2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 77about this part
- Share
- 9%of 901 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,524miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 77 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer, 9% of the 901 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,524 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 3 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The problem that I have with my truck is an electric problem involving the light relays, which I ad to replace several times due to them being damaged, leaving me without lights. My main concern is that I drive at night often and I am in danger when I have the lights on and off. I did research on several forums where same-vehicle-owners have experienced the same issues.”
NHTSA complaint #10502721, filed 2013-03, 150,000 miles“Takata recall was driving down the highway doing bout 70mph and I hear a nosie on the roof and then I saw my whole 3rd break light asmbley break off and fly into the air and almost hit the car in back of me this can cause a major accident if it fly's off and hit a car in back of you and I was doing research online and saw its a common problem with these SUV its a poor design and needs to be recalled before somebody dies.”
NHTSA complaint #10839604, filed 2016-03, 159,678 miles“Car is a 2003 chevy Trailblazer the ignition key is still stuck in the car. There where no warning lights that anything was wrong with the car. Brakes failed after 7 months of having the car , I had to go to an outside company to fix car. Also when hitting brake lights it comes on as hazard lights. Car started to shake when turning on A/C took to dealership I was told to contact someone else that can fix the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #10615012, filed 2014-07, 149,000 miles“I have replaced the rear passenger brake light only 9 months ago and it's once again not working. The passenger side headlight also began to not work at time as is now, not working at all. My mechanic checked out the bulbs and did some testing and discovered the problem is in the circuit board. As of today, the drivers side headlight is now out....so the truck has no headlights and only 1 brake light.”
NHTSA complaint #10364371, filed 2010-11, 122,000 miles“When replacing the headlight bulb, I noticed that the connection was melted. Through my research I have found that this is a common problem due to the gauge of wire used in the wiring harness. The dealer says that there is not a recall. Since this is a common problem that could possibly occur when driving at night and cause an accident or possibly cause a fire, I would hope that this could help initiate a recall. This is not a wear item so the mileage on my vehicle should not be in question.”
NHTSA complaint #10470352, filed 2012-08, 1,000 milesRelated recalls
- 05V198000May 5, 2005On 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…Covers: Chevrolet Trailblazer 2003–2004, GMC Envoy 2003–2004, Oldsmobile Bravada 2003–2004 +2 more
- 04V527000Nov 1, 2004On 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…Covers: Chevrolet Trailblazer 2002–2004, Oldsmobile Bravada 2002–2004, GMC Envoy XL 2002–2004 +2 more
Related service bulletins
- 10249011Jan 12, 2024This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10232136Feb 15, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10200151Jun 21, 2021This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10169354Nov 12, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10155009Dec 13, 2018This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10129093Jan 24, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on, engine misfire…
- 10116890Feb 12, 2016This informational bulletin provides an out line on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage and what should be considered warranty replacement and not
- 10116874Feb 8, 2016This informational bulletin provides information on exterior lamp condinsation and replacement guidelines
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 4% |
| 2024 | 1 | 3% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 13 | 48% |
| 2008 | 17 | 9% |
| 2007 | 151 | 21% |
| 2006 | 112 | 10% |
| 2005 | 140 | 10% |
| 2004 | 101 | 9% |
| 2003 | 77 | 9% |
| 2002 | 143 | 12% |
| 2001 | 3 | 15% |
| 2000 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer
285 complaintsFuel system
180 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
103 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
70 complaintsEngine cooling
65 complaintsAir bags
57 complaintsBody and structure
43 complaintsBrakes
36 complaintsSuspension
33 complaintsEquipment
26 complaintsSteering
26 complaintsVehicle speed control
25 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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