Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
The ABS light has come on and then it would work sometimes and not other times. Now it never works. Now that its winter I'm sliding at stop signs that aren't even that slippery. The actuators in the heating and cooling are not working properly. All summer I had heat blowing all the time and suddenly there would be nothing. Now it's cold air all the time. Makes my windows fog up and not defrost. I have done the reset procedure and hear things moving but it doesn't fix it. The blower in the ball seat and third row is hit or miss for even working at all.
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 ... …
Dt: left driver's side outside mirror is not holding the correct settings, and clicks constantly. The mirror is hitting against something, and turns completely to the ground. When using keyless entry the mirrors also turn to the ground. The mirror is changing by itself, and it is not going back to the correct setting. The mirror is always making a clicking noise and it is facing downward. There is no problem with the right side. The dealer replaced the right side mirror, and from then on the left side has not worked. Consumer has taken vehicle to dealership 4 or 5 times to be checked. Dealership insists the mirror is working fine. But as soon as the consumer leaves the dealership the mirror will work for a couple of hours and then stop working properly. …
Dealer was contacted jan 2005 to schedule replacement parts for rear lights as part of the recall. I was told that they could not do it without the recall notice number that was sent to me. Called back a day later and gave the dealer the number from the recall notice. He told me that the parts would need to be ordered and they would call me. I received a third recall notice from Chevrolet on 2/26/05 and called the dealer on 3/2/05 and spoke with a man in service. He told me that the parts were not ordered and that I would need to bring the car in for them to order the parts and then again when the parts come in. I have explained to him that I have replaced 6 taillight and brake lights within the last 6 months and why wasn't I informed of this when I called before. Apparently they do not have a call back procedure for when they screw up.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet trail blazer EXT. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the front driver side window failed. The contact stated that she tried to roll the window down but it failed. The contact let the vehicle sit for a few hours and the windows began to work. The failure recurred a few times after. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included on any recalls. The failure mileage was 193,843.
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.
Drivers side front window falls down without warning, into the door. Will not roll up into the fully closed position when electric window switch is activated. Must manually push the glass into the fully closed position, however, as stated above, it will fall without warning. This creates a serious hazard in that when the window falls without warning, not only can the driver be startled and make a driving error, but also, given the exterior conditions, create a very unsafe driving / operational environment which could result in a crash.
Multiple problems with this vehicle with only 40,000 miles on it! Power window assembly broke and repaired twice on the same door, inoperable climate control unit, front dashboard gets extremely hot at all times, brakes squeal all the time (dealer could not figure it out and was remedied with ceramic brake pads after multiple attempts), transmission has poor shifting pattern (bulletin provided a new shift program for the transmission and the dealer installed but is right back to it's original problem after 3 months).
Tl contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer ltz. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle's windshield wipers would not turn off. The contact has to remove the fuse to deactivate them and place the fuse back to activate them again. She was told that her vehicle was not included in recall # 04V046000 (visibility:windshield wiper/washer). The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage is 103,000 and failure mileage was 60,000. The consumer stated that this is a serious safety concern. Updated 09/05/07
Where should I start? Purchased 03 Trailblazer in 2/08 w/only 60,000 miles. Has been in shop 3 months..lost count of costs. A/C and heat not working properly..no hot air; clutch fan replaced; transmission slipping; engine cuts off while at stop-light. Should I go on? You would think w/only 60,000 miles on it--it was just getting broken in. I have never been so disappointed in a truck before..now I am stuck with the truck and its payment...no more money to repair and can't afford to trade in.
Related recalls
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…
Window & Wiper complaints in other Trailblazer EXT years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, 8% of the model year's 313 complaints. The component named most often is power window devices and controls (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT window & wiper problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-046 (windshield wiper/washer, Feb 4, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.