Owners have filed 406 complaints
about the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT with NHTSA between 2004 and 2019.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 4 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 76
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 31
5.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 38
22% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2003 compares with every other Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Automatic Transmission
2925.9%
Instrument Cluster/Panel
2219.6%
Tank Assembly
1513.4%
Filler Pipe AND CAP
1311.6%
Fuel Pump
119.8%
Power Window Devices AND Controls
98.0%
Body
76.3%
Transfer Case (4-WHEEL Drive)
65.4%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
51.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
247.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
267.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
5416.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
8424.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
6820.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
4814.2%
150,000+ miles
298.6%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2004peak 12Mar 2019
NHTSA investigations into the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
RQ17002Opened 24 Apr 2017Closed 29 Mar 2021EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Loss of Headlights
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 Gene...
EA07009Opened 10 Jul 2007Closed 28 Aug 2008FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
FUEL PUMP MODULE LEAKS GASOLINE
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 CORROSI...
PE07014Opened 13 Mar 2007Closed 12 Jun 2007FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
FUEL TANK LEAK
IN JUNE 2007, GM WILL EXPAND ITS SPECIAL POLICY TO ADDRESS FUEL TANK INLET CHECK VALVE (ICV) FRACTURES ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) TRAILBLAZER EXT AND GMC ENVOY XL VEHICLES.THE EXPANDED POLICY COVERS MY 2002-2004 TRAILBLAZER EXT, GMC ENVOY XL, AND GMC ENVOY XUV VEHICLES AND WILL EXTEND FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER COMES FIRST).GM WILL PROVIDE FREE REPAIR OF THE FUEL TANK. IT IS SENDING LETTERS TO OWNERS BEGINNING IN JUNE OF 2007.THIS ACTION SUPERSEDES GM'S PREVIOUS 7 YEAR/70,000 MILE SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 2002 TRAILBLAZER EXT AND ENVOY XL VEHICLES.THE CONDITION IS MOST O...
PE07013Opened 12 Mar 2007Closed 10 Jul 2007FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
FUEL PUMP MODULE LEAKS GASOLINE
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.
EA04021Opened 3 Aug 2004Closed 4 Nov 2004EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
BRAKE LAMP FAILURE
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, 20...
PE04001Opened 5 Jan 2004Closed 7 May 2004FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
FUEL SPILLAGE DURING REFUELING
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 COMP...
Recalls on the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
05V494000
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE A REAR SIDE CLOSURE LATCH THAT MAY NOT LATCH OR UNLATCH DUE TO CORROSION CAUSED BY ROAD SPLASH, SUCH AS WATER AND ROAD SALT. THESE VEHICLES WERE ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
Risk: IF THE DOOR IS NOT LATCHED PROPERLY AND IT GOES UNNOTICED, IT MAY OPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. IF AN UNBELTED OCCUPANT FELL OUT OF THE VEHICLE, PERSONAL INJURIES COULD OCCUR.
04V527000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
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.
04V046000
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20053285,138 units in Canada
Structure
Certain vehicles located in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland & Labrador have a rear side door latch that may not latch or not unlatch due to corrosion caused by road splash, such as water and road salt. If the door is not latched properly and goes unnoticed, it could open while the vehicle is in motion. Correction: Dealers will install a seal along the lower part of the rocker panel to prevent intrusion of corrosive material, and inspect the door latch. Functional latches will be cleaned and lubricated. Non-functioning latches will be replaced.
Recall 20051319,289 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
On certain vehicles, the directional/hazard signals may not operate as designed. Actuation of the turn signal or hazard lights will cause them to illuminate and remain illuminated (not flash as intended). Drivers may not be able to clearly signal their intentions to turn, change travel lanes or potentially warn others of an impaired vehicle operating condition. Correction: Dealers will replace the turn signal/hazard flasher module.
Recall 200439038,598 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
On certain 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. The loss of one or both of the tail lamps/stop lamps could reduce the vehicle's visibility to following drivers and fail to warn others that the vehicle is braking and/or is stopped, which could lead to a vehicle crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect the tail lamp/stop lamp assemblies and, if necessary, replace them.
Recall 200408852,776 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles, the brake hoses are not labelled with a designation that identifies the manufacturer of the assembly as required by CMVSS 106. This non-compliance has no effect on the performance of the involved brake hose assemblies. Correction: Since this does not pose a safety risk, no corrective action is required.
Recall 200404528,986 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, water may seep into the windshield wiper module. If this were to happen, it could result in windshield wipers that will not turn on, cease operation while driving, fail to turn off, turn on by themselves, and/or continuous windshield washer pump operation. Improper operation of the windshield wiper system in a severe weather situation could reduce the driver's visibility, resulting in a possible vehicle crash without prior warning. Correction: Dealer will install a Gore-Tex patch over the windshield wiper module vent-hole. The wiper motor, circuit board, and electrical connector will be inspected for signs of water intrusion and/or corrosion and replaced as required.
Recall 200317254,634 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 225 and 210.2. The Owner's Manual does not include the location symbols for the Lower Universal Anchorage System for Restraint Systems and Booster Cushions and an explanation of the meaning of the symbols. Correction: Owner's will receive an Owner's Manual supplement.
Recall 200304824,685 units in Canada
Powertrain
Certain vehicles fail to conform to CMVSS 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. These overrides are not permitted unless the vehicle has a locking steering column and the overrides have covers that can only be removed with a screwdriver or other tool. Correction: Dealers are to eliminate these conditions by disabling the overrides.
Recall 200303728 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the driver's side air bag may not deploy as designed, resulting in reduced capability of the air bag to protect the driver. In addition, the air bag inflator may fracture. If this were to occur, pieces of the inflator could strike and injure the vehicle occupants. Correction: Dealer will inspect, and if necessary, install a new driver's air bag.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 177,000 milesPorter, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ONE BY ONE THINGS HAVE BEEN GOING OUT AND NOT WORKING. FIRST THE CAR WOULD NOT START ALL THE TIME WITH THE KEY, THEN THE A/C STOPED WORKING, NEXT WAS THE FUEL PUMP, THEN THE INJECTORS. I CHECKED EVERYTHING IT COULD BE. I WAS DRIVING WITH MY KIDS DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN MY CAR JUST DIED LOST POWER STEERING SO IT WAS HARD TO GET OFF THE ROAD FAST. I GOT IT STARTED AND WAS DRIVING AND IT DID IT AGAIN. I WAS ABLE TO FINALLY GET IT HOME WHEN IT WOULD NOT START AGAIN. AFTER SOME RESEARCH ONLINE FOUND OUT THIS CAR HAS ISSUES WITH THE FUSE BOX ITSELF UNDER THE HOOD. I OPENED IT UP JUST TO FIND THE WORDING THAT CONNECTED THE PINS WAS BROKEN IN NUMEROUS PLACES AND HAD STARTED TO BURN UP IN THE BOX.
NHTSA complaint #11098831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sadorus, ILFire
POWER TRAIN
I PURCHASED A 2003 TRAILBLAZER FROM AN INDIVIDUAL. THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL HAD A HOLE IN IT. SO I PURCHASED A DIFFERENTIAL FROM A SCRAP YARD. 90 DAY WARRANTY. STILL HAD A NOISE . I STILL HAD A NOISE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL WAS OUT AGAIN. I PURCHASED THE THIRD DIFFERENTIAL FROM A DIFFERENT YARD TOOK IT APART . FOUND THE DRIVER SIDE BEARING BAD. IT SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM BECAUSE THE DRIVER SIDE DRIVERS CONSTANT. I WAS WONDERING IF THERE IS A RECALL. I SEE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE. THANK YOU THERE WAS A FIRE THE DIFFERENTIAL GREASE BURNT BEARING WENT OUT AND CHARD MOTOR AND SURROUNDING AREA NO REAL DAMAGE.
NHTSA complaint #10760210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesChilton, WICrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
IT WAS SLEETING AND I LOST CONTROL ON A CURVE. I HAD BEEN DRIVING ABOUT 50 MPH, BUT BRAKE BEFORE THE CURVE AND BRAKE VERY HARD WHEN I TRIED TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AS IT WAS SLIDING SIDEWAYS TOWARD THE CURVE. I WENT OFF THE CURVE AND HIT AN ELEVATED CROSSROAD, WHICH SENT THE VEHICLE AIRBORNE. I WAS AIRBORNE OVER MOST OF THE SIDE ROAD, WITH THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE HITTING JUST THE LAST FEW INCHES OF PAVEMENT, WHICH THEN SENT THE VEHICLE NOSEDIVING INTO THE DITCH. THE EMBANKMENTS WERE 4-5 FEET TALL. I HAD TWO VERY HARD FRONT END IMPACTS AND HIT MY HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL TWICE. THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS BENT AND THERE WAS A LOT OF DAMAGE TO THE UNDER OF THE VEHICLE, BUT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY. I HAVE A LOT OF CONCERN WITH THE FACT THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND KNOW THAT THERE WERE OTHER VEHICLES OF MY YEAR AND TYPE THAT DID HAVE FAULTY AIRBAGS RECALLED, BUT MINE HAS NOT BEEN.
NHTSA complaint #10670844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesBeloit, WIFire
SEATS
THE DRIVERS SEAT HEATER GOT VERY HOT AND THEN STOPPED WORKING SHORTLY AFTER. I DID AN INTERNET SEARCH AND FOUND THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON. I FOUND THAT ONE OF THE WIRES HAD OVERHEATED AND ACTUALLY BURNED THE FOAM AND COVERING. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS AND PICTURES ON THE INTERNET. I REMOVED MY SEAT AND FOUND THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. I AM ASTOUNDED THAT NOTHING IS BEING DONE TO STOP THE USE OF THESE DEFECTIVE HEATERS. THIS IS MOST CERTAINLY A VERY SERIOUS FIRE AND BURN HAZARD.
NHTSA complaint #10632616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 83,000 milesBeloit, WIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE DRIVERS SEAT HEATER GOT VERY HOT AND THEN STOPPED WORKING SHORTLY AFTER. I DID AN INTERNET SEARCH AND FOUND THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON. I FOUND THAT ONE OF THE WIRES HAD OVERHEATED AND ACTUALLY BURNED THE FOAM AND COVERING. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS AND PICTURES ON THE INTERNET. I REMOVED MY SEAT AND FOUND THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. I AM ASTOUNDED THAT NOTHING IS BEING DONE TO STOP THE USE OF THESE DEFECTIVE HEATERS. THIS IS MOST CERTAINLY A VERY SERIOUS FIRE AND BURN HAZARD.
NHTSA complaint #10632616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,000 milesSalamanca, NYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHEN I PULLED INTO DRIVEWAY, I PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK, AND TURNED THE KEY OFF, AND ACTUALLY PULLED THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH, WITH THE VEHICLE STILL RUNNING. I BACKED THE CAR UP, WITHOUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, WHERE I STARTED SMELLING WIRES BURNING. I CALLED FIRE DEPARTMENT, AND THEY PUT FIRE OUT ON THE FUSE BOX, WITH EVERYTHING MELTED AROUND IT. I HAVE HAD MINOR PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR, I.E. WHEEL BEARING AND BRAKES, BUT, NOTHING LIKE THIS. WHILE MY 14 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND I WERE IN THE CAR AT THE TIME, WE DID GET OUT, AND NO ONE WAS HURT.
NHTSA complaint #10605774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
West Bloomfield Township, MI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER EXT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING NEAR THE BOTTOM REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE CHECK VALVE WAS FRACTURED. JOE LUNGHAMER CHEVROLET (475 SUMMIT DR, WATERFORD TWP, MI 48328, 1-(248) 683-7100) WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED TO BE DIAGNOSED AND THERE WAS NO FUEL SYSTEM RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED EXTENDED WARRANTY CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14423, BUT THEY HAD NOT PROVIDED A RECALL REMEDY TO PREVENT THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11190295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,600 milesHutchinson, MN
SERVICE BRAKES
THE ABS LIGHT HAS COME ON AND THEN IT WOULD WORK SOMETIMES AND NOT OTHER TIMES. NOW IT NEVER WORKS. NOW THAT ITS WINTER I'M SLIDING AT STOP SIGNS THAT AREN'T EVEN THAT SLIPPERY. THE ACTUATORS IN THE HEATING AND COOLING ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. ALL SUMMER I HAD HEAT BLOWING ALL THE TIME AND SUDDENLY THERE WOULD BE NOTHING. NOW IT'S COLD AIR ALL THE TIME. MAKES MY WINDOWS FOG UP AND NOT DEFROST. I HAVE DONE THE RESET PROCEDURE AND HEAR THINGS MOVING BUT IT DOESN'T FIX IT. THE BLOWER IN THE BALL SEAT AND THIRD ROW IS HIT OR MISS FOR EVEN WORKING AT ALL.
NHTSA complaint #11155988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,600 milesHutchinson, MN
VISIBILITY/WIPER
THE ABS LIGHT HAS COME ON AND THEN IT WOULD WORK SOMETIMES AND NOT OTHER TIMES. NOW IT NEVER WORKS. NOW THAT ITS WINTER I'M SLIDING AT STOP SIGNS THAT AREN'T EVEN THAT SLIPPERY. THE ACTUATORS IN THE HEATING AND COOLING ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. ALL SUMMER I HAD HEAT BLOWING ALL THE TIME AND SUDDENLY THERE WOULD BE NOTHING. NOW IT'S COLD AIR ALL THE TIME. MAKES MY WINDOWS FOG UP AND NOT DEFROST. I HAVE DONE THE RESET PROCEDURE AND HEAR THINGS MOVING BUT IT DOESN'T FIX IT. THE BLOWER IN THE BALL SEAT AND THIRD ROW IS HIT OR MISS FOR EVEN WORKING AT ALL.
NHTSA complaint #11155988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 194,000 milesAlden, MN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
HAS A BAD GAS SMELL LEAKING GAS SOMEWHERE
NHTSA complaint #11139626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 177,000 milesPorter, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ONE BY ONE THINGS HAVE BEEN GOING OUT AND NOT WORKING. FIRST THE CAR WOULD NOT START ALL THE TIME WITH THE KEY, THEN THE A/C STOPED WORKING, NEXT WAS THE FUEL PUMP, THEN THE INJECTORS. I CHECKED EVERYTHING IT COULD BE. I WAS DRIVING WITH MY KIDS DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN MY CAR JUST DIED LOST POWER STEERING SO IT WAS HARD TO GET OFF THE ROAD FAST. I GOT IT STARTED AND WAS DRIVING AND IT DID IT AGAIN. I WAS ABLE TO FINALLY GET IT HOME WHEN IT WOULD NOT START AGAIN. AFTER SOME RESEARCH ONLINE FOUND OUT THIS CAR HAS ISSUES WITH THE FUSE BOX ITSELF UNDER THE HOOD. I OPENED IT UP JUST TO FIND THE WORDING THAT CONNECTED THE PINS WAS BROKEN IN NUMEROUS PLACES AND HAD STARTED TO BURN UP IN THE BOX.
NHTSA complaint #11098831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,443 milesAVA, MO
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHEN DRIVING FOR 30 TO 45 MINS ALL THE INSTRUMENTS ON DASH START STICKING AND READING WRONG INFORMATION. IN THE PICTURE MY CAR IS PARKED .
NHTSA complaint #11074590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,443 milesAVA, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHEN DRIVING FOR 30 TO 45 MINS ALL THE INSTRUMENTS ON DASH START STICKING AND READING WRONG INFORMATION. IN THE PICTURE MY CAR IS PARKED .
NHTSA complaint #11074590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,321 milesBIG Timber, MT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SPEEDOMETER IS ERRATIC OFTEN SHOWING FALSE SPEED OR GOES TO ZERO.ALL MOVING SPEEDS HIGHWAY OR STREETS.
NHTSA complaint #11033243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 199,263 milesTEA, SD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE MODULE TO PCM COMMUNICATION ERROR COMES UP AND THE VEHICLE STARTS THE WARM UP PROCESS AND THEN DIES IN THE PROCESS OF WARM UP PROCEDURES. I GUESS MY QUESTION TO YOU IS HOW CAN I FIX THIS OR DOES A DEAL NEED TO FIX IT OR IS THERE A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE?
NHTSA complaint #11019931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesRoper, NC
POWER TRAIN
DRIVING DOWN ROAD ON THE WAY TO HOSPITAL AND TRAILBLAZER MADE A LOUD CLUNK. THEN STARTED MAKING A WHIRRING NOISE. FINISHED DRIVING SLOWLY TO HOSPITAL AS NOT TO MESS ANYTHING ELSE UP. PULLED IN AND PARKED. GOT READY TO LEAVE HOSPITAL AND HAD NO REVERSE ONLY FOWARD.
NHTSA complaint #11010243 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesPaso Robles, CA
POWER TRAIN
MY KEY WILL NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION I HAD TO UNSCREW AND REMOVE THE BOTTOM OF MY STEERING TO PUSH THE BUTTON ALSO ALL OF MY INSTRUMENT GAUGE DO NOT WORK INCLUDING THE SPEEDOMETER AND ALL GAUGES SO I NEVER KNOW MY TEMPERATURE OR FUEL LEVEL, OIL PRESSURE THEY ALL ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY MY SPEEDOMETER ONLY WORKS SOMETIMES. ALSO MY ENGINE IS RUNNY ROUGH AND I HEAR A VIBRATION AND TICKING. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS AND I'M GETTING CODE SAYING THERES A LEAK IN THE FUEL EVAP SYSTEM. I HAVE SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND EVERYONE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THEIR 2003 TRAILBLAZERS. WHY ISN'T CHEVROLET RECALLING THESE PROBLEMS ITS FUSTRATING THEY WANT SEVERAL HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS I CANNOT AFFORD
NHTSA complaint #10981537 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesPaso Robles, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY KEY WILL NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION I HAD TO UNSCREW AND REMOVE THE BOTTOM OF MY STEERING TO PUSH THE BUTTON ALSO ALL OF MY INSTRUMENT GAUGE DO NOT WORK INCLUDING THE SPEEDOMETER AND ALL GAUGES SO I NEVER KNOW MY TEMPERATURE OR FUEL LEVEL, OIL PRESSURE THEY ALL ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY MY SPEEDOMETER ONLY WORKS SOMETIMES. ALSO MY ENGINE IS RUNNY ROUGH AND I HEAR A VIBRATION AND TICKING. MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS AND I'M GETTING CODE SAYING THERES A LEAK IN THE FUEL EVAP SYSTEM. I HAVE SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND EVERYONE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THEIR 2003 TRAILBLAZERS. WHY ISN'T CHEVROLET RECALLING THESE PROBLEMS ITS FUSTRATING THEY WANT SEVERAL HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS I CANNOT AFFORD
NHTSA complaint #10981537 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesPoplar Grove, IL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
LOW BEAMS INTERMENTLY GO OFF AND ON ! EXHAUST MANIFOLD IS CRACKED CAUSING A LEAK ! ALL DASH GAUGES BUT FUEL GAUGE DONT WORK !
NHTSA complaint #10956914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesPoplar Grove, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
LOW BEAMS INTERMENTLY GO OFF AND ON ! EXHAUST MANIFOLD IS CRACKED CAUSING A LEAK ! ALL DASH GAUGES BUT FUEL GAUGE DONT WORK !
NHTSA complaint #10956914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesPoplar Grove, IL
ENGINE
LOW BEAMS INTERMENTLY GO OFF AND ON ! EXHAUST MANIFOLD IS CRACKED CAUSING A LEAK ! ALL DASH GAUGES BUT FUEL GAUGE DONT WORK !
NHTSA complaint #10956914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 184,000 milesGuilford, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
NONE OF MY GAGES WORK AND A LOT OF MY DASH LIGHTS ARE ON. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH GAS I HAVE. MY SPEEDOMETER AND RPM GAGES WORK BUT NOTHING ELSE DOES. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING ON AND OFF FOR ABOUT 3 MONTHS BUT THEY WOULD ALWAYS GO BACK ON. BUT NOW IT HAS BEEN OFF FOR A WEEK WITHOUT GOING BACK TO NORMAL. TWICE LAST WEEK THE RADIO AND THE POWER WINDOWS STOPPED WORKING AS WELL. THIS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING PARKED ALL THE TIME AND IT DOESNT GO BACK TO NORMAL. I HAVE SEEN A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SO I HAVE NO CLUE WHY THERE ISN'T A RECALL. IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE MY TRAILBLAZER UNTIL THESE THINGS ARE FIXED. I WORK AT A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP AND THEY COULDN'T FIGURE OUT HOW TO FIX THIS EITHER. GM NEEDS TO PUT OUT A RECALL TO GET THIS FIXED ASAP.
NHTSA complaint #10882369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brazoria, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE GAS GAUGE STARTED MESSING UP/NOT READING RIGHT ESPECIALLY IN THE RAIN AND THEN SHORTLY AFTER THAT THE SPEEDOMETER STARTED DOING THE SAME THING. NOW NEITHER ONE WILL WORK AT ALL. THIS STARTED ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO AND QUIT WORKING ALL TOGETHER ABOUT 1 YEAR AGO. I HEARD THAT THIS IS HAPPENING TO ALOT OF TRAILBLAZERS. THIS STARTED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION.
NHTSA complaint #10852479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Falmouth, MA
POWER TRAIN
I HAVE REPLACED THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL TWICE IN 10 MONTHS. I BOUGHT NEW PARTS FOR IT NOT USED THAT WERE REDONE TO GET RID OF THE PROBLEMS IT HAD NOW IT HAS GONE AGAIN. THIS TIME I HAVEN'T EVEN USED THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE YET SINCE THE LAST REPAIR. I HAVE RESEARCH IT AND I NOTICED A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10811324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesVLY Cottage, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON AND THERE WAS A STRONG GAS ODOR. GAS HAD ALSO PREVIOUSLY SPILLED OUT WHEN FUELUNG.
NHTSA complaint #10764433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesVLY Cottage, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON AND THERE WAS A STRONG GAS ODOR. GAS HAD ALSO PREVIOUSLY SPILLED OUT WHEN FUELUNG.
NHTSA complaint #10764433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesRoseville, MI
SERVICE BRAKES
MY WIFE AND FIVE CHILDREN TRAVELING ON I-94 E AND EXITED THE FREEWAY AT THE 12 MILE EXIT IN ROSEVILLE MI. MY WIFE ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE AS THEY APPROACHED THE RED TRAFFIC SIGNAL ON THE 12 MILE EXIT RAMP AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT WARNING. SHE WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND PROCEEDED THROUGH THE RED LIGHT NARROWLY MISSING A HIGH SPEED COLLISION WITH BOTH EAST AND WEST BOUND TRAFFIC ON 12-MILE ROAD. SHE CONTINUED THROUGH THE INTERSECTION ON THE RED LIGHT AND WAS ABLE TO STOP THE SUV SEVERAL HUNDRED YARDS DOWN THE SERVICE DRIVE. SHE SLOWLY DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME AND I CHECKED THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR WITH NO BRAKE WARNING OR ANY OTHER INDICATORS ON THE DASH. I PUMPED THE BRAKES SEVERAL TIMES AND COULDN'T EVEN HOLD THE VEHICLE WHILE IDLING IN THE DRIVE POSITION. I ALSO NOTICED A LARGE PUDDLE OF FLUID UNDER THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I'M GOING TO LIMP THE VEHICLE TO MORAN CHEVROLET IN CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI AND LEAVE IT WITH THOSE THAT SOLD ME THIS DEATHTRAP. ANOTHER AND PERHAPS EVEN GREATER SAFETY CONCERN I HAVE IS THE SUV'S TENDENCY TO MISBEHAVE WHILE IN AWD MODE. THE VEHICLE SOMETIMES GOES IN REVERSE WHILE DRIVE IS SELECTED AND VICE VERSA. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE WILL SOMETIMES PUT ITSELF IN NEUTRAL WHILE ENGAGED IN DRIVE MODE OR WHILE STOPPED AT TRAFFIC SIGNALS. OH AND LAST WEEK I REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD WIPER ASSEMBLY AFTER IT FAILED AND FOUND NO EVIDENCE THAT GM HAD COMPLETED THE RELATED RECALL WORK THAT SIGNED OFF AS BEING COMPLETE FOR THE WINDSHIELD MOTOR AND LINKAGE ASSEMBLY. I SEE I'M NOT ALONE IN HAVING SUFFERED CATASTROPHIC SAFETY RELATED FAILURES WITH THIS PARTICULAR SUV. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE AND FORCE GM TO RECALL TO FIX THIS CORROSION ISSUE WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM. I ALMOST LOST MY FAMILY LAST EVENING AND WILL ASSUME IT WOULD HAVE MADE NATIONAL NEWS HAD THEY DIED IN AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10761751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sadorus, ILFire
POWER TRAIN
I PURCHASED A 2003 TRAILBLAZER FROM AN INDIVIDUAL. THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL HAD A HOLE IN IT. SO I PURCHASED A DIFFERENTIAL FROM A SCRAP YARD. 90 DAY WARRANTY. STILL HAD A NOISE . I STILL HAD A NOISE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL WAS OUT AGAIN. I PURCHASED THE THIRD DIFFERENTIAL FROM A DIFFERENT YARD TOOK IT APART . FOUND THE DRIVER SIDE BEARING BAD. IT SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM BECAUSE THE DRIVER SIDE DRIVERS CONSTANT. I WAS WONDERING IF THERE IS A RECALL. I SEE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE. THANK YOU THERE WAS A FIRE THE DIFFERENTIAL GREASE BURNT BEARING WENT OUT AND CHARD MOTOR AND SURROUNDING AREA NO REAL DAMAGE.
NHTSA complaint #10760210 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 131,000 milesMeriden, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FIRST OIL PRESSURE GAUGE WENT AND NOW MY SPEEDOMETER IS ALSO GONE STUCK AT 50 MPH. CALLED CHEVY CAN'T GET STRAIGHT ANSWER FROM THEM AND ASK WHAT OTHER VEHICLES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM WITH GAUGE CLUSTER ADVISED CAN'T DISCLOSED ANY INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #10722806 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 56,000 milesGuilford, CT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
NHTSA ACTION NUMBER : PE07014 OCCURRED ON MY VEHICLE AROUND NOVEMBER 2014. THE PROBLEM PRESENTED AS P0442 CEL AND ODOR OF GAS AFTER PARKING IN GARAGE. GM HAS INDICATED BECAUSE THE SPECIAL CONSIDERATION ALLOWANCE HAS EXPIRED, DESPITE THE LOW MILEAGE THEY WILL DO NOTHING. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NEW IN AUGUST 2003. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY GM WAS NOT COMPELLED TO ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL DUE TO THE RISK OF GAS LEAKING. I WOULD APPRECIATE ASSISTANCE TO GET GM TO MINIMALLY PROVIDE DEFECTIVE PARTS REPLACEMENT, DUE TO THE KNOW MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE GAS TANK.
NHTSA complaint #10678685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesChilton, WICrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
IT WAS SLEETING AND I LOST CONTROL ON A CURVE. I HAD BEEN DRIVING ABOUT 50 MPH, BUT BRAKE BEFORE THE CURVE AND BRAKE VERY HARD WHEN I TRIED TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, AS IT WAS SLIDING SIDEWAYS TOWARD THE CURVE. I WENT OFF THE CURVE AND HIT AN ELEVATED CROSSROAD, WHICH SENT THE VEHICLE AIRBORNE. I WAS AIRBORNE OVER MOST OF THE SIDE ROAD, WITH THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE HITTING JUST THE LAST FEW INCHES OF PAVEMENT, WHICH THEN SENT THE VEHICLE NOSEDIVING INTO THE DITCH. THE EMBANKMENTS WERE 4-5 FEET TALL. I HAD TWO VERY HARD FRONT END IMPACTS AND HIT MY HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL TWICE. THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS BENT AND THERE WAS A LOT OF DAMAGE TO THE UNDER OF THE VEHICLE, BUT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY. I HAVE A LOT OF CONCERN WITH THE FACT THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND KNOW THAT THERE WERE OTHER VEHICLES OF MY YEAR AND TYPE THAT DID HAVE FAULTY AIRBAGS RECALLED, BUT MINE HAS NOT BEEN.
NHTSA complaint #10670844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.