What are the most common problems with the 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer?

Electrical complaints are the biggest group at 362. Fuel system complaints come next at 194, then power train at 152.

Has the 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer been recalled?

Yes. The by-year data shows 9 recalls for this model year. They are listed in the Recalls section of this page.

Is the 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer reliable?

It has 1,214 owner complaints on file. Those reports are unverified and not adjusted for sales, so check the problem sections above and the recall list before buying.

What gas mileage does the 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer get?

See the fuel economy section of this page for the EPA figures.

Which model year of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer is best?

See the by-year comparison on this page, which shows complaints and recalls for each year.

2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 1,214 owner complaints on file for the 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer^[1]. The electrical system is the biggest group, with 362 complaints^[2].

1,214owner complaints^[1]

9recalls^[3]

14–16MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Owner complaints fall into a few groups, listed here from biggest to smallest.

Electrical System. 362 complaints^[2]. Owners describe warning lights that come on for no clear reason, bulbs that keep burning out, odd clock and radio resets, and stalling after dash gauges act up. Some stories mention a short in the wiring.
Fuel System, Gasoline. 194 complaints^[5]. In the stories we read, gas spills out of the filler neck when the pump shuts off, even at different stations. Owners call it messy and unsafe.
Power Train. 152 complaints^[6]. Owners describe four wheel drive that will not engage, indicator lights that act strangely, and an automatic transmission that rolls back on a hill.
Exterior Lighting. 100 complaints^[7]. Owners describe brake lights and headlamps that fail again and again, and dealers who point to a bad circuit board.
Engine. 98 complaints^[8].
Visibility. 89 complaints^[9].
Structure. 63 complaints^[10].
Air Bags. 62 complaints^[11].

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2003 TrailBlazer is necessarily included.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch (05V494), October 2005. About 98,007 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury.^[12]
Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal (05V198), May 2005. About 286,478 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[13]
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights (04V527), November 2004. About 871,473 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced braking.^[14]
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer (04V046), February 2004. About 581,394 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced visibility.^[15]
Equipment › Other › Owners/Service/Other Manual (03V250), July 2003. About 1,707,825 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names.^[16]
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings (03V151), April 2003. About 44,653 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced braking.^[17]
Power Train › Automatic Transmission (03V075), March 2003. About 511,167 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: steering problems.^[18]
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module (03V051), February 2003. About 130 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury, an air bag that may not work as intended.^[19]
Air Bags › Frontal (02V222), August 2002. About 133,221 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury, an air bag that may not work as intended.^[20]

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version	City / highway / combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
TrailBlazer 2WD, 4.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[4]	14 / 20 / 16	$4,200
TrailBlazer Ext 2WD, 4.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[21]	14 / 19 / 16	$4,200
TrailBlazer Ext 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[22]	14 / 18 / 15	$4,450
TrailBlazer 4WD, 4.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[23]	13 / 19 / 15	$4,450
TrailBlazer Ext 4WD, 4.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[24]	13 / 19 / 15	$4,450
TrailBlazer Ext 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[25]	13 / 16 / 14	$4,800

Safety ratings

Version	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover	Rollover risk
4 DR None^[26]	n/a	n/a	n/a	3	n/a

NHTSA lists these versions as not rated: 4 DR None^[27].

Engine and size

These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.

Version	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Curb weight
TRAILBLAZER 4DR SUV 2WD^[28]	192 in	74 in	72 in	113 in	4,442 lb
TRAILBLAZER 4DR SUV 4WD^[29]	192 in	74 in	72 in	113 in	4,627 lb
TRAILBLAZER 4DR SUV EXT 2WD^[30]	208 in	75 in	77 in	129 in	4,837 lb
TRAILBLAZER 4DR SUV EXT 4WD^[31]	208 in	75 in	77 in	129 in	4,837 lb

How 2003 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each TrailBlazer model year. The 2003 is highlighted^[3].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
2002	1,249	13
2003	1,214	9
2004	1,342	2
2005	1,466	2
2006	1,297	8
2007	732	5
2008	193	0
2009	27	0

NHTSA's counts for the TrailBlazer show 1,214 complaints and 9 recalls for 2003^[3]. Among the 14 model years listed, 9 have fewer complaints than 2003 and 4 have more^[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2021 (0) and the most are for 2005 (1,466)^[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 2003 TrailBlazer?

The 2003 TrailBlazer has a long complaint file, with 1,214 reports on record^[1]. Electrical trouble leads the list^[2], followed by fuel system complaints^[5] and power train complaints^[6]. The page also lists 9 recalls for this model year^[3]. These are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales, so read them as a guide to what to check. If you are shopping for one, look closely at the wiring, the lights, the fuel filler and the four wheel drive system before you buy.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer?: Electrical complaints are the biggest group at 362^[2]. Fuel system complaints come next at 194^[5], then power train at 152^[6].
Has the 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer been recalled?: Yes. The by-year data shows 9 recalls for this model year^[3]. They are listed in the Recalls section of this page.
Is the 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer reliable?: It has 1,214 owner complaints on file^[1]. Those reports are unverified and not adjusted for sales, so check the problem sections above and the recall list before buying.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer get?: See the fuel economy section of this page for the EPA figures.
Which model year of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer is best?: See the by-year comparison on this page, which shows complaints and recalls for each year.

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer

2002 1,249 complaints, 13 recalls
2003 this page
2004 1,342 complaints, 2 recalls
2005 1,466 complaints, 2 recalls
2006 1,297 complaints, 8 recalls
2007 732 complaints, 5 recalls
2008 193 complaints, 0 recalls
2021 0 complaints, 0 recalls
2023 0 complaints, 0 recalls
2025 0 complaints, 0 recalls

Compare all model years of the Chevrolet TrailBlazer

Other Chevrolet models from 2003

2003 Chevrolet Avalanche 386 complaints, 4 recalls
2003 Chevrolet Cavalier 678 complaints, 1 recall
2003 Chevrolet S10 Pickup 178 complaints, 1 recall
2003 Chevrolet Venture 185 complaints, 5 recalls

All Chevrolet models

Similar cars from 2003: suvs

2003 Dodge Durango 339 complaints, 4 recalls
2003 Ford Expedition 615 complaints, 1 recall
2003 GMC Envoy 624 complaints, 9 recalls
2003 Honda Element 423 complaints, 10 recalls
2003 Land Rover Discovery 111 complaints, 3 recalls
2003 Mazda Tribute 199 complaints, 6 recalls

All suvs we cover

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 1,214 owner complaints on file for the 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer (75 mention a crash, 20 a fire, 77 injuries, 2 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
362 complaints name the electrical system component group (7 crashes, 13 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,000). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet TrailBlazer model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for TrailBlazer 2WD, 4.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
194 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 71,971). NHTSA vehicle records
152 complaints name the power train component group (5 crashes, 2 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 64,517). NHTSA vehicle records
100 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (1 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 71,850). NHTSA vehicle records
98 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 3 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 55,250). NHTSA vehicle records
89 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
63 complaints name the structure component group (2 crashes, 2 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 52,000). NHTSA vehicle records
62 complaints name the air bags component group (48 crashes, 0 fires, 52 injuries, median mileage at failure 95,600). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 05V494, filed October 27, 2005: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Doors › Latch. NHTSA recall database
Recall 05V198, filed May 5, 2005: Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal. NHTSA recall database
Recall 04V527, filed November 1, 2004: Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights. NHTSA recall database
Recall 04V046, filed February 4, 2004: Visibility › Windshield Wiper / Washer. NHTSA recall database
Recall 03V250, filed July 15, 2003: Equipment › Other › Owners / Service / Other Manual . NHTSA recall database
Recall 03V151, filed April 23, 2003: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
Recall 03V075, filed March 6, 2003: Power Train › Automatic Transmission. NHTSA recall database
Recall 03V051, filed February 14, 2003: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 02V222, filed August 9, 2002: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for TrailBlazer Ext 2WD, 4.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for TrailBlazer Ext 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for TrailBlazer 4WD, 4.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 19 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for TrailBlazer Ext 4WD, 4.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 19 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for TrailBlazer Ext 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 16 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: rollover 3 stars. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TRAILBLAZER 4DR SUV 2WD: length 192 in, width 74 in, height 72 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 4,442 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TRAILBLAZER 4DR SUV 4WD: length 192 in, width 74 in, height 72 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 4,627 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TRAILBLAZER 4DR SUV EXT 2WD: length 208 in, width 75 in, height 77 in, wheelbase 129 in, curb weight 4,837 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TRAILBLAZER 4DR SUV EXT 4WD: length 208 in, width 75 in, height 77 in, wheelbase 129 in, curb weight 4,837 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer: problems, recalls and fuel economy