Most common 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT problems
Share of the 313 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT complaints by model year
Best Trailblazer EXT years: 2002, 2006. Years to avoid: 2003. Compare all years →
2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT recalls (3)
Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
Certain sport utility vehicles have a rear side closure latch that May not latch or unlatch due to corrosion caused by road splash, such as water and road salt. These vehicles were originally sold in or currently registered in the following states: connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts,…
Remedy: Dealers will install a seal along the lower part of the rocker panel to prevent intrusion of corrosive material, and inspect the rear side closure latches. Functional latches will be cleaned and lubricated.
Exterior lighting › Brake lights
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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the tail lamp/stop lamp assemblies, and if necessary, replace them. The recall began on November 22, 2004.
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
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…
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…
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 6 possible defects involving the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT:
Loss of Headlights
The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV.
Fuel tank leak
In June 2007, GM will expand its special policy to address fuel tank inlet check valve (icv) fractures on certain model year (my) trailblazer ext and GMC envoy xl vehicles.the expanded policy covers my 2002-2004 trailblazer ext, GMC envoy xl, and GMC envoy xuv vehicles and will extend for a period of 10 years or 150,000 miles (whichever comes first).GM will provide free repair of the fuel tank.
Fuel pump module leaks gasoline
Odi has received reports that the fuel pump module leaks fuel and or vapor underneath the vehicle.GM states, the failure mechanism is corrosion of the fuel pump module flange which May lead to a fuel leak.corrosion of the fuel pump module flange is the result of the vehicle operating in a corrosive environment.odi has upgraded this pe to engineering analysis (ea07-009) to further assess this issue.
Fuel spillage during refueling
This investigation was opened on the model year (my) 2003 Chevrolet trailblazer.based on GM's information request (ir) response, odi added to its analysis the my 2003 GMC envoy and Oldsmobile bravada vehicles.these vehicles share the same vehicle platform (GM 360/370) and fuel fill components.incident summary numbers reported above include these vehicles.epa regulates the fuel dispensing rates at filling stations…
Fuel pump module leaks gasoline
During the course of this ea investigation, odi observed that the majority of the complaints (88%) and warranty claims (94%) were reported for vehicles that are registered for use in the salt belt region of the us.this area includes 20 states in the northeast, mid atlantic and the midwest regions and the district of columbia.consumers in the salt belt region reported to odi that they could smell fuel vapors in their…
Brake lamp failure
GM states that some brake/tail lamp bulbs can prematurely become inoperative due to malfunctioning brake/tail lamp sockets.on March 2, 2004, GM initiated a 6-year/72,000 mile special policy for 989,487 subject vehicles to inspect and replace the rear brake/tail lamp bulb socket assemblies.on April 4, 2004, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe04-032) based on consumer…
What 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT owners say
Fuel & propulsion system all 89 →
NHTSA action number : pe07014 occurred on my vehicle around November 2014. The problem presented as p0442 CEL and odor of gas after parking in garage. GM has indicated because the special consideration allowance has expired, despite the low mileage they will do nothing. This vehicle was purchased new in August 2003. I do not understand why GM was not compelled to issue a safety recall due to the risk of gas leaking. I would appreciate assistance to get GM to minimally provide defective parts replacement, due to the know manufacturing defect in the gas tank.
2003 Chevy Trailblazer EXT. Service engine light went on about a month ago. Service at dealership said we needed a new gas cap. This did not fix the problem. Light went back on, took it back this past Saturday. Was told gooseneck to gas tank is cracked, resulting in a fuel leak (I have an infant). Was also told that the trailblazers often come in for that problem, that there was a recall. The dealership wants over $700.00 to replace the tank. We have a new baby and are down to only one household income. I called Chevrolet this morning and was told that there is a recall for this exact problem but that my VIN is not on their list si I must have "run something over" that cracked the gooseneck. I don't know much about cars but I know something being run over would not make it to the gooseneck. …
Electrical system all 77 →
One by one things have been going out and not working. First the car would not start all the time with the key, then the A/C stoped working, next was the fuel pump, then the injectors. I checked everything it could be. I was driving with my kids down the highway when my car just died lost power steering so it was hard to get off the road fast. I got it started and was driving and it did it again. I was able to finally get it home when it would not start again. After some research online found out this car has issues with the fuse box itself under the hood. I opened it up just to find the wording that connected the pins was broken in numerous places and had started to burn up in the box.
None of my gages work and a lot of my dash lights are on. I have no idea how much gas I have. My speedometer and RPM gages work but nothing else does. This has been happening on and off for about 3 months but they would always go back on. But now it has been off for a week without going back to normal. Twice last week the radio and the power windows stopped working as well. This happens while driving parked all the time and it doesnt go back to normal. I have seen a lot of complaints about this so I have no clue why there isn't a recall. It is not safe to drive my Trailblazer until these things are fixed. I work at a Chevrolet dealership and they couldn't figure out how to fix this either. GM needs to put out a recall to get this fixed asap.
Transmission & drivetrain all 49 →
My key will not come out of the ignition I had to unscrew and remove the bottom of my steering to push the button also all of my instrument gauge do not work including the speedometer and all gauges so I never know my temperature or fuel level, oil pressure they all are not working properly my speedometer only works sometimes. Also my engine is runny rough and I hear a vibration and ticking. My check engine light is and I'm getting code saying theres a leak in the fuel EVAP system. I have searched the internet and everyone has the same problems with their 2003 trailblazers. Why isn't Chevrolet recalling these problems its fustrating they want several hundreds of dollars I cannot afford
I purchased a 2003 Trailblazer from an individual. The front differential had a hole in it. So I purchased a differential from a scrap yard. 90 day warranty. Still had a noise . I still had a noise front differential was out again. I purchased the third differential from a different yard took it apart . Found the driver side bearing bad. It seems to be a very common problem because the driver side drivers constant. I was wondering if there is a recall. I see a lot of complaints online. Thank you there was a fire the differential grease burnt bearing went out and chard motor and surrounding area no real damage.
2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 18 / 15 |
| 4.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 19 / 15 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 16 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT a good car?
Based on 313 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 Trailblazer EXT rates use caution: 1.5× as many complaints as a typical year of the Trailblazer EXT at the same age. It is one of the Trailblazer EXT years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT?
The fuel & propulsion system — 89 complaints, 28% of all complaints for this model year, most often about storage › tank assembly. Next are the electrical system (77) and transmission & drivetrain (49).
How many recalls does the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, the most recent from October 27, 2005 (latch). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2002 and 2006. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2003. See the full Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT years comparison.
At what mileage do 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 69,000 miles; 28% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.