The TRACY firm filed 3 complaints with the NHTSA regarding defects with 2002-2009 GMC Envoy

The TRACY firm announced today that it has filed 3 complaints with the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) regarding 2002-2009 model years of the GMC Envoy. It has come to Mr. Tracy’s attention, after receiving multiple units involved in side impact and rollover type accidents at his warehouse facility, that in each of these units the door latches separated from the door strikers, leaving the occupants exposed to ejection or partial ejection.

In an accident, if you are ejected or partially ejected you are 23 times more likely to be killed or very seriously injured. As of August 2012, there have been 165 individual complaints to the NHTSA regarding the 2002-2009 GMC Envoy door latches and hinges coming apart or opening up. This is a very high number considering most of the vehicles mentioned were not involved in accidents. The occurrences happened randomly, generally during normal use.

Door Opening in a Side Impact
Similar to the rollover openings in striker deformation, this failure occurred in a side impact with a cylindrical object at the A-Pillar position on the drivers side. The door separated at the striker and opening during the post collision phase. For years, the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has testing vehicles for side impacts. The quickest way to get a Poor Ratings from the IIHS is to have a door open during a side impact.

Further research reveals the following:-
2002 GMC Envoy14 safety recalls ranging from front suspensions coming apart, fuel line defects, missing welds on the floor pan front airbags and various electric issues related to fire.

2003 GMC Envoy  8 safety recalls regarding airbags, turn signals, brakes, power train and headlights.

2004 GMC Envoy 2 safety recalls related to headlights.

2005 GMC Envoy 3 safety recalls concerning headlights, front airbags and wind shield visibility.

2006 model year6 safety recalls including some of those mentioned above and a powers steering issue.

2007 GMC Envoy2 safety recalls regarding fire causing electrical short and visibility.

2008 GMC Envoy2 safety recalls. GMC replaced the Envoy with a sister vehicle which was based on a unibody design. This model year was recalled on visibility, and fire producing electrical system issues.

2009 GMC Envoy4 safety recalls pertaining to electrical system and seat belts.

Door Opening in a Side Impact Defect Lawyer
Similar to the rollover openings in striker deformation, this failure occurred in a side impact with a cylindrical object at the A-Pillar position on the drivers side. The door separated at the striker and opening during the post collision phase. For years, the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has testing vehicles for side impacts. The quickest way to get a Poor Ratings from the IIHS is to have a door open during a side impact.

 It is Mr. Tracy’s opinion that it is one thing for a manufacturer to design their vehicles to pass a few tests. However, the manufacturers know full well how real world accidents can affect their vehicles. Doors that open during forseeable accident types such as rollovers and side impacts are a big concern to the NHTSA. Keep an eye on this post for updates in the future. Or if you have had an experience with the 2002-2009 GMC Envoy, complain to the NHTSA at this link or submit a comment below. In addition, you can visit our safety firm website and contact the firm if you have any questions.

Contact us online, or, call us today at 214-324-9000 if you or your loved ones are seriously injured in an accident.

Updated: December 11 2013 | Published: September 1st, 2012 | The TRACY firm in Dallas, Texas | View (PDF)

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