2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 2%of 901 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 147,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer, 2% of the 901 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 147,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Soon as I drove off the car lot my moter locked up. It was smoking really bad , and eventually just would not start back up. I was on the highway and 18 wheelers almost hit me because it went out.”
NHTSA complaint #10969912, filed 2017-04, 50 miles“On august 26, 2015 we purchased a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer from wali's auto sales in enola, pa. It had 93,907 miles on it and appeared to be in good condition with a clean car fax. We traded in our 1996 Chevrolet suburban and received $1700 in trade in value purchasing the Trailblazer for $5722.70 including tax and transfer fees. Brakes and ball joints had been replaced prior to our purchase along with a transmission line. We took the vehicle for an alignment as soon as we purchased it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10773850, filed 2015-09, 94,180 miles“My 2003 chevy Trailblazer check engine light comes on accompanied by the low engine power light. The vehicle goes into limp mode. This is a safety feature that allows the computer to protect the engine from any damage should something go wrong. The only problem is that there is nothing wrong. This happens multiple times a day (6-8). Changing sensors doesn't fix it. I believe it to be a problem with the 2003 chevy Trailblazer computer. I have read many forums with hundreds of people that have this same problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10586196, filed 2014-05, 60,000 miles“Bought used from a dealer. Had for 2 days when had first prob that was fixed got back after a week. Ran great. Drove for 1 day and ran good, stopped at a stop sign and went to pull onto main highway and wouldn't move forward. Backed up fine but no forward. I finally got it to crawl forward. After a lil while it kicked back in and ran fine til I stopped again. Finally I made it home and parked it. After they finally came and towed it and fixed it I had it and drove it for 1 day and had same problem. After it sat for a while it did go again. Pulled into driveway and parked it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10501949, filed 2013-03, 142,500 miles“Overheating, replaced water pump thermostat clutch fan, radiator is good, fuel valve and clutch fan all new, still overheating when it's hot or city driving with stop and go. Mechanic reports he cannot find anything causing it. Found info on 2004 PCM clutch fan setting but, not 2003”
NHTSA complaint #11101347, filed 2018-06, 180,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024This 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…
- 10242298Aug 10, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10211658May 2, 2022This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
- 10178387Jul 27, 2020This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10176326May 21, 2020This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10173398Feb 28, 2020This diagnostic tip provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10167437Oct 14, 2019This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the…
- 10160987May 7, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
- 10160983May 6, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10144451Aug 8, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about engine block of possible cylinder bore damage, scoring or out of round as the possible…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 42% |
| 2025 | 3 | 12% |
| 2024 | 9 | 25% |
| 2023 | 17 | 23% |
| 2022 | 17 | 15% |
| 2021 | 38 | 19% |
| 2009 | 2 | 7% |
| 2008 | 21 | 11% |
| 2007 | 22 | 3% |
| 2006 | 43 | 4% |
| 2005 | 30 | 2% |
| 2004 | 16 | 1% |
| 2003 | 15 | 2% |
| 2002 | 17 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer
285 complaintsFuel system
180 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
103 complaintsExterior lighting
77 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
70 complaintsEngine cooling
65 complaintsAir bags
57 complaintsBody and structure
43 complaintsBrakes
36 complaintsSuspension
33 complaintsEquipment
26 complaintsSteering
26 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology