2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Electrical
Electrical leads by volume: 286 of 901 complaints (32%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (52) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 1,149 in 2002 to 901 in 2003.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | vs. 2003 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,900–4,150 | 3,900–4,450 | 3,900–4,150 | 3,900–4,450 | |
| Combined MPG | 15–16 | 14–16 | 15–16 | 14–16 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 14 / 19–20 | 13–14 / 16–20 | 13–14 / 17–19 | 12–14 / 17–20 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 555–592 | 555–635 | 555–592 | 555–635 | |
| Complaints filed | 1,149 | 901 | 1,081 | 1,466 | |
| Recalls issued | 13 | 8 | 2 | 2 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 103 | 68 | 56 | 59 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 35 | 14 | 31 | 25 | |
| Injuries reported | 98 | 66 | 74 | 59 | |
| Deaths reported | 4 | 2 | 4 | 1 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer have?
8 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer?
Electrical: 286 of 901 NHTSA complaints (32%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer get?
EPA rates it 14–16 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer?
EPA estimates $3,900–$4,450 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (6)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 4.2L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 14 mpg (high) | 20 mpg (high) | 16 mpg (high) | $3,900 (low) | 555 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 4.2L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 14 mpg (high) | 19 mpg | 16 mpg (high) | $3,900 (low) | 555 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 5.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD | 14 mpg (high) | 18 mpg | 15 mpg | $4,150 | 592 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 4.2L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 13 mpg (low) | 19 mpg | 15 mpg | $4,150 | 592 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 4.2L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 13 mpg (low) | 19 mpg | 15 mpg | $4,150 | 592 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 5.3L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD | 13 mpg (low) | 16 mpg (low) | 14 mpg (low) | $4,450 (high) | 635 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 80 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 103 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 180 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Electrical | 286 | 5 | 9 | 1 | 1 |
| Brakes | 40 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Steering | 26 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 49 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 74 | 48 | 0 | 52 | 1 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 25 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 58 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 139 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 43 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (8)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL · Campaign 05V198000 · May 5, 2005
Defect: ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE DRIVER WISHING TO SIGNAL A TURN BY MOVING THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL LEVER, (UP OR DOWN) MAY CAUSE THE FRONT MARKER/TURN LIGHTS AND REAR TURN LIGHTS TO FLASH IN A MANNER SIMILAR TO HAZARD WARNING, RATHER THAN FLASHING ON THE DESIRED SIDE ONLY.
Consequence: THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CLEARLY SIGNAL THEIR INTENTIONS TO TURN, CHANGE TRAVEL LANES, OR POTENTIALLY WARN OTHERS OF AN IMPAIRED VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT FLASHER MODULES WITH A NEW FLASHER MODULE DESIGNED WITH SEALED RELAYS AND MORE DURABLE CONTACT MATERIAL INSIDE OF THE RELAYS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2005. ISUZU BEGAN MAILING OWNER LETTERS ON AUGUST 4, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, AND OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS · Campaign 04V527000 · Nov 3, 2004
Defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, VIBRATION AND HEAT MAY CAUSE THE TAIL LAMP/STOP LAMP BULB TO LOOSEN IN ITS SOCKET. IF THIS OCCURS, THE BULB MAY FLICKER AND EVENTUALLY BECOME INOPERATIVE.
Consequence: AN INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMP WILL NOT CONVEY THE DRIVER'S INTENTION OF STOPPING TO DRIVERS IN FOLLOWING VEHICLES, AND AN INOPERATIVE REAR TURN SIGNAL LAMP WILL NOT CONVEY THE DRIVER'S INTENTION TO TURN TO DRIVERS IN FOLLOWING VEHICLES. BOTH OF THESE FAILURES CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TAIL LAMP/STOP LAMP ASSEMBLIES, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 22, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER · Campaign 04V046000 · Feb 6, 2004
Defect: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEMS THAT WILL NOT TURN ON, CEASE OPERATION WHILE IN USE, FAIL TO TURN OFF/ON BY THEMSELVES (MOISTURE SENSITIVE WIPER SYSTEM), OR HAVE CONTINUOUS WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP OPERATION BECAUSE THE PRESENCE OF WATER WITHIN THE WIPER MODULES CAN EITHER CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT OR CAN LEAD TO THE CORROSION OF COMPONENTS WITHIN THE MODULE.
Consequence: DEPENDING ON THE OCCURRENCE AND WEATHER SITUATION, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL COVER THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MODULE VENT HOLE WITH A PATCH. ALSO, THE WIPER MOTOR, CIRCUIT BOARD, AND ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR WILL BE INSPECTED TO SIGNS OF WATER INTRUSION AND/OR CORROSION AND BE REPLACED AS REQUIRED. THE RECALL BEGAN JULY 6, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL · Campaign 03V250000 · Jul 24, 2003
Defect: CERTAIN MINIVANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER UNIVERSAL ANCHORAGE SYSTEM.
Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SUPPLEMENT FOR THEIR OWNER'S MANUAL. THIS SUPPLEMENT DESCRIBES AND SHOWS THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORS THAT ARE LOCATED IN THE VEHICLE AND ON THE CHILD RESTRAINT OR BOOSTER CUSHION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 18, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS · Campaign 03V151000 · Apr 24, 2003
Defect: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A LEFT-FRONT BRAKE PIPE WITH A CIRCUMFERENTIAL SCORE AT A RANDOM LOCATION ALONG THE LENGTH 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.
Consequence: IF BRAKING PERFORMANCE IS REDUCED, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT-FRONT BRAKE PIPE. 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 FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-8006.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · Campaign 03V075000 · Mar 17, 2003
Defect: 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. IN ADDITION, THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN OVERRIDE THAT CAN ALLOW THE TRANSMISSION TO BE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK WITH THE IGNITION IN THE OFF POSITION.
Consequence: THESE OVERRIDES ARE NOT PERMITTED UNLESS THE VEHICLE HAS A LOCKING STEERING COLUMN.
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 FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR HUMMER AT 1-866-486-6376.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 03V051000 · Feb 24, 2003
Defect: ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG THAT MAY NOT DEPLOY AS DESIGNED. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG INFLATOR COULD RUPTURE.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN REDUCED CAPABILITY OF THE AIR BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER. ALSO IF THE AIR BAG INFLATOR RUPTURED, PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A NEW DRIVER'S AIR BAG. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MARCH 11, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL · Campaign 02V222000 · Aug 14, 2002
Defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.
Consequence: PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.