A Few Pet Peeves [Archive] - Chevy TrailBlazer, TrailBlazer SS and GMC Envoy Forum

TBSS

01-31-2006, 01:11 AM

chasmanz28

01-31-2006, 01:48 AM

#2 and 4 are common problems with the TB in general, my 05 has those problems but ive learned to live with it, but your right you would think with the 06 SS being its flagship model it would be alot better, just one of the many reasons why GM is sinking fast

TonyGXP

01-31-2006, 02:28 AM

The truck is nice, and comes in at a really good price point, but I have a couple of beefs that I want to get off my chest.

I don't know if these are issues with regular TBs and Envoys or not, but here they are...

1) Gasoline filler tube: I've never seen or experienced a gas fill tube where I have to pray that the nozzle doesn't fall out while I'm fueling. The tube seems like it is level with the ground, instead of up and down like it should be. What the **** is up with that? Half the time I can't get the gas moving, and even when I do, it stops before it's full (yesterday it was half full when it refused to pump another drop of gas).

2) Wind noise from A-pillar: Boy is this obnoxious. Am I the only one who thinks the noise from the A-pillar is unacceptable? I mean, it is LOUD!!!

3) Cheap floor mats: 'Nuff said. I would have expected more from a fully-loaded LT TBSS than paper-thin floormats.

4) Fit and finish: The gap between the rear doors is much larger at the bottom of the door than it is at the top. Also, the gap at the bottom of the liftgate is huge and shows a bunch of holes in the body. Disappointing.

5) Seats: See link in sig.

Anyone else notice these things? I still think the TBSS is a decent vehicle, but I would have thought that 4 years into production there wouldn't be issues like this. :mad:

feeling better about my "Monday Built" SS more and more....you must of bought a "Friday build"..

1) not a problem ever, my XUV or SS

2) not a problem ever, my XUV or SS...deja vu?

3) what new vehicle these days has premium floor mats, I had an 89' chrysler with premium floor mats, nice than the carpet in my house, since then... none..

4) fit and finish is much improved over the previous TB/Envoys, believe me..but it's not uncommon for a % of vehicles to come off the line "a lil' off"

5) checked mine...I don't have that problem..at all, in either of my SUV's, either the SS or the XUV..

sorry, but I can do nothing but compliment my truck, it's very nice

1BADSS

01-31-2006, 11:36 AM

Just be thankful you get mats.Most cars nowadays that is extra.Buy some Loyd's if you want nice carpets.

Envoy Fan

01-31-2006, 11:57 AM

Never had an issue with gas filling, although older GMT360's had some problems.

Totally agree with #2. Wind noise has been an issue with the GMT360's since day one in 2001. :hissy: :hissy: Seems like a fix could have been done by now. :duh: I'm also thinking part of the problem is the multi-piece outside rear view mirrors. Wind has a big opportunity to get in the seams and make noise. I even put some sound deadener in the inside A pillars of my '03 Envoy SLT, but didn't really quiet it down much. The new quiet glass and insulation that they started putting in some of the '05's and I think all of the '06's has been good progress, but still need more.

Fit and finish on my '05 better than my '03. Still need improvement.

Envoy Denali should have better grade of carpet than it comes with. :hissy:

Seats on the '05 Denali much better than '03's were. :thumbsup:

rsnow46

01-31-2006, 12:10 PM

My '06 is fine. None of the problems you're having. Sounds like you should have looked it over and driven it for a test drive before you bought it.

Dacomputernerd

01-31-2006, 12:28 PM

Talk about wind noise! At highway speeds in the 3rd row in the EXT, it is LOUD! Like loud that it gives you a headache! The only think i have found that helps is removing the roof rack crossbars when going on long trips (camping).

If we decide to keep the truck after the lease, one of the mods will be to put sound deadener on the roof and floor!

Envoy Fan

01-31-2006, 01:10 PM

My '06 is fine. None of the problems you're having. Sounds like you should have looked it over and driven it for a test drive before you bought it.

Every TB and Envoy I have driven has had wind noise. And I have driven over a dozen. So how did GM fix yours so you don't have it? :undecided

kco4242

01-31-2006, 02:16 PM

I have none of those problems but I have noticed the gas filler might come out, but I just do not pull directly in front of the pump, put a little angle on the filler and it will stay in! My SS has been perfect so far!

SUVette06

01-31-2006, 03:18 PM

ghoster

01-31-2006, 03:38 PM

Every TB and Envoy I have driven has had wind noise. And I have driven over a dozen. So how did GM fix yours so you don't have it? :undecided

The only wind noise I have ever had was coming from the cross rails on the roof rack. The dealer tried to figure it out for weeks. Once I took them off, I have had no noticable wind noise at all.

steined

01-31-2006, 05:53 PM

I've heard the wind noise around the A pillar, it isn't that bad. My Audi A6 had louder A pillar noise than the SS. The Laminated glass helps I'm sure! There is a TSB out there on how to fill the assembly seams on the mirrors with silicone. I wouldn't do it on my truck, but if it bothered my I'd consider it.

I don't seem to have issues with 1,2,4, & 5 the original poster commented on.

The floor mats are cheap ass though. Would have been nice to have some embrodered ones thrown in with the $5000 SS package, but I'll pay the aftermarket for them. No big deal.

Eric

TonyGXP

01-31-2006, 05:53 PM

Every TB and Envoy I have driven has had wind noise. And I have driven over a dozen. So how did GM fix yours so you don't have it? :undecided

If you're coming from a Lexus or Infinity, you would notice it, but driving any regular domestic or import at speed, ESPECIALLY one shaped like a BRICK!! and you're gonna have that noise...whatever you do don't put the Vent visors on, then you'll know what wind noise is!

Silver_06

01-31-2006, 07:06 PM

If you're coming from a Lexus or Infinity, you would notice it, but driving any regular domestic or import at speed, ESPECIALLY one shaped like a BRICK!! and you're gonna have that noise...whatever you do don't put the Vent visors on, then you'll know what wind noise is!

LOL, I just came from a Lexus IS300 wagon and the SS had better quality at initial delivery, drives a heck of a lot better and I've never noticed any more noise than what I did in the Lexus. Lexus is hype...down with Toyota.

Dacomputernerd

01-31-2006, 07:07 PM

Lexus is hype...down with Toyota.

Wahoo! :thumbsup:

Fishhunter911

01-31-2006, 07:11 PM

LOL, I just came from a Lexus IS300 wagon and the SS had better quality at initial delivery, drives a heck of a lot better and I've never noticed any more noise than what I did in the Lexus. Lexus is hype...down with Toyota.

AMEN Brotha!!:iagree:

JPeesy

01-31-2006, 09:36 PM

Hey guys, I drive LX 470 with 202k+ miles. Waiting for a TBSS, but my L(andcruiser)X is still nice and quiet, my wife drives an '06 Avalon. Best American cars money can buy!!:rotfl:

TonyGXP

01-31-2006, 10:37 PM

Hey guys, I drive LX 470 with 202k+ miles. Waiting for a TBSS, but my L(andcruiser)X is still nice and quiet, my wife drives an '06 Avalon. Best American cars money can buy!!:rotfl:

some guys on here are KILLING ME!!!! how can anyone say the quality of this truck is as good or for that matter anywhere near a Lexus..please stop this nonsense, I LOVE MY SS, but it's NO Lexus/Infinity, stop by a dealer and see for yourself if you don't believe me...Jeez..

Silver_06

01-31-2006, 10:55 PM

some guys on here are KILLING ME!!!! how can anyone say the quality of this truck is as good or for that matter anywhere near a Lexus..please stop this nonsense, I LOVE MY SS, but it's NO Lexus/Infinity, stop by a dealer and see for yourself if you don't believe me...Jeez..

Yeah, what do I know considering I owned one of each. My brand new '05 IS300 wagon was delivered to me showing 26 miles on the odo with a rattle in the dash, a scratch on the passenger door, a dent in the roof, lousy insturment and radio backlighting and an open door chime on its last legs. So yeah, I would say my ZERO problem TBSS with 900 miles has quality better than my Lexus did. Maybe if I didn't hate the car so much and got rid of it after only 3500 miles I should have given it more time to work the bugs out eh? Where's the smiley that's rolling its eyes...

TonyGXP

01-31-2006, 11:09 PM

Yeah, what do I know considering I owned one of each. My brand new '05 IS300 wagon was delivered to me showing 26 miles on the odo with a rattle in the dash, a scratch on the passenger door, a dent in the roof, lousy insturment and radio backlighting and an open door chime on its last legs. So yeah, I would say my ZERO problem TBSS with 900 miles has quality better than my Lexus did. Maybe if I didn't hate the car so much and got rid of it after only 3500 miles I should have given it more time to work the bugs out eh? Where's the smiley that's rolling its eyes...

:crazy:

JPeesy

02-01-2006, 07:50 AM

some guys on here are KILLING ME!!!! how can anyone say the quality of this truck is as good or for that matter anywhere near a Lexus..please stop this nonsense, I LOVE MY SS, but it's NO Lexus/Infinity, stop by a dealer and see for yourself if you don't believe me...Jeez..

I'm not saying that quality is the same, I was just joking about the "down with Toyota" comment. I don't even own a TBSS, or any other GM product. I'm not sold on the quality (how could I be), however, I can comment on my two Toyota vehicles. NICE, well put together, yada, yada, yada. I bought my LX new in '97, it's a '98. I've been EVERYWHERE in it (over 202k miles). I have a boat, so towing my boat with this truck (or anyother) is a must. I've only replaced the timing belt twice, starter twice, and had some rear air suspension work done. No wind noise, no rattles, sunroof doesn't leak. My wifes car is still new, so no problems there either. With that :m2: I'll let us get back on topic of the SS. I'm just trying to learn all I can prior to my purchase.

Matt_E

02-01-2006, 08:42 AM

I've only replaced the timing belt twice, starter twice, and had some rear air suspension work done.

And how much did a timing belt change run you?

blautens

02-01-2006, 09:10 AM

Sheer numbers rarely lie - over the entire model lines, initial quality reports usually favor Toyota/Lexus over GM. Later reports conducted by Consumer Reports also show more problems in GM (or any domestic models, usually) than in Toyota/Lexus as the vehicles age - which to me is a tougher and more important test.

My personal experience has mirrored that, but that's anecdotal - I'm in engineer by trade, and I'm only interested in numbers, were this the discussion this thread was *really* about.

Originally, the thread was started about his 5 pet peeves about his TBSS. I agree with most of them, and although I personally don't have seat issues, I certainly don't doubt he has seat issues. I can see his point about the filler neck, but I haven't seen the nozzle fall out if I leave it there. Floor mats cheap? Yup, just like the rest of the carpet/interior. Wind noise? Yeah, especially at about 120 MPH...makes me giggle a little.

I knew what I was buying - an LS2 strapped into an SUV - one that has wind noise, rattles, dubious interior design, suspect build quality, and it goes like STINK.

So while I might chat about the shortcomings, until it bursts into flames unexpectedly (uhhh, that's not a known issue, is it?), I won't complain...hey, my '96 Impala SS was built (I imagine this, of course) by drunken Texans about to be fired - the gap between the the trunk and one of the rear fenders was big enough for me to slip my fingers through. I unbolted the trunk, realigned it the best I could, and smiled whenever I drove that awesome black boat.

The gaps on my Lexus RX330 are small and even. It will never strand my wife, and in the unlikely event it does, Lexus roadside will take her and the car to the dealer, she will immediately get a nice loaner, and the Lexus dealers near me have courtesy cafes in them where she'll get premium ice cream or a root beer float to make her feel better. But that doesn't make me giggle when I stomp on the go pedal that car (although I do prefer it for long trips). :)

When you have these little problems in your TBSS, my suggestion remains - chant "LS2, LS2, LS2" until you feel better.

steined

02-01-2006, 10:33 AM

SUSPECT BUILD QUALITY?

Nah... You guys are pretty hard on the GM heres. My last gm car, a 2000 Grand Prix GTP that ran mid 13's in the quarter, was in the shop exactly zero times in its 80,000 mile visit with me. My 1990 Beretta (with 109,000 miles), had 2 issues, a Crank Position Sensor and a fuel injector. My (leased) 1999 Neon R/T had 1 issue, a defective pressure plate @ 7,000 miles. My 2000 Audi A6 2.7T, several expensive issues including a $800 throttle body replacement, tie rods, air bag malfunction, 2 windows off track, wind leaked around the sunroof, etc and a $2000 timing belt replacement at 80,000 miles not to mention the $600 brake jobs and $120 keys it required.

I don't doubt that import cars USED to be leaps and bounds better, but today there just isn't that much of a difference in ACTUAL quality. I happen to like the interior of the SS and I came from an Audi, the undisputed king of interiors. Sure it isn't as nice, but everything is where it should be, it works, and isn't hard plastic like the old Silverados (unless you count the overhead plastic). But this is PERCIEVED quality, just because something LOOKS cheap doesn't mean it will break or malfunction. Sure the SS is no Audi inside, but it is far nicer than our s2000, my friends Civic, or their Pilot inside in my opinion. Maybe to me what matters is function over form. That's probably the engineer in me... ;)

kco4242

02-01-2006, 10:56 AM

Personally, I drove a 2001 Tahoe and a 2003 Yukon before my TBSS, leased through my company, and I turned the Yukon in with almost 100,000 miles on it and it NEVER saw the dealer, indeed it had NOTHING but oilchanges in that distance. NOTHING! No brakes, no alternators, no water pumps, NOTHING!!! Inspected the brakes twice, turned it in with more than 30% left on the 4 wheel discs, no brake fade or rotor shimmy the entire time! AT 100,000 MILES! I did put a battery in it but that can't really be associated with build quality.

My Tahoe, the same!

My TBSS perfect so far with 7000 miles on it!

I have been a wrench for 25 years, and I have 20 mechanics that work for me, so I am MORE than familiar with the drill. I liked them all, but I am not particularly a GM enthusiast, I lease them through my fleet program for the discount! After driving them for over six years now I challenge anybody to exceed this claim with any manufacturer's car (especially two in a row working on the THIRD!) without exaggerating to suit whatever car they happen to like that week! :hail:

blautens

02-01-2006, 11:40 AM

I certainly wasn't lumping Audi (or "imports") in with Toyota/Lexus....don't get me wrong, I like certain Audi's, and they do have stunning interiors...but reliability has never been their strong suit - again, pointing strictly to the numbers gathered by the research firms.

And you honestly believe the TBSS interior is nicer than a Honda Pilot's? In fit, finish, quality of materials, and overall design?

I'd respectfully disagree there. But that's just my opinion, and you know what those are like...:m2:

Personally, I drove a 2001 Tahoe and a 2003 Yukon before my TBSS, leased through my company, and I turned the Yukon in with almost 100,000 miles on it and it NEVER saw the dealer, indeed it had NOTHING but oilchanges in that distance. NOTHING! No brakes, no alternators, no water pumps, NOTHING!!! Inspected the brakes twice, turned it in with more than 30% left on the 4 wheel discs, no brake fade or rotor shimmy the entire time! AT 100,000 MILES! I

30% pads left after 100k? Did you scrub off speed by side swiping guard rails or dragging pedestrians under your truck?

2006 Blue TB SS

02-01-2006, 12:10 PM

... dragging pedestrians under your truck?

and... that's a problem for you? :dielaugh:

blautens

02-01-2006, 01:41 PM

and... that's a problem for you? :dielaugh:

Nope! The paperwork days are behind me...I'm a civilian! (Plus I stay off the sidewalks, myself...)

steined

02-01-2006, 03:25 PM

And you honestly believe the TBSS interior is nicer than a Honda Pilot's? In fit, finish, quality of materials, and overall design?

I'd respectfully disagree there. But that's just my opinion, and you know what those are like...:m2:

:) I do believe it is nicer in layout and ergonomics. KISS you know! The seats are also nicer as is the stereo and the rest I'll give to the Pilot. Again, I'm a function over form guy so... while the Audi had a nice interior, it wasn't a REASON to own it or not. If a car works, is comfortable, reliable, and fun to drive, that's what I am all about. I could care less about "squishy" plastics and nicer carpet. Those are nice to haves.... not must haves... for me at least.

I do think the center console is cheap. I wish they had a gear selector there showing the gear you've selected. Seems like an obvious oversight to me. But hey... it's in the dash so at least you have the info somewhere. I'd bitch more if you had to look in the glovebox for the selected gear indicator! :rotfl:

TonyGXP

02-01-2006, 04:43 PM

:) I do believe it is nicer in layout and ergonomics. KISS you know! The seats are also nicer as is the stereo and the rest I'll give to the Pilot. Again, I'm a function over form guy so... while the Audi had a nice interior, it wasn't a REASON to own it or not. If a car works, is comfortable, reliable, and fun to drive, that's what I am all about. I could care less about "squishy" plastics and nicer carpet. Those are nice to haves.... not must haves... for me at least.

I do think the center console is cheap. I wish they had a gear selector there showing the gear you've selected. Seems like an obvious oversight to me. But hey... it's in the dash so at least you have the info somewhere. I'd bitch more if you had to look in the glovebox for the selected gear indicator! :rotfl:

The SS's have always or not ever rather had the selector position on the console, go back to the 80's, monte SS no indicator it was on the dash, what about the 96' Impala SS?? wierd isn't it, I don't mind it, but it is different.

Silver_06

02-01-2006, 09:55 PM

I used to design electrical audio hardware for Delphi and now I do it for a large Japanese OEM automotive electronics supplier. After seeing electronics designs and getting to take cars apart for evaluation at both employers I don't know how the Japanese keep their reputations these days. I'm not going to get into numbers for obvious reasons but their stuff is overly complicated, expensive to fix and has a good bit of unnecessary cost IMO. I come across this every day as I work on two sets of product; stuff designed in the states and stuff designed in Japan and shipped over here because they think they are better designers...but I'm don't see it.

Maybe it's still chic to knock the domestics on quality but based on what I have experienced it's a pretty darn level playing field.

JPeesy

02-01-2006, 10:44 PM

And how much did a timing belt change run you?

I became great friends/fishing buddies with a Toyota Service manager, Timing belt both times ran $600, rear air suspension - oh boy. I know you all won't believe this, but I swear to it. The brakes were not changed until 142k miles, with atleast half of its life towing a boat. The rotors are still the originals, never needed to have them turned. If its true about prices going up for the SS, and they will not honor GMS, I'm thinking Tundra.:cry: Boring, but reliable with a Lexus 4.7 V8. I can attest, I have over 202k on mine (LX 470), and its still going (sorta) strong.

tommy58v

02-01-2006, 11:26 PM

I've never had the pump pop out, BUT I have a problem getting the cap back on securely.
The fella at the Gulf station doesn't seem to have this problem!
I always have double check it and fix it when I do the gas up...maybe I'm getting old!
Any one else?
Not getting old, the gas cap problem!

t58v

steviestyles

02-08-2006, 03:55 PM

There are many posts on here with people with nit noid problems with their Trailvoys. Lucky for me I've been spared most of the issues I've read about. My TB had 15,000 mi on it and I couldn't be happier (must of been built mid week). I used to be one of those guys who claimed to never buy an American built piece of junk. When I was in the market for an SUV it came down to the TB, 4Runner, and Explorer. The TB won hands down even after reading all the gripes about it. The 4Runner was 6k higher MSRP for a similiarly equiped truck and the all the dealers I looked at would not negoitate a price.....sticker price or no sale. My TB stickered at 36k, and I walked out the door paying 28K back in April of 2005. Sure the Toyota might have a higher resale value, but figure in what I save on the TB, it comes out even on the return. My buddy did buy a 4 Runner, and he has had problems with his power seats, and a paint issue....he now wishes he would of looked at a TB. Generally when it comes to spending money on a car, people are going to be brand loyalists....sure there are Ford vs Chevy people around, and imports versus domestics. I really don't think the imports are any better than domestics anymore theses days...we are just used to hearing it so we believe it.

Also, most people tend to find faults in their vehicles if they're told to look for them. I think most people wouldn't realize the wind noise, ticking dashboard, warped bumper or fan clutch problem to name a few if they didn't read about them on these posts. Just my:m2: Come to think of it my gas cap seems to come undone all the time thanks Tommy58V....lol