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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

Engine And Engine Cooling complaints

16 reports
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1,000 miles · Nov 27, 2006
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. INTERMITTENT ENGINE STALLING SINCE NEW. MANY SERVICE VISITS TO CHEVY DEALERS TO FIX, HOWEVER MECHANICS STUMPED. LOCAL GAS STATION MECHANIC FOUND THE PROBLEM HAVING TO DO WITH COMPONENTS IN THE EMISSION CONTROL / VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEM. NOW CHEVY NEEDS TO FIGURE OUT THE CURE. IN THE MEANTIME I GET TO DR…

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2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. INTERMITTENT ENGINE STALLING SINCE NEW. MANY SERVICE VISITS TO CHEVY DEALERS TO FIX, HOWEVER MECHANICS STUMPED. LOCAL GAS STATION MECHANIC FOUND THE PROBLEM HAVING TO DO WITH COMPONENTS IN THE EMISSION CONTROL / VAPOR RECOVERY SYSTEM. NOW CHEVY NEEDS TO FIGURE OUT THE CURE. IN THE MEANTIME I GET TO DRIVE AROUND WITH THE "CHECK ENGINE" LIGHT ON. I GUESS THIS IS BETTER THAN BEING CRASHED BECAUSE MY CAR STALLED IN AN INTERSECTION OR ON THE HIGHWAY. CHEVY MECHANICS AND ENGINEERS NEED TO GET THE "DUH" AWARD. VERY BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE AND DIAGNOSTICS PERFORMED BY CHEVY. I WOULD STILL LIKE TO HAVE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO GO OFF, AND HAVE THE ENGINE NOT STALL IF THAT IS POSSIBLE. PLEASE SEND INFO TO HAVE THIS DONE IF POSSIBLE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10174495

Mileage unknown · Sep 9, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling

MY TRAILBLAZER HAS STALLED (CUT OFF) NOW 4 TIMES AND IT IS GETTING OLD AND UNSAFE. WHEN YOU ARE GOING DOWN I-95 AND IT CUTS OFF. IMAGINE HAVING NO POWERING STEERING AND TRYING TO GET OUT OF THE WAY BEFORE YOU GET HIT GOING 70 MPH! AND CHEVROLET WILL NOT TAKE IT BACK OR HELP WITH A TRADE! I MAY CONTACT THE PAPERS AND HAVE SOMEO…

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MY TRAILBLAZER HAS STALLED (CUT OFF) NOW 4 TIMES AND IT IS GETTING OLD AND UNSAFE. WHEN YOU ARE GOING DOWN I-95 AND IT CUTS OFF. IMAGINE HAVING NO POWERING STEERING AND TRYING TO GET OUT OF THE WAY BEFORE YOU GET HIT GOING 70 MPH! AND CHEVROLET WILL NOT TAKE IT BACK OR HELP WITH A TRADE! I MAY CONTACT THE PAPERS AND HAVE SOMEONE LOOK INTO THIS!! *NM

NHTSA ODI #10167754

3,900 miles · Aug 28, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling

01/27/04,09/28/05,11/18/05 TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHTS, 04/26/06 TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR METALLIC RATTLE SOUND SUSPECTING HEAT SHIELD ON EXHAUST MANIFOLD. DEALERSHIP STATED FRONT BACKING PLATES WERE CONTACTING STEERING KNUCKLE. 04/21/06 BEGAN DRIVE FROM OKC, OK TO VANOUVER, WASHINGTON, MIDTRIP NOTED SAME NOISE. …

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01/27/04,09/28/05,11/18/05 TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHTS, 04/26/06 TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR METALLIC RATTLE SOUND SUSPECTING HEAT SHIELD ON EXHAUST MANIFOLD. DEALERSHIP STATED FRONT BACKING PLATES WERE CONTACTING STEERING KNUCKLE. 04/21/06 BEGAN DRIVE FROM OKC, OK TO VANOUVER, WASHINGTON, MIDTRIP NOTED SAME NOISE. ON TRIP NOISE BECAME EXTREMELY LOUDER. STOPPED AT CHEYENNE WY DEALERSHIP COULDN'T GET APPT FOR SEVERAL DAYS. HUSBAND REMOVED HEAT SHIELD IN EVANSTON WY ON 8/23 AND DISCOVERED CRACKED EXHAUST MANIFOLD. 41000 MILES ON VEHICLE. 2 DEALERSHIPS IN EVANSTON WY WOULD NOT TOUCH US FOR SEVERAL DAYS. CONTACTED GM CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE WHO CONTACTED DEALERSHIP IN SLC,UT WHO WOULD LOOK AT VEHICLE. DROVE THERE BUT BECAUSE OVER 36K, WARRANTY DID NOT COVER AND THEY WOULD NOT FIX VEHICLE UNDER WARRANTY AND COULD NOT FIX SAME DAY. CONTACTED DEALERSHIP IN VANCOUVER WA UPON RETURN AND THEY ARE TRYING TO REPAIR BUT HAVE NOW DISCOVERED 3 CRACKED HEAD BOLTS IN ADDITION TO CRACKED MANIFOLD. REFUSING TO COVER UNDER WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH IN FOR PREVIOUSLY. HAVE ADMITTED TO NOT ADDRESSING HEAT SHIELD AT ALL IN APRIL. EXTREME STRESS, INCONVENIENCED AND WORRY ON VACATION. NO ETA ON REPAIRS. HAVE REQUESTED ALL PARTS TO BE RETAINED FOR INVESTIGATION. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10166790

37,060 miles · Aug 18, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling

TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY. LOSS OF ENGINE POWER CAUSED A NEAR MISS WITH A TRACTOR TRAILER TRAVELING BEHIND ME. CAUSE WAS CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 37000 MILES ON IT. OXYGEN SENSOR ALSO FAILED, THIS IS THE SECOND ONE REPLACED. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE VEHICLE 4 MONTHS AND ONLY PUT 5000 MILES ON IT. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN…

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TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY. LOSS OF ENGINE POWER CAUSED A NEAR MISS WITH A TRACTOR TRAILER TRAVELING BEHIND ME. CAUSE WAS CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 37000 MILES ON IT. OXYGEN SENSOR ALSO FAILED, THIS IS THE SECOND ONE REPLACED. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE VEHICLE 4 MONTHS AND ONLY PUT 5000 MILES ON IT. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE CHEVY GARAGE FOR 10 DAYS NOW, CHEVY SAYS THEY CAN'T FIND A CONVERTER. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10165904

24,000 miles · Jun 23, 2006
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

ENGINE STALLS AT VARIOUS TIMES FOR NO REASON. HAVE HAD IT INTO DEALERSHIP MANY TIMES. DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN UNABLE TO ISOLATE PROBLEM. SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON AFTER FIRST STALL. DEALERSHIP RESET COMPUTER. SINCE THEN, THE ENGINE HAS STALLED AT LEAST 5 TIMES. SES LIGHT HAS NOT COME BACK ON. ENGINE USUALLY RESTARTS AF…

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ENGINE STALLS AT VARIOUS TIMES FOR NO REASON. HAVE HAD IT INTO DEALERSHIP MANY TIMES. DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN UNABLE TO ISOLATE PROBLEM. SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON AFTER FIRST STALL. DEALERSHIP RESET COMPUTER. SINCE THEN, THE ENGINE HAS STALLED AT LEAST 5 TIMES. SES LIGHT HAS NOT COME BACK ON. ENGINE USUALLY RESTARTS AFTER APPROX 5 MINUTES. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10160600

24,100 miles · Feb 7, 2006
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingPower TrainFire

FULL DESTRUCTION BECAUSE OF FIRE I WAS ON THE WAY BACK FROM A LONG TRIP IN SOUTHERN CHILE (UP TO USHUAIA) OVER THE "CARRETERA AUSTRAL" AND, AFTER ABOUT 9'000 KM DRIVE WITHOUT ANY PROBLEM, I SAW A WHITE SMOKE BACK MY VEHICLE. OIL PRESSURE: NORMAL, MOTOR TEMPERATURE: NORMAL. THIS MEANT IMMEDIATE STOP ALONG THE "RUTA 40 NORTE" IN A…

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FULL DESTRUCTION BECAUSE OF FIRE I WAS ON THE WAY BACK FROM A LONG TRIP IN SOUTHERN CHILE (UP TO USHUAIA) OVER THE "CARRETERA AUSTRAL" AND, AFTER ABOUT 9'000 KM DRIVE WITHOUT ANY PROBLEM, I SAW A WHITE SMOKE BACK MY VEHICLE. OIL PRESSURE: NORMAL, MOTOR TEMPERATURE: NORMAL. THIS MEANT IMMEDIATE STOP ALONG THE "RUTA 40 NORTE" IN ARGENTINA (ABOUT 100 KM NORTH OF BARILOCHE, ON THE WAY TO NEUQU). WHILE STOPPING, I FELT THE BRAKE PEDAL JUST GOING WITHOUT IMMEDIATE REACTION BUT THE PRESSION CAME BACK. WHILE BRINGING THE GEAR SHIFT TO POSITION PARKING, I DID NOT FEEL ANY SENSATION, AS IF IT WOULD HAVE NO CONNECTION; THE AUTOMATIC DOOR BLOCKER CONNECTED TO THE GEAR SHIFT DID NOT WORK TOO, SO THAT WE HAD TO UNLOCK THE DOORS MANUALLY. AFTER HAVING DISCONNECTED THE ENGINE, I SAW WHITE SMOKE COMING OUT FROM THE UPPER LEFT CORNER OF THE MOTOR. I OPENED THE CAPOT AND THE SMOKE CAME FROM THE LEFT CORNER (CLOSE TO THE DRIVER'S PLACE). SUDDENLY, SOME MATERIAL IN FLAMES FELL TO THE BOTTOM, ABOUT MIDDLE LIGHT LEFT OF THE CAR. I TRIED TO PUT OUT THE FLAMES WITH THE EXTINGUISHER, BUT OTHER BURNING MATERIAL FELL. OTHER PEOPLE HAD STOPPED AND HELPED ME. WE PUSHED THE CAR A LITTLE AHEAD - THOUGH THE HAND BRAKE WAS TIED AND THE GEAR SHIFT ON "P", BUT BURNING MATERIAL FELL AGAIN. IN THE MEANTIME, MY WIFE AND CHILDREN THROW OUT THE LUGGAGE, SO THAT WE COULD SAVE ALMOST ALL OF IT. BUT THE CAR BURNED ENTIRELY. WHAT COULD BE THE REASON OF THIS INCIDENT ? THANKS GOD, I STOPPED IMMEDIATELY SO THAT NOBODY WAS INJURED NOR BURNED AND NO THIRD PARTY SUFFERED ANY DAMAGE. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10149632

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.