2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT recalls and problems

The 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT has 3 safety recalls and 313 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
313
Crashes / fires
7 / 6
Injuries / deaths
11 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT recalls

Recall 05V-494: Latches/Locks/Linkages

Reported Oct 27, 2005 · 98,007 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Fix: Dealers will install a seal along the lower part of the rocker panel to prevent intrusion of corrosive material, and inspect the rear side closure latches. Functional latches will be cleaned and lubricated. Non-functioning latches will be replaced. The recall began on february 24, 2006. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, or isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.

Recall 04V-527: Exterior Lighting

Reported Nov 1, 2004 · 871,473 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 04V-046: Visibility

Reported Feb 4, 2004 · 581,394 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Fuel System, Gasoline86
Electrical System79
Power Train53
Visibility27
Structure25
Exterior Lighting25
Suspension16
Engine and Engine Cooling16
Latches/Locks/Linkages13
Service Brakes, Hydraulic9
Vehicle Speed Control7
Unknown or Other7

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 29
  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 22
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly — 15
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap — 13
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 11
  • Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 9
  • Structure › Body — 7
  • Power Train › Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive) — 6

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 68,500 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · at 120,600 miles · reported Dec 4, 2018
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.
Electrical System · at 177,000 miles · reported May 30, 2018
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…
Electrical System · at 140,443 miles · reported Feb 23, 2018
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 .
Electrical System · at 199,263 miles · reported Aug 27, 2017
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?
Power Train · at 150,000 miles · reported Jul 24, 2017
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.

Other Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT years

Compare all Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT years · All Chevrolet models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT: 05V-494 (latches/locks/linkages), 04V-527 (exterior lighting), 04V-046 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report fuel system, gasoline problems most often (86 reports), followed by electrical system (79). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 68,500 miles.

Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.