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2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

216 reports with mileage · 45 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 145 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 29 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 17 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

6 crash reports3 fire reports6 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

145 reports
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157,000 miles · Dec 23, 2017
Air BagsElectrical System

INSTRUMENTAL PANEL/ GAGE CLUSTER. ALL GAGES CONTINUE TO FAIL SPIKING ALL OVER THE PLACE PRIOR TO FAILING. AIR BAG LIGHT CONTINUES TO BLINK ON THEN OFF RANDOMLY

NHTSA ODI #11056230

Mileage unknown · Jul 30, 2017
Electrical System

FUEL GAUGE NOT WORKING ALONE WITH ALL THE OTHER GAUGES AND TURNING SIGNAL NOT WORKING

NHTSA ODI #11011548

98,000 miles · Jan 12, 2016
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER EXT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO OPERATE. IN ADDITION, THE SPEEDOMETER, TACHOMETER, AND FUEL GAUGE FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER EXT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO OPERATE. IN ADDITION, THE SPEEDOMETER, TACHOMETER, AND FUEL GAUGE FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10819715

47,000 miles · Aug 20, 2014
Air BagsElectrical SystemEquipment Adaptive/mobilityCrashInjury

WHEN HAD THE CRASH WHICH WAS VERY HARD LOUD AND SCARY THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY NOR DID THE AIR BAGS ON THE SIDE OF SEAT. THE CRASH WAS VERY SERIOUS AND THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND POWERTRAIN TO WINDOWS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10626575

150,000 miles · Jul 2, 2014
Electrical System

SPEEDOMETER DROPPED TO ZERO. STOPPED VEHICLE AND RESTARTED. SPEEDOMETER STARTED BUT WOULDN'T GO ABOVE 35 MPH. I HAD A GPS SPEEDOMETER ON MY PHONE AND IT WAS REGISTERING 55-60 MPH AND THE VEHICLE SPEEDOMETER WOULD DISPLAY 25-30. AFTER A COOL NIGHT IT MIGHT WORK CORRECTLY FOR 4 OR 5 MILES THEN IT EITHER DROPS TO ZERO OR FALLS TO T…

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SPEEDOMETER DROPPED TO ZERO. STOPPED VEHICLE AND RESTARTED. SPEEDOMETER STARTED BUT WOULDN'T GO ABOVE 35 MPH. I HAD A GPS SPEEDOMETER ON MY PHONE AND IT WAS REGISTERING 55-60 MPH AND THE VEHICLE SPEEDOMETER WOULD DISPLAY 25-30. AFTER A COOL NIGHT IT MIGHT WORK CORRECTLY FOR 4 OR 5 MILES THEN IT EITHER DROPS TO ZERO OR FALLS TO THE 10-25MPH RANGE. SOMETIMES RESTARTING THE VEHICLE WILL GET IT TO WORK AGAIN FOR A SHORT TIME. WHEN IT IS FAILING THE NEEDLE DROPS BELOW THE 0 MPH TOWARDS THE MILEAGE. WHEN IT SEEMS TO BE WORKING SOMEWHAT IT STOPS AT 0 MPH OR JUST ABOVE IT. THIS SHOULD REALLY BE A RECALL ! THANK YOU *TR

NHTSA ODI #10607660

135,000 miles · May 20, 2014
Electrical System

THE HEADLIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY WILL NOT WORK (LOWBEAM ONLY). IT HAPPENS AT NIGHT MANY TIMES AND I WILL HAVE TO DRIVE WITH THE BRIGHT LIGHTS OR FOG LIGHTS. SOMETIMES THE ENTIRE DASH LIGHTING WILL GO OUT AS WELL INCLUDING THE SPEEDOMETER. IT'S ALMOST AS IF THE ELECTRICAL PORTION OF THE IGNITION HAS FAILED. IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING INT…

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THE HEADLIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY WILL NOT WORK (LOWBEAM ONLY). IT HAPPENS AT NIGHT MANY TIMES AND I WILL HAVE TO DRIVE WITH THE BRIGHT LIGHTS OR FOG LIGHTS. SOMETIMES THE ENTIRE DASH LIGHTING WILL GO OUT AS WELL INCLUDING THE SPEEDOMETER. IT'S ALMOST AS IF THE ELECTRICAL PORTION OF THE IGNITION HAS FAILED. IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING INTERMITTENTLY FOR ABOUT A YEAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10592709

57,000 miles · Apr 26, 2014
Electrical System

INSTRUMENT PANEL/ SPEEDOMETER NO LONGER WORKS, FIRST INCIDENT HAPPENED MARCH OF 2010. AS OF 12/2013 THE VOLTAGE METER, RPM GAUGE, SPEEDOMETER HAVE COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10585102

83,000 miles · Apr 2, 2014
Electrical SystemExterior LightingFuel System, Gasoline

LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING, GAS GAUGE WENT TO EMPTY, CAR DIED. RESTARTED DROVE 1/4 MILE DIED. STEREO SYSTEM COMPLETELY FAILED (WHOLE UNIT). KEEPS POPPING CIRCUITS CHANGED OUT STILL DOING. CANNOT SHUT OFF HEAT DUE TO BANGING SOUND. CAR SPEEDS UP AND DOWN ON OWN. CANNOT READ GAS GAUGE CORRECTLY, NOT SURE HOW FULL TANK IS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10576687

62,000 miles · Jul 25, 2013
Electrical System

SPEEDOMETER GETS STUCK AT RANDOM PLACES. IMPOSSIBLE TO KNOW HOW FAST YOU ARE GOING. GM RECALLED FOR THIS BUT NOT ON TRAILBLAZERS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10531817

103,000 miles · Jun 6, 2013
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline

WE WERE DOING OUR NORMAL FILL-UP (TRUCK WAS OFF) AND AFTER WE FILLED IT UP & TURNED IT OVER, THE FUEL GAUGE SHOT WAY OVER THE 'FULL' MARK. EVERY TIME WE TURNED THE VEHICLE ON, THE FUEL GAUGE WAS READING DIFFERENTLY, I HAVE NO IDEA HOW MANY TIMES IT WAS RIGHT. THE OIL PRESSURE AND BATTERY CHARGE GAUGE HAVE ALSO BEEN GIVING FALS…

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WE WERE DOING OUR NORMAL FILL-UP (TRUCK WAS OFF) AND AFTER WE FILLED IT UP & TURNED IT OVER, THE FUEL GAUGE SHOT WAY OVER THE 'FULL' MARK. EVERY TIME WE TURNED THE VEHICLE ON, THE FUEL GAUGE WAS READING DIFFERENTLY, I HAVE NO IDEA HOW MANY TIMES IT WAS RIGHT. THE OIL PRESSURE AND BATTERY CHARGE GAUGE HAVE ALSO BEEN GIVING FALSE/SPORADIC READINGS AS WELL. AFTER MUCH SEARCHING, I FOUND THE ROOT CAUSE OF THIS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM NOT ONLY IN THE TRAILBLAZERS BUT THE TAHOES AND SEVERAL OTHER OF THEIR VEHICLES (THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTERS ARE FAULTY). GIVEN THE EXPANSIVE NATURE OF THIS ISSUE, AND THE POTENTIAL DANGERS OF NOT KNOWING YOUR SPEED, FUEL LEVEL, OIL PRESSURE OR RPMS, I'M HAVING PROBLEMS SEEING WHY THIS ISN'T A RECALL ALREADY. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN MORE IN THE 2003-2006 MODELS MORE THAN OTHERS FROM WHAT I'VE FOUND AS WELL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10515530

Official recalls

1

04V527000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights

Nov 1, 2004

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 & remedy

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

3

RQ17002 · Loss Of Headlights

Opened Apr 24, 2017 · Closed Mar 29, 2021

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:headlights

The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV. The original scope of this investigation was expanded to include all vehicles equipped with the subject Headlight Driver Module (HDM). The focus of the investigation was to determine whether actions performed by General Motors adequately addressed any unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety in the subject vehicles concerning the headlights and the HDM that controls them.Under normal electrical load and environmental conditions, the HDM can overheat inside the Underhood Electrical Center (UEC). This can cause the module to fail and result in a simultaneous loss of both low beam headlights and both daytime running lights (DRLs), often with no warning or prior detectability to the driver. This failure can be intermittent or permanent. No other exterior lights are affected. High beams, turn signals, brake lights, and reverse lights are still operational.General Motors addressed this issue with 2 recalls (14V755 & 15V519) and a special coverage program (N172091910). In view of the recalls and special coverage program implemented by GM and the vehicle high beams continuing to operate, ODI has tentatively concluded that the actions taken by GM mitigate any unreasonable risk to safety posed by HDM failure in the subject vehicles.Accordingly, the investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at NHTSA.gov under the identification numbers in the attached document.

EA07009 · Fuel Pump Module Leaks Gasoline

Opened Jul 10, 2007 · Closed Aug 28, 2008

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

DURING THE COURSE OF THIS EA INVESTIGATION, ODI OBSERVED THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE COMPLAINTS (88%) AND WARRANTY CLAIMS (94%) WERE REPORTED FOR VEHICLES THAT ARE REGISTERED FOR USE IN THE SALT BELT REGION OF THE US.THIS AREA INCLUDES 20 STATES IN THE NORTHEAST, MID ATLANTIC AND THE MIDWEST REGIONS AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.CONSUMERS IN THE SALT BELT REGION REPORTED TO ODI THAT THEY COULD SMELL FUEL VAPORS IN THEIR VEHICLES WHILE DRIVING.UPON FURTHER EXAMINATION OF THEIR VEHICLES, THEY DISCOVERED THAT FUEL VAPORS WERE COMING OUT OF THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. THIS CONDITION IS CAUSED BY CORROSION OF THE RETURN AND SENDER LINES OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE.WATER AND ROAD SALT COLLECT ON TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP LEADING TO SMALL PINHOLES APPEARING ON THE FUEL LINES.FUEL MAY LEAK AND COLLECT ON TOP OF THE MODULE AND/OR SPILL ONTO THE GROUND.THE DATA EVALUATED UNDER THIS INVESTIGATION REFLECT A RELATIVELY LOW FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE THAT LARGELY ARISES IN SALT BELT STATES.GM HAS EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THE SUBJECT COMPONENT TO TEN YEARS OR 120,000 MILES.FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED AT THIS TIME; ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SELECT DOCUMENT SEARCH.

EA04021 · Brake Lamp Failure

Opened Aug 3, 2004 · Closed Nov 4, 2004

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights

GM STATES THAT SOME BRAKE/TAIL LAMP BULBS CAN PREMATURELY BECOME INOPERATIVE DUE TO MALFUNCTIONING BRAKE/TAIL LAMP SOCKETS.ON MARCH 2, 2004, GM INITIATED A 6-YEAR/72,000 MILE SPECIAL POLICY FOR 989,487 SUBJECT VEHICLES TO INSPECT AND REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE/TAIL LAMP BULB SOCKET ASSEMBLIES.ON APRIL 4, 2004, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE04-032) BASED ON CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ALLEGING BRAKE LIGHTS NOT OPERATING WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.ON AUGUST 3, 2004 ODI UPGRADED PE04-032 TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA04-021).BY LETTER DATED OCTOBER 27, 2004 GM NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 04V527) COVERING SUBJECT VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT ALREADY REPAIRED UNDER GM'S SPECIAL POLICY.MY 2004 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT AFTER AUGUST 8, 2003 CONTAIN IMPROVED BRAKE LAMP ASSEMBLIES AND ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.GM DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE IMPROVED BRAKE LAMP ASSEMBLY ON SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT ON AUGUST 8, 2003 AND EARLIER.THE ACTION TAKEN BY GM IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.