Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Upon turning the four-wheel drive engaged unknown to me at the time because the selector switch did not indicate this.the truck became difficult if not impossible to turn at low speeds as this vehicle does not have a limited slip differential in the four wheel drive mode. While turning the tires on the outside of the turn make a larger radius than do the inner tires.without any slip the vehicle tries to maintain the same linear footage travel by each tire. This causes the tires to bind lock up and skid during turns. I have researched this problem on internet forums and it seems to be a quite common occurrence and could cause crashes while turning. I have contacted the manufacture and the response was for me to take it to a dealer and pay for them to look at it. …
While driving , the vehicle would shift from 2wheel drive down to 4 low, causing a very rapid decrease in speed and loss of control over vehicle, depending on driving speeds and rd conditions this could cause a very dangerous accident. I have had the vehicle into the dealer 4 times in the last month and they have replaced , 4wheel drive switch on dash, encoder motor on transfer case and reprogrammed stabiltrac, vehicle is still at dealer and trying to solve problem. Dealer has been very polite and understanding during this entire process.
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. …
Automatic transmission slips when it tries to shift into 3rd or 4th gear, I read that there was a report on this happening but there was not a recall as far as I know, I recently purchased this vehicle from the original owner who says they never received any paper work from GM about doing repairs. My question is will GM repair this condition at no cost to me?
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.
Transmission coolant pipes: on the afternoon of November 12, I was driving on a local freeway I began experiencing difficulties maintaining speed. While the engine had full power, I had to pull over as my vehicle effectively lost power to the wheels. At this time, I had the vehicle towed to the local Chevrolet dealer where I have the vehicle serviced. The vehicle has always been regularly services at GM dealers. The following Monday, my suspicion of a transmission failure was confirmed. Several days later, the old transmission was replaced. At that time, the transmission coolant pipe was discovered to have been rusted through and this was identified as the likely cause of my transmission failing. I ultimately had to have the transmission and that coolant pipe replaced at the cost of several thousand dollars. …
Tl contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT. While the vehicle was parked he attempted to shift gear out of park position and it shifted into a different gear. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who advised him that the gear shift needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure continued to occur. The dealer diagnosed the failure and advised him that the gear shift needed to be repaired. The contact referenced recall NHTSA campaign id number: 03V075000, power train:automatic transmission and was advised by the dealer that the recall repair had already been performed. The failure had been on-going for the last year. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000 and the current mileage was 126,000.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (49), 2002 (20), 2004 (17) and 2006 (6) model years. Transmission complaints make up 16% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles; 31% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (59 mentions), followed by the transfer case (4-wheel drive) (9).
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.