Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer - purchased in May of 2003 off of the sales floor - around 5 miles on it - truck began squeaking - took it in, they said bad break pads, changed them out and gave it back (2 days without truck) - squeaking still there - took it back in - service tech said the front spindle was bent - told me I couldn't drive it it was unsafe (5 more days without truck) - at the same time they take truck to body shop because rear hatch won't shut it too is bent - same with the hood (hmmmmmmmm!!!!) - rear wiper motor then busts (now I'm erked) - driving down the highway at 55 and truck shuts off - no power steering almost wreck it seems the gas gauge is not accurate!!!!!!! - then blower motor won't shut off without taking fuse out ... …
Tl contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT. The contact opened the rear hatch and heard a cracking noise coming from the top. Approximately three to four days later the contact noticed that the center high mounted stop lamp bracket failed. The vehicle was brought to the dealer simmons-rockwell Chevrolet. The dealer took the vehicle to another mechanic, and informed the contact that the failure was typical for that type of vehicle and was indeed a safety issue. The mechanic stated that the entire center high mounted stop lamp could become detached while driving and strike another vehicle. The contact found another complaint online with odi # 10061979. The contact filed a complaint with the manufacturer, and was given case # 71-500170558. Also, the contact stated the fuel system failed. In January of 2007, the contact detected an aroma of gas while driving the vehicle. …
My 2003 Chevy Trailblazer has a third brake light across the top hatch .while driving down a busy highway it was flying like a wing on the back of my vehicle luckily dot falling completely off but when I stopped it came crashing down onto my window of hatch luckily not breaking all I could do is break it completely off so it would not fly into someone's windshield behind me I work with a lady with the same make and model and hers flew right off her latch causing it to smash luckily no one was behind her. I also have it in the shop due to rusty corroded hoses that went to transmission causing all fluid to drain almost burning up my transmission no indication lights ever came on other than it skipping a little luckily a service engine light came on a week later I took it to garage and just in time. …
The rear window in the gate on my 2003 Trailblazer has become disconnected on one side at the hinge. It appears to be a defect with the way it is adhered (via some sort of glue) as there is no damage to the area itself. As my vehicle is an EXT model, it has a section across the very top that is also simply glued to the body which holds the centrally mounted brake light. I've noticed since purchasing the vehicle last year that this section with the brake light comes in contact with the roof when you open the main gate & seems really loose hot weather. Today, when I opened the rear latch/gate I heard an unusual sound and when I closed the gate & inspected it I noted that the window portion appeared skewed. Upon further examination of the window area I discovered that the passenger-side window hinge had separated from the gate & was no longer forming a seal. …
I was going out to my SUV which is a 2003 Chevy Trailblazer EXT to open the back it was cold outside but no ice was visible on my truck or anything I heard a crack I though it was ice even though I didn't see anything but noticed my tail light cover on top looked broke so took it to local Chevrolet dealership to get checked they said yes it is cracked it will cost you 1800 dollars to fix I did not have that kind of money for a little piece but guy said you will be fine as long as the liftgate lifts which it did it seemed fine then on the way to our destination one day on a major highway the piece flew half way off flapping behind us freaking out we pulled over to the side we had to rip it off no choice or we were stuck their and the piece would of flew off and caused a major accident. …
Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT was towed from highway due to a ruptured transmission line. Tow truck driver towed vehicle from the rear wheels. Upon delivering vehicle to repair shop, the entire upper hatch trim molding (high mount brake light cover) piece and the high mount brake light assembly was missing with only the two wires dangling. Upon inspection, the piece is only held on the vehicle by 2 bolts and double sided tape. The double sided tape on the rear glass was dry and crumbling (completely ineffective). Since the vehicle was traveling backwards behind the tow truck, the piece was not able to withstand the force of wind which pushed the piece upward until it ultimately cracked and broke off the vehicle. There have been many reports of this piece falling off from Trailblazer models going forward and GM has done nothing to redesign or fix the problem. …
High mount rear stop tail lamp assembly is loose. Opened the tailgate on 5/11/09 heard metal crunching. Ever since my back glass vibrates violently when going down the highway, increasing the possibility of it blowing out. On 5/17/09 after further investigation noticed that the top assembly has broken away from the truck on both sides (still being held on by the center) should this come off it puts me and drivers behind me at risk of an accident. This problem puts my children at risk of glass shattering on them or being involved in an accident. This is my only vehicle and I have no choice but to drive it until it goes to the shop this week. I have read several complaints about this online.
Front end loose, ball joints needed replacement. Driver side seatbelt defective/twisted. Rotors warped needed repalcement. Outside door handle does not open door. Dirver side mirror moves around (programed) without notice. Transmission engages rough, feels like it slipping. Tailgate out of allignment, rear seatbelt defective needed replacement, 4wd locked up in parking lot, front end has scraping noises when turning, heated seats not working, irratic, tailgate panel falls off, driver seat frame broken needed replacement,electrical system irratic.
While driving down highway started to hear a banging noise turns out it was my plastic that's above my hatch where my 3 red brake light is it hasn't fallen off yet just loose and flopping around I have read this happens to a lot of Trailblazer this should be a safety recall on this and even you guys are aware of the problem the molding which is double sided tape is not a proper use for this the company should have to fix it is it gonna take one flying off and causing a death and major accident before anyone does something?
Dt*: the contact stated, while driving or parked, the vehicle leaks water from rain and puddles on the road into the interior of the vehicle. The first leak entered through the left rear door. While the second leak entered from the left rear wheel fender shielding. The water from the leaks caused mold in the carpeting of the vehicle. The manufacturer determined the vehicle was beyond the warranty limitations. The dealer offered to repair and replace the carpeting at the owner's expense.
Body complaints in other Trailblazer EXT years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the body & structure of the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, 6% of the model year's 313 complaints. The component named most often is body (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 44,000 miles, and 31% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.