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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

Exterior Lighting complaints

101 reports
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74,978 miles · Nov 17, 2008
Exterior Lighting

THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT QUIT WORKING AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION FOUND ALL FUSES TO BE IN GOOD WORKING ORDER AS WELL AS ALL RELAYS AND THE DIMMER SWITCH, AFTER CHECKING THE BULBS IN THE LOW BEAM ASSEMBLY THE BULBS WERE NOT CHARRED OR BURNT AND THE FILAMENT WAS STILL IN CONTACT AS NORMAL, AFTER READING SOME EXCERPTS ON ANOTHER WEB…

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THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT QUIT WORKING AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION FOUND ALL FUSES TO BE IN GOOD WORKING ORDER AS WELL AS ALL RELAYS AND THE DIMMER SWITCH, AFTER CHECKING THE BULBS IN THE LOW BEAM ASSEMBLY THE BULBS WERE NOT CHARRED OR BURNT AND THE FILAMENT WAS STILL IN CONTACT AS NORMAL, AFTER READING SOME EXCERPTS ON ANOTHER WEBSITE THIS IS AN ALL TO FAMILIAR INCIDENT. LUCKILY WE WERE NOT DRIVING AT NIGHT AND NO ONE WAS INJURED THANKFULLY. ITS TIME FOR A RECALL BEFORE SOMEONE IS INJURED AND OR KILLED FROM THIS TYPE OF MANUFACTURING MALFUNCTION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10248981

81,700 miles · Oct 31, 2008
Exterior Lighting

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE LOW BEAMS WERE NOT WORKING, WHICH CAUSED HIM TO ACTIVATE THE HIGH BEAMS. SINCE THAT TIME, THE LOW BEAMS HAVE WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE IN THEIR POSSESSION SO IT CO…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE LOW BEAMS WERE NOT WORKING, WHICH CAUSED HIM TO ACTIVATE THE HIGH BEAMS. SINCE THAT TIME, THE LOW BEAMS HAVE WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE IN THEIR POSSESSION SO IT COULD BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT LIABLE FOR THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 82,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,700.

NHTSA ODI #10247347

72,000 miles · Jul 3, 2008
Exterior Lighting

CURRENTLY OWN A 2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER THAT WAS REPAIRED DUE TO NHTSA ACTION # EA04021. VERY SOON AFTER THE REPAIR TO THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS WAS COMPLETED, REAR BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED ON BOTH SIDES SIMULTANEOUSLY. DEALER INDICATES THAT THE LEFT REAR BRAKE CIRCUIT BOARD HAS "MELTED." *TR

NHTSA ODI #10233129

99,000 miles · Apr 3, 2008
Exterior Lighting

MY PASSENGER SIDE HEAD LAMP SHORTED OUT. ON 12.31.07 I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THE REPLACED A BURNT AND CHARRED CONNECTOR. ON APRIL3, 2008, THE HEAD LAMP AGAIN MALFUNCTIONED. DURING THE THREE MONTHS I NOTED AT LEAST 10 OTHER CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZERS WITH IN NON-OPERATING PASSENGER SIDE HEAD LAMP. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT TH…

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MY PASSENGER SIDE HEAD LAMP SHORTED OUT. ON 12.31.07 I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THE REPLACED A BURNT AND CHARRED CONNECTOR. ON APRIL3, 2008, THE HEAD LAMP AGAIN MALFUNCTIONED. DURING THE THREE MONTHS I NOTED AT LEAST 10 OTHER CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZERS WITH IN NON-OPERATING PASSENGER SIDE HEAD LAMP. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE LOCAL DEALER ADVISED ME THAT THE HAVE SEEN THIS PROBLEM ON OTHER TRAILBLAZERS. I TRAVEL AT NIGHT AND THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10223245

Mileage unknown · Dec 11, 2007
Exterior Lighting

HEADLIGHTS DIM, BATTERY GAUGE BOUNCES BACK AND FORTH TO POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10211470

250 miles · Dec 7, 2007
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

WHENEVER I DRIVE AT NIGHT THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS FLICKER AND SOMETIMES GO OUT COMPLETELY WHEN I BRAKE OR ALLOW THE TRUCK TO COAST. WHEN I USE THE GAS THE PROBLEM RESOLVES BUT SINCE I HAVE TO STOP SOMETIME THIS ISN'T A GOOD FIX. THE ELECTRICAL GAUGE ON MY DASH FLUXUATE WITH THE LIGHTS GOING FROM LOW TO HIGH AND BACK AGA…

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WHENEVER I DRIVE AT NIGHT THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS FLICKER AND SOMETIMES GO OUT COMPLETELY WHEN I BRAKE OR ALLOW THE TRUCK TO COAST. WHEN I USE THE GAS THE PROBLEM RESOLVES BUT SINCE I HAVE TO STOP SOMETIME THIS ISN'T A GOOD FIX. THE ELECTRICAL GAUGE ON MY DASH FLUXUATE WITH THE LIGHTS GOING FROM LOW TO HIGH AND BACK AGAIN. I'VE TAKEN INTO 2 DEALERSHIPS BUT THEY "CAN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM" I WORK NIGHTS SO I AM DRIVING MOSTLY DURING THE NIGHT. HOW IS IT SAVE FOR A YOUNG WOMAN TO DRIVE ALONE AT NIGHT WITHOUT LIGHTS? THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM THAT HAS HAPPENED SINCE I PURCHASED THE TRUCK AND HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10211189

61,010 miles · Oct 4, 2007
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER HEADLIGHTS AND DASH LIGHTS WENT OUT. CUSTOMER STATES THAT THEY CAME BACK ON AND THEN WENT OUT FOR 7 DAYS. MECHANIC STATED THEY WOULD HAVE TO DO THE ELIMINATING METHOD TO FIND OUT WHAT IS WRONG. *KB *TR

NHTSA ODI #10205033

36,000 miles · Jul 23, 2007
Exterior Lighting

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKER WHEN THEY ARE ACTIVATED. THE LIGHTS ONLY FLICKER UPON DECELERATION. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS THE ECM. THE CONTACT INFORMED THE DEALER NOT TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 36,167 AND FAILURE MI…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FLICKER WHEN THEY ARE ACTIVATED. THE LIGHTS ONLY FLICKER UPON DECELERATION. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS THE ECM. THE CONTACT INFORMED THE DEALER NOT TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 36,167 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.

NHTSA ODI #10197251

Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2007
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

HEADLIGHTS BLINK WHILE DRIVING AND SPEEDOMETER AND TACHOMETER STOPPED WORKING. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10178771

Mileage unknown · Jun 23, 2006
Exterior LightingFuel System, GasolineStructure

I WAS JUST READING THE COMPLAINTS & THOUGHT I WOULD SUBMIT A FEW OF MY OWN. GAS FILLLING IS ALWAYS A TASK AS TANK ALWAYS SEEMS TO "OVERFLOW" & GAS SPRAYS OUT EVERYWHERE. I WAS TOLD IT IS BECAUSE OF THE TYPE OF FILLER LINE THAT GM USES. HEADLIGHTS CONSTANTLY GOING FROM NORMAL TO DIM, TO DIMMER, THEN BACK TO NORMAL, REGARDLESS OF …

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I WAS JUST READING THE COMPLAINTS & THOUGHT I WOULD SUBMIT A FEW OF MY OWN. GAS FILLLING IS ALWAYS A TASK AS TANK ALWAYS SEEMS TO "OVERFLOW" & GAS SPRAYS OUT EVERYWHERE. I WAS TOLD IT IS BECAUSE OF THE TYPE OF FILLER LINE THAT GM USES. HEADLIGHTS CONSTANTLY GOING FROM NORMAL TO DIM, TO DIMMER, THEN BACK TO NORMAL, REGARDLESS OF DRIVING CONDITIONS. SAW THE ONE FROM THE PERSON BEING SHOCKED, THIS TOO HAS ALWAYS HAPPENED TO ME SINCE THE FIRST DAY I BOUGHT THE TRAILBLAZER. IF I TOUCH THE METAL OF THE DOOR UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE THERES A LARGE JOLT FROM STATIC ELECTRICITY I ASSUME. THE ARC FROM THIS JOLT IS VERY VISIBLE & I ESTIMATE IT TO 2 INCHES IN LENGTH AT TIMES (LONGER YOUR IN THE VEHILCE...BIGGER THE ARC). ALL THE RUBBER TRIM ON THE BACKHATH HAS COME OFF. PLASTIC LINING USED ON FENDERWELLS CONSTANTLY COMING LOOSE & MUST BE REATACHED. CARPET AROUND PEDALS HAS ALL COME LOOSE. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE NOV. 1 2004 & IT IS HARDLY BEEN DRIVEN WITH ONLY 6,000 MILES YET SEEMS TO BE FALLING APART ALREADY. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10160633

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.