10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
27,362 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

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problem #14

Aug 012013

Trailblazer

  • 80,000 miles
When getting into vehicle all my dashboard gauges just stopped work, no speed, gas, oil pressure etc.

- Dewitt, MI, USA

problem #13

Nov 172004

Trailblazer 6-cyl

  • 20,000 miles
This vehicle was purchased new in Jun 2003. While still under warranty, various recalls were issued for steering, brake lights and rear hatch locking/handle assembly. Since then, the vehicle has been a lemon. Power steering pump replaced twice (first one I paid for, second independent and very reliable mechanic shop paid). Next the engine cooling fan bearing had to be replaced. Later, the transmission had to be rebuilt. I also had to get the computer checked and reset to avoid surging engine RPM and resultant speed deviations. Reaching a point of frustration as never before, I wrote GM asking for consideration repairing the transmission and received no response. I know they received the email since I had a "receipt requested" feature activated in my office computer. I sent a second email stating I was aware of the email receipt and that I expected a response. No such luck. All these problems manifested themselves well before the 100,000 miles were reached. Now at approximately 132,000 miles, I had to replace the exhaust manifold due to a crack, the vehicle has lost power on two occasions, the entire dashboard has gone to zero and back to normal several times and the latest is an engine noise that my very reliable, 6 year auto service provider has told be is related to the timing belt assembly/mount points and as it gets louder, the engine will be getting ready to fail. So, I read all these complaints today and felt like I could have summarized everyone's complaints and concerns. I am an accident investigator and have no doubt that this vehicle will go down in history as one of the most unreliable and dangerous cars ever built. Shame the feds have not taken the extra steps to remedy the issues after so many complaints yet, they went after top selling Toyota at a time when the american made cars were barely able to stay afloat. Wonder?

- Eastover, NC, USA

problem #12

Jul 012011

Trailblazer

  • 65,000 miles
TL * the contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that the spare tire hoist had malfunctioned by not releasing the spare tire. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that there was no repair for the failure, but they could remove the spare tire for him. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileages were approximately 65,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Olathe, KS, USA

problem #11

Dec 232009

Trailblazer

  • miles
2003 Trailblazer lt. Check engine light came on and stayed on for about a 3 weeks. Brought vehicle to service at dealership, was told that I needed to replace my fuel tank because there was a leak in my fuel tank and it should be replaced. Cost would be about $1100. I have also replaced my kick panel at least 6 times. Everytime I have to come out of pocket for something that is poorly made by the manufacture. I know others are experiencing this same problem. Please look into this situation for us, we need your help. I drive my vehicle everyday and only have about 63,000 miles, my vehicle is like new and I am the only driver.

- Waggaman, LA, USA

problem #10

Oct 102008

Trailblazer

  • 53,000 miles
The front passenger door has not worked properly from the time I purchased the vehicle. The door was not air tight and would let in air & rain in. I brought it back to the dealer several time and after approximately a couple weeks the problem will start again. The whole air-conditioning system has failed, the blower goes on and off by its self; but when you try and turn it on it will not turn on. This includes the defroster and heater it makes driving very hazardous when the windows fogs up. I was told by my mechanic that this is a problem with the Trailblazers; he has seen a large number of Trailblazers with the same problem along with problems with the back hatch glass separating from the hinge. This has also happened to my Trailblazer and makes it impossible to open the glass or the entire hatch. I love my Trailblazer but disappointed with all the problems I have had with the vehicle.

- Temecula, CA, USA

problem #9

Mar 072008

Trailblazer

  • 82,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact experienced difficulty closing the front driver's side door. The vehicle was taken to an auto body shop and the technician stated that the failure was related to the bushing and striker plate. The front driver's side door dropped half an inch. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was taken to an auto body shop for the same failure on both the front and passenger side doors. The authorized dealer was notified and stated that the repair would cost approximately $300-$600 per door. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 82,000 and current mileage was 88,000.

- Cary, NC, USA

problem #8

Oct 022007

Trailblazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 44,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While driving 60 mph, the transmission slipped and would not shift gears. The contact noticed bluish-colored smoke coming from under the vehicle. There were no warning indicators present. The vehicle was taken to the repair shop and the mechanic stated that the oil line for the transmission was placed too close to the catalytic converter. The catalytic converter caused the oil to leak. The current and failure mileages were 44,000. The consumer stated the dealership agreed with unsafe defect and requested the vehicle to be investigated but was refused request by Chevrolet. Updated 11/14/07

- Mannington, WV, USA

problem #7

Jan 282005

Trailblazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 29,000 miles
These are all of the problems fixed at the dealer with this truck so far: Rear sway bar links replaced, rear wiper blade came out of alignment 2 times, right rear door is warped, driver side rear molding is loose, back plate rubber seal out of alignment, windshield wiper tank replaced since it was leaking, A/C low pressure switch inop then replaced, windshield wiper module replaced because wipers would not turn off, sway bar links replaced for a second time. All of these have broken over the past 2 years and nine months and driver's side passenger window for that door is loose. Still is a noise in the front suspension that makes a hard knock onto the steering column but dealer denies hearing it.

- Yonkers, NY, USA

problem #6

Mar 172004

(reported on)

Trailblazer 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,500 miles
Vehicle has poor visibility in the rear due to a high head rest, seat back, and the railing between the windows.

- High Point, NC, USA

problem #5

Jul 172003

Trailblazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,766 miles
My 2003 trail Blazer there is so much wind around the vehicle it sounds like a window is open and it so nerve racking you can not hear in order to try and drown out the noise I have to blast the radio. And when it rains water comes inside the doors and the back hatch I have taken it back to the dealer several times.

- Airmont, NY, USA

problem #4

Jun 092003

(reported on)

Trailblazer

  • miles
2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer: Opening in vehicle where critters can get in to stay warm/ problems with ac/heating. The design of the heater box has an opening where small critters (mice/chipmunks)are able to get in and stay warm. The consumer is unable to use the heat or A/C because it sounds like something is caught. The dealer and the manufacturer only suggested that the consumer use moth balls.

- Cold Spring, NY, USA

problem #3

Feb 072003

Trailblazer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • 6,731 miles
Rear spoiler molding (3rd brake light) flew of vehicle while driving down state highway at approximately 55 mph.

- Hanover, IN, USA

problem #2

Apr 302003

Trailblazer

  • miles
While traveling on the highway and without warning, the front grill fell off.

- Chapel Hill, NC, USA

problem #1

Apr 192003

Trailblazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75 miles
The center console located between the driver and passenger seats does not fit correctly. The tray allows objects to fall down near the transmission. The objects can only be removed if the console is taken out by the dealer. The consumer feels this is a poor design.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA