2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 100 |
| 2003 | 313 |
| 2004 | 261 |
| 2006 | 189 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
27% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 86 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tank assembly and filler pipe and cap.
25% of complaints: electrical system — 79 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and ignition.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180530
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140624
VEHICLE SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, IGNITION LOCKED. CONSUMER SHOOK THE STEERING COLUMN AND IT STARTED. THERE WAS A MULTIPLE VEHICLE COLLISION SINCE THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN AT 65 MPH. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20041129
17% of complaints: power train — 53 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHILE PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN 4-WHEEL DRIVE IT BEGAN TO ACCELERATE. VEHICLE RAN INTO A GUARD RAIL AND ROLLED DOWN INTO A DITCH. OWNER CONTACTED THE DEALER, WHO SAID IT WAS THE FAULT OF THE DRIVER.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050310
9% of complaints: visibility — 27 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing power window devices and controls and glass, side/rear.
INJURY8% of complaints: exterior lighting — 25 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights and brake lights.
SAFETY TIMELINE
FUEL SPILLAGE DURING REFUELING
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 CONTINUOU
Remedy: 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 AN
Campaign 04V046000 — check if this car was fixed
BRAKE LAMP FAILURE
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.
Remedy: 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 1-8
Campaign 04V527000 — check if this car was fixed
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
Remedy: 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 LUBR
Campaign 05V494000 — check if this car was fixed
FUEL PUMP MODULE LEAKS GASOLINE
FUEL TANK LEAK
FUEL PUMP MODULE LEAKS GASOLINE
Loss of Headlights
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (86 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (79 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (53 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V046000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V527000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V494000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.