2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 103about this part
- Share
- 11%of 901 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,770miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 103 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer, 11% of the 901 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,770 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“We own a 2003 chevy Trailblazer which keeps going into reduce power mode, I pulled the codes at various time and different parts, I replaced the crank, cam, and accelerator position sensors. I also replaced the fuel pressure regulator, fan clutch, starter, alternator, spark plugs and coil packs to avail. Gm knows about this issue and refuse to address this issue. What will it take to get this issue address, lawsuit and or death. Ashamed on you GM. This issue is an accident waiting to happen.”
NHTSA complaint #10678504, filed 2015-01, 140,000 miles“No problems with my 2003 chevy Trailblazer previously. Went out to start it and it wouldn't go in reverse. Needed new transmission at a cost of $4,000 dollars. My understanding is that this is a common problem with trailblazers but it has not been addressed.”
NHTSA complaint #10379978, filed 2011-02, 98,000 miles“I bought my 2003 Trailblazer ltz used about 6 weeks ago at 146,000 miles. Today, it will not go over 45 MPH. Due to internal transmission hardware defects. No check engine light, or any warnings were displayed. The problem has been noted thousands of different times between different Trailblazer owners and GM refuses to issue a recall on the faulty sunshell gears! So I'm left with a huge safety hazard caused by GM as well as having to pay for their mistake?? …”
NHTSA complaint #10442143, filed 2012-01, 149,000 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“On 04-06-2009 at 10:30 am I was driving south on md rt. 4 . The transmission then slipped out of gear while decelerating. Followed by a loud grinding noise, my RPM's raced and then slammed into gear almost causing a serious accident.”
NHTSA complaint #10264272, filed 2009-04, 74,622 milesRelated recalls
- 03V075000Mar 6, 2003Certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 114, "theft protection." these vehicles are…Covers: Chevrolet Trailblazer 2002–2003, Oldsmobile Bravada 2002–2003, GMC Envoy 2002–2003 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM 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…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10222770Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
- 10224273Sep 1, 2022This 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…
- 10220319Sep 1, 2022This diagnostic tip advises the tech not to separate the flexplate from the torque convertor or damage my occur if the engine is started while diagnosing for noise from the…
- 10143757Jul 9, 2018This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer technician thatLight Duty Trucks equipped with automatic transmissions and 4 wheel drive may exhibit a condition of…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 8% |
| 2025 | 6 | 23% |
| 2024 | 8 | 22% |
| 2023 | 10 | 13% |
| 2022 | 35 | 31% |
| 2021 | 41 | 21% |
| 2009 | 1 | 4% |
| 2008 | 10 | 5% |
| 2007 | 15 | 2% |
| 2006 | 50 | 5% |
| 2005 | 51 | 3% |
| 2004 | 62 | 6% |
| 2003 | 103 | 11% |
| 2002 | 310 | 27% |
| 2001 | 5 | 25% |
| 2000 | 5 | 19% |
Other parts of the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer
285 complaintsFuel system
180 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 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