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 recalls
Exterior lighting: turn signal
NHTSA campaign 05V198000 · reported May 5, 2005 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 286,478 vehicles potentially affected
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
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.
Equipment: other, owners/service/other manual
NHTSA campaign 03V250000 · reported July 15, 2003 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 1,707,825 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Certain minivans, passenger and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "child restraint anchorage system." the owner's manual does not explain the meaning of the location symbols for the child restraint lower universal anchorage system.
- The risk
- This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
- The fix
- Owners will be provided with a supplement for their owner's manual. This supplement describes and shows the location symbols for the child restraint anchors that are located in the vehicle and on the child restraint or booster cushion. Owner notification began august 18, 2003. Owners should contact buick at 1-866-608-8080, cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537.
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components, hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
NHTSA campaign 03V151000 · reported April 23, 2003 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 44,653 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Certain sport utility vehicles were built with a left-front brake pipe with a circumferential score at a random location along the length of the pipe as the result of the manufacturing process. If the brake pipe partially or fully fractured, brake pedal travel would immediately increase and front brake performance would be reduced.
- The risk
- If braking performance is reduced, a crash could occur.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the left-front brake pipe. Owner notification began on may 29, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, gmc at 1-800-462-8782, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-8006.
Power train: automatic transmission
NHTSA campaign 03V075000 · reported March 6, 2003 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 511,167 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 114, "theft protection." these vehicles are equipped with a mechanical override that could allow the ignition key to be removed with the shift lever in a position other than park. In addition, these vehicles have an override that can allow the transmission to be shifted out of park with the ignition in the off position.
- The risk
- These overrides are not permitted unless the vehicle has a locking steering column.
- The fix
- Dealers will eliminate these conditions by disabling the overrides. Owner notification began on may 29, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, gmc at 1-800-462-8782, oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537, or hummer at 1-866-486-6376.
Air bags: frontal, driver side, inflator module
NHTSA campaign 03V051000 · reported February 14, 2003 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 130 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- On certain mini vans, passenger and sport utility vehicles, some of these vehicles have a driver's side air bag that may not deploy as designed. In addition, the air bag inflator could rupture.
- The risk
- This could result in reduced capability of the air bag to protect the driver. Also if the air bag inflator ruptured, pieces of the inflator could strike and injure the vehicle occupants.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, install a new driver's air bag. Owner notification began on march 11, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact buick at 1-800-521-7300, cadillac at 1-800-458-8006, chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, gmc at 1-800-462-8782, or pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.
Air bags: frontal
NHTSA campaign 02V222000 · reported August 9, 2002 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 133,221 vehicles potentially affected
- The problem
- Certain passenger, mini vans, and sport utility vehicles have an air bag inflator on the driver's side that could fracture at a weld during a deployment.
- The risk
- Pieces of the inflator could strike and injure vehicle occupants and the air bag cushion would not inflate fully, reducing the capability of the bag to protect the driver.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect, and replace, if necessary, the air bag module assembly on the driver's side. Owner notification began august 15, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact buick at 1-800-521-7300, cadillac at 1-800-458-8006, chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, gmc at 1-800-462-8782, oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537, or pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Mar 1, 2023 · Service brakes
Transmission doesn’t have 3rd or 4th gear. Vehicle was smoking under hood. Found out after buying it it has flood damage. Mechanic said there was water in the transmission when inspected. Vehicle needs catylic converter sensor and vehicle has bad ground wire. Seller didn’t inform me of any of these issues and he said…
Jan 12, 2022 · Power train
While driving my Trailblazer in A4WD on slippery road conditions, I went to pulled out of a parking lot and there was a loud sound like my whole front end fell out and the front end completely locked up. Almost causing an accident. I had to dial back to 2HI quickly to unlock to front end. There was no light indicating…
Mar 16, 2021 · Service brakes · 207,000 miles · fire reported
WIRE HARNESS COATING FALLING APART ALMOST CAUGHT MY TRUCK ON FIRE GOT PICTURES AND IT TRIGGERS THE BRAKE LIGHT TO STAY ON
Jan 31, 2021 · Structure · 179,000 miles
SEE ATTACHED COMPLAINT TO GENERAL MOTORS. I HAVE ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS WHERE OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THERE SIMILAR YEAR TRAILBLAZERS.
Dec 3, 2020 · Fuel/propulsion system · 200,000 miles
IT'S LEAKING GAS FROM LINES ON TOP OF GAS TANK MECHANIC CHECK IT OUT I JUST CAN'T AFFORD IT I'M DISABLED ON FIXED INCOME RAISING MY GRANDSON
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received March 1, 2023.