Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
While driving my Trailblazer in A4WD on slippery road conditions, I went to pulled out of a parking lot and there was a loud sound like my whole front end fell out and the front end completely locked up. Almost causing an accident. I had to dial back to 2HI quickly to unlock to front end. There was no light indicating any problems. Been driving it 2HI since with out any problems. Still no service light or anything, but feels like I'm stuck in A4WD. Feels like there is a drag and a pulling to the right. Also using more gas since. It was a scary, afraid to try the 4x4 functions again. Another snow storm is on the way!
I was driving in the left lane on interstate highway 290 (youngman highway) at about 65 m.p.h. When smoke began wafting from the area where the steering column meets the dashboard. I took immediate evasive action, pulled onto and off the shoulder onto the grass, shut the engine off, ran to the barrier fence and watched to see if vehicle was going to burst into flames. After calling aaa, about ten minutes had elapsed without further smoke so I assumed I could drive to the next exit ramp at colvin blvd. (about 1,000 feet away) and off to a wendy's parking lot where I waited for a aaa flatbed truck. My SUV was flatbed towed to my dealership, fuccillo Chevrolet on grand island, where the problem was diagnosed as a faulty ignition switch, code number c0379. Total cost of repair was$222.66. It would be nice to be reimbursed for this expense. …
As I accelerated from a stopped position the vehicle became undrivable. The transmission had to be completely rebuilt. Planetary failed as well as other broken parts. I still have the receipt from cottman's transmission for $3K. The transmission was warrantied for 3 yr. It has been 5, and the transmission has again failed. Planetary again broken. Vehicle now has 150,000 mi. I think it is absurd that there has been nothing done by NHTSA. No recalls, cost assistance, or even an investigation. Considering the number of complaints, action should have been taken long ago. Even GM admits problems in some of it's bulletins. Why are you doing nothing about this.
I've had to replace the transmission twice now I have in fact reported to GM asking if there was any recourse I May take and they simply flat out told me no! So I started hearing a noise and then the transmission started to not shift properly to the point you could not drive it. To me this I consider this a very unsafe condition because if it stopped moving altogether I'd be on the highway with the possibility of an accident occurring. I do have an invoice but no scanner, it did cost me 3K or better on both occasions to replace it. I'd like to know if there's anything I'm able to do to be reimbursed for any or all of the inconvenience I've concurred.
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.
We own a 2003 Chevy Trailblazer which keeps going into reduce power mode, I pulled the codes at various time and different parts, I replaced the crank, cam, and accelerator position sensors. I also replaced the fuel pressure regulator, fan clutch, starter, alternator, spark plugs and coil packs to avail. GM knows about this issue and refuse to address this issue. What will it take to get this issue address, lawsuit and or death. Ashamed on you GM. This issue is an accident waiting to happen.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While driving at 40 MPH, the transmission shifted between drive and overdrive. The contact also stated there was a fuel odor when driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission shift kit and the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
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 took my 2002 Trailblazer to the dealership in dec. Because the 4 wheel drive was not operating (I hadn't needed to use it in months) the wasn't any service light on the vehicle when I took it in. Magically, when I left the dealership the "service 4wd light" was on. After they charged me an 80.00 diagnostic fee I was told I need a new transfer case module that would cost $400.00. I haven't had time to take the car in over the holidays. Today when my husband was driving the car he had shut it off and just for kicks put it in 4 wheel high and it worked!! However, he was driving down the road and tried to turn the car into a gas station and it shuttered and did not want to turn. He did get it into a parking spot, put the vehicle in park and shut it off. After the vehicle was off it lunged forward about 4 feet. …
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. …
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission
Certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 114, "theft protection." these vehicles are equipped with a mechanical override that could allow the ignition key to be removed with the shift lever in a position other than park.
Remedy: Dealers will eliminate these conditions by disabling the overrides. Owner notification began on May 29, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the…
Transmission complaints in other Trailblazer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer?
NHTSA has 103 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer, 11% of the model year's 901 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (38 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-075 (automatic transmission, Mar 6, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 1 fire and 5 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.