2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer Window & Wiper Problems

Which parts fail

• Windshield wiper/washer
  19
• Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
  9
• Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
  7
• Power window devices and controls
  5
• Glass, side/rear
  3
• Rear window wiper/washer
  2

Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  815%
• 25k–50k
  917%
• 50k–75k
  1121%
• 75k–100k
  611%
• 100k–150k
  1528%
• 150k+
  48%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

(1) I purchased my vehicle (2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4wd) in May of 2003. I have taken my car to be fixed on a couple of occasions. Namely recalls. Around August of 2005, my rear driver side window ceased functioning. The rear windows of my car have been the least used and for the forementioned window to cease functioning seamed odd. (2) because of the failure of the rear driver side window, I have to prop the window in place to prevent rain from coming in and ruining my vehicle interior. (3) nothing has been done to correct this failure. I have taken my car by the local Chevrolet dealership, but they wish to charge my around $250 to fix the problem. I am capable of fixing the problem myself for just under $100. Vehicle is no longer covered under warranty because at the time (which was under the 3 year warranty date) I had exceeded the 36,000 mile mark by about 4-5K miles. …

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. …

Got into vehicle as it was parked. It had rained that day so after I turned the vehicle on, I turned the windshield wipers on by rotating the switch backwards towards me and releasing. Typically this will cause the wipers to turn on, complete one swipe up and down and then turn off. On this day, the wipers stayed on low speed. I tried turning the switch on and off and turning the vehicle off and on. After numerous attempts, I pulled the fuse. Two days later, I put the fuse back in. The wipers remain off unless I turn them on, then they will stay on and the cycle repeats. I noticed GM issued a recall (# 41051) that describes the problem I am experiencing. I called GM and was informed that my VIN was not involved with the recall 41051. …

The middle heat and air conditioner blower would not blow air. The defrost and floor blower did blow out air. As of November 2008 none of the blowers blow out air except for brief occasions. If the blower does work then this creates a problem because it won't shut off and the battery goes dead. I've read about several owners with this same issue. The suggested temporary fix for this issue is to look up from the gas pedal and there are two units, one controls the defrost and foot blower and one controls the middle blower which is harder to get to. It has been identified that there there is a pin for each unit that slipped out and needs to be reconnected. One customer indicated it looked like it was meant to fall out at some point, in other words for GM to make revenue for the repair costs. …

I have a 2003 Chevy Trailblazer lt. The wipers would not shut off after an afternoon shower. I had to pull the fuse in order for them to shut off. I have contacted the manufacture. They have refused to acknowledge that there is a recall for my vehicle. They are stating that there is no such recall for my VIN number. They also stated that there is no such recall for a 2003 Trailblazer. My wish is that the NHTSA would force Chevy to acknowledge and fix the problem, or at least acknowledge the problem and say that they are not going to fix the problem. The idea that this is limited to some 2003 lts, but not others is rather odd to me. For the manf. To say that no such recall exist is rather odd to me. I do not know the exact purpose or legal reach of the NHTSA. …

Tl contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While driving approximately 35 MPH in rainy weather conditions, the windshield wipers failed to operate in two speeds within the mode selection. In addition, the windshield wiper system failed to deactivate without shutting off the engine. The failures occurred without warning and each time the windshield wipers were activated. The VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign id number 04V046000 (visibility;windshield wiper/washer), although the failures were identical. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 110,000 and current mileage was 117,000. Updated 3/4/2010 the consumer stated the windshield wipers did not shut unless the engine was turned off and they only operated in 2 speeds. The consumer was informed his vehicle was not included in recall 04V046000 even though the failure was identical. Updated 05/20/10.

I have a 2003 chev. Trailblazer. The windshield wiper recently refused to turn off. It had been raining and they could not be stopped. My wife had to drive the car with them pointed forward until repair could be had. I noticed that a recall for the precise problem had been issued by nhsta--for vehicles mfd April 2002 to nov.2002. My vehicle was built dec. 17 2002. The dealer has been excellent, but I had to contact Chevrolet motor division and they said my car was not covered--too bad. I find it incredible that this event that is precisely described in recall number 04V046000 and service bulletin 10008492. I am requesting your help with this matter, or the time period for the recall should be extended as clearly my vehicle suffers the precise problem you have specified.

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.

It was a snowy day and I had my front windshield wipers on. When the snow stopped I tried to turn them off but they would not stop. I was on a business trip and ended up having to pull the fuse to stop them. I was forced to only drive the car when wipers were not necessary or have them on all the time. I took the car into the local dealer and they said I needed a new wiper motor and module. I looked up for recalls and found one that seemed to cover my situation but was told by the dealer and GM customer service that my particular VIN number was not included even though it was the same year, make and model. Obviously I have to go ahead with the repair regardless. Dealer has ordered the part and it should be ready in 2 days.

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.

Related recalls

NHTSA investigations

Window & Wiper complaints in other Trailblazer years