Known Recalls

Model year record

2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer

8 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 1,160 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 05V198000

Exterior lighting: turn signal

Component
Exterior lighting: turn signal
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
286,478
Reported to NHTSA
2005-05-05
Owners notified
2005-08-04

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 04V527000

Exterior lighting: brake lights

Component
Exterior lighting: brake lights
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
871,473
Reported to NHTSA
2004-11-01
Owners notified
2004-11-22

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 04V046000

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer

Component
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
581,394
Reported to NHTSA
2004-02-04
Owners notified
2004-07-06

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

DEPENDING ON THE OCCURRENCE AND WEATHER SITUATION, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 03V250000

Equipment: other: owners/service/other manual

Component
Equipment: other: owners/service/other manual
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
1,707,825
Reported to NHTSA
2003-07-15
Owners notified
2003-08-20

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 03V151000

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Component
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
44,653
Reported to NHTSA
2003-04-23
Owners notified
2003-05-29

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

IF BRAKING PERFORMANCE IS REDUCED, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 03V075000

Power train: automatic transmission

Component
Power train: automatic transmission
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
511,167
Reported to NHTSA
2003-03-06
Owners notified
2003-05-29

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

THESE OVERRIDES ARE NOT PERMITTED UNLESS THE VEHICLE HAS A LOCKING STEERING COLUMN.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 03V051000

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module

Component
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
130
Reported to NHTSA
2003-02-14
Owners notified
2003-03-11

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 02V222000

Air bags: frontal

Component
Air bags: frontal
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
133,221
Reported to NHTSA
2002-08-09
Owners notified
2002-08-15

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Electrical system17095,000 mi
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel8275,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline5681,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system55140,000 mi
Air bags45100,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission3857,500 mi
Exterior lighting36100,000 mi
Power train34120,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly2660,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling2341,000 mi
Exterior lighting: brake lights2314,000 mi
Vehicle speed control2153,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fan1949,890 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer1968,000 mi
Unknown or other1880,000 mi
Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)172,392 mi
Structure: body16111,996 mi
Visibility1677,000 mi
Engine15147,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine1435,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap146,105 mi
Structure1429,000 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner139,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump1265,503 mi
Suspension12109,000 mi
Steering1157,120 mi
Suspension: front1123,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: switch1031,956 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic1024,098 mi
Air bags: frontal950,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights945,325 mi
Service brakes9149,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor945,038 mi
Equipment848,000 mi
Seat belts870,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring714,407 mi
Latches/locks/linkages7101,000 mi
Seats7117,214 mi
Tires745,255 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior74,200 mi
Electrical system: ignition631,956 mi
Exterior lighting: tail lights640,000 mi
Steering: rack and pinion617,000 mi
Visibility/wiper6117,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system570,000 mi
Fuel system, other582,000 mi
Seat belts: front547,899 mi
Suspension: rear532,000 mi
Visibility: power window devices and controls542,202 mi
Electronic stability control (ESC)4150,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings432,204 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage490,000 mi
Fuel system, other: storage: fuel gauge system471,200 mi
Seat belts: rear/other421,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip425 mi
Structure: body: door475,000 mi
Wheels473,000 mi
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module354,000 mi
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery39,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers323,193 mi
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash353,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline317,000 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal373,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery3600 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)3900 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and lines360,000 mi
Power train: driveline: differential unit384,600 mi
Seat belts: front: retractor32,500 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module370,089 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump310,583 mi
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly315,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal35,985 mi
Visibility: glass, side/rear3137,000 mi
Air bags: side/window220,000 mi
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator23,000 mi
Electrical system: starter assembly2—
Equipment adaptive/mobility2157,000 mi
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.237,200 mi
Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights253,000 mi
Fuel system, other: storage: tank assembly: filling/charging2—
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch2—
Parking brake2147,000 mi
Power train: clutch assembly250,555 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: ABS warning light2700 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor26,774 mi
Steering: hydraulic power assist system25 mi
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments2123,000 mi
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate212,500 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint25,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint234,796 mi
Suspension: front: stabilizer bar2—
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system22,392 mi
Visibility: rear window wiper/washer253,000 mi
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs26,995 mi
Child seat148,000 mi
Electrical system: horn170,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood19,000 mi
Electronic stability control: automatic (ASC)1—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control1—
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor144,000 mi
Equipment: electrical13,000 mi
Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer1—
Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer: LPG systems: tank assembly1—
Exterior lighting: back up lights114,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights: switch1120,000 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal: flasher unit172,000 mi
Fuel system, diesel1110,000 mi
Fuel system, other: delivery155,532 mi
Fuel system, other: delivery: fuel pump132,204 mi
Interior lighting1—
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)1—
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift1—
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shift1—
Power train: automatic transmission: torque converter114,871 mi
Power train: axle assembly1—
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft: seal125,612 mi
Power train: axle hubs164 mi
Power train: driveline: center support bearing18,500 mi
Power train: driveline: universal joint162,000 mi
Power train: manual transmission164 mi
Seats: front assembly: seat heater/cooler150,750 mi
Service brakes, air: antilock170,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: wheel speed sensor/tone ring173,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper123,193 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads16,774 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder1—
Steering: column170,000 mi
Steering: gear box: shaft sector1—
Steering: hydraulic power assist: power steering fluid117,000 mi
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachments144,000 mi
Structure: body: hood: hinge and attachments1—
Structure: body: roof and pillars1—
Structure: body: tailgate1—
Structure: body: tailgate: hinge and attachments144,306 mi
Structure: frame and members1—
Suspension: front: control arm: lower arm132,000 mi
Suspension: front: wheel bearing163,000 mi
Tires: sidewall145,688 mi
Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire126,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: linkages1—
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: fan/motor132,010 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: windshield: electrical heating element1—
Visibility: rear window wiper/washer: motor1—
Visibility: windshield1—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: switch/wiring128,000 mi
Wheels: multi piece1—

The 2002 model has about half as many complaints as this one. The 2004 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.