Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
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.
Complaint received via e-mail. My son was driving car at 45 MPH, when all of a sudden the rear end came loose. This made him lose control of the vehicle and crash. The vehicle was totaled. My son had minor injuries. His initial statement to the deputy was, the vehicle felt like the rear end came loose. The deputy looked under my SUV, and found the sway bar with a clean break on it. He then proceeded to have someone else look at it also. They both stated there was no twisting or distortion of the sway bar. It appeared the sway bar just broke. Rear sway bar was replaced.
While traveling at 55 MPH the front passenger wheel buckled under the car, and caused the driver to lose control. The vehicle flipped and landed upside down on a center concrete median strip . The lower ball joint was found separated during the investigation and the vehicle was considered a total loss.(ohio traffic report)
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.
I've noticed that my front end was lower than usual. At first I thought my upper control arms were giving in. I took my car to replace the front tires and to also get a 4 wheel alignment. That is when I was told that the strut base that is welded onto the chassis was rotting off. The mechanic expressed that I was a very lucky guy because at any point in time during my commute, I could have been in a serious car accident that could have resulted in death since I mostly use this car on the highway to commute to work. I didn't think much of it until he actually showed me all the rotted parts and I was in deep shock once I saw what he was telling me. I'm thankful that the cars strut was leaning on the inner fender frame preventing it from completely falling to the ground. …
Dt: 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that the stabilizer links keeps coming loose. The vehicle has been taken to the dealership where she purchased vehicle 5 times. They replaced the stabilizer links 5 times. The problem recurred. Took the vehicle to another dealership, and they also replaced the stabilizer links. The vehicle shook, and shimmied. The contact was unable to control the vehicle while turning a corner. The vehicle shook while driving down a hill and there was also noise at that time. This problem started on December 22, 2004. The vehicle is currently working correctly. There was a loud humming noise coming from the transmission. It was shifting correctly. The contact to it to a dealership , and they test drove vehicle. They state the transmission mechanic was on vacation and it would have to be brought in at a later time. …
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.
These are all of the problems fixed at the dealer with this truck so far: rear sway bar links replaced, rear wiper blade came out of alignment 2 times, right rear door is warped, driver side rear molding is loose, back plate rubber seal out of alignment, windshield wiper tank replaced since it was leaking, A/C low pressure switch inop then replaced, windshield wiper module replaced because wipers would not turn off, sway bar links replaced for a second time. All of these have broken over the past 2 years and nine months and driver's side passenger window for that door is loose. Still is a noise in the front suspension that makes a hard knock onto the steering column but dealer denies hearing it.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While driving 25 MPH, the contact heard a bumping noise when driving over an uneven surface. The dealer stated that the sway bar links, front end links, and the front stabilizer shaft were defective. The dealer repaired the vehicle. Approximately one year later, the failure recurred. The dealer stated that the sway bar links, front end links, and the front stabilizer shaft were defective again. The dealer repaired the vehicle. A year and a half later, the failure recurred with the same results. The current mileage is 39,000 and failure mileage was 5,000.
2003 Chevy trail blazer. Noticed very odd wear pattern on front tires. Front end of car seemed "loose". No accident, car just hard to steer accurately. Took to dealer. Both front lower ball joints were loose. Front struts were shot. Dealer replaced lower ball joints and struts. I'm a little old lady who drives in town - only 65,000 original miles and front end is going out. Pour quality! Dealer said front end worn because car has 4 wheel drive and is heavier than passenger car. I do not drive off road. Repairs not covered by warranty. No help on 60,000 mile front tires completely shot in 17,000.
Suspension complaints in other Trailblazer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer, 4% of the model year's 901 complaints. The component named most often is front (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 48,000 miles, and 26% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to suspension 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.