2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 901 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 8 times.

Avoid One of the Chevrolet Trailblazer years to avoid: 4.6× the complaints of a typical Trailblazer year. Which Chevrolet Trailblazer years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
75,000 milesMedian miles at failure

700 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer problems

254 of the 901 complaints (28%) are about the electrical system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System151
470
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel77
000
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system50
010
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system48
012
Air Bags · airbags44
35042
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission32
100
Power Train · transmission24
000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly · fuel system24
000
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights · headlights19
000
Exterior Lighting · headlights19
000

2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer electrical system problems

28% of all complaints

254 of the 901 complaints are about the electrical system. This is what owners describe:

  • burns oil or loses oil pressure5% · 12
  • sets off warning lights on the dash4% · 11
  • loses power3% · 8
  • will not start3% · 8

Share of the 254 electrical system complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
83,114 mi
median of 217 reports
Peak year of filing
2010
54 electrical system complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
4 · 8 · 0
in these complaints
Recalls on the electrical system
None
“For the last 3 years, every part of my instrument panel seems to work intermittently. At times while driving, the speedometer will show me doing 40 MPH over my actual speed, or will show me doing 120 while I am sitting still. The oil pressure will sometimes show that there is no pressure at all, or the temp is as far as it can go on the hot side.”
Owner complaint, filed Mar 11, 2018 at 124,000 miles
“The dashboard cluster malfunctions. The first time it went out, the fuel guage and oil pressure guage stopped working and all other guages went out one by one soon after. We had a new GM cluster installed by the GM dealership at a cost of $600. This time, all guages stopped working and the alert lights stay on. (I.e.”
Owner complaint, filed Oct 9, 2016 at 185,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2002: 6 complaints, 0 about the electrical system'022003: 79 complaints, 9 about the electrical system2004: 83 complaints, 14 about the electrical system'042005: 47 complaints, 7 about the electrical system2006: 57 complaints, 6 about the electrical system'062007: 70 complaints, 11 about the electrical system2008: 72 complaints, 21 about the electrical system'082009: 80 complaints, 33 about the electrical system2010: 93 complaints, 54 about the electrical system'102011: 77 complaints, 34 about the electrical system2012: 36 complaints, 8 about the electrical system'122013: 17 complaints, 5 about the electrical system2014: 66 complaints, 26 about the electrical system'142015: 40 complaints, 9 about the electrical system2016: 32 complaints, 6 about the electrical system'162017: 19 complaints, 4 about the electrical system2018: 10 complaints, 4 about the electrical system'182019: 7 complaints, 3 about the electrical system2020: 6 complaints, 0 about the electrical system'202021: 2 complaints, 0 about the electrical system2022: 1 complaints, 0 about the electrical system'222023: 1 complaints, 0 about the electrical systemRecall 02V222000 (airbags)Recall 03V051000 (airbags)Recall 03V075000 (transmission)Recall 04V046000 (visibility)Recall 04V527000 (headlights)Recall 05V198000 (headlights)NHTSA investigation RQ17002NHTSA investigation EA07009NHTSA investigation PE07013
All complaintsAbout the electrical systemRecall (red: the electrical system)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2003 Trailblazer peaked in 2010, with 93 filed that year. No recall on file covers the electrical system, the subject of 28% of the complaints. In 2023 owners filed 1 so far.

8 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal05V198000
Filed May 5, 2005286,478 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE DRIVER WISHING TO SIGNAL A TURN BY MOVING THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL LEVER, (UP OR DOWN) MAY CAUSE THE FRONT MARKER/TURN LIGHTS AND REAR TURN LIGHTS TO FLASH IN A MANNER SIMILAR TO HAZARD WARNING, RATHER THAN FLASHING ON THE DESIRED SIDE ONLY.

Risk. THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CLEARLY SIGNAL THEIR INTENTIONS TO TURN, CHANGE TRAVEL LANES, OR POTENTIALLY WARN OTHERS OF AN IMPAIRED VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT FLASHER MODULES WITH A NEW FLASHER MODULE DESIGNED WITH SEALED RELAYS AND MORE DURABLE CONTACT MATERIAL INSIDE OF THE RELAYS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2005. ISUZU BEGAN MAILING OWNER LETTERS ON AUGUST 4, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, AND OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights04V527000
Filed Nov 1, 2004871,473 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, VIBRATION AND HEAT MAY CAUSE THE TAIL LAMP/STOP LAMP BULB TO LOOSEN IN ITS SOCKET. IF THIS OCCURS, THE BULB MAY FLICKER AND EVENTUALLY BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Risk. AN INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMP WILL NOT CONVEY THE DRIVER'S INTENTION OF STOPPING TO DRIVERS IN FOLLOWING VEHICLES, AND AN INOPERATIVE REAR TURN SIGNAL LAMP WILL NOT CONVEY THE DRIVER'S INTENTION TO TURN TO DRIVERS IN FOLLOWING VEHICLES. BOTH OF THESE FAILURES CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TAIL LAMP/STOP LAMP ASSEMBLIES, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 22, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer04V046000
Filed Feb 4, 2004581,394 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEMS THAT WILL NOT TURN ON, CEASE OPERATION WHILE IN USE, FAIL TO TURN OFF/ON BY THEMSELVES (MOISTURE SENSITIVE WIPER SYSTEM), OR HAVE CONTINUOUS WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP OPERATION BECAUSE THE PRESENCE OF WATER WITHIN THE WIPER MODULES CAN EITHER CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT OR CAN LEAD TO THE CORROSION OF COMPONENTS WITHIN THE MODULE.

Risk. DEPENDING ON THE OCCURRENCE AND WEATHER SITUATION, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL COVER THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE VENT HOLE WITH A PATCH. ALSO, THE WIPER MOTOR, CIRCUIT BOARD, AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR WILL BE INSPECTED TO SIGNS OF WATER INTRUSION AND/OR CORROSION AND BE REPLACED AS REQUIRED. THE RECALL BEGAN JULY 6, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

Equipment › Other › Owners/Service/Other Manual03V250000
Filed Jul 15, 20031,707,825 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN MINIVANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER UNIVERSAL ANCHORAGE SYSTEM.

Risk. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Remedy. OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL. THIS SUPPLEMENT DESCRIBES AND SHOWS THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORS THAT ARE LOCATED IN THE VEHICLE AND ON THE CHILD RESTRAINT OR BOOSTER CUSHION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 18, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings03V151000
Filed Apr 23, 200344,653 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A LEFT-FRONT BRAKE PIPE WITH A CIRCUMFERENTIAL SCORE AT A RANDOM LOCATION ALONG THE LENGTH OF THE PIPE AS THE RESULT OF THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS. IF THE BRAKE PIPE PARTIALLY OR FULLY FRACTURED, BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL WOULD IMMEDIATELY INCREASE AND FRONT BRAKE PERFORMANCE WOULD BE REDUCED.

Risk. IF BRAKING PERFORMANCE IS REDUCED, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT-FRONT BRAKE PIPE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MAY 29, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-8006.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission03V075000
Filed Mar 6, 2003511,167 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A MECHANICAL OVERRIDE THAT COULD ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY TO BE REMOVED WITH THE SHIFT LEVER IN A POSITION OTHER THAN PARK. IN ADDITION, THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN OVERRIDE THAT CAN ALLOW THE TRANSMISSION TO BE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK WITH THE IGNITION IN THE OFF POSITION.

Risk. THESE OVERRIDES ARE NOT PERMITTED UNLESS THE VEHICLE HAS A LOCKING STEERING COLUMN.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL ELIMINATE THESE CONDITIONS BY DISABLING THE OVERRIDES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MAY 29, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR HUMMER AT 1-866-486-6376.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module03V051000
Filed Feb 14, 2003130 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG THAT MAY NOT DEPLOY AS DESIGNED. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG INFLATOR COULD RUPTURE.

Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN REDUCED CAPABILITY OF THE AIR BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER. ALSO IF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR RUPTURED, PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A NEW DRIVER'S AIR BAG. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 11, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

Air Bags › Frontal02V222000
Filed Aug 9, 2002133,221 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.

Risk. PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

All 8 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 8 name the 2003 Trailblazer.

Loss of HeadlightsRecall query RQ17002Closed
Opened Apr 24, 2017Closed Mar 29, 2021headlights

The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV. The original scope of this investigation was expanded to include all vehicles equipped with the subject Headlight Driver Module (HDM). The focus of the investigation was to determine whether actions performed by …

FUEL PUMP MODULE LEAKS GASOLINEEngineering analysis EA07009Closed
Opened Jul 10, 2007Closed Aug 28, 2008fuel system

During the course of this ea investigation, odi observed that the majority of the complaints (88%) and warranty claims (94%) were reported for vehicles that are registered for use in the salt belt region of the us.this area includes 20 states in the northeast, mid atlantic and the midwest regions and the district of columbia.consumers in the salt belt region reported to odi that they could smell fuel vapors in their vehicles while driving.upon further examination of their vehicles, they discovered that fuel vapors were coming out of the top of the fuel tank. This condition is caused by …

FUEL PUMP MODULE LEAKS GASOLINEPreliminary evaluation PE07013Closed
Opened Mar 12, 2007Closed Jul 10, 2007fuel system

Odi has received reports that the fuel pump module leaks fuel and or vapor underneath the vehicle.GM states, the failure mechanism is corrosion of the fuel pump module flange which may lead to a fuel leak.corrosion of the fuel pump module flange is the result of the vehicle operating in a corrosive environment.odi has upgraded this pe to engineering analysis (ea07-009) to further assess this issue.

BRAKE LAMP FAILUREEngineering analysis EA04021Closed
Opened Aug 3, 2004Closed Nov 4, 2004Led to recall 04V527000headlights

Gm states that some brake/tail lamp bulbs can prematurely become inoperative due to malfunctioning brake/tail lamp sockets.on march 2, 2004, GM initiated a 6-year/72,000 mile special policy for 989,487 subject vehicles to inspect and replace the rear brake/tail lamp bulb socket assemblies.on april 4, 2004, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe04-032) based on consumer complaints alleging brake lights not operating when the brake pedal is depressed.on august 3, 2004 odi upgraded pe04-032 to an engineering analysis (ea04-021).by letter dated october 27, …

BRAKE LAMP FAILUREPreliminary evaluation PE04032Closed
Opened Apr 6, 2004Closed Aug 3, 2004headlights

The office of defects investigation (odi) opened this investigation on model year (my) 2002-04 chevrolet trailblazer vehicles.GM reports that other vehicles sharing this platform and brake lamp design are the my 2002-2004 chevrolet trailblazer ext; gmc envoy, xl, xuv; oldsmobile bravada and 2004 buick rainier.complaints allege that the rear brake lamp does not operate when the brake pedal is depressed.there is no indication to the driver from inside the vehicle that one or more brake lamps bulbs are not functioning.GM found that heat from the bulb could deform the lamp socket, produce …

WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILUREEngineering analysis EA04002Closed
Opened Jan 6, 2004Closed Feb 10, 2004Led to recall 04V046000visibility

On september 17, 2003, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe03-042) to investigate alleged windshield wiper failure in certain model year (my) 2002 and 2003 chevrolet trailblazer and trailblazer ext, gmc envoy and envoy xl, and oldsmobile bravada vehicles.the investigation was upgraded to an engineering analysis on january 6, 2004, and the scope was expanded to include certain my 2003 isuzu ascender vehicles.all subject vehicles are built on general motors? Gmt360 and gmt370 platforms and were originally equipped with a windshield wiper assembly …

FUEL SPILLAGE DURING REFUELINGPreliminary evaluation PE04001Closed
Opened Jan 5, 2004Closed May 7, 2004fuel system

This investigation was opened on the model year (my) 2003 chevrolet trailblazer.based on GM's information request (ir) response, odi added to its analysis the my 2003 gmc envoy and oldsmobile bravada vehicles.these vehicles share the same vehicle platform (GM 360/370) and fuel fill components.incident summary numbers reported above include these vehicles.epa regulates the fuel dispensing rates at filling stations and GM states that the reports of spitback for the subject vehicles are principally caused by fuel dispensing pumps exceeding the rate specified by epa.odi finds that the rate of …

WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILUREPreliminary evaluation PE03042Closed
Opened Sep 17, 2003Closed Jan 6, 2004visibility

The subject vehicles (chevrolet trailblazer (ext), gmc envoy (xl), and oldsmobile bravada) are built on the gmt360 and gmt370 platforms and were originally equipped with a windshield wiper assembly referred to as the ?family? Design module (p/n 15171306 base, p/n 15171307 for vehicles equipped with rainsense automatic moisture sensitive wipers).the windshield wiper assembly is located inside the plenum at the base of the windshield and is mounted on an incline approximately equal to the rake of the windshield.GM reports that vehicles are subject to a quality assurance water test at the …

Technical service bulletins

673 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2003 Trailblazer. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

equipment 183engine 127electrical system 99transmission 62body and frame 30visibility 29headlights 26fuel system 23
General CommunicationService campaignAug 26, 2024electrical system

Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to …

PIP4723JService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOct 25, 2024electrical system

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.

24-NA-098Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 6, 2024electrical system

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.

10-08-45-001HService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMar 28, 2024electrical system

This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.

07-08-49-020RService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 21, 2023electrical system

This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.

22-NA-205Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOct 19, 2022electrical system

This service bulletin provides information on Module Harvesting.

Showing the newest 6 of 99 bulletins about the electrical system, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA 5-star safety ratings
Version testedOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4-DR. w/SAB———★★★★★—

New Car Assessment Program results for this model year. Ratings compare cars of similar size and weight only.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed Mar 1, 2023FL

Transmission doesn’t have 3rd or 4th gear. Vehicle was smoking under hood. Found out after buying it it has flood damage. Mechanic said there was water in the transmission when inspected. Vehicle needs catylic converter sensor and vehicle has bad ground wire. Seller didn’t inform me of any of these issues and he said it was in good shape and very reliable.

Power Train
Filed Jan 12, 2022PA

While driving my Trailblazer in A4WD on slippery road conditions, I went to pulled out of a parking lot and there was a loud sound like my whole front end fell out and the front end completely locked up. Almost causing an accident. I had to dial back to 2HI quickly to unlock to front end. There was no light indicating any problems. Been driving it 2HI since with out any problems. Still no service light or anything, but feels like I'm stuck in A4WD. Feels like there is a drag and a pulling to the right. Also using more gas since. It was a scary, afraid to try the 4x4 functions again. Another snow storm is on the way!

Service BrakesFire
Filed Mar 16, 2021207,000 milesTX

WIRE HARNESS COATING FALLING APART ALMOST CAUGHT MY TRUCK ON FIRE GOT PICTURES AND IT TRIGGERS THE BRAKE LIGHT TO STAY ON

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 31, 2021179,000 milesIN

SEE ATTACHED COMPLAINT TO GENERAL MOTORS. I HAVE ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS WHERE OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THERE SIMILAR YEAR TRAILBLAZERS.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 3, 2020200,000 milesTN

IT'S LEAKING GAS FROM LINES ON TOP OF GAS TANK MECHANIC CHECK IT OUT I JUST CAN'T AFFORD IT I'M DISABLED ON FIXED INCOME RAISING MY GRANDSON

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 12, 2020145,000 milesWA

IN 2018 WE WERE HAVING A FUEL PRESSURE ISSUE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE ICV HAD CRACKED AROUND THE GAS TANK. WHEN I RESEARCHED THE ISSUE I FOUND THERE WAS A SPECIAL COVERAGE WARRANTY FOR THE ISSUE AND CALLED THE NEAREST CHEVY DEALERSHIP. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE COVERAGE HAD EXPIRED A MONTH EARLIER AND THEY WOULDN'T HONOR THE COVERAGE BUT IF WE WANTED THE CAR FIXED IT WOULD BE OVER$1000. WE'RE NOT THE FIRST OWNER OF THE VEHICLE AND IM SURE THAT'S WHY I NEVER RECEIVED THE NOTICE OF THE SPECIAL COVERAGE. CONSIDERING THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH THE FUEL TANK AND I HAVE CHILDREN IN MY CAR, I'M NOT UNDERSTANDING WHY THIS SPECIAL COVERAGE EXPIRED IN THE FIRST PLACE. PEOPLE BUY USED CARS ALL THE TIME AND IF THE DEALERSHIP DIDN'T CATCH IT BEFORE SELLING THE CAR IT'S UNFAIR TO PUT THE EXPENSE ON THE NEW OWNER WHEN IT'S A DEFECT CAUSED BY THE MANUFACTURER'S CHOICE IN UNRELIABLE PARTS. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion SystemFire
Filed Apr 29, 2020MI

MY DRIVER SEAT CAUGHT FIRE WENT TO OPEN THE DOOR TO FIND A HOLE IN MY DRIVER SEAT AND THE ROOF TOP BURNT AS WELL. I ALSO HAD A NEW FUEL PUMP PUT IN DUE TO IT LEAKING GAS AFTER PUT IT. IT CONTINUES TO LEAK.

Seats
Filed Apr 13, 2020338,000 milesMI

FRAME FAILED DRIVER'S SIDE REAR. CAUSING UNSAFE DRIVE CONDITION. FORWARD TO REVERSE GRINDING CAUSED BY SEPARATION OF FRAME.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 8, 2020200,000 milesMI

NOTHING HAS HAPPENING YET TRYING TO GET THE RECALLS FIXED HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO GO ABOUT IT SO STARTED HERE, PLEASE TELL ME IF NOT ALLOWED OR WHERE I CAN GET THE INFORMATION

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 28, 2020OH

CHEVROLET SHOULD DO A CURRENT RECALL MY 2003 TRAILBLAZER HAS LEAK NEEDS TO BE FIXED

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Aug 28, 2019312,000 milesNC

TAKATA RECALL I HAVE A 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER AND MY SUV WAS PARKED IN THE YARD AND I WENT TO GO TO THE STORE AND OPENED MY DOOR AND FOUND THE TRUCK WAS FULL OF SMOKE! MY DRIVER SEAT HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE JUST SITTING THERE. NOT EVEN CRANKED! IT DESTROYED THE SEAT AND THE TOP OF THE SUV AND THE ROOF MELTED ALL OVER THE TRUCK.

Engine
Filed Aug 20, 2019177,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE VIBRATED. THE VIBRATION WAS MORE PRONOUNCED WHILE THE ENGINE WAS IDLING. ALSO, WHILE ASCENDING UP A HILL, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PROPERLY ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE MOTOR MOUNTS, CONTROL ARMS, AND TENSION BELT; HOWEVER, THE FAILURES CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER AND AN UNKNOWN DEALER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 177,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 24, 2019MI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL GAUGES OPERATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH AND INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 1, 2019168,000 milesCA

TAKATA RECALL YES I WAS SMELLING FUEL COMING FROM THE INSIDE OF THE CAB OF MY VEHICLE EVERY MORNING WELL STARTING IT UP AND IT WOULD REMAIN SO I LOOKED INTO IT AND IT WAS ON A RECALL BUT THEY TOLD ME THAT THE RECALL HAD EXPIRED AND THERE'S NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT I DON'T THINK SOMETHING AS SERIOUS AS THIS SHOULD HAVE A LIMIT ON IT BECAUSE OF THE GAS FUMES CONSTANTLY ENTERING THE VEHICLE I'D SOMETIMES GET DIZZY AND LIGHTHEADED CAUSING ME TO PULL OVER TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE SO I CAN GET FRESH AIR NOT MENTIONING ALWAYS AFRAID OF SOMETHING SPARKING AND POSSIBLY CATCHING THE TRUCK ON FIRE I HAVE TAKEN THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER AND THEY TELL ME LIKE I SAID THE RECALL HAS EXPIRED I AM REACHING OUT TO YOU TO HELP ME GET THIS CORRECTED HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU VERY SOON THANK YOU FOR TAKING THIS TIME TO READ MY COMPLAINT MY NAME TRACY O'BRIEN LIVE IN PALMDALE CALIFORNIA I CANNOT PROVIDE PICTURES BECAUSE I DO NOT KNOW WHERE IT IS COMING FROM

Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 20, 2019177,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT DUSK, THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE CONTACT CALLED SONS CHEVROLET (3615 MANCHESTER EXPY, COLUMBUS, GA 31909, (706) 322-8888), BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 177,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 30, 2019140,000 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. RELIABLE CHEVROLET (3655 S CAMPBELL AVE, SPRINGFIELD, MO 65807, (417) 708-8088) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT COVERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 8, 2019203,000 milesAR

THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER HAS QUIT WORKING

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights
Filed Dec 3, 2018FL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT WAS PULLED OVER BY A STATE TROOPER AND INFORMED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE RESULTS WERE UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V527000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 11, 2018194,000 milesMN

GAS SMELL

Electrical System
Filed Sep 21, 2018189,000 milesMD

I HAVE A HEAVY FUEL RUNOFF , FROM MY FUEL TANK. EVEN IF THE ENGINE IS ONLY RAN FOR A MINUTE. ALSO, MY HEADLIGHTS GO OUT WHENEVER THEY FEEL LIKE DOING SO,WHILE DRIVING

Service BrakesCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 2, 2018194,800 milesIL

MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING LOCALLY YESTERDAY 7/1/18 AND MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN AT A SLOW SPEED. SHE LOST CONTROL AND COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE IN ONCOMING TRAFFIC. SHE WAS INJURED. THE CARS BRAKE LIGHTS HAD JUST GONE OUT AND THE BLOWER IS GOING ON AND OFF. I ASSUME THIS IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM FOR WHICH MY VIN IS NOT DISPLAYING A RECALL. THERE IS NOW DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL AND REAR DRIVERS SIDE FENDER, CLEARLY DISPLAYING THAT THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL, BASED ON THE 2 VEHICLE IMPACT POINTS.

Engine
Filed Jun 12, 2018180,000 milesMI

OVERHEATING, REPLACED WATER PUMP THERMOSTAT CLUTCH FAN, RADIATOR IS GOOD, FUEL VALVE AND CLUTCH FAN ALL NEW, STILL OVERHEATING WHEN IT'S HOT OR CITY DRIVING WITH STOP AND GO. MECHANIC REPORTS HE CANNOT FIND ANYTHING CAUSING IT. FOUND INFO ON 2004 PCM CLUTCH FAN SETTING BUT, NOT 2003

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Apr 2, 2018160,000 milesTX

THE LIGHTS MELT THE HARNESSES IN THE FRONT LIGHTS FREQUENTLY. MORE THAN 2 TIMES A YEAR THE TAIL LIGHT NEEF CONSTANT REPLACEMENT FROM FAULTY WIRING. THE WIRES ARE NOT BIG ENOUGB TO HANDLE THE LOAD. IT HAPPENS AT ANY TIME IT WANTS DOESNT MATTER IF ITS SITTING IN PARK OR DRIVING.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 17, 2018130,000 milesCA

2003 CHEVY TRAIL BLAZER, AT ENGINE START UP, DASH LIGHTS AND GAUGES DO NOT COME ON, TURN KEY OFF AND BACK ON, DASH PANEL (CLUSTER) STILL DOES NOT FUNCTION. TEST DROVE TO SEE IF DASH WOULD COME ON, IT DID NOT. PARKED TBLAZER, TRIED STARTING AGAIN, STILL NOTING. DID THIS PROCEDURE 5 TIMES AND STILL DASH NOT WORKING. PARKED TBLAZER IN DRIVEWAY, WENT OUT TO START TBLAZER AN HOUR LATER AT DASH WORKED. CURRENTLY A DRIVING SAFETY HAZARD AS THE DASH CLUSTER IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY, ONLY INTERMITTENT. DASH CLUSTER RECALL

Electrical System
Filed Mar 11, 2018124,000 milesIL

FOR THE LAST 3 YEARS, EVERY PART OF MY INSTRUMENT PANEL SEEMS TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY. AT TIMES WHILE DRIVING, THE SPEEDOMETER WILL SHOW ME DOING 40 MPH OVER MY ACTUAL SPEED, OR WILL SHOW ME DOING 120 WHILE I AM SITTING STILL. THE OIL PRESSURE WILL SOMETIMES SHOW THAT THERE IS NO PRESSURE AT ALL, OR THE TEMP IS AS FAR AS IT CAN GO ON THE HOT SIDE. ALL OF THESE ISSUES DISAPPEAR AFTER A WHILE, AND THEN FUNCTION NORMALLY. THEY DO NOT SEEM TO BE TIED TOGETHER, BECAUSE AT TIMES SEVERAL INSTRUMENTS ARE WORKING FINE, BUT 2 OTHERS ARE NOT.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 7, 2018PA

I JUST PURCHASED A 2003 TRAILBLAZER AND AFTER A DRIVE WHEN TURN OFF SMELLS REALLY BAD LIKE GASOLINE IS LEAKING

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 19, 201854,000 milesNY

ALMOST ALL THE GAUGES ON MY INTSTRUMET CLUSTER HAVE FAILED. SPEEDOMETER 1ST, OIL PRESSURE GAUGE NEXT, AND NOW MY FUEL GAUGE HAS FAILED. MANY COMPLAINTS FROM CHEVY OWNERS RE: SAME ISSUE. NO RESPONSE YET FROM CHEVY.

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 1, 2017WI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME WAS EXPERIENCING DECAY. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF ROTTEN AREAS ON THE FRAME. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. PRIOR TO THE DIAGNOSIS, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LYNCH CHEVROLET OF MUKWONAGO (280 EAST WOLF RUN, MUKWONAGO, WI 53149 (262) 363-4061), BUT THE CONTACT WAS NOT INFORMED OF CORROSION ON THE FRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT OFFER ASSISTANCE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 26, 201755,000 milesMI

MULTIPLE GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ARE MALFUNCTIONING. THE TACHOMETER IS READING 5,000 RPM WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK, AND 7,000 RPM WHEN GOING 15 MPH. WHEN I TURN THE CAR OFF THE GAUGE SITS AT 2,000. THE SPEEDOMETER IS CLICKING UP (NOT A SMOOTH TRANSITION TO THE CORRECT SPEED). AND IT SHOWING A LESSER SPEED THEN I AM GOING. WHEN I TURN THE CAR OFF THE SPEEDOMETER SHOWS IT IS GOING 10 MILES PER HOUR BUT WILL SLOWLY DROP DOWN TO ZERO. BOTH OF THESE MALFUNCTIONS COULD ARE A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN. I HAD TO PULL OVER ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS SHOWING 7,000 RPM, AFRAID I WAS GOING TO BREAK DOWN AND RUIN MY CAR.

Power Train
Filed Oct 18, 2017GA

FLASHER MODULE, TRANSMISSION LEAK EVENING AFTER REPLACEMENT, UPPER CONTROL ARMS GOES OUT AFTER REPLACEMENT.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 14, 2017OH

WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, MY HEADLIGHTS WILL GO OUT AND HAVE TO TURN ON MY BRIGHTS. NOW, THEY ALSO GO OUT, WHICH HINDERS ME GOING, ANYWHERE AFTER DARK. I'VE TRIED TO GET IT CHECKED AND CAR REPAIR SERVICES DO NOT KNOW WHY.THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AT NIGHT,!!! I HAVE HEARD THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS AND MANUFACTURERS WILL, FIX THIS, FOR FREE. I NEED TO FIND OUT IF THIS IS TRUE AND WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO REMEDY THIS PROBLEM.???? LIGHTS WILL GO OUT WHETHER I AM MOVING OR STOPPED AT LIGHT, INTERSECTION,,ETC. CITY OR HIGHWAY, MAKES NO DIFFERENCE. HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR 5 YEARS,,,,

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Aug 16, 2017230,000 milesFL

TAKATA RECALL - I BELIEVE THIS IS A TAKATA RECALL, THOUGHT I CAN'T FIND THE INFORMATION. I HAVE A 2003 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. WE RECENTLY HAD A HIGH IMPACT COLLISION RESULTING IN INJURIES, DIRECTLY AS A RESULT OF A FAILURE OF AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, TRAVELING STRAIGHT AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MILES PER HOUR, WHEN WE STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE IN THE ROAD ILLEGALLY.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 12, 201790,000 milesIL

THE 3RD BRAKE LIGHT HOUSING OVER THE REAR HATCH TOTALLY BROKE OFF WHICH I HAVE NOTICED ON NUMEROUS SIMILAR VEHICLES. NOW CHEVROLET IS CHARGING ALMOST $300.00 FOR A REPLACEMENT . IVE NOTICED TOO MANY VEHICLES OF THE SAME MODEL WITH EITHER COMPLETELY MISSING THIRD BRAKE LIGHT HOUSEINGS OR A TAPED UP REPAIR.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 12, 2017OH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ODOR OF FUEL COMING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE NOT AVAILABLE.

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Jun 8, 2017203,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, THE IGNITION FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 203,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 6, 2017193,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS, BATTERY, AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH CASE NUMBER: 8-3011452393. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 193,000.

Electrical System
Filed May 11, 2017150,000 milesLA

SPEEDOMETER AND GAUGES DO NOT WORK.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 5, 2017150,000 milesMS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK FROM THE FRONT END BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT LEG AND LEFT ARM, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. IT WAS NOT DETERMINED WHETHER OR NOT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

Power Train
Filed Apr 3, 2017150,840 milesIL

TRANSMISSION FAILED IN REVERSE - REQUIRED NEW TRANSMISSION @ 150,840 MILES.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 1, 2017195,000 milesMS

I WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION, I WAS GOING AROUND 10-15 MPH AND THE VEHICLE THAT CAUSED THE ACCIDENT WAS GOING FASTER THAN I WAS GOING. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THEY SHOULD DEPLOY BETWEEN 8-14 MPH. IS ANYONE HOLDING GENERAL MOTORS ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR NEGLIGENCE? WE WERE ON A TWO LANE CITY STREET.

Engine
Filed Apr 1, 201750 milesGA

SOON AS I DROVE OFF THE CAR LOT MY MOTER LOCKED UP. IT WAS SMOKING REALLY BAD , AND EVENTUALLY JUST WOULD NOT START BACK UP. I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AND 18 WHEELERS ALMOST HIT ME BECAUSE IT WENT OUT.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 28, 2017120,000 milesMN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ANOTHER DRIVER IN FRONT OF HER SLAMMED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, WHICH CAUSED THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A ROLLOVER. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A DEEP LACERATION TO THE KNEE AND A TORN LIGAMENT THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 25, 2017RI

I'VE NOTICED THAT MY FRONT END WAS LOWER THAN USUAL. AT FIRST I THOUGHT MY UPPER CONTROL ARMS WERE GIVING IN. I TOOK MY CAR TO REPLACE THE FRONT TIRES AND TO ALSO GET A 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT. THAT IS WHEN I WAS TOLD THAT THE STRUT BASE THAT IS WELDED ONTO THE CHASSIS WAS ROTTING OFF. THE MECHANIC EXPRESSED THAT I WAS A VERY LUCKY GUY BECAUSE AT ANY POINT IN TIME DURING MY COMMUTE, I COULD HAVE BEEN IN A SERIOUS CAR ACCIDENT THAT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN DEATH SINCE I MOSTLY USE THIS CAR ON THE HIGHWAY TO COMMUTE TO WORK. I DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT UNTIL HE ACTUALLY SHOWED ME ALL THE ROTTED PARTS AND I WAS IN DEEP SHOCK ONCE I SAW WHAT HE WAS TELLING ME. I'M THANKFUL THAT THE CARS STRUT WAS LEANING ON THE INNER FENDER FRAME PREVENTING IT FROM COMPLETELY FALLING TO THE GROUND. I ASKED THE MECHANIC HOW SOMETHING LIKE THIS COULD HAVE HAPPEN AND HE EXPLAINED THAT SINCE WE LIVE IN AN AREA WHERE IT SNOWS, THE SALT THAT IS APPLIED ON THE ROADS GETS TRAPPED INTO THE SLOTTED HOLES OF THE CHASSIS AND DETERIORATES WITH TIME. IT IS UNKNOWN OF THE TIME OF WHICH THE CHASSIS HAD BEGUN ROTTING.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 27, 2017118,000 milesTX

WHEN YOU PRESS THE BREAKS YOU HEAR A LOUD CLICKING NOISE, THEN IT CONTINUES TO CLICK THE WHOLE TIME YOU ARE DRIVING. I'M NOT SURE IF THIS IS A DEFECT? JUST WORRISOME.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 20, 2017WI

THE TOP OF MY FUEL PUMP AT THE RETURN LINE AND INTAKE LINE RUSTED OUT CAUSING GAS TO SPILL OUT ON TOP OF FUEL TANK AND SMELL VERY STRONG GAS ODERS.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 8, 201751,476 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CONSTANT STRONG ODOR OF FUEL IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THE FUEL TANK WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,476.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 21, 2016101,243 milesPR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE, THERE WAS A FUEL ODOR EMITTED IN AND AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS FUEL SPILLED AROUND THE FUEL TANK AND THE REGULATOR WAS LEAKING FUEL AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,243.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 19, 2016175,200 milesMS

THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PANEL IS NOT WORKING. THE OIL GAUGE DOES NOT WORK, SPEEDOMETER DOES NOT WORK AND RPM DOES NOT WORK

Electrical System
Filed Dec 17, 2016130,000 milesWI

ALL OF MY GAUGES INCLUDING FUEL GAUGE, TACHOMETER, AND SPEEDOMETER HAVE STOPPED WORKING. THEY WILL WORK SOME DAYS AND THEN OTHERS THE GAUGES ARE ALL OUT OF WHACK. IT SEEMS TO OCCUR ESPECIALLY WHEN IT IS COLD OUT. I AM VERY FRUSTRATED THAT THIS IS HAPPENING. I REALIZE THAT MY VEHICLE IS OLDER, BUT I DO APPRECIATE WORKING GAUGES!!!

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Dec 9, 2016160,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH IN WET WEATHER, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED, DROVE OFF A CLIFF, AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CHEST, KNEE AND ARM INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOWING AGENCY WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. UPDATED 03/01/17*LJ *JS

Complaints 1-50 of 901, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2005
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202612100Routine
202526100Routine
202436110Routine
202375020Routine
2022112100Routine
2021198430Routine
20141000Routine
200927000Routine
20081930110Routine
20077325564Fatalities reported
20061,10885914Fatalities reported
20051,4662251Fatalities reported
20041,0812314Fatalities reported
2003 — this page9018142Fatalities reported
20021,14913354Fatalities reported
200120000Routine
200026010Routine
19994000Routine

Compare every Trailblazer year →

2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer: questions buyers ask

Is the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Trailblazer years to avoid: owners filed 901 complaints, 4.6 times as many as a typical Trailblazer year. The most common complaint is about the electrical system (28%).

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer?

The electrical system: 254 of the 901 complaints (28%) are about it. Owners most often say it burns oil or loses oil pressure (5%), sets off warning lights on the dash (4%) and loses power (3%). The typical report comes at 83,114 miles.

How many recalls does the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer have?

8 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed May 5, 2005. The largest, 03V250000, covered 1,707,825 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 75,000 miles. For the electrical system the midpoint is 83,114 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer?

Yes, 8 times. The latest, RQ17002 ("Loss of Headlights"), was opened Apr 24, 2017 and closed Mar 29, 2021.

Are there service bulletins for the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer?

The manufacturer filed 673 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (127), the electrical system (99) and the transmission (62). They include a service campaign, General Communication, filed Aug 26, 2024. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

2 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 5, 2005. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.