VehicleVerdict

2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext sits mid-pack among Trailblazer Ext years: 306 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 271, with a single recall and 3 closed investigations. Complainants reported 25 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 49% of all reports (150 of 306), far ahead of fuel system at 46.

306

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

3

Investigations

10

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

25

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Trailblazer Ext years?

Trailblazer Ext NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted406 complaints2002: 120 complaints2003: 406 complaints2004: 306 complaints2006: 238 complaints
Trailblazer Ext NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Trailblazer Ext years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System15049%
Fuel System4615%
Engine217%
Transmission186%
Lighting134%
Speed Control93%
Other93%
Steering83%
Visibility & Wipers83%
Airbags72%
Body & Structure72%
Latches & Locks31%
Seat Belts21%
Tires & Wheels21%
Seats21%
Brakes10%

Does the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

04V527000LightingNovember 1, 2004 · 871,473 units

Defect

ON 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 EVENTUALLY BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Consequence

AN INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMP WILL NOT CONVEY THE DRIVER'S INTENTION OF STOPPING TO DRIVERS IN FOLLOWING VEHICLES, AND AN INOPERATIVE REAR TURN SIGNAL LAMP WILL NOT CONVEY THE DRIVER'S INTENTION TO TURN TO DRIVERS IN FOLLOWING VEHICLES. BOTH OF THESE FAILURES CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TAIL LAMP/STOP LAMP ASSEMBLIES, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 22, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHEN HAD THE CRASH WHICH WAS VERY HARD LOUD AND SCARY THE AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY NOR DID THE AIR BAGS ON THE SIDE OF SEAT. THE CRASH WAS VERY SERIOUS AND THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND POWERTRAIN TO WINDOWS. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 13, 2006 · crash

“I OWN A 2004 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER. I AM HAVING CONSTANT PROBLEMS WITH THE GAS GAUGE INDICATING THAT EITHER THERE IS LESS GAS THEN ACTUAL, OR MORE GAS THEN ACTUAL. I KNOW THERE IS AN INVESTIGATION GOING ON WITH THESE VEHICLES BUT ONLY FOR THE YEARS 2005-2007, MINE IS A 2004. THIS INVESTIGATION SHOULD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 15, 2010

“WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THERE WAS A BOOM UNDER THE HOOD. TWO MINUTES LATER THE CAR STARTED DECREASING POWER AND I HAD TO PULL OVER. BEFORE I COULD GET OUT TO LIFT THE HOOD, FIRE WAS SHOOTING FROM UNDER NEATH. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 27, 2013 · fire

“FULL DESTRUCTION BECAUSE OF FIRE I WAS ON THE WAY BACK FROM A LONG TRIP IN SOUTHERN CHILE (UP TO USHUAIA) OVER THE "CARRETERA AUSTRAL" AND, AFTER ABOUT 9'000 KM DRIVE WITHOUT ANY PROBLEM, I SAW A WHITE SMOKE BACK MY VEHICLE. OIL PRESSURE: NORMAL, MOTOR TEMPERATURE: NORMAL. THIS MEANT IMMEDIATE STOP…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 2, 2006 · fire

“LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING, GAS GAUGE WENT TO EMPTY, CAR DIED. RESTARTED DROVE 1/4 MILE DIED. STEREO SYSTEM COMPLETELY FAILED (WHOLE UNIT). KEEPS POPPING CIRCUITS CHANGED OUT STILL DOING. CANNOT SHUT OFF HEAT DUE TO BANGING SOUND. CAR SPEEDS UP AND DOWN ON OWN. CANNOT READ GAS GAUGE CORRECTLY, NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · March 11, 2013

2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext — common questions

Is the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext reliable?

It is close to typical for the Trailblazer Ext: 306 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 3 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2004 Trailblazer Ext problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (150 complaints), fuel system (46 complaints), engine (21 complaints).

Does the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.