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CarComplaints.com Notes: Carrying the not-so-proud traditions of its 2002 predecessor, the 2003 has a handful of instrument panel malfunctions that can leave you guessing your speed, engine temperature or how much gas is left in the tank.

3.6

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
35,531 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer engine problems

engine problem

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2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Comments

problem #14

Feb 022011

Trailblazer

  • 100,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that the vehicle would fail to start in colder temperatures. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised that there were no recalls. The dealer performed a diagnostic test and was unable to diagnose or duplicate a failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 100,000.

- Hopemills , NC, USA

problem #13

Sep 042010

Trailblazer

  • 80,000 miles
I am filing a complaint.and will continue to file complaints until all of the consumers issues have been addressed. I understand that GM is not willing to hold theirselfs liable for these issues, but people spend pretty pennies out of pocket to purchase vehicles from these manufacturers to spend more money to pay for repairs after just a short while of owning these. I have researched issues I am having with my vehicle, and I am having all the above listed issues, and do not wish to spend large amounts of money to pay for these cost considering I am still paying for this vehicle. I just spoke with a representive about these complaints, and have set up an appoinment to pay a dealership for diagnostics, but am hoping that I can get closure on these issues without paying big expenses. I hope everyone else will follow suit and keep inputting your complaints until they are resolved. My vehicle issues are the fan clutch needs replaced, my gas tank has been replaced already, just replaced my serpintine belt this morning, my exterior lights (brake/turn signal) have been replaced 3 times over two months, and engine light keeps coming on, something doesnt seem right underneath this vehicle either. I just feel like I am paying for a peice of junk on top of paying to keep the vehicle running. Oh yea this vehicle has had to have thousands of dollars of body work done as well thanks to mother nature. I just hope they will be responsible enough to take on this responsibilty of theirs, not ours.

- Gahanna, OH, USA

problem #12

Sep 142010

Trailblazer

  • 38,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated while driving less then 10 mph the vehicle stalled. The contact would have to put the vehicle in park and then restart it. The contact consulted a private mechanic about the failure and he stated that no codes will appear if the check engine light did not illuminate. The manufacturer had not been contacted and the vehicle has not been diagnosed. The failure mileage was 38000 and the current mileage was 51236.

- Fontana, CA, USA

problem #11

Aug 212007

Trailblazer 6-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While driving at an unknown speed, the engine warning light would sporadically illuminate on the instrument control panel. After injecting fuel into the vehicle, he would smell a strong odor of gasoline. He took the vehicle to a local mechanic and they stated that there was a leak. The fuel cap was replaced. Two weeks later, the engine light illuminated on the instrument control panel. He took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that there was a fuel tank inject valve fracture, and that the manufacturer voluntarily recalled that component in August of 2007. The contact's VIN was not included; therefore, he would have to pay $1,200 for the repair. The manufacturer would not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was 110,000 and current mileage was 120,867.

- Woodstock, GA, USA

problem #10

Sep 082006

Trailblazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 57,030 miles
My 2003 Trailblazer ls engine has stalled and completely died while I've been driving it numerous times. The first time was on 9/8/06 and I was slowing down at a stop light, about 35 miles an hour, the engine just died, and I had traffic behind me and was nearly rear ended. I finally got it restarted after turning off the ac and got it off the road, towed to dealer and they could not find anything wrong after 2 days. I got it back from the dealer and it proceeded to die on me on 4 separate days, each time when slowing down and with the A/C on. I've so far been able to get out of the way of oncoming cars and get it restarted, but refuse to drive it on the interstate for fear of being rear ended. I took it to the dealer again on 9/18/2006 and they kept it for 3 days while I paid for a rental and could not find anything wrong with it. All they did was drive it around a few miles and tell me they couldn't get it to fail. On the way home from the dealership, it failed on me again. I've researched on the internet and this seems to be happening with a number of 2003 Trailblazers, I can't believe Chevy doesn't know what is wrong.

- Antioch, TN, USA

problem #9

Nov 262005

Trailblazer

  • 34,006 miles
2003 Chevrolet trail Blazer makes a roaring sound while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician rode with the consumer in the vehicle and heard the noise as well. The technician checked everything but could not find anything wrong.

- Maywood, IL, USA

problem #8

Sep 202005

Trailblazer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Subject:reduced power problem with Trailblazer comments: I have a two year old Chevy Trailblazer that has on three occasions had a dramatic loss of power and a reduced engine power light comes on and loses all acceleration. Twice this happened while I was on the highway, and I feared for my safety and the safety of my toddler, as my car slowed from 65 mph to 40 mph in a matter of seconds, and would not accelerate. According to the dealership, there is a problem with an electronic sensor to the accelerator. I have tried to raise this with Chevrolet customer service, who blatantly disregarded my safety concerns and told me that my concerns would go no further up than the customer service desk level and they could offer me no assistance. Based on my research, this is a documented manufacturing defect, however, GM refuses to recall any cars and claims that the bulletin documenting the problem only serves to assist dealers in the repair. I am concerned for the safety of all Trailblazer owners, and believe that Chevy and GM need to be investigated for ignoring this dangerous safety issue. From NHTSA web site.

- El Paso, TX, USA

problem #7

Apr 122003

Trailblazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 8,000 miles
Traveling on highway engine dies while going 65 mph. Also dies at idle dealer could not duplicate.

- Lawrenceville, GA, USA

problem #6

Jan 172003

Trailblazer

  • miles
Consumer was stopped by a police officer, who informed consumer that the tail lights were out. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that tail lights needed to be replaced. Also, vehicle stalled while driving at any speed. The vehicle would hesitate and skip upon acceleration, at stop signs. Traffic lights and while parking on inclines. Multiple components were replaced to correct the problem but they recurred. The radio became extremely hot while driving on long trips. The radio was replaced but the problem continued. The A/C unit failed intermittently because of a faulty A/C switch. The consumer mentioned fuel system problems.

- Stockbridge, GA, USA

problem #5

Jan 142004

Trailblazer

  • miles
Consumer took vehicle to repair shop because of the following problems; rack and pinion failed twice/air conditioner malfunctioned twice/vehicle stalled at take off/ oil leak, and brake lights failed to operate properly. Also, vehicle made a loud noise on driver's side while driving.

- Little Rock, AR, USA

problem #4

Feb 282003

Trailblazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 2,392 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My 11-month old 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer has had multiple quality problems, twice affecting my safety. Most of the problems have been electrical in nature. The 4WD has become inoperable numerous times, once while driving in snow. In another incident during a severe thunderstorm at night the air conditioner (A/C) failed and I was unable to defrost my windshield in order to see. After one dealer failed to diagnose the 4WD problem, another dealer replaced my ignition switch because the technician said I had no power at all going to the "rear grid." I continue to have intermittent electrical problems, including near stalling at a traffic light, and ongoing 4WD failures. The car also has very jerky motion when in 4WD reverse, of course, when the 4WD is working at all. The dealer told me that was normal and now I see there is a service bulletin on the problem.

- Arnold, MD, USA

problem #3

May 122003

Trailblazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 33,000 miles
Poor performance from engine causing the vehicle to not perform in a normal manner while driving. Intermittent no start problems, extremely poor fuel economy St times, excessive noise usually at start up. Very rough idle at times and very poor acceleration at times. This was experienced by the service manager at crowley Buick/olds during an oil change. The problem causes a safety issue as the vehicle does not accelerate normally. GM has offered me an extended warranty after I was told a year ago that the vehicle was operating "normally" by a GM factory rep who looked at the vehicle. For the past year my wife has driven a vehicle with my 2 boys that does not operate properly. I have contact GM and have been told three times they would contact me. Other than "thank you" emails I have yet to speak with someone in authority at GM.

- Cheshire, CT, USA

problem #2

Jul 182003

(reported on)

Trailblazer

  • miles
While traveling the service engine light illuminated, and vehicle experienced sudden deceleration. Vehicle was taken to a dealer, who could not determine the cause of problem.

- Hazlet, NJ, USA

problem #1

May 192003

Trailblazer

  • miles
When the vehicle accelerated it lost power.

- Sutter Creek, CA, USA

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