IllustrationIN COLD WEATHER, THE STEERING FLUID BECOMES FILLED WITH AIR. THEN IT FOAMS AND BOILS OUT OF THE PUMP.THE CAR IS IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER. IT HAS DONE IT TWICE. *TR
2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Trailblazer Ext years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
170–25K
4925–50K
6550–75K
4675–100K
24100–150K
15150K+
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
Steering complaints
8 reportsMY 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER HAD A SUDDEN FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING PUMP. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 43,000 MILES ON IT AND FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. IT BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER AND FORTUNATELY I WAS NOT TRAVELING FAST AT THE TIME. NOTE THAT THERE WERE NO LEAKS IN THE SYSTEM AND THERE WAS THE PROPER AMOUNT OF FLUID IN…
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MY 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER HAD A SUDDEN FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING PUMP. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 43,000 MILES ON IT AND FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. IT BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER AND FORTUNATELY I WAS NOT TRAVELING FAST AT THE TIME. NOTE THAT THERE WERE NO LEAKS IN THE SYSTEM AND THERE WAS THE PROPER AMOUNT OF FLUID IN THE RESERVOIR AT THE TIME OF FAILURE. *TR
MY 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER HAD A SUDDEN FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING PUMP. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 43,000 MILES ON IT AND FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. IT BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO STEER AND FORTUNATELY I WAS NOT TRAVELING FAST AT THE TIME. *TR
ON NOVEMBER 26 2007 TOOK MY CHEVY TRAILBLAZER 04 4 WHEEL DR. IN FOR STEERING WHEEL SHIMMY. COULD NOT DUPLICATE. ALSO C.D. CHANGER WILL NOT EJECT CD'S AND LOW BEAMS ON HEADLIGHTS NOT WORKING. REPAIRED HEADLIGHTS AND C.D. CHANGER. DID NOT FIX STEERING PROBLEM. ON JUNE 07 TOOK IN FOR MAJOR SERVICE WITH 33,000 MILES. ON DEC.8 …
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ON NOVEMBER 26 2007 TOOK MY CHEVY TRAILBLAZER 04 4 WHEEL DR. IN FOR STEERING WHEEL SHIMMY. COULD NOT DUPLICATE. ALSO C.D. CHANGER WILL NOT EJECT CD'S AND LOW BEAMS ON HEADLIGHTS NOT WORKING. REPAIRED HEADLIGHTS AND C.D. CHANGER. DID NOT FIX STEERING PROBLEM. ON JUNE 07 TOOK IN FOR MAJOR SERVICE WITH 33,000 MILES. ON DEC.8 2008 TOOK IN FOR STALLING WHEN COMING TO A STOP. COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.THIS IS MY MAIN COMPLAINT, THE STALLING ON JAN.. 10 2009 TOOK IN FOR ERRATIC SPEEDOMETER WHICH WAS HAPPENING FOR ABOUT 3 MONTHS OFF AND ON.REBUILT THE SPEEDOMETER. ON JUNE 11 2009 TOOK CAR IN FOR STALLING, SES LAMP COMES ON WHEN DRIVING AND HVAC FAN DOES NOT BLOW ON THE #5 POSITION. THERE IS ALOT OF GRINDING AND WHINING WHEN VEHICLE SHIFTS TO SECOND GEAR. AND TURNING AT LOW SPEEDS THERE IS A WHINING COMING FROM THE FRONT END. REMOVED AND REPLACED 02 SENSOR. FOR THE STALLING THEY COULD NOT VERIFY CONCERN. RECOMMENDED THROTTLE BODY DE-CARB AND INJECTION SYSTEM CLEANING. FOR THE #5 FAN NOT WORKING REMOVED AND REPLACED SPEED CONTROL RESISTOR. TRANSMISSION THEY COULD NOT FEEL ANY UNUSUAL SHIFTING.FOR THE STEERING PROB.REPLACED POWER STEERING PUMP AND POWER STEERING GEAR. CAR STILL STALLING ON 6-19 -09. TOOK IN. DID ANOTHER DECARB SERVICE AND REPLACE FUEL FILTER.STILL STALLS. 7-01-09 WHEN CAR STARTS THERE IS A LOUD CLUTCH FAN NOISE LIKE A JET TAKING OFF. FEELS LIKE THE TRANS IS OVERWORKING, VERYLOUD NOT RIGHT. FIX,WAS FANCONTROL SET IM PROPERLY TROUBLE CODE P0483 . BULLETIN 05-06-02-004 REPROGRAM PCM. CLAIM CODE1013B. JULY 8 TOOK CAR FOR STALLING ISSUE JULY 9 TOOK CAR FOR STALLING ISSUE JULY 10 TOOK CAR FOR STALLING ISSUES NO PAPER WORK FOR THESE 3 DAYS THEY WERE TRYING TO RECREATE THE STALLING ISSUE. JULY 20 2009 IN SHOP FOR 16 DAYS FOR STALLING ISSUE THEY FINALLY CONFIRMED .REPLACED PCM. THEY CALLED IN TECH ASSISTANCE CASE #10971267 HE SAID TO PERFORM TOP ENGINE CLEANING. OUTCOME IS CANNOT GUARANTEE REPAIRS AT THIS TIME DUE TO HOW RANDOM THIS PROB OCCURS. *TR
POWER STEERING PUMP NEEDS REPLACED. OTHER SUV OWNERS HAVE TOLD ME THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO THEIR VEHICLE THAT HAD THE SAME PUMP. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER EXT. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE POWER STEERING HOSE HAD ABNORMAL WEAR AND WAS LEAKING. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V455000 (STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS) WAS REFERENCED FOR THE 2006 MODELS, WHICH WERE EXPERIENC…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER EXT. UPON INSPECTION OF THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE POWER STEERING HOSE HAD ABNORMAL WEAR AND WAS LEAKING. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V455000 (STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS) WAS REFERENCED FOR THE 2006 MODELS, WHICH WERE EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 03-04-08 *BF
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE AT A STOP, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS ADJUSTED, BUT WOULD NOT LOCK IN POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SALES/SERVICE DEALER. ON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TILT RACK WOULD NOT LOCK AND THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.
THE TIE ROD BROKE PULLING THE VEHICLE INTO A TREE CAUSING INJURY AND DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. WHEEL DAMAGE WINDSHIELD BROKEN, SIDE BODY DAMAGE AND BUMPER DAMAGE. *JB
Official recalls
104V527000 · 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
3RQ17002 · 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.