Chevrolet · Trailblazer · 2003
8
Recalls
1,239
Complaints
-
Not Rated
The 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer has 8 recalls and 1,239 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Most reported issue: electrical system (288 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 22, 2026
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
Remedy Status
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.
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.
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!
WIRE HARNESS COATING FALLING APART ALMOST CAUGHT MY TRUCK ON FIRE GOT PICTURES AND IT TRIGGERS THE BRAKE LIGHT TO STAY ON
SEE ATTACHED COMPLAINT TO GENERAL MOTORS. I HAVE ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS WHERE OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THERE SIMILAR YEAR TRAILBLAZERS.
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
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.
FRAME FAILED DRIVER'S SIDE REAR. CAUSING UNSAFE DRIVE CONDITION. FORWARD TO REVERSE GRINDING CAUSED BY SEPARATION OF FRAME.
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
CHEVROLET SHOULD DO A CURRENT RECALL MY 2003 TRAILBLAZER HAS LEAK NEEDS TO BE FIXED
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.
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.
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.
TAKATA RECALL" TAIL LIGHTS NOT WORKING ANY MORE OUT NEW LIGHTBULBS IN AN A WEEK LATER STOP WORKING AGAIN
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.
THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER HAS QUIT WORKING
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.
GAS SMELL
HAS A BAD GAS SMELL LEAKING GAS SOMEWHERE
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
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
Showing 1–20 of 25 complaints
The 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer has 8 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 1,239 owner-reported complaints for the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer.
NHTSA has not published a safety rating for the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer.
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer are electrical system (288 reports), fuel system, gasoline (173 reports), power train (97 reports).
Yes. NHTSA has 8 recalls on record for the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.