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2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Trailblazer years

Owner complaints for the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer are substantially higher than the model-year median of 87.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

899 reports with mileage · 182 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 627 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 101 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 93 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

56 crash reports31 fire reports47 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

627 reports
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153,000 miles · Jul 30, 2018
Electrical SystemFuel System, Other

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT DETECTED A FUEL ODOR COMING THROUGH THE VENTS. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DID NOT ILLUMINATE AND THE SPEEDOMETER DID NOT OPERATE. THE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT DETECTED A FUEL ODOR COMING THROUGH THE VENTS. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DID NOT ILLUMINATE AND THE SPEEDOMETER DID NOT OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,000.

NHTSA ODI #11114555

104,060 miles · May 6, 2018
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS BURN OUT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS. ALL 3 TIMES BOTH LOW BEAM BULBS BURN OUT AT THE SAME EXACT TIME WHILE TRAVELING ON A RURAL ROAD IN NH..

NHTSA ODI #11092112

240,000 miles · Feb 26, 2018
Electrical System

MY GAUGES RANDOMLY SAY LOW OIL PRESSURE BUT THERE IS NO PROBLEM AND SENSOR WAS REPLACED. NOW THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL IS DEAD.

NHTSA ODI #11075066

35,000 miles · Jan 11, 2018
Electrical System

MY GAUGE CLUSTER WILL INTERMITTENTLY STOP WORKING BOTH WHILE DRIVING AND WHILE VEHICLE IS PARKED AND RUNNING. USUALLY AFTER A FEW MOMENTS IT WOULD GO BACK TO NORMAL BUT NOW THE ISSUE IS GETTING WORSE AND I HAVE TO TAP ON THE GAUGE CLUSTER FOR THE GAUGES TO RESUME WORKING.THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE APPROXIMATELY 2006 …

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MY GAUGE CLUSTER WILL INTERMITTENTLY STOP WORKING BOTH WHILE DRIVING AND WHILE VEHICLE IS PARKED AND RUNNING. USUALLY AFTER A FEW MOMENTS IT WOULD GO BACK TO NORMAL BUT NOW THE ISSUE IS GETTING WORSE AND I HAVE TO TAP ON THE GAUGE CLUSTER FOR THE GAUGES TO RESUME WORKING.THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM SINCE APPROXIMATELY 2006 BUT CHEVY REFUSES TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE WHICH IS IN MY OPINION A SAFETY ISSUE

NHTSA ODI #11062086

140,000 miles · Nov 1, 2017
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

MY DRIVING LIGHTS TURN OFF AND ON WHILE IM DRIVING I TOOK IT TO CHECK AND THEY SAID IS A FACTORY PROBLEM WITH ELECTRIC SYSTEM BUT MY LIGHTS TURN OFF WHILE IM DRIVING

NHTSA ODI #11042205

Mileage unknown · Oct 13, 2017
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SHORTED OUT AND VARIOUS GAUGES FAILED TO WORK. WHILE DRIVING, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SCREEN WENT BLANK NUMEROUS TIMES INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE RESTARTED TO RESET THE COMPUTE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SHORTED OUT AND VARIOUS GAUGES FAILED TO WORK. WHILE DRIVING, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SCREEN WENT BLANK NUMEROUS TIMES INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE RESTARTED TO RESET THE COMPUTER. THE DEALER (OCEAN CREST CHEVROLET BUICK GMC CADILLAC, 855 ALTERNATE HWY 101, WARRENTON, OR 97146, (503) 836-7913) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOT RECALL CAMPAIGN AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED WITH A CASE NUMBER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11033281

176,000 miles · Apr 14, 2017
Electrical SystemFire

STARTER RELAY SHORTED OUT AND CAUSED A FIRE IN THE FUSEBOX. THE VEHICKLE WAS PARKED AND IGNITION WAS OFF.

NHTSA ODI #10972391

Mileage unknown · Mar 30, 2017
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Exterior Lighting

PEP BOYS AUTO PARTS TOLD ME I HAD A RECALL ON THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH

NHTSA ODI #10969448

125,000 miles · Mar 16, 2017
Electrical System

SPEEDOMETER DISPLAYS 50 MILES PER HR AND THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK AND NOT EVEN MOVING.

NHTSA ODI #10966317

90,000 miles · Mar 6, 2017
Electrical SystemExterior LightingVisibility/wiper

WELL HAVE A REAR TAIL LIGHT BULB STOP WORKING AND BROKE THE OUTER SHELL. AND MY SUN ROOF STOPPED WORKING AND ISN'T COMPLETELY SEALED WHEN IT RAINS WATER LEAKS FROM THE TOP!!

NHTSA ODI #10958743

Official recalls

2

05V198000 · Exterior Lighting:turn Signal

May 5, 2005

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 & remedy

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.

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

4

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.

PE04032 · Brake Lamp Failure

Opened Apr 6, 2004 · Closed Aug 3, 2004

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

THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002-04 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER VEHICLES.GM REPORTS THAT OTHER VEHICLES SHARING THIS PLATFORM AND BRAKE LAMP DESIGN ARE THE MY 2002-2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER EXT; GMC ENVOY, XL, XUV; OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA AND 2004 BUICK RAINIER.COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT THE REAR BRAKE LAMP DOES NOT OPERATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED.THERE IS NO INDICATION TO THE DRIVER FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE THAT ONE OR MORE BRAKE LAMPS BULBS ARE NOT FUNCTIONING.GM FOUND THAT HEAT FROM THE BULB COULD DEFORM THE LAMP SOCKET, PRODUCE ELECTRICAL ARCING AND AN INOPERATIVE BULB.TO CORRECT THE CONDITION, GM CHANGED THE BULB TO A BULB THAT TRANSMITS LESS HEAT TO THE SOCKET AND CHANGED THE SOCKET TO A THERMOPLASTIC POLYMER TO IMPROVE THERMAL STABILITY.THESE CHANGES WERE IMPLEMENTED INTO PRODUCTION VEHICLES ON OCTOBER 1, 2003.GM IMPLEMENTED A SPECIAL POLICY BY NOTIFYING CONSUMERS THAT IF THEY SHOULD EXPERIENCE A BRAKE LAMP FAILURE TO GO TO THEIR GM DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE CIRCUIT BOARD CONTAINING THE BRAKE LAMP REPLACED ALONG WITH NEW BULBS.THIS POLICY IS GOOD FOR THE FIRST 6 YEARS OR 72,000 MILES OF THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE.ODI WILL UPGRADE THIS INVESTIGATION TO EA 04-021 AND INCLUDE THE ABOVE MENTIONED VEHICLES.