2003 Chevrolet Blazer
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Blazer › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Chevrolet Blazer. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2003 Chevrolet Blazer. Newest first.
Certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, "occupant crash protection."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Some of these vehicles include incorrect statements on one of the air bag warning labels.
Remedy
Owners will be provided with correct labels and installation instructions. owner notification began on june 4, 2004. owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
Owner complaints
77 complaints14 involved a crash2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags
Rear ended a stopped pick up at 45 mph and air bags did not deploy. It was on a highway where the speed limit IS 55. The whole front end was damaged but most was on driver side.
- Fuel/propulsion system
1/10/2018, while driving on I-96, SUV suddenly lost power in the middle lane at 72mph. I coasted vehicle to a stop in that lane, as heavy traffic would not allow me to pull over. My family of four were in that SUV when the fuel delivery system failed. The fuel pump stopped working without warning.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Service brakes · Structure › Body
I purchased this vehicle in february 2015 with 71,000 - the body was very well kept inside and out. what I didn't know was the extensive amount of rust and corrosion under the vehicle, which did not show initially. I have only had same a little over a year and have had to already replace front…
I purchased this vehicle in february 2015 with 71,000 - the body was very well kept inside and out. what I didn't know was the extensive amount of rust and corrosion under the vehicle, which did not show initially. I have only had same a little over a year and have had to already replace front arm joints because they snapped in half and my tire was sitting crooked and in danger of falling off!! Fuel lines had to be replaced because they completed rusted through and gasoline was leaking out all over. the driver door was checked 2X as it does not shut correctly and I can hear wind getting into the vehicle while driving (not to mention water pouring in over the driver's side door and door controls), the brakes go completely to the floor (despite being fixed), the ABS light and check engine light stay on despite being checked - this truck design IS terrible and it now rides and sounds like a bucket of bolts. I have had many trucks from GMC jimmy, chevrolet trailblazer, etc. - I have never had one that has gone completely sour in so short a time. I have also read the numerous accounts of people in accidents with this year vehicle and the brakes failing and airbags not deploying - I am seriously scared to drive this vehicle anymore. I am a single mother of 2 and thought I was purchasing a reliable vehicle for my family from a reputable company. I see that most of the complaints - if they were investigated by chevy - were deemed "no problem found" and swept under the rug. what do I do?! I have already spent over $1,000 to fix this vehicle and it still has issues - I simply cannot afford to keep sinking $$ into a vehicle that IS going to bleed me dry.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Service brakes
Takata inflators: I had left my house headed to work at approximately 6:30 am and got on I40 eastbound, it had snowed the day before and the roads had been treated and were clear for travel, I was traveling on a 3 lane highway in the left lane @ aprox 50mph and I applied my brakes to do upcoming…
Takata inflators: I had left my house headed to work at approximately 6:30 am and got on I40 eastbound, it had snowed the day before and the roads had been treated and were clear for travel, I was traveling on a 3 lane highway in the left lane @ aprox 50mph and I applied my brakes to do upcoming traffic, when the ABS system locked. I attempted to let off and re apply the brake but the ABS system just stayed engaged and the front end started sliding hard to the left and I steered away from the pull. I subsequently hit the center concrete wall at approx. 40Mph with the front passenger side of my car, which caused me to spin around and hit the passenger rear, I continued to spin until I was facing back east. My air bags did not deploy but it caused severe damage to core support and passenger side frame horn. It was a single vehicle accident and no damage was done to anything but my vehicle and myself, the ABS did not release within what I approximate to be about 6 seconds and this so called safety device nearly killed me. I was wearing my seat belt.
- Air bags
Airbag recall. *tr
- Air bags
My 03 blazer has had its airbag lights on for some time now and I'm worried that if I get into a crash my airbags wont deploy, I'm scared also to see so many complaints along the same lines as mine. This problem needs to be addressed by the nhtsa or by gm before someone IS killed or injured badly. A recall IS needed! *tr
- Structure › Body
Drivers door hinges are loose causing damage to the door latch and door flying open. *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet blazer. The contact stated after several attempts starting the ignition, the engine failed to operate. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was diagnosed by a certified mechanic, who informed that the starter relay switch would need to be…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet blazer. The contact stated after several attempts starting the ignition, the engine failed to operate. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was diagnosed by a certified mechanic, who informed that the starter relay switch would need to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
- Air bags
Was hit by right side impact by a truck without brakes at a stop light. It was going 40 mph. coming down hill as I took off at stop light . Pushed across 3 lanes of traffic. air bags did not deploy ! Also I was hit on front right side panel . It later caused my instrument panel to not display…
Was hit by right side impact by a truck without brakes at a stop light. It was going 40 mph. coming down hill as I took off at stop light . Pushed across 3 lanes of traffic. air bags did not deploy ! Also I was hit on front right side panel . It later caused my instrument panel to not display the lights on warnings . Had to replace the panel . That's when I was informed that air bags will not deploy at all ! but flashes on and off as you drive. *js
- Service brakes
Noticed brake fluid on floor of my garage. found that the brake line to the rear brakes was rusted and leaking. gm dealer said it was out of warranty so I paid a local garage to install new brake line. it has failed again, 98,000, while I was driving. lost braking ability. I find that gm will…
Noticed brake fluid on floor of my garage. found that the brake line to the rear brakes was rusted and leaking. gm dealer said it was out of warranty so I paid a local garage to install new brake line. it has failed again, 98,000, while I was driving. lost braking ability. I find that gm will sell me a set of brake lines for $500 and I can have them installed anywhere I want to. considering the current gm situation with the ignition switch I think they should be made to recall all effected vehicles and fix their rusting brake lines. *tr
- Air bags
I was traveling southbound when I experienced a seizure and lost control of my vehicle. I proceeded to veer to the left where I clipped several cars that were headed northbound and had stopped due to the realization that my vehicle was not under control. I then proceeded over a tree lawn and into a…
I was traveling southbound when I experienced a seizure and lost control of my vehicle. I proceeded to veer to the left where I clipped several cars that were headed northbound and had stopped due to the realization that my vehicle was not under control. I then proceeded over a tree lawn and into a parking lot. I hit a dodge RAM pickup with the right front corner of my vehicle and pushed that vehicle into another parked car that was next to it. Both vehicles ended up sideways and my vehicle ended up spun around 180 degrees. At this time my vehicle came to a stop. Police were called an paramedics arrived. The jaws of life were used to extract me from my vehicle. I was taken to a local hospital where it was determined that I suffered burst fractures of L1, L2, and L3. I also suffered an evulsion fracture of my left ankle. The police report states that I was travelling at a high rate of speed and that the vehicles which were northbound were just clipped. The airbags are both still within their cases as neither deployed. I would expect this of the passenger airbag as that seat was unoccupied but the driver bag should have deployed. The insurance investigator even expressed to my wife that he was surprised that the air bag did not deploy. I was having a seizure and was not conscious so I cannot provide any information other than what IS in the police report. The report IS #370763 issued by the township of clinton, michigan. the vehicle IS currently located at copard auto salvage, 21000 hayden, woodhaven, mi 48183. The phone number IS 734-365-0070. It will be held there for between 7 and 10 days from 8/26/2013. Thank you *tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Exterior lighting › Brake lights · Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
Brake lights fail to turn on when brake pedal IS pressed. Replaced brake switch, all tail lights. Mechanic investigation shows multi-function switch to be cause of problem as in previous recall for multi-function switch on 2002 blazer. requesting investigation and addition to the recall. *kb
- Fuel system, gasoline
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet blazer. The contact stated the vehicle experienced an ongoing failure in which the fuel gauge constantly displayed an improper reading. The contact also stated due to the failure the vehicle stalled while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to an…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet blazer. The contact stated the vehicle experienced an ongoing failure in which the fuel gauge constantly displayed an improper reading. The contact also stated due to the failure the vehicle stalled while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer on numerous occasions in which the failure was never diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 12,000 and the current mileage was 60,000. The vin was unavailable.
- Fuel system, gasoline
My 2003 chevy blazer has had a faulty fuel gauge since the vehicle was purchased. It was taken into moran chevrolet in clinton township mi once for warranty repairs but the problem was never fixed. Service rep informed me that it was caused by a bad vehicle ground. Problem still persists to this day. The only way I can avoid running out of gas IS to reset the trip odometer every time I fill-up. *Tr
- Power train › Driveline
Rear differential failure, 194,xxx miles, 2003 chevrolet blazer LS 4.3 automatic, 7 5/8 3.42 rear. *tr
- Air bags
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet blazer. While the contact was driving approximately 25 mph, an opposing vehicle crashed into the driver side of the vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy with the impact. There was no personal injury. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle sustained severe damages. The failure was 263,000.
- Structure › Frame and members
TL* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet blazer. The contact stated when inspecting under the vehicle, he noticed the frame behind the front wheels had fractured. He did not observe any visible signs or rust or corrosion. The vehicle had not yet been taken to the dealer for further inspection or repairs. The failure and current mileages were 110,000.
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
I own a chevrolet trailblazer 2003, and I ran into a recall problem with my windshield wipers. www.nhtsa.dot.gov has provided information for gm's recall on all vehicles with a defect. nhtsa campaign number: 04v046000 recall date: february 2, 2004 potential number of units affected: 581,394…
I own a chevrolet trailblazer 2003, and I ran into a recall problem with my windshield wipers. www.nhtsa.dot.gov has provided information for gm's recall on all vehicles with a defect. nhtsa campaign number: 04v046000 recall date: february 2, 2004 potential number of units affected: 581,394 I called my local chevrolet dealer, courtesy chevrolet in santa clara, california in order to get my car fixed since the problem IS a defect on gm's part. I researched the problem and my car falls in the recall category, the staff at courtesy chevrolet did not fix my car on their expense because they said that my vin number was not in their system as one of the cars with a defect/recall: recall: a manufacturer's recall IS a situation in which most vehicles produced in a production or tooling run has a severe enough flaw in a component or group of components in that continued operation of the vehicle without modification or repair could result in personal injury or death of the driver and/or occupants of the vehicle. This type of recall IS known as a national recall. it IS ridiculous that gm, a corporation looking to get the economy back on its own two feet, IS not working with their customers to provide a great customer experience. I paid $540.00 in order for my problem to be fixed. I am really disappointed as a customer of general motors, due to poor customer service experience while trying to solve my mechanical problem, I regret buying a vehicle from gm. *tr
- Structure › Body › Door
Right passenger door on my 2003 chevrolet blazer 2 door drops when open and lifts up when closed. same situation as my 2004 four door blazer. upper and lower hinge pins and bushings failed causing the door to become difficult to open and close a real safety problem. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
I was out late in a desolate area-no houses-no stores. I smelled burning rubber so bad I thought the car was on fire. I had no alternative but to continue driving. I was terrified, I am a senior citizen-female alone. I refused to drive it anywhere once it was parked. my mechanic was kind enough…
I was out late in a desolate area-no houses-no stores. I smelled burning rubber so bad I thought the car was on fire. I had no alternative but to continue driving. I was terrified, I am a senior citizen-female alone. I refused to drive it anywhere once it was parked. my mechanic was kind enough to pick it up. the dealer would not. it was the intake manifold. the car only has 44,000 miles on it. it cost me $466.26. I was truly terrified. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
Since purchase of vehicle in 10/2006, we had hesitation and stalling problems. With a 2003 chevy blazer. we had several full tune-ups, catalytic converter replacement (upon the advice of a dealership), fuel relay replacement, fuel filter replacement on two occasions, and the removal of two (2)…
Since purchase of vehicle in 10/2006, we had hesitation and stalling problems. With a 2003 chevy blazer. we had several full tune-ups, catalytic converter replacement (upon the advice of a dealership), fuel relay replacement, fuel filter replacement on two occasions, and the removal of two (2) factory rags that had been left in the fuel tank during the manufacturing of the vehicle. finally the replacement of the fuel pump in july 2008 -- total cost over $3,000. constant hesitation with the vehicle, and at least a few dozen stalling episodes with a couple of them happening on the garden state parkway in new jersey during business trips. upon purchase of replacement fuel pump, we found a product bulletin in the box stating "new improved connector and pigtail for gm fuel pump models". it went on to explain that many gm vehicles from 1988 to 2005 have electrical connectors on the fuel pump module that may become loose over time due to vibration, leading to faulty, high-resistance connections. the symptoms -- burned or melted connectors and pins -- lead to a voltage drop situation where low or no voltage can cause the module to stop pumping. the solution was that the oem design connector was replaced. we wrote go gm asking for reimbursement for at least the fuel pump and installation and stated that we believe that other owners of these vehicles should be immediately made aware of the situation (with more than a product bulletin on the inside of the new fuel pump box) as the stalling problem could have and could very well result in an accident with or without injuries/death when the vehicles just stall without warning whenever and where ever it feels like it. gm responded to my letter that they would be taking no action -- no reimbursement to me and no notification to any other owners of the problem. I told them this was not acceptable and that I would pursue the matter as far as I could to save injuries and possibly lives. *Tr
- Structure › Body · Suspension
Crash- I was doing 25 mph when after hitting a deer swerved hit my front end on the corner of a hill and my vehicle went on to its side. There was hardly any damage done to the front end because I didn't hit very hard ,but because of the side damage the vehicle was 500 dollars from being totaled. 2003 chevy blazer. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
2003 chevy blazer fuel pump module. consumer feels that owners of affected vehicles should be aware of this bulletin. *nj the consumer stated there had been a hesitation and stalling problem with the vehicle since it was purchased. The consumer stated she was not told there was an electrical connector problem on the fuel pump. The fuel pump was replaced and the hesitation and stalling has been resolved. *Jb
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet blazer. while driving approximately 45 mph, all of the instrument panel lights illuminated. also, the radio and fuel gauge failed to operate normally. the speedometer displayed inaccurate readings. the instrument panel lights remained illuminated until the…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet blazer. while driving approximately 45 mph, all of the instrument panel lights illuminated. also, the radio and fuel gauge failed to operate normally. the speedometer displayed inaccurate readings. the instrument panel lights remained illuminated until the engine was turned off. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and they stated that the instrument panel cluster was defective. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure mileage was 60,548 and current mileage was 60,700. updated 09/26/08. 8JB
- Seats
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet blazer. while driving 5 mph and looking in the blind spot, the contact stated that the passenger seat blinded him more. the seat prevented him from seeing other vehicles in his blind spot and nearly caused a crash. the contact would have to place the seat all…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet blazer. while driving 5 mph and looking in the blind spot, the contact stated that the passenger seat blinded him more. the seat prevented him from seeing other vehicles in his blind spot and nearly caused a crash. the contact would have to place the seat all the way down or forward in order to see properly. the dealer was notified of the failure a few years ago, but did not assist. the current mileage was approximately 19,000 and failure mileage was approximately 4,000.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11009156This 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.
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11006621Vehicle 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 update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This 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.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10251887This bulletin advises the technician of possible location of an internal coolant leak from a specific cylinder head and location.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10249980This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. Technician will need to use Pico Oscilloscope Diagnostic Kit to effectively diagnosis vehicles. Technician should drive the vehicle will using the Pico Oscilloscope to record data. After the data is recorded it should be reviewed to determine the root cause of the concern. If a repair attempt made the concern better but not eliminated or had no affect at all, and are requesting assistance from General Motors Technical Assistance Center record another Pico file and save it to the computer. After the new Pico Oscilloscope data has been saved email the data to General Motors Technical Assistance Center in the subject line include ?Vibration? ?Business Associate Code? and the last 8 of the Vehicle Identification Number.
- 10249590This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247780This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247552This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10244214This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 10244201This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10242843The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
- 10242298This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10242262This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 10240793This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.
- 10236164This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10235802This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10235799This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10234141This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
Every Chevrolet Blazer model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.