Headlight complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
As identified in recall # 14V755000, the low beam headlamps will turn off at random times. This have happened several times during darkness hours and is increasing. In one case, an accident was barely avoided. I was recently (nov. 13, 2015) told by the GM dealer - the vehicle VIN # does not list this as a recall item. ???? Last occurence is listed below.
The headlights are not working properly. Sometimes the headlights work but other times they turn off. The high beams and marker lights are not affected. This also applies to the daytime running lamps and occurs in motion or at a stop.
When driving the headlights all of a sudden just shut off. It is extremely scary at night. I found that I can however use the brights. They eventually come back on. This has been happening for years. I kept hoping for a recall and just found this site to report it. This has happen on city streets and highways. It has happened when there are street lights and vehicle lights and when it is pitch black. The 1st time it happened, I was driving with my child in the vehicle on the freeway.
Starting June 17, 2008, the low beams on my 2004 Chevrolet trail blazer lt go out intermittently - the high beams, fog lights, hazard lights, and turn signal lights still work - only low beams causing problems. I keep my lights setting in the postion that they come on when I start my car. I consider this a safety factor. The lights will go out suddenly. I can only document one time that they went out during the day time, but have documented seven (7) times that the lights went off at night. The next space on this form asks for the approximate incident date - I put down the first time. As stated above this has happened seven times at night and at least one time during the day. I can only tell during the day time if I am stopped at a traffic signal behind another vehicle and I only have 2 traffic signals between my home and work. …
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. …
Pulled into driveway, lights would not go off, a few minutes later smoke was coming out from under hood and it smelled like burning plastic. Popped hood and fuse block and relay we smoking and melting! Got fire extinguished and pulled the head light relay switch, but it had melted through the block!!!!
The headlight wiring inside of the lens assembly over heats and melts the electrical connector going to the bulb and the insulation on the wiring. This has happened to both headlights on more than one occasion. Had to go and have the electrical wiring plus connector replaced.
Related recalls (2)
Exterior lighting › Headlights
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix, 2006-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, GMC Envoy XL, 2006-2008 Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7x vehicles.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HDM, free of charge. The recall began on May 17, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737.
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 investigations
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.
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…
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (23), 2004 (13), 2006 (11) and 2002 (10) model years. Headlight complaints make up 7% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT headlight problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 15V-519 (headlights, Aug 14, 2015); 04V-527 (brake lights, Nov 1, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles; 43% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the brake lights (9 mentions), followed by the headlights (5).
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.