Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 103 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.5 times the median Blazer year — the 2003 model ranks #16 of 46 Blazer years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (14), transmission (12), and body & structure (12), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
103
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
19
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags | 14 | 14% | — flat |
| Transmission | 12 | 12% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 12 | 12% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 11 | 11% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 10 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 10 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 8 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 6 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 4 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 4 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 3 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 2% | — flat |
| Other | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
Consequence
SOME OF THESE VEHICLES INCLUDE INCORRECT STATEMENTS ON ONE OF THE AIR BAG WARNING LABELS.
Remedy
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECT LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 CHEVROLET BLAZER. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, AN OPPOSING VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY WITH THE IMPACT. THERE WAS NO PERSONAL INJURY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE…”
“CRASH- I WAS DOING 25 MPH WHEN AFTER HITTING A DEER SWERVED HIT MY FRONT END ON THE CORNER OF A HILL AND MY VEHICLE WENT ON TO ITS SIDE. THERE WAS HARDLY ANY DAMAGE DONE TO THE FRONT END BECAUSE I DIDN'T HIT VERY HARD ,BUT BECAUSE OF THE SIDE DAMAGE THE VEHICLE WAS 500 DOLLARS FROM BEING TOTALED.…”
“2003 CHEVY BLAZER TRANSFER CASE CONTROL MODULE PROBLEM CAUSING IT TO HAVE TROUBLE SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION. *TS [REDACTED]NO ANSWER REQUIRED[REDACTED] AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE MADE, THE NEXT DAY, THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AGAIN. THE CONSUMER HAD PROBLEMS SHIFTING TO AND OUT OF 4…”
“TAKATA INFLATORS: I HAD LEFT MY HOUSE HEADED TO WORK AT APPROXIMATELY 6:30 AM AND GOT ON I40 EASTBOUND, IT HAD SNOWED THE DAY BEFORE AND THE ROADS HAD BEEN TREATED AND WERE CLEAR FOR TRAVEL, I WAS TRAVELING ON A 3 LANE HIGHWAY IN THE LEFT LANE @ APROX 50MPH AND I APPLIED MY BRAKES TO DO UPCOMING…”
“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…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 103 complaints put the 2003 model at #16 of 46 Blazer years. It is one of the Blazer years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (14 complaints), transmission (12 complaints), body & structure (12 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2003 Chevrolet Blazer. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Blazer years to avoid are 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 1994, 1993, 1999, 2001, 2020, 1992, 2002, 2019, 1991, 2021, 2003, 2004, 2022. The cleanest record among Blazer years belongs to 1975.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.