2003 Chevrolet Blazer Problems
- Complaints
- 77filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 44,500miles, 48 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 17 mpgcombined, 4.3L 6-cyl RWD · 15 city / 21 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2003 Chevrolet Blazer (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints about the 2003 Chevrolet Blazer cluster around airbags that did not deploy in crashes, door hinge pins and body seams on early-mileage vehicles, and transmission shifting or engagement problems. Many reports involve low mileage, though several airbag and lighting complaints come in at well over 100,000 miles.
- Air bags
Airbags did not deploy in a crash
- 13 complaints (17%)
- median 138,300 mi at 8.0 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 11 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2002–2018
Owners describe frontal and side airbags that failed to deploy in collisions at highway and in-town speeds, sometimes after the airbag warning light had been illuminated for a long period. Some reports involve loss of control or impact with another vehicle. Complaints describe dealers and manufacturers examining the vehicles without finding a fault, and one owner was told the airbags would not deploy at all. Reports span a wide mileage range, mostly between roughly 40,000 and 175,000 miles.
What to check: Ask whether the airbag warning lamp is lit and whether the system has been scanned for stored codes; a lamp that stays on or flashes is a reason to have the system diagnosed before purchase.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My 03 Blazer has had its airbag lights on for some time now and I'm worried that if I get into a crash my airbags wont deploy, I'm scared also to see so many complaints along the same lines as mine. This problem needs to be addressed by the NHTSA or by GM before someone is killed or injured badly. A recall is needed!”
NHTSA complaint #10650017, filed 2014-10, 138,300 miles“Was hit by right side impact by a truck without brakes at a stop light. It was going 40 MPH. Coming down hill as I took off at stop light . Pushed across 3 lanes of traffic. Air bags did not deploy ! Also I was hit on front right side panel . It later caused my instrument panel to not display the lights on warnings . Had to replace the panel . That's when I was informed that air bags will not deploy at all ! But flashes on and off as you drive.”
NHTSA complaint #10616815, filed 2014-07, 78,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission shifting and engagement problems
- 9 complaints (12%)
- median 18,773 mi at 1.1 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2003–2006
Owners report transmissions that slip into neutral, hesitate, stay in one gear, or downshift unexpectedly, including a cruise-control downshift that ran engine speed up sharply. Some describe a manual transmission that jumped out of first gear, and one report attributes the loss of drive to a sensor. Complaints mention repeated dealer visits without a lasting repair, and dealership responses ranged from no fault found to telling the owner the vehicle was their responsibility. Reported from near-new mileage up to about 60,000 miles, with several under 25,000 miles.
What to check: Test drive at highway speed with and without cruise control and note any harsh or unexpected downshifts; ask whether the transmission has been serviced or replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“2003 Blazer ls 4x4, 29,000 miles, automatic transmission. We purchased this car in february 2004 with 21,000 miles on it. It currently has 29,000 miles. Cruise control and transmission shift point we have owned this Blazer for 5 months. Immediately we noticed that when the Blazer has the cruise control engaged, frequently when travelling at highway speeds, and the cruise control wants to downshift to third gear it will instead shift into 2nd gear. The downshift red-lines the engine to 5000 RPM. …”
NHTSA complaint #10080728, filed 2004-07, 21,000 miles“Purchased new 2003 Chevrolet Blazer with manual transmission on 08/08/2003. I did not drive the car on 08/09/2003, but drove it again on 08/10/2002. Twice on 08/08/2003, and four times on 08/10/2003, when starting from a stop, I experienced a significant failure of the transmission, which substantially impairs the use and safety of the vehicle. In first gear, with no warning, either visible, audible, or tactile, the transmission violently throws the gear shift lever out of first gear, bringing the vehicle suddenly into neutral. …”
NHTSA complaint #10032535, filed 2003-08, 210 miles - Brakes
Brake pedal goes to the floor
- 5 complaints (6%)
- median 40,000 mi at 4.4 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2003–2014
Owners describe a brake pedal that travels to the floor under normal braking, extending stopping distance, with one report of a rusted-through rear brake line leaking fluid and another of contaminated brake fluid. Most say the dealer could not reproduce or correct the problem. A separate report describes an ABS system that stayed engaged and pulled the front end sideways during braking. Reported from low mileage up to about 50,000 miles, with one line failure noted later in life.
What to check: Check brake fluid level and condition and inspect the steel brake lines for rust, especially along the frame and to the rear axle.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Noticed brake fluid on floor of my garage. Found that the brake line to the rear brakes was rusted and leaking. Gm dealer said it was out of warranty so I paid a local garage to install new brake line. It has failed again, 98,000, while I was driving. Lost braking ability. I find that GM will sell me a set of brake lines for $500 and I can have them installed anywhere I want to. Considering the current GM situation with the ignition switch I think they should be made to recall all effected vehicles and fix their rusting brake lines.”
NHTSA complaint #10575910, filed 2014-03, 50,000 miles“When braking any speed, the brake pedal would go to the floor. This would cause extended stopping distance. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. The cause was not determined. Please provide more information.”
NHTSA complaint #10113059, filed 2005-02, 30,000 miles - Fuel system
Fuel gauge reads incorrectly
- 5 complaints (6%)
- median 30,037 mi at 1.1 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2003–2011
Owners describe a fuel gauge that swings between full and half or drifts after only a short distance on a full tank, leaving them unsure how much fuel remains. Some reports link erratic readings to stalling while driving, and one owner was told the cause was a bad ground. Complaints describe repeated dealer visits and warranty attempts that did not resolve the reading. Reported from about 8,000 to 60,000 miles, including some almost from new.
What to check: Fill the tank and watch whether the gauge moves smoothly as fuel is used, and ask whether the sending unit or its ground connection has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have a 02 Blazer and I believe the fuel gauge is not working properly. After I have gone only about 40 miles on a full tank of gas the gauge shows ? Full. Can that be correct? In the owner?s manual it states that I am to have an 18-gallon fuel tank. With an average of 20 mpg on the highway it should go to ? Tank at about 90 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10068785, filed 2004-01, 30,037 miles“My 2003 chevy Blazer has had a faulty fuel gauge since the vehicle was purchased. It was taken into moran Chevrolet in clinton township mi once for warranty repairs but the problem was never fixed. Service rep informed me that it was caused by a bad vehicle ground. Problem still persists to this day. The only way I can avoid running out of gas is to reset the trip odometer every time I fill-up.”
NHTSA complaint #10398310, filed 2011-04, 8,000 miles
Buying note. Have any 2003 Blazer inspected for rusted brake lines and door hinge wear, and confirm the airbag system is functioning with no stored codes. A highway test drive and a scan of the transmission and fuel gauge behavior give a clearer picture than service records alone.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 77 consumer complaints for the 2003 Chevrolet Blazer. 48 of the complaints include a mileage, and 52% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 44,500 miles. Of all complaints, 14 involved a crash, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 354 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags14 18%
- Body and structure12 16%
- Fuel system10 13%
- Electrical system9 12%
- Brakes8 10%
- Engine cooling6 7.8%
- Exterior lighting4 5.2%
- Suspension4 5.2%
Also reported: Steering (3), Equipment (2), Interior lighting (2), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Other or unknown (1), Seats (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “While driving 36 MPH going around curb, the steering wheel failed to respond and remained in the same position. This caused the vehicle to veer to oncoming traffic and resulted in a head on collision. None of the air bags deployed. The manufacturer of gmc sent an engineer to see the vehicle and didn't find anything wrong with the steering. Gmc denied the report issued by the technician on this accident. Please provide details.”
NHTSA complaint #10055915, filed 2004-01, 15,174 milesBody and structure: “Right passenger door on my 2003 Chevrolet Blazer 2 door drops when open and lifts up when closed. Same situation as my 2004 four door Blazer. Upper and lower hinge pins and bushings failed causing the door to become difficult to open and close a real safety problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10256634, filed 2009-01, 50,999 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “I brought the vehicle on october 04, 2006. I have many problems with this vehicle. I don't even know what to do anymore. I have contacted the dealership plenty of times but they are no help at all. The vehicle has a transmission problem. I have taken it to the mechanic but they haven't been any help either. I have tried many times to get the dealership to help me since it hasn't even been a year since I brought it but they just told me that I bought it so it's my problem. For that reason I want to cancel the purchase of my vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10152181, filed 2006-03, 55,986 milesFuel system: “1/10/2018, while driving on I-96, SUV suddenly lost power in the middle lane at 72mph. I coasted vehicle to a stop in that lane, as heavy traffic would not allow me to pull over. My family of four were in that SUV when the fuel delivery system failed. The fuel pump stopped working without warning.”
NHTSA complaint #11062137, filed 2018-01, 206,854 milesMileage when problems were reported
52% of the 48 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 15,174 and 85,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2003 Chevrolet Blazer. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blazer · coupe | not rated | 3 / 4 | — | — | 2 |
| Blazer · sedan | not rated | 3 / 4 | — | — | 2 |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2003 Chevrolet Blazer version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blazer 2WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Blazer 2WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 14 | 20 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Blazer 4WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 13 | 17 | 15 | $4,450 |
| Blazer 4WD | 4.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,450 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 04V132000Mar 18, 2004Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Chevrolet Blazer 2003–2004, S10 2003–2004, GMC Sonoma 2003–2004 +1 more
Certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, "occupant crash protection."
Recall details for the 2003 Chevrolet Blazer → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 354 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get…
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
- 11007744Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11007743Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11007208Sep 6, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Electrical system. Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging…
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024Fuel system, Engine. This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with…
- 11004557Jun 17, 2024Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
Other model years of the Chevrolet Blazer
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 34 | 14,500 | 1 | 5 | 25 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 52 | 29,000 | 1 | 5 | 25 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 44 | 20,000 | 2 | 5 | 25 | 50 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 54 | 66,250 | 1 | 5 | 25 | 17 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 141 | 36,232 | 1 | 5 | 23 | 53 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 224 | 49,500 | 3 | 5 | 23 | 70 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 189 | 26,700 | 2 | 5 | 24 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2008 | 5 | 80,364 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2007 | 9 | 62,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2006 | 19 | 75,200 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2005 | 15 | 75,000 | 0 | — | 17 | — | Stable |
| 2004 | 50 | 38,000 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 77 | 44,500 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 246 | 59,000 | 2 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 326 | 62,102 | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 589 | 65,000 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 436 | 76,000 | 0 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 716 | 70,000 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 768 | 85,000 | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1996 | 1,153 | 83,900 | 6 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1995 | 1,224 | 97,610 | 6 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 620 | 118,000 | 2 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 511 | 120,000 | 2 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 278 | 84,000 | 2 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1991 | 222 | 110,000 | 4 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1990 | 32 | — | 1 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 38 | — | 1 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 40 | 85,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 30 | 106,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 19 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1985 | 29 | — | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1984 | 9 | — | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Blazer model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Chevrolet Blazer?
Complaints about the 2003 Chevrolet Blazer cluster around airbags that did not deploy in crashes, door hinge pins and body seams on early-mileage vehicles, and transmission shifting or engagement problems. The issues reported most often: Airbags did not deploy in a crash; Transmission shifting and engagement problems; Brake pedal goes to the floor.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003 Chevrolet Blazer have?
NHTSA recorded 77 consumer complaints for the 2003 Chevrolet Blazer as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2003 Chevrolet Blazer is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 14 complaints (18% of the total), followed by body and structure with 12.
Has the 2003 Chevrolet Blazer been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2003 Chevrolet Blazer get?
The EPA rates the 2003 Chevrolet Blazer (Blazer 2WD, 4.3L 6-cyl) at 17 mpg combined, 15 city and 21 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,950 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2003 Chevrolet Blazer reported?
Among the 48 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 44,500 miles and the middle half falls between 15,174 and 85,000 miles; 52% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.