Print this page

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.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
70,161 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 lights problems

lights problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Comments (Page 2 of 2)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #16

May 312011

Trailblazer 6-cyl

  • miles

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

I am the original owner of a 2003 Chevy Trailblazer. When I first purchased the vehicle in the month of October/2002, I didn't experience any problems until maybe the fourth year, going on its 5th; right before the warranty was about to expire. The first problem I encountered with the vehicle was the transmission. It didn't want to change gears properly. Because of the 5 year warranty, the dealership was able to fix that problem, at that time. Today, I continue to experience transmission problems: With a loud noise, a struggle in horse power and a vibration when I am at a complete stop. I have spent so much money on other electrical parts as well. I have purchased over ten light bulbs for rear brake lights that continue to malfunction. I recently replaced a relay because the head lights would constantly go out after the vehicle was turned on. I replaced the fan clutch and water pump because they both went out. I also replaced a battery and two starters. For the past few months, my vehicle smells like fuel everytime I turn it on. I am asking that your department look into all of these claims. It appears that almost everyone that owes a 2003 Trailblazer has been experiencing the same issues, but yet; no one is doing enough to protect all those consumers who have been grateful to this country in purchasing american made vehicles. A sincere thanks.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #15

Dec 022011

Trailblazer 6-cyl

  • 150,000 miles
I have bought many Chevy vehicles but with all the problems im having with this truck im not sure I will purchase another. Last year my transmission was giving me problems and there was a recall on it and my truck was not covered under the recall also same was with the tail lights. This year I am having problems with my wipers during rain storm I went to turn them on and nothing. I couldnt see so I had to pull over until the rain had let up(2hrs later). I am just speechless when it comes to these "recalls". it seems that myself nor anyone I know ever falls on these lists, you would think with all the money we are paying to purchase these vehicles that someone would want to make sure they keeep our business.

- Lincoln Park, MI, USA

problem #14

Oct 282008

Trailblazer 6-cyl

  • miles
My husband replaced the low beam headlight on the right front of my Trailblazer three different times within a few months. We then took it to a body shop and they replaced the connector. Once again I'm having trouble with the right low beam. When I start the vehicle, it lights up, but once I turn on the brights and return to low beam, it refuses to come on.

- Pearcy, AR, USA

problem #13

Nov 172004

Trailblazer 6-cyl

  • 20,000 miles

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

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

Oct 182011

Trailblazer

  • 91,260 miles
Never had issue with headlights before. Driving home from hospital at 9pm and low beams turned off. Had to turn on emergency flashers and pull off road. Tried everything to get them to turn back on. Sat there for a few minutes and they went back on. Pulled onto I-95 and 4 minutes into the drive, in the fast lane, they turned back off leaving me in pitch black going 70mph. Im 8 months pregnant and was alone on the side of a dark highway. GM, you know about these issues! recall this before people get seriously injured!!!

- Stafford, VA, USA

Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...

problem #11

May 182011

Trailblazer

  • 100,000 miles
Lights go off sometimes after dark. Trailblazer 2003 lt.

- Central, LA, USA

problem #10

Sep 042010

Trailblazer

  • 80,000 miles

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

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 #9

Nov 082010

Trailblazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • 122,000 miles
I have replaced the rear passenger brake light only 9 months ago and it's once again not working. The passenger side headlight also began to not work at time as is now, not working at all. My mechanic checked out the bulbs and did some testing and discovered the problem is in the circuit board. As of today, the drivers side headlight is now out....so the truck has no headlights and only 1 brake light.

- Linden, MI, USA

problem #8

Mar 052004

Trailblazer 6-cyl

  • 54,000 miles
2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer speedometer failed the speedometer would register as high as 120 mph. The vehicle was inspected and it was determined there was an internal malfunction on the instrument cluster. The consumer was informed it would cost $550 for a replacement cluster. The rear passenger taillight and passenger side head light burned out and was replaced. The water pump and serpentine belt were replaced. The mechanic noted a broken bolt in the water pump that held down the housing and the ball joints were replaced.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

problem #7

Jun 102009

Trailblazer

  • 83,000 miles
Head lights go off while driving at night.

- Zephyrhills, FL, USA

problem #6

May 072009

Trailblazer

  • 108,604 miles

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

2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer/ls my headlights keep going out, in fact both sockets are now melted, if I bang on the lens it comes on sometimes, for now I am able to use high beams has been going on for a couple of years and I keep replacing the bulbs.

- Mechanicsville, MD, USA

problem #5

Oct 242008

Trailblazer

  • miles
GM failed to fix recall # 04087 Nov 01, 2004 | recall id# 25264 exterior lighting:brake lights Nov 01, 2004 model affected Trailblazer ------------------------------- my 2003 Trailblazer right brake tail lamp is inoperative and I am going to fail my annual safety inspection. Checked bulbs and switched lamp board 16532713 to determine it was a faulty lamp board. Determined part was on recall list in 2004. Contacted dealership and they said they replaced the part. Dealership, lindsey cheverolett, is unwilling to replace since they said they replaced the board in 2005 when the car was in for regular maintenance. Contacted GM headquarters customer service supervisor, paula alvera, and she said I would need to pay for a certified GM mechanic to look at the problem. This is a $25 part. Concerned GM has a temporary solution for this recall that only last 2-3 years.

- Woodbridge, VA, USA

problem #4

Apr 292004

Trailblazer

  • 10,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that the brake lights failed. He took the vehicle to an authorized dealer and had it repaired according to NHTSA campaign id number 04V527000 (exterior lighting:brake lights). Four years later, two of the exterior brake lights failed again. He took the vehicle back to the dealer and was informed that because the failure occurred 30,000 miles later, they would not assume any financial responsibility for the repairs. The failure mileage was 10,000 and current mileage was 68,000.

- Jacksonsville, FL, USA

problem #3

Sep 262008

Trailblazer

  • 57,880 miles
Lights went out while driveing at night.

- Vero Beach, FL, USA

problem #2

May 012008

Trailblazer

  • 100,000 miles
Headlights continue to turn off while driving causing a dangerous condition.

- Oklahoma City, OK, USA

problem #1

Jan 022004

Trailblazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 14,000 miles
2003 Chevrolet trail Blazer, which have frequent failures in both tail lights, including brake lights, turn signal indicators and reverse lights due to faulty boards which do not apply enough tension to hold the bulb in place. The bulb does not burn out, it just becomes loose. This should result in a complete recall, not what GM has called a special policy condition. Failed rear lighting is a significant safety issue that the NHTSA should deem as a recall.

- West Chester, PA, USA

Not what you are looking for?