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 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Electronic throttle body? No throttle control, motor will only idle, turn ignition switch off, then restart it will run. Reduced Engine Power light comes on. Happens for no apparent reason. Very unsafe situation.
The failure involves the electro-mechanical device that shifts the car into four-wheel drive. The four-wheel is engaged by selecting 4wd with a dashboard selector switch. The switch will show a lighted indicator moving from 2wd to the 4wd. This indication is faulty. While driving towards a snow covered mountain road with several sharp turns going up the mountain the vehicles selector switch was moved to the 4wd position and the indicator light shown it was engage in the 4wd mode. However the indication was faulty and the vehicle was actually only in 2wd. The selector switch engages an actuator that causes a fork to move the gears in the front transfer case into or out of 4wd. …
Certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 4 -wheel drive fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 101, no. 110, no. 114, no. 225, no. 209, & no. 208. Vechicles were built with a left -front brake pipe with a circumferential score at a random location along the lenght of the pipe as the result of the manufacturing process. If the brake pipe partially or fully fractured,brake pedal travel would immediately increase and front brake performance would be reduced under certain circumstances the front lower control arm brackets May fracture. Missing welds on the rear flow plan the calibration of the transfer case control module could cause insufficient high speed gear engagement. …
I started my vehicle and shifted into reverse. The shifter handle moved freely but would not engage in reverse or drive. My vehicle was stuck in park. Luckily, this happened when I was in my garage at lunchtime headed back to work. When I searched on the internet about what the problem could be, I saw that other GM vehicles had been recalled for a broken shifter cable. When I spoke to the tow truck driver and explained my problem, he said that it was probably a broken shifter cable and that he had towed other trailblazers for the same problem and that the vehicles had been part of a recall years ago. I had not found a recall for my particular vehicle, but that other GM vehicles had been recalled for that reason is why I am filing this report. I have had my vehicle repaired and will upload the repair invoice.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that the transmission sun gear was faulty. An electrical component was burning inside the vehicle, along with ABS failure. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and they stated that there was no guarantee that the vehicle was working properly. The oil needed to be changed, so the contact changed it himself. The failures occurred right after the vehicle was purchased from the dealer. The dealer performed a 120 point inspection, but they never repaired the vehicle. The failure mileage was 101,576.
The vehicle operated normally until part failure. Transmission pressure cooling line connector not in place properly,caused automatic transmission fluid to spray on hot exhuast manifold, starting a major engine fire.the vehicle was inspected by general motors adjuster, and considered a total loss.no repairs were attempted.
Engine started misfiring on random cylinders,misfire does not stay on same cylinders. Has dramatic loss of power. Diagnostic code says random misfire. Dramatically decreased fuel economy. Bad vibration. Service engine light flashes during misfire. Does not have a constant misfire, it comes and goes.
Automatic transmission shift cable came lose and the car could not be placed in gear. It was stuck into park. The plastic cable connector to the transmission cracked, which allowed the ball to come out of the transmission prevent the car not being able to be put into gear.
Tl* - sometime in late September 2006, while driving at 65 MPH the transmission began to slip. The vehicle sounded as if it wanted to accelerate, but couldn't. The contact's vehicle continued to have the failure for about 10 seconds. The vehicle also had the same type of failure while at a stop light. While trying to accelerate the vehicle's speed decreased to 5 MPH for about 20-30 seconds. On 10/11/06 contact took the vehicle to the dealership. Dealership replaced the exhaust check valve. On 10/17/06 vehicle continued to have the same failure and the engine light was turning on,. The contact took the vehicle to the dealership where they replaced the oxygen sensor. The contact continued to have the same incident with the transmission slipping and the check engine light coming on. Contact took the vehicle to the dealership on 10/3106, and they replaced the valve body. …
We took our car on Wednesday 5/14 to superior Chevrolet in cincinnati oh because on Tuesday evening the transmission felt like it was starting to slip and not driving correctly. The dealership contacted us on Thursday 5/15 to say they were waiting for the warranty representative to come out and give approval before it could be repaired. On Friday afternoon, we were advised the claim was denied because there was water in the transmission. The service manager said it was due to a GM defect with the dip stick - the way it was positioned allowed water to get into the transmission and rust, so the warranty was null and void. The service manager said he spoke w/his GM rep and they would agree to "do us a favor" and split the cost of the new transmission - $1200 still out of pocket for us. …
Transmission complaints in other Trailblazer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer?
NHTSA has 62 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer, 6% of the model year's 1,081 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (31 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer, though it has 2 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 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 2 fires and 1 injury 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.