Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 35 MPH on a city street, there was a popping noise coming from the steering wheel, upon applying brake pressure, the steering wheel locked and crashed into another vehicle. The contact was wearing a seat belt, but no injuries were sustained. The vehicle sustained minor damage however, the police were not alerted. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who determined the steering rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was alerted. Updated 10/27/06.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While driving 25 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle's steering pulled to the left. When the contact released the brake pedal, the vehicle pulled back to the right. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion was leaking fluid and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that there was a constant strong odor of fuel in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the fuel tank was replaced. The failure recurred and the steering wheel vibrated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, but the cause of the failure could not be diagnosed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure was not remedied. The failure mileage was 51,476.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the power steering suddenly malfunctioned causing the steering wheel to become very difficult to turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 136,000.
While driving on the highway at 70 MPH consumer heard a noise, followed by loss of control of the vehicle. This resulted in vehicle going into the medium and turning over. Driver sustained 3 broken ribs. Vehicle was towed to a garage who indicated that this occurred because the tie rod broke. Vehicle was totaled.
Was making a lane change on perfect road conditions when the back end of the Trailblazer started shaking uncontrollably. Veered into the median and was about to drive into on coming traffic. Cranked hard on the steering wheel to the right to avoid traffic and rolled the vehicle 4 times.
Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was receiving a regular maintenance inspection at an independent repair shop, the mechanic determined the right front outer tie rod assembly needed to be replaced. After the replacement, there was a rattling noise in the front suspension, but the vehicle was not seen for further inspection. In addition, NHTSA recall, #04V527000 repair was performed on the exterior lighting however, the recall repair did not remedy the problem. The contact replaced the bulbs in the exterior brake lights, but the dealership was not contacted. In addition, resurfaced rear rotors and replaced pads. Also, replaced rear windshield wiper arm. The door locsk were inoperative. The rear brake lights were inoperative. Updated 05/30/06.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact complained about a speedometer failure. While idling the speedometer read 90 MPH. The dealer stated that the instrument cluster was damaged. When the temperature was below 30 degrees the steering column froze and activated the horn. The horn will not deactivate unless the fuse wasremoved. Additionally, when applying the brake pedal the vehicle began to decelerate, but the pedal dropped all the way down to the floor. The contact must release and depress the brake pedal again in order to stop the vehicle. The dealer was unable to diagnose the cause of the failures. The current mileage is 75,000, and failure mileage was 70,000.
While backing out of my driveway the steering became very hard and stiff when I tried to turn left. On the same day, while making a left turn, the steering wheel became stiff again and I had trouble turning. When parking at work, I could not turn left or right without first putting serious effort into turning. Might be a bad steering pump, but most likely rack and pinion issues. Also, I checked the power steering fluid level and it was low. Steering failure May lead to a very serious accident. I have an appointment to see the car dealer about this since this is most likely covered under GM warranty.
Water has been seen several times dripping from underneath the truck in the center area. It appears to be from the emissions system. No wet weather at the time. It appears to be some sort of condensation. Also fan clutch failure, sway bar linkages failure, tie-rod failure, rack and pinion failure/leak, control arm failures 2 times, windshield wiper would not turn off failure, windshield wiper reservoir tank leak replaced, ac cold air failure. All needed to be replaced on a vehicle less than 5 years old with only 38,000 miles on it.
Steering complaints in other Trailblazer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer, 3% of the model year's 901 complaints. The component named most often is rack and pinion (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 39,000 miles, and 42% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to steering 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.