Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Transmission doesn't have 3rd or 4th gear. Vehicle was smoking under hood. Found out after buying it it has flood damage. Mechanic said there was water in the transmission when inspected. Vehicle needs catylic converter sensor and vehicle has bad ground wire. Seller didn't inform me of any of these issues and he said it was in good shape and very reliable.
On August 26, 2015 we purchased a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer from wali's auto sales in enola, pa. It had 93,907 miles on it and appeared to be in good condition with a clean car fax. We traded in our 1996 Chevrolet suburban and received $1700 in trade in value purchasing the Trailblazer for $5722.70 including tax and transfer fees. Brakes and ball joints had been replaced prior to our purchase along with a transmission line. We took the vehicle for an alignment as soon as we purchased it. We drove the vehicle approximately 200 miles and then on September 17th left home with intentions of driving the vehicle to stowe vermont. At 11:30 am on the morning of September 17th (approximately 2 hours into our trip) the vehicle lost power and brakes close to scranton, pa. The engine caught fire and within 7 minutes the vehicle burned up. The VIN number was not readable. …
Driver 55 miles on north I-35 freeway engine lost power and driver had no power steering no power brakes hit right side wall and hit left side wall on freeway front tire blew out and safety belt pulled out of holder and driver was thrown all over auto driver had contacted GM motors and they said the auto was not on recall list and was safe auto had one previous problem as above loss of power but engine pick up power and ran this accident was just like the GM recall on the switch the driver injury severe and May never walk again driver has had two surgeries and still in the hospital since 6 15 2014 this needs to be on the GM report for defect auto list.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While driving 60 MPH, the transmission slipped and would not shift gears. The contact noticed bluish-colored smoke coming from under the vehicle. There were no warning indicators present. The vehicle was taken to the repair shop and the mechanic stated that the oil line for the transmission was placed too close to the catalytic converter. The catalytic converter caused the oil to leak. The current and failure mileages were 44,000. The consumer stated the dealership agreed with unsafe defect and requested the vehicle to be investigated but was refused request by Chevrolet. Updated 11/14/07
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While driving various speeds, the front end of the vehicle vibrated. The vibration was more pronounced while the engine was idling. Also, while ascending up a hill, the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failures. The mechanic replaced the motor mounts, control arms, and tension belt; however, the failures continued. The manufacturer and an unknown dealer were notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 177,000. The VIN was invalid.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While driving at 55 MPH, the contact stated that there was a strong fuel odor in the vehicle. The check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that there was fluid leaking from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.
The problem happens when coming to a stop the engine will surge or jump as much as 2000 RPM's and you really have to be on the brake to hold it. Go to neutral let it rev then it will come back to normal. The last time was on a snow packed intersection with two other vehicles in opposite directions. The bad thing is you don't know when it's going to do it. Had it to several garages and nobody can duplicate it and it shows no codes.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the service engine warning indicator illuminated. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.
Overheating, replaced water pump thermostat clutch fan, radiator is good, fuel valve and clutch fan all new, still overheating when it's hot or city driving with stop and go. Mechanic reports he cannot find anything causing it. Found info on 2004 PCM clutch fan setting but, not 2003
I am filing a complaint .and will continue to file complaints until all of the consumers issues have been addressed. I understand that GM is not willing to hold theirselfs liable for these issues ,but people spend pretty pennies out of pocket to purchase vehicles from these manufacturers to spend more money to pay for repairs after just a short while of owning these . I have researched issues I am having with my vehicle , and I am having all the above listed issues , and do not wish to spend large amounts of money to pay for these cost considering I am still paying for this vehicle . I just spoke with a representive about these complaints ,and have set up an appoinment to pay a dealership for diagnostics , but am hoping that I can get closure on these issues without paying big expenses. I hope everyone else will follow suit and keep inputting your complaints until they are resolved. …
Engine complaints in other Trailblazer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer?
NHTSA has 80 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer, 9% of the model year's 901 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system › fan (19 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer, though it has 8 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 53,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 2 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.