Illustration2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER EXT ,GAS GAUGE GIVES INACCURATE READING EVEN WE CAR IS IN OFF POSITION ,WHEN CAR IS STARTED GAUGE BURIES ITSELF AND GOES WELL BEYOND FULL MARK DRIVER CANNOT DEPEND ON ACCURACY LEADING TO RUNNING OUT OF GAS ON MAJOR HIGHWAY OR BRIDGE. *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
What owners actually said
261 reportsI HAVE A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. FOR THE PAST YEAR THE SPEEDOMETER HAS RUN AMOK. I CAN BE TRAVELING AT 30, 50, ETC. MPH AND THE NEEDLE RANGES FROM 20 MPH OVER THE SPEED LIMIT AND AT TIMES SURPASSED THE 120 MPH MARK ON THE DIAL. CAN YOU HELP? THANKS. *TR
I BOUGHT MY 2004 TRAILBLAZER EXT 7 MONTHS AGO EVERYTHING WAS WORKING FINE FOR ABOUT 5 MONTHS UNTIL MY TACHOMETER GOT STUCK IN A DOWNWARD POSITION LAST WEEKEND I RAN OUT OF GAS EVEN THOUGH THE METER DISPLAYED 1/2 TANK FULL. I'VE TALKED TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID I WOULD HAVE TO SEND THE PANEL TO GM PLUS 300 DOLLARS TO GET REPAIR…
Read full complaint
I BOUGHT MY 2004 TRAILBLAZER EXT 7 MONTHS AGO EVERYTHING WAS WORKING FINE FOR ABOUT 5 MONTHS UNTIL MY TACHOMETER GOT STUCK IN A DOWNWARD POSITION LAST WEEKEND I RAN OUT OF GAS EVEN THOUGH THE METER DISPLAYED 1/2 TANK FULL. I'VE TALKED TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID I WOULD HAVE TO SEND THE PANEL TO GM PLUS 300 DOLLARS TO GET REPAIRED AND I CANT DRIVE MY VEHICLE UNTIL THE PANEL IS RETURNED BECAUSE THE MILEAGE HAS TO STAY THE SAME. IF THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WHY CANT GM COME UP WITH A SOLUTION INSTEAD OF JUST TAKING PEOPLE MONEY WITH ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER EXT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35-40 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER, RMP GAUGE, TACHOMETER, AND THE HEATER ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL STOPPED OPERATING. THE CONTACT STATED HE CALLED THE DEALER AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND THERE NO RECALLS ON HIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BE…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER EXT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35-40 MPH, THE SPEEDOMETER, RMP GAUGE, TACHOMETER, AND THE HEATER ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL STOPPED OPERATING. THE CONTACT STATED HE CALLED THE DEALER AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND THERE NO RECALLS ON HIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A VIN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
S10 COMEBACK- LETTER TO SECRETARY FROM REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR WORK DONE TO A CHEVY TRAILBLAZER EXT *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HIS DAUGHTER OWNS THE VEHICLE. HIS DAUGHTER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER IN THE MAIL REGARDING THE FUEL PUMP. SHE MADE AN APPOINTMENT AFTER BEING TOLD IT WAS COVERED, HOWEVER WHEN SHE ARRIVED AT THE DEAL…
Read full complaint
S10 COMEBACK- LETTER TO SECRETARY FROM REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR WORK DONE TO A CHEVY TRAILBLAZER EXT *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HIS DAUGHTER OWNS THE VEHICLE. HIS DAUGHTER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER IN THE MAIL REGARDING THE FUEL PUMP. SHE MADE AN APPOINTMENT AFTER BEING TOLD IT WAS COVERED, HOWEVER WHEN SHE ARRIVED AT THE DEALER, THE MANAGER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE CORPORATE DIVISION TOLD THEM IT WAS NOT COVERED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAD OVER 120,000 MILES. *JB THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THE DATE AND TIME THE RECALL WAS ISSUED AND IS SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT OF $900.00 FOR THE REPAIRS. UPDATED 01/28/11. *JB
DRIVING NORMALLY ,PUT CAR IN PARK ,PUT CAR BACK IN DRIVE CRUNCHING NOISE ,CAR NO LONGER HAS REVERSE OR 2ND GEAR. *TR
2004 TRAILBLAZER - ALL GAUGES DON'T WORK OR MAX. OUT; SPEED GAUGE AND GAS GAUGE QUIT WORKING. STARTED AT ABOUT 55,000 MILES. *TR
THERE HAVE NOT BEEN ANY ACCIDENTS OR INJURIES YET, THAT I KNOW OF. THERE HAVE, HOWEVER, BEEN MANY COMPLAINTS THAT I HAVE SEEN FOR THE SAME PROBLEM I AM HAVING AND CHEVY DOES NOT CARE. THE SPEEDOMETER AND OTHER GAUGES ON MY 2004 TRAILBLAZER DO NOT WORK CORRECTLY, THE SPEEDOMETER CAN READ 0-120 WHEN AT A COMPLETE STOP. THEREFORE W…
Read full complaint
THERE HAVE NOT BEEN ANY ACCIDENTS OR INJURIES YET, THAT I KNOW OF. THERE HAVE, HOWEVER, BEEN MANY COMPLAINTS THAT I HAVE SEEN FOR THE SAME PROBLEM I AM HAVING AND CHEVY DOES NOT CARE. THE SPEEDOMETER AND OTHER GAUGES ON MY 2004 TRAILBLAZER DO NOT WORK CORRECTLY, THE SPEEDOMETER CAN READ 0-120 WHEN AT A COMPLETE STOP. THEREFORE WE NEVER KNOW HOW FAST WE ARE GOING AND WITH CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE THIS IS VERY DISTURBING. BESIDES THE GAUGES THE WIRES FOR THE HEADLIGHTS KEEP BURNING. I WAS TOLD WHEN I HAD THE FIRST ONE FIXED THAT IT IS VERY COMMON IN THESE VEHICLES. THE FACT THAT BOTH OF THESE PROBLEMS ARE SO COMMON WITH MANY CHEVY VEHICLES AND THEY ARE RECALLING SOME AND NOT ALL, I GUESS I JUST WANT TO KNOW WHY NOT ALL? *CN
THE SPEEDOMETER AND BATTERY GUAGE WILL NOT WORK. THE SPEEDOMETER SHOWS OVER 100 MPH WHEN YOU ARE NOT MOVING. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY GET CALLS EVERYDAY ON THIS PROBLEM, BUT GM DOES NOT HAVE A RECALL ON THE TRAILBLAZER ONLY ON THE PICKUP TRUCKS.
I ALSO JUST HAD TO REPLACE THE CLUSTER FOR MY INSTRUMENT PANEL IN MY 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. I FIND IT VERY INTERESTING, THE NUMBER OF CARS THAT ARE HAVING THE SAME FAILURE AS I HAVE HAD AT APPROXIMATELY THE SAME TIME. *TR
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.