUSTED THROUGH. TRUCK HAD TO BE TOWED, AND ALL BRAKE LINES REPLACED. *TR
Engine, Jan 8, 2014
CYLINDER HEADS ARE LEAKING COOLANT INTO THE ENGINE. THIS CAUSES EXCESSIVE LIFTER NOISE WHEN FIRST STARTED AFTER THE ENGINE HAS BEEN SITTING FOR SEVERAL HOURS AND REQUIRES COOLANT TO BE ADDED ALMOST DAILY. THIS CONDITION WILL EVENTUALLY RUIN THE ENGINE REQUIRING THE ENGINE TO BE REPLACED. THIS PROBLEM IS KNOWN BY GM TO BE A DEFECT IN THE CASTING PROCESS, YET NO HELP IS OFFERED BY GM TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR
Service brakes, Oct 23, 2013
I BOUGHT A 2004 CHEVY TAHOE AUGUST 2013- I MAYBE DROVE IT TWICE A WEEK FOR MAYBE 3 WEEKS.DO TO THE SCREW UP WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND INSURANCE COMPANY I WAS CANCELED IN SEPTEMBER UP UNTIL OCTOBER 22 THE TRUCK SAT IN MY DRIVE WAY. FINALLY WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT. DROVE IT ONE DAY, I WAS DRIVING BACK AFTER FILLING MY TANK. I'M COMING UP TO A RED LIGHT WITH A MOTORCYCLE IN FRONT OF ME. I BEGAN APPLYING THE BRAKES AND I'M APPROACHING THE MOTORCYCLE IN FRONT OF ME. WHEN I TRY TO APPLY THE BRAKES, I'M PUSHING THEM ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND I'M NOT STOPPING. I KNOW AT THIS POINT I DON'T HAVE BRAKES. I SWERVE TO AVOID REAR ENDING THE MOTORCYCLE. I ALMOST HIT ON COMING CARS. THEN I'M ABLE TO APPLY WHAT WAS LEFT OF THE BRAKES TO GET THE CAR TO STOP. WHEN I PUT THE TAHOE IT TO PARK THAT'S WHEN THE BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON. I GET OUT AND I SEE NOTHING BUT BRAKE FLUID POURING OUT OF THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE. I LOOK UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK(SUV) AND THE ENTIRE BRAKE LINES WHERE ROTTED AND THE ENTIRE UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK WAS RUSTED. *TR
Suspension, Wheels, Service brakes, Aug 26, 2013, fire
ABS LIGHT CAME ON. WHILE BRAKING TO ENTER AN ON-RAMP, STEERING WHEEL JERKED AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT WHEEL ALMOST BROKE OFF. *TR
Tires, Electrical system, Aug 11, 2013
FIRST PROBLEM IS THAT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER STOPS AND STARTS WORKING AT RANDOM TIMES NOT KNOWING HOW FAST YOU'RE GOING. CHEVY SAID THEY WERE FAMILIAR WITH THE PROBLEM BUT WOULD ONLY FIX IT UP TO 80,000 MILES. NOT SURE WHAT KIND OF RECALL DOSE THAT. SECOND PROBLEM IS WHEN I GOT A FLAT TIRE, I NOR THE AUTO ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE MAN COULD GET THE SPARE TIRE DOWN. THE CAR STRANDED UNTIL I TOOK THE ENTIRE WHEEL OFF THE CAR AND TO THE REPAIR SHOP TO GET FIXED AND BROUGHT IT BACK TO RE-INSTALL IT. THE DEALER HAS BEEN THE ONLY PLACE THAT CAN ACTUALLY GET IT TO UNLATCH AND ADMITS IT A BAD DESIGN. I'M ALWAYS APPREHENSIVE ABOUT GETTING A FLAT AND BEING STRANDED. *TR
Electrical system, Jul 8, 2013
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ALL OF A SUDDEN THE SPEEDOMETER REGISTERED 120 MPH, I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND STOPPED THE VEHICLE, THE SPEEDOMETER WAS STILL REGISTERING 50 MPH. SINCE THAT TIME THE SPEEDOMETER REGISTERS VARIOUS SPEEDS, FROM 140 TO 0 I AM NOT SURE WHAT SPEED I AM ACTUALLY GOING, I CAN BE PARKED WITH THE SPEEDOMETER ON 140 OR DRIVING WITH THE SPEEDOMETER ON 0. *TR
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 4, 2013
THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN ENGAGING IN 4-WHEEL DRIVE ON ITS ON FOR OVER A YEAR EVEN WHEN TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH OR MORE. WHEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM SEEN IN THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE AND VERY COSTLY TO FIX. WAS TOLD TO WAIT UNTIL IT BECOMES MORE PROBLEMATIC TO REPAIR BECAUSE OF THE COST. NOW THE LIGHT DOES NOT SHOW ON THE PANEL TO SHOW IF IT IS IN 2 OR 4 WHEEL DRIVE AND IT IS HAPPENING MORE FREQUENTLY. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Jul 2, 2013
I HAD THE WIPERS ON BECAUSE OF RAIN STORM, THEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE JUST STOPPED WORKING. IT WAS RAINING HARD, HAD NO VISIBILITY. *TR
Steering, Jul 2, 2013
STEERING WHEEL MAKES RATTLING OR VIBRATION NOISE ALL THE TIME IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT SPEED I AM TRAVELING AT. VEHICLE FEELS ALMOST OUT OF CONTROL. CONSTANTLY HAVE TO MOVE THE WHEEL TO KEEP IT ON THE ROAD. NO OTHER ISSUES OTHER THAN STANDARD WEAR AND TEAR BUT THIS ISSUE ALONE MAKES ME WANT TO JUNK THE VEHICLE AS I SURE DON'T WANT ANYONE ELSE DRIVING IT AND FEELING AS INSECURE AS I DO. *TR
Engine, Jun 25, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A COOLING FLUID LEAK, AND SHE HAD TO ADD COOLING FLUID CONSISTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS COOLING FLUID LEAKING INTO THE OIL PAN IN THE ENGINE. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER WHO ACKNOWLEDGED THERE WAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN, BUT REFUSED TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE FOR THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
Electrical system, Jun 18, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK FAILED AND WOULD NOT ACTIVATE WHETHER ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE MANUALLY OR ELECTRONICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 13V248000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 155,000.
Engine, Jun 11, 2013
ENGINE STARTED WITH A TICKING NOISE WHEN COLD. WOULD GO AWAY AFTER ENGINE WARMED UP. UPON INSPECTION FOUND 2 EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLTS SHEARED ON #7 CYLINDER, 1 BROKEN ON #8. TICKING COMING FROM EXHAUST LEAK ON #7. UPON RESEARCH FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THESE ENGINES. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL OR SAFETY NOTICE AS IT PRESENTS A REAL HAZARD FOR FIRE AND EXHAUST FUMES ENTERING PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. *TR
Air bags, May 25, 2013
ON THE DATE IN QUESTION MY TEENAGE SON AND GIRLFRIEND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AT A STOP SIGN WHEN, WITHOUT ANY WARNING LIGHTS OR OTHER WARNING OF ANY KIND, THE OVERHEAD SIDE RAIL AIRBAGS ON BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE DEPLOYMENT SIMULTANEOUSLY AND THE SEATBELTS LOCK UP. FORTUNATELY THE KIDS WERE NOT PHYSICALLY HARMED. GM WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ARRANGED AN INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE INCLUDING RECOVERY OF THE ENCRYPTED BLACK BOX DATA WHICH CONFIRMED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN MOTION AND THERE WAS NO EXPLANATION FOR THE DEPLOYMENT. AFTER ABOUT 2 MONTHS WE WERE FINALLY TOLD THE ENGINEERS HAD CONCLUDED THAT THE SENSORS HAD BEEN EXPOSED TO A LOT OF WATER DAMAGE AND WERE SEVERELY CORRODED. THEY AUTHORIZED A COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF THE SMART MODULE, EVERY AIRBAG SENSOR, SEAT BELT HARDWARE AND ALL INCIDENTAL DAMAGE TO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. I SUBSEQUENTLY SUBMITTED A CLAIM TO GM FOR MONEY DAMAGES IN MARCH-APRIL 2013, AND RECEIVED A CALL IN , REGARD TO THIS TWO WEEK AGO. GM OFFERED A FEW MEAGER ITEMS TO TRY AND SETTLE THE DISPUTE, AND IN THE PROCESS OF THIS LATEST DISCUSSION, WE WERE ADVISED FOR THE FIRST TIME THAT NOT A SINGLE REPORT MADE MENTION OF ANY WATER OR CORROSION DAMAGE, BUT THE ENGINEERING REPORT FOUND INSTEAD THAT INADEQUATE DOOR PADDING IN ALL FOUR DOORS FROM THE FACTORY ALLOWED THE SENSORS TO VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY, THUS CAUSING THE DEFECTIVE DEPLOYMENT. SHE ADMITTED THAT GM HAD SEVERAL SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH CERTAIN VEHICLES LIKE OURS MADE DURING A CERTAIN PERIOD OF TIME. A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER WE SPOKE WITH OUR ORIGINAL CLAIMS REP WHO DENIED EVER TELLING US THAT WATER DAMAGE AND CORROSION WERE CULPRITS. SHE CLAIMED TO HAVE MADE THE REPAIR DECISION ON HER OWN THE FIRST TIME AND SHE WAS NOT AWARE OF ANY ENGINEERING REPORT REGARDING DOOR PADDING. SINCE FEBRUARY MY SON HAS CONTINUED TO DRIVE A VEHICLE WITH A SERIOUSLY DEFECTIVE AIR BAG SYSTEM. *TR
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, May 21, 2013
I WAS DRIVING ON E-470 WESTBOUND NEAR QUEBEC WHEN THE CAR SHUTDOWN COMPLETELY. NO POWER. THE CAR THEN WOULD NOT START AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER TO HAVE A COMPUTER CHECK. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP, AFTER A WEEK, WHEN I WAS HAVING IT TOWED TO MY MECHANIC FOR THE REPAIR, I DECIDED TO TRY TO START IT AND IT STARTED RIGHT UP. I DROVE IT TO MY MECHANIC WHO CHECKED THE FUEL PUMP AND SAID IT WAS FINE. THEY COULD NOT FIND A REASON WHY THIS HAPPENED. SAME WITH ANOTHER MECHANIC. SINCE THEN (I HAD OWNED THE CAR FOR 5 MONTHS AT THAT POINT) THIS HAS HAPPENED FOUR MORE TIMES, THE LATEST ON MAY 9TH. AGAIN IT'S BEEN TOWED AND AGAIN I AM TRYING TO FIND A PERMANENT SOLUTION. I AM NOW FINDING OUT THE PASSLOCK ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS AND CUTS OFF FUEL TO THE PUMP BECAUSE THE CAR THINKS IT IS BEING STOLEN. I HAVE ALSO LEARNED IT HAS BEEN A COMMON PROBLEM IN MANY GMC MODELS OVER MANY YEARS. SOMETIMES THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM CAN BE RESET (THOUGH THAT HAS NEVER WORKED FOR ME). THE ONLY WAY TO PERMANENTLY FIX THE PROBLEM IS TO DISABLE THE PASSLOCK ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM. THESE SYSTEMS SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM THESE CARS. I WOULD RATHER MY CAR BE STOLEN THEN SHUT DOWN AT 65 MPH OR WHEN MY WIFE IS DRIVING HOME FROM DOWNTOWN DENVER AT 10:30 AT NIGHT THROUGH NOT SO GREAT PARTS OF TOWN. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Fuel/propulsion system, May 15, 2013
MY WIFE AND I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW. IT WAS ALWAYS KEPT IN A GARAGE AND DRIVEN VERY LITTLE. AS OF TODAY IT ONLY HAS 30,000 MILES ON IT. TO BEGIN WITH, ON OR NEAR MARCH 2007 AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE I NOTICED A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE. I LOOKED UNDER THE CAR AND I SAW A FAIRLY HEAVY DRIPPING OF GAS FROM THE TOP OF THE GAS TANK. I DROVE IT TO A MECHANIC THAT I HAVE BEEN USING FOR MANY YEARS. HE TOLD ME THAT HE HAD A HARD TIME FINDING WHERE THE GAS WAS COMING FROM BUT WITH A MIRROR , HE WAS ABLE TO SEE THAT IT WAS COMING FROM THE FUEL PUMP OR WHAT HE CALLED THE FUEL SENDING UNIT. HE SAID IT APPEARRED TO BE COMING FROM THE PUMP IN THR TOP OF THE TANK AND THAT IT WAS BADLY RUSTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I CALLED THE DEALER FROM WHO WE HAD BOUGHT THE TAHOE AND ASKED IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS TO THIS. THEY SAID NO. I SHOULD ALSO TELL YOU THAT THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT HE HAD REPLACED MANY OF THIS SAME TANKS. HE SAID IT WAS BUILT IN SUCH A WAY AS TO BE SHAPED LIKE A BOWL AND THAT THE WATER JUST LAID IN IT. IT COST ME 750.00 TO GET A NEW FUEL SENDING UNIT PUT IN. ABOUT 4 YEARS LATER, THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPENED. THE ENTIRE TOP OF THE PUMP WAS RUSTED OUT AND AGAIN GAS LEAKED OUT . ENOUGH GAS LEAKED OUT TO ALMOST COVER MY ENTIRE GARAGE FLOOR. THIS REALLY KIND OF SCARED ME. EVEN JUST ANY KINK OF A SMALL SPARK AND NOT ONLY ME BUT MY HOLE HOUSE WITH FIVE OTHER PEOPLE NOT MIGHT OF GOT HURT, WITH THIS MUCH GAS WE WOULD HAVE BEEN DEAD.. AGAIN I CHECKED FOR RECALLS OF WHICH THERE WERE NONE AND ENDED HAVING AGAIN A NEW FUEL PUMP INSTALLED. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BEING THAT HE. *TR
Fuel/propulsion system, May 15, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE NOTICED FLUID LEAKING FROM THE FUEL PUMP. THE FAILURE WAS NOTICED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS ADVISED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED TWICE FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000. *TR
Engine, May 10, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CYLINDER HEADS FRACTURED ON THE VEHICLE AND THE ENGINE OVERHEATED. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC AND IT WAS FOUND THAT COOLANT LEAKED INTO THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT IF THIS CONTINUES THE ENGINE WILL EVENTUALLY FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 117,000. *TR