I own a 2002 Chevy Trailblazer LS. Recently I noted that the 3rd brake light (LED mounted above the hatch) was burned out. Took it to the Chevy dealer to replace part since lights are in a sealed unit. The dealer confirmed the bulb needed to be replaced. The replacement parts carried in the system are not the same as OEM due to a redesign. Reason for redesign was not given. To replace lights (required to pass state inspection) I must replace the entire molding above the hatch to fit the new light and have that molding painted to match my vehicle color. Estimate is $550 dollars not counting the cost of a rental car while the vehicle is being painted (2-3 days is the estimated time to repair). Call to the customer service number above resulted in GM offering to pay 1/2 of the repair bill (nothing towards the rental car)
Car is only a 2002 model. Parts should be available. It is not fair for GM make the consumer foot the bill of redesign after the product has been sold. If there was a problem requiring a redesign for safety reasons, the company should foot the cost completely, including reimbursement for loss of use.
I own a 2002 Chevy Trailblazer LS. Recently I noted that the 3rd brake light (LED mounted above the hatch) was burned out. Took it to the Chevy dealer to replace part since lights are in a sealed unit. The dealer confirmed the bulb needed to be replaced. The replacement parts carried in the system are not the same as OEM due to a redesign. Reason for redesign was not given. To replace lights (required to pass state inspection) I must replace the entire molding above the hatch to fit the new light and have that molding painted to match my vehicle color. Estimate is $550 dollars not counting the cost of a rental car while the vehicle is being painted (2-3 days is the estimated time to repair). Call to the customer service number above resulted in GM offering to pay 1/2 of the repair bill (nothing towards the rental car)
Car is only a 2002 model. Parts should be available. It is not fair for GM make the consumer foot the bill of redesign after the product has been sold. If there was a problem requiring a redesign for safety reasons, the company should foot the cost completely, including reimbursement for loss of use.
- William R., Virginia Beach, VA, US