All Investigations » Investigation RQ09001

  Defect Investigation of Brake Lamp Switch Malfunction

Investigation of Brake Lamp Switch Malfunction

Subject: Brake lamp switch malfunction
Components covered:
  • Exterior lighting
  • Brake lights switch
Investigations Summary: This investigation was opened on Feb. 25, 2009. It was closed on Jul. 30, 2009. Note: this investigation has resulted in a vehicle safety recall.
On July 28,2009, gm initiated a regional recall campaign on certain model year (my) 2004-2009 Chevrolet colorado and GMC canyon vehicles and my2006-2008 isuzu I-series vehicles. The states and u. S. Territories involved are al, az, FL, GA, hi, la, ms, nv, nm, pr, SC, TX, vi and ut. A total of 185,903 vehicles will be recalled with 92,272 vehicles within the scope of this investigation. In addition, a special coverage/extended warranty program will be initiated forvehicles registered in all other states. Gm determined that brake lamp switch failures are more likely to occur in vehicles in which customers used interior cleaners containing silicon and that reside in hot geographical locations. Brake lamp switch contamination failure can cause loss of the brake lamps or the brake lamps to stay on continuously, increasing the risk of rear-end crashes. Gm has reported no crashes or injuries due to the failure of the brake lamp switch. Odi initially reported one crash incident, but later downgraded the report due to the absence of actual property damage or cost incurred when the vehicle was lightly tapped from behind at low speed. This investigation is closed (see recall campaign 09v0310).
Vehicles Affected by this investigation:
  • 2004 Chevrolet Colorado
  • 2005 Chevrolet Colorado
  • 2006 Chevrolet Colorado
  • 2004 GMC Canyon
  • 2005 GMC Canyon
  • 2006 GMC Canyon
  • 2006 Isuzu I-280
  • 2006 Isuzu I-280/i-350
  • 2006 Isuzu I-350

    Other investigations related to GMC vehicles

  Defect investigation of driver's master power window switch

  Defect investigation of fuel level gauge system failure

  Defect investigation of engine cooling fan fracture

  Defect investigation of interior door handle laceration risk

  Defect investigation of brake line corrosion failure