What are the most common problems with the 2004 Chevy TrailBlazer?

The electrical system has the most complaints at 772. Fuel system with 122 and exterior lighting with 114 follow. In the samples we read, owners describe stalling and smoke in the electrical group, fuel spills at fill-up, and lights that fail or dim.

Does the 2004 TrailBlazer have any recalls?

Yes, two. Recall 05V198 covers turn signals that flash like hazards, and 04V527 covers a loose tail and stop lamp bulb.

What is the gas mileage of a 2004 TrailBlazer?

EPA combined ratings are 15 to 16 MPG depending on version. The best city and highway figures are 14 and 19.

Is the 2004 TrailBlazer a good year compared with others?

It has the second highest complaint count of the listed years at 1,342, behind 2005 at 1,466. It has fewer recalls than 2002, 2003, 2006 and 2007.

What is the rollover rating of the 2004 TrailBlazer?

NHTSA lists 4 stars with a 19.1% rollover risk for two 4-door entries.

2004 Chevy TrailBlazer Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 1,342 owner complaints on file for the 2004 TrailBlazer, and the electrical system is the most named area^[1]^[2]. EPA rates it at 15 to 16 combined MPG depending on version^[3]^[4].

1,342owner complaints^[1]

2recalls^[5]

15–16MPG combined (EPA)^[3]

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

Most reported problems

Owners filed 1,342 complaints with NHTSA^[1]. Of those, 62 mention a crash, 34 a fire and 87 injuries, and 4 deaths are reported^[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several components.

Electrical system. This is the largest group with 772 complaints, 16 fires and a median mileage at failure of 65,000^[2]. In the sample of complaints we read, owners describe smoke or a burning smell, stalling or sudden power loss, and repeat dealer visits where the cause was not found^[2].
Fuel system, gasoline. 122 complaints, with a median mileage of 72,103^[6]. In the sample we read, owners describe fuel overflowing or spilling when they fill the tank, and several say repairs did not stop it^[6].
Exterior lighting. 114 complaints, with 4 fires and a median mileage of 84,500^[7]. Owners in the sample describe brake, tail or turn signal lights not working, and headlights that dim or flicker^[7].
Power train. 79 complaints, with a median mileage of 60,000^[8]. In the sample, owners describe stalling, hesitation or loss of acceleration, and a few describe four-wheel drive engaging on its own^[8].
Engine. 76 complaints, including 10 fires^[9].
Fuel/propulsion system. 52 complaints, with a median mileage of 115,000^[10].
Speed control. 47 complaints, with 4 crashes^[11].

Air bags stand out for severity, not volume. There are 49 complaints, but they are linked to 44 crashes, 65 injuries and 4 deaths^[12]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.

Recalls

NHTSA lists two recalls for this model year^[5]. Newest first:

Turn signal flasher (05V198). Moving the signal lever could make the front and rear turn lights flash like hazard lights instead of on one side only^[13]. The risk is that other drivers cannot tell what you plan to do, which raises crash risk^[13]. Dealers replace the flasher module with a more durable one at no charge^[13]. It covers 286,478 potentially affected units^[13].
Tail and stop lamp bulb (04V527). Vibration and heat can loosen the tail and stop lamp bulb in its socket, so it flickers and may stop working^[14]. A dead brake light or rear turn signal raises crash risk^[14]. Dealers inspect the lamp assemblies and replace them if needed^[14]. It covers 871,473 potentially affected units^[14].

Some complaints we read mention lighting trouble returning after a recall visit, so check the work history on any car you look at^[7].

Fuel economy

All versions use an automatic with 4 speeds and regular fuel^[3]^[15]. Ratings are miles per gallon.

Version	Engine	City / Hwy / Combined	Annual fuel cost
2WD^[3]	4.2L 6-cyl	14 / 19 / 16	$4,200
4WD^[16]	4.2L 6-cyl	14 / 19 / 16	$4,200
Ext 2WD^[4]	4.2L 6-cyl	13 / 18 / 15	$4,450
Ext 2WD^[17]	5.3L 8-cyl	14 / 18 / 16	$4,200
Ext 4WD^[18]	4.2L 6-cyl	14 / 19 / 16	$4,200
Ext 4WD^[15]	5.3L 8-cyl	13 / 17 / 15	$4,450

EPA's annual cost uses its current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives two 4-door entries a rollover rating of 4 stars, with a rollover risk of 19.1%^[19]^[20]. One 4-door entry for the TrailBlazer EXT is listed as not rated^[21].

Engine and size

The EPA lists a 4.2L 6-cylinder and a 5.3L 8-cylinder engine^[17]^[18]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

	Standard 4WD	Ext 2WD
Length^[22]^[23]	192 in	208 in
Width^[22]^[23]	74 in	75 in
Height^[22]^[23]	74 in	77 in
Wheelbase^[22]^[23]	113 in	129 in
Curb weight^[22]^[23]	4,612 lb	4,773 lb

How 2004 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each TrailBlazer model year. The 2004 is highlighted^[5].

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

In NHTSA's counts for the TrailBlazer, 2004 has 1,342 complaints^[5]. Only 2005 is higher, at 1,466^[5]. The other early years are lower: 2006 has 1,297, 2002 has 1,249 and 2003 has 1,214^[5].

On recalls, 2004 has 2, the same as 2005^[5]. Four other years have more: 13 for 2002, 9 for 2003, 8 for 2006 and 5 for 2007^[5]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat these as rough comparisons within this one model.

Should you buy a used 2004 TrailBlazer?

The record is mixed. Complaints are high at 1,342, led by the electrical system at 772^[1]^[2]. Only two recalls are on file, and both list a dealer remedy^[13]^[14]. Before buying, ask for proof that both recalls were done, test the lights and electrical items, and check the fuel filler for overflow when filling^[6]^[7]. Fuel economy of 15 to 16 combined MPG means fuel will cost $4,200 to $4,450 a year under EPA's assumptions^[3]^[4].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Chevy TrailBlazer?: The electrical system has the most complaints at 772^[2]. Fuel system with 122^[6] and exterior lighting with 114^[7] follow. In the samples we read, owners describe stalling and smoke in the electrical group, fuel spills at fill-up, and lights that fail or dim.
Does the 2004 TrailBlazer have any recalls?: Yes, two. Recall 05V198 covers turn signals that flash like hazards^[13], and 04V527 covers a loose tail and stop lamp bulb^[14].
What is the gas mileage of a 2004 TrailBlazer?: EPA combined ratings are 15 to 16 MPG depending on version^[3]^[4]. The best city and highway figures are 14 and 19^[3].
Is the 2004 TrailBlazer a good year compared with others?: It has the second highest complaint count of the listed years at 1,342, behind 2005 at 1,466^[5]. It has fewer recalls than 2002, 2003, 2006 and 2007^[5].
What is the rollover rating of the 2004 TrailBlazer?: NHTSA lists 4 stars with a 19.1% rollover risk for two 4-door entries^[19]^[20].

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 1,342 owner complaints on file for the 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer (62 mention a crash, 34 a fire, 87 injuries, 4 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
772 complaints name the electrical system component group (5 crashes, 16 fires, 11 injuries, median mileage at failure 65,000). NHTSA vehicle records
EPA rating for TrailBlazer 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, 4.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet TrailBlazer model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
122 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 72,103). NHTSA vehicle records
114 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (1 crashes, 4 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 84,500). NHTSA vehicle records
79 complaints name the power train component group (2 crashes, 3 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
76 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 10 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 61,160). NHTSA vehicle records
52 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 115,000). NHTSA vehicle records
47 complaints name the speed control component group (4 crashes, 1 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 58,444). NHTSA vehicle records
49 complaints name the air bags component group (44 crashes, 1 fires, 65 injuries, median mileage at failure 57,000). NHTSA vehicle records
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
EPA rating for TrailBlazer Ext 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 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: 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 / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for TrailBlazer Ext 4WD, 4.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4-DR W/SAB None: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4-DR None: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.1%. 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 4WD / LS/LT/NORTH FACE ED: length 192 in, width 74 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 4,612 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TRAILBLAZER 4DR SUV EXT 2WD / LS/LT/NORTH FAC: length 208 in, width 75 in, height 77 in, wheelbase 129 in, curb weight 4,773 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.

2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer: problems, recalls and fuel economy