2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT recalls and problems

3 recalls and 313 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT.

3
recalls
313
owner complaints
7
complaints mentioning a crash
6
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT recalls

Latches/locks/linkages: doors, latch

NHTSA campaign 05V494000 · reported October 27, 2005 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 98,007 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Exterior lighting: brake lights

NHTSA campaign 04V527000 · reported November 1, 2004 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 871,473 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer

NHTSA campaign 04V046000 · reported February 4, 2004 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 581,394 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
Depending on the occurrence and weather situation, driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a crash.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Mar 20, 2019 · Fuel/propulsion system

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER EXT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING NEAR THE BOTTOM REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE CHECK VALVE WAS FRACTURED. JOE LUNGHAMER CHEVROLET (475 SUMMIT DR, WATERFORD TWP, MI 48328, [phone removed]) WAS…

Dec 4, 2018 · Service brakes · 120,600 miles

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…

Oct 11, 2018 · Fuel/propulsion system · 194,000 miles

HAS A BAD GAS SMELL LEAKING GAS SOMEWHERE

May 30, 2018 · Electrical system · 177,000 miles · fire reported

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…

Feb 23, 2018 · Electrical system · 140,443 miles

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 .

Trailblazer EXT model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2002 310032
2003 331376
2004 126163
2006 618922

Across all years, the 2003 Trailblazer EXT has the most complaints (313). All Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, the most recent reported on October 27, 2005 (Latches/locks/linkages: doors, latch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT?
Owners have filed 313 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is fuel system, gasoline (80 complaints), followed by electrical system (77).
How many 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT complaints mention a crash or fire?
7 of 313 complaints report a crash and 6 a fire; 11 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received March 20, 2019.