2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 62about this part
- Share
- 6%of 1,081 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 58,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 62 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer, 6% of the 1,081 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 58,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My right side back door does not open and my left back door does not close unless I hit the lock first. Also as I am driving no matter what the weather my 4 wheel drive will just kick in on its own. Now it feel as though the transmission is going. This to me is a danger to my children and myself> I also feel that these are defects in this vehicle as I feel g.m should be responsible I will never buy another g.m again. Someone should look into this.”
NHTSA complaint #10550673, filed 2013-11, 112,000 miles“In april 2007, the '04 Trailblazer's transmission failed. At the time the vehicle had less than 50,000 miles. I drive the car very well - mostly highway miles as I commute for work - and the vehicle had never been used to tow. The transmission was repaired at a Chevrolet dealer, and less than 2 months later, the transmission failed again. I am very unsatisfied with the quality of this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10194259, filed 2007-06, 48,000 miles“Left my house at 10:00 am to get my blazer serviced, the shop was not open - I did my rounds and was about five minutes from my house at a red light, pulled away from the light at the intersection heard a loud pop and blaze stalled. Good thing there was a police officer coming in the other direction, towed to shop at 12:00 pm was told that the front transmission was burnt/blown. I went from needing a tune up to a much more serious problem. Just had blaze serviced 3 months prior.”
NHTSA complaint #10462049, filed 2012-06, 108,000 miles“I have had my trail blazer for 1 yr and 1 month. In that time I have had to replace front and back pads and rotors, ball joints, catalytic (sp) converter, and now they just told me I have to replace the head gasket on the manifold. What the hell is going on with this vehicle. I no longer feel safe driving it. The other day the radio just stopped playing and then the service 4 wheel drive light came on.”
NHTSA complaint #10167431, filed 2006-09, 36,000 miles“I have a 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV 4wd with 61000 miles on it and have lost reverse on it. My mechanic took it apart and found some pieces had broke and it will have to be rebuilt or replaced. After reading about other complaints with people having the same problem I would have to say it is the sun gear. I'm very unhappy to hear that GM doesn't admit to having a problem with this transmission,but it is obvious to me that there is a problem that needs to be addressed.”
NHTSA complaint #10295639, filed 2009-12, 61,124 milesRelated 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.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 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…
- 10160997May 9, 2019This Preliminary Information Document advises the dealer that there is a software update available for the Powertrain Control Module to address diagnostic trouble code P0171. If…
- 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 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer
627 complaintsFuel system
148 complaintsExterior lighting
101 complaintsAir bags
42 complaintsEngine cooling
39 complaintsVehicle speed control
38 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
31 complaintsBrakes
24 complaintsBody and structure
23 complaintsOther or unknown
21 complaintsEngine
16 complaintsSuspension
14 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 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