2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer recalls and problems

The 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer has 2 safety recalls and 1,081 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
1,081
Crashes / fires
56 / 31
Injuries / deaths
74 / 4

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer recalls

Recall 05V-198: Exterior Lighting

Reported May 5, 2005 · 286,478 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

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.

2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System641
Exterior Lighting104
Fuel System, Gasoline96
Power Train64
Fuel/Propulsion System43
Air Bags42
Engine and Engine Cooling39
Vehicle Speed Control38
Visibility31
Structure23
Service Brakes, Hydraulic22
Unknown or Other19

Most reported parts

  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 245
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 31
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 18
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap — 10
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 10
  • Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 7
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 6
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 6

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 67,150 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 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer complaints

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

Air Bags · reported Aug 9, 2025
I was driving and a girl pulled out from a stop sign and hit my passenger side front of my trailblazer. Her airbags deployed immediately, meanwhile mine didn't deploy. My husband saved my face by throwing his arm over me!
Exterior Lighting · at 189,000 miles · reported Sep 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the headlights became inoperable. After a while, the headlights became operational. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 189,000.
Firerelated · at 153,000 miles · reported Jan 6, 2022
The contact owned a 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the rear passenger side. The contact pulled over and noticed that underneath the rear passenger's seat had caught fire. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. The contact sustained burns to his left shoulder, hands, and elbows. However, no medical treatment was received. A police report was filed. The contact was unaware if there was a fire department report. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed totaled by the insurance company. The…
Electrical System · reported Jan 6, 2022
Electronic throttle body? No throttle control, motor will only idle, turn ignition switch off, then restart it will run. Reduced Engine Power light comes on. Happens for no apparent reason. Very unsafe situation.
Tires · at 89,000 miles · reported Dec 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer equipped with Hankook tires Model:Dynapro HT Tire Size: P245/70R16 Dot Number:Unknown. The contact stated that she had both rear tires, driver side and passenger side, replaced with the Hankook tires by an independent mechanic. After the instillation, the contact stated that the vehicle would shake while driving at various speeds without warning . The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic who inspected the tires and made adjustments; however, the shaking persisted. While driving at 65 MPH, the lost control of the vehicle's steering as…

Other Chevrolet Trailblazer years

Compare all Chevrolet Trailblazer years · All Chevrolet models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer: 05V-198 (exterior lighting), 04V-527 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (641 reports), followed by exterior lighting (104). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 67,150 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.