2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer
BUILT 2026-09-02

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2004: 1081 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1999	4
2000	26
2001	20
2002	1149
2003	901
2004	1081
2005	1466
2006	1107
2007	732
2008	193
2009	27
2014	1
2021	190
2022	108
2023	66
2024	32
2025	19
2026	5

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 59%

59% of complaints: electrical system — 641 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and 12v/24v/48v battery.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

WHEN DRIVING OUR VEHICLE FROM MYRTLE BEACH THIS WEEK WE NOTICED A SMELL ABOUT HALF WAY HOME THAT REEKED OF ROTTEN EGGS. THE SMELL WAS SO BAD THAT I BECAUSE NAUSEOUS AND DEVELOOED A SEVERE HEADACHE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20190729

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, HE DISCOVERED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY.

NHTSA ODI report, 20121107

WHILE DRIVING SMOKE WAS COMING INTO VEHICLE THROUGH THE VENTS. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER. A FEW MINUTES LATER VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED.*AK *MR

NHTSA ODI report, 20040122

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 10%

10% of complaints: exterior lighting — 104 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights and tail lights.

CRASH FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS RANDOMLY STOPPED ILLUMINATING.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180808

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 9%

9% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 96 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing filler pipe and cap and tank assembly.

CRASH INJURY

POWER TRAIN 6%

6% of complaints: power train — 64 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).

CRASH FIRE INJURY

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 4%

4% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 43 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2004 — complaint volume: 1081

I 20040406 — PE (closed 20040803)

BRAKE LAMP FAILURE

I 20040803 — EA (closed 20041104)

BRAKE LAMP FAILURE

R 20041122 — exterior lighting

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

R 20050804 — exterior lighting

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 FL

Remedy: 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 AUGUS

Campaign 05V198000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20070710 — EA (closed 20080828)

FUEL PUMP MODULE LEAKS GASOLINE

I 20170424 — RQ (closed 20210329)

Loss of Headlights

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for electrical system issues (641 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (104 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (96 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 04V527000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
Verify recall 05V198000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2024 ▲ 2023 ▲ 2022

WORST YEARS

■ 2005 ■ 2002 ■ 2006

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 59% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer have?

2 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.