2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Vehicles › Chevrolet › Trailblazer › 2003
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
These records cover every 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
8 recalls name the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Newest first.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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…
Depending on the occurrence and weather situation, driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a crash.
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.
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.
This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
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.
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.
If braking performance IS reduced, a crash could occur.
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.
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…
These overrides are not permitted unless the vehicle has a locking steering column.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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
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
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 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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
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 General Motors adequately addressed any unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety in the subject vehicles concerning the headlights and the HDM that controls them.Under normal electrical load and environmental conditions, the HDM can overheat inside the Underhood Electrical Center (UEC). This can cause the module to fail and result in a simultaneous loss of both low beam headlights and both daytime running lights (DRLs), often with no warning or prior detectability to the driver. This failure can be intermittent or permanent. No other exterior lights are affected. High beams, turn signals, brake lights, and reverse lights are still operational.General Motors addressed this issue with 2 recalls (14V755 & 15V519) and a special coverage program (N172091910). In view of the recalls and special coverage program implemented by GM and the vehicle high beams continuing to operate, ODI has tentatively concluded that the actions taken by GM mitigate any unreasonable risk to safety posed by HDM failure in the subject vehicles.Accordingly, the investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at NHTSA.gov under the identification numbers in the attached document.
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 corrosion of the return and sender lines of the fuel pump module.water and road salt collect on top of the fuel pump leading to small pinholes appearing on the fuel lines.fuel may leak and collect on top of the module and/or spill onto the ground.the data evaluated under this investigation reflect a relatively low frequency of occurrence that largely arises in salt belt states.gm has extended the warranty on the subject component to ten years or 120,000 miles.further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted at this time; accordingly, this investigation IS closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.for additional information select document search.
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.
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, 2004 gm notified nhtsa that it will conduct a safety recall (nhtsa # 04v527) covering subject vehicles that were not already repaired under gm's special policy.my 2004 subject vehicles built after august 8, 2003 contain improved brake lamp assemblies and are not included in the recall.gm dealers will install the improved brake lamp assembly on subject vehicles built on august 8, 2003 and earlier.the action taken by gm IS sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.accordingly, this investigation IS closed.
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 electrical arcing and an inoperative bulb.to correct the condition, gm changed the bulb to a bulb that transmits less heat to the socket and changed the socket to a thermoplastic polymer to improve thermal stability.these changes were implemented into production vehicles on october 1, 2003.gm implemented a special policy by notifying consumers that if they should experience a brake lamp failure to go to their gm dealership to have the circuit board containing the brake lamp replaced along with new bulbs.this policy IS good for the first 6 years or 72,000 miles of the life of the vehicle.odi will upgrade this investigation to ea 04-021 and include the above mentioned vehicles.
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 referred to as the family design module (p/n 15171306 base, p/n 15171307 for vehicles equipped with rainsense automatic moisture sensitive wipers).water enters the windshield wiper module causing the electrical components on the control circuit board to corrode and short out, thus rendering the wiper motor/module inoperative.in november 2002, gm introduced into vehicle production a redesigned windshield wiper assembly referred to as the ?global? Design module (p/n 15094704 base, p/n 15094705 for vehicles equipped with rainsense) to better control water intrusion.odi has received a total of 1,179 non-duplicative owner and field reports alleging windshield wiper failure on vehicles originally equipped with the ?family? Design module.by letter dated february 2, 2004, gm has notified odi that it will conduct a safety recall (nhtsa recall no. 04V-046).accordingly, this investigation IS closed.
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 complaints, field reports and warranty IS low compared to other vehicles that have been recalled for a spitback issue.a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of the agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.see attached report for additional information.
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 assembly plant.the test exposes the vehicles to an amount of water that exceeds the plenum?s capability to divert water away from the wiper module, allowing water to rise to a level that exceeds the height of the windshield wiper motor cover vent hole.water enters through the vent hole then flows down to the bottom of the module and pools causing the electrical components on the control circuit board to corrode and short out, thus rendering the wiper motor/module inoperative.on november 2, 2002 gm introduced into vehicle production a redesigned windshield wiper assembly referred to as the ?global? Design module (p/n 15094704 base, p/n 15094705 for vehicles equipped with rainsense) that uses a polytetrafluoroethylene membrane covered vent hole to control water intrusion.there are a total of 1,172 non-duplicative owner and field reports alleging windshield wiper failure, two vehicle crashes allegedly caused by windshield wiper failure, and 43,219 warranty claims for windshield wiper assembly or wiper control module replacement on vehicles originally equipped with the ?family? Design module.this preliminary evaluation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea04-002) to further study the scope and safety consequences of this issue.
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.