Most common 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT problems
Share of the 261 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 →
2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT recalls (1)
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 2004 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 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 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT owners say
Electrical system all 145 →
Full destruction because of fire I was on the way back from a long trip in southern chile (up to ushuaia) over the "carretera austral" and, after about 9'000 km drive without any problem, I saw a white smoke back my vehicle. Oil pressure: normal, motor temperature: normal. This meant immediate stop along the "ruta 40 norte" in argentina (about 100 km north of bariloche, on the way to neuqu). While stopping, I felt the brake pedal just going without immediate reaction but the pression came back. While bringing the gear shift to position parking, I did not feel any sensation, as if it would have no connection; the automatic door blocker connected to the gear shift did not work too, so that we had to unlock the doors manually. After having disconnected the engine, I saw white smoke coming out from the upper left corner of the motor. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT. The contact stated that the entire instrument panel failed to operate. In addition, the speedometer, tachometer, and fuel gauge failed to function properly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the instrument panel cluster would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Fuel & propulsion system all 46 →
I purchased a Chevrolet EXT Trailblazer on nov. 26, 2004. 2 months later on feb. 1, 2005 it was towed into the dealership after shutting down 5 times with 2 loud explosions. The malfuction of the vehicle came close to a couple of accidents occuring and an almost near death experience for my daugher and I when it shut down for on a 4 lane highway by attempting to cross it unto the residential area. The dealership informed me that the fuel injection valve had malfuctioned and remained open releasing all the gasoline unto the engine. They are replacing the injector, spark plugs/wires that were flooded with gasoline, and the intake gasket. I contacted GM which also confirmed to me that the series of events could have started a vehicle fire and the first time this happened I should have left the engine off and vacated it immediately. …
The vehicle was purchased in sept 2004. In March 2005 I started noticing it was hard to start in the morning when it was cold and it idled roughly and would stall when I pressed the gas pedal to accelerate. The dealer found nothing wrong with it then. In April 2005, with 9400 miles on it, the service engine light came on so I took it back to dealership. They cleaned out (flushed) the fuel system and proceeded to tell me not to buy "cheap gas" because sometimes it will have particles in it that can clog up the fuel system (then what is the fuel filter for?). Since then I have had the fuel system flushed three more times. I probably could have had it done more times, but it is extremely inconvenient to keep going to the dealership and being without a vehicle, so I just dealt with the rough idle and hesitations. …
Engine & cooling all 21 →
Full destruction because of fire I was on the way back from a long trip in southern chile (up to ushuaia) over the "carretera austral" and, after about 9'000 km drive without any problem, I saw a white smoke back my vehicle. Oil pressure: normal, motor temperature: normal. This meant immediate stop along the "ruta 40 norte" in argentina (about 100 km north of bariloche, on the way to neuqu). While stopping, I felt the brake pedal just going without immediate reaction but the pression came back. While bringing the gear shift to position parking, I did not feel any sensation, as if it would have no connection; the automatic door blocker connected to the gear shift did not work too, so that we had to unlock the doors manually. After having disconnected the engine, I saw white smoke coming out from the upper left corner of the motor. …
Vehicle's reduced engine power light comes on, and vehicle loses power in dangerous places. Lost of problems consist of several parts having to do with acceleration. This problem happened suddenly, andnis a danger to himan safety because of it happening several times including o n the highway.
2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 18 / 16 |
| 4.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 4.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 17 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT a good car?
Based on 261 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 Trailblazer EXT rates average: 1.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the Trailblazer EXT at the same age. 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 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT?
The electrical system — 145 complaints, 56% of all complaints for this model year, most often about instrument cluster/panel. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (46) and engine & cooling (21).
How many recalls does the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT have?
There is 1 recall for the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, the most recent from November 1, 2004 (brake lights). 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 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 64,000 miles; 31% 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.