VehicleVerdict

2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer transmission problems

The 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer has 110 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 9% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

110

Transmission complaints

9%

Share of year

4

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

Related recalls

03V075000TransmissionMarch 6, 2003 · 511,167 units

Defect

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A MECHANICAL OVERRIDE THAT COULD ALLOW THE IGNITION KEY TO BE REMOVED WITH THE SHIFT LEVER IN A POSITION OTHER THAN PARK. IN ADDITION, THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN OVERRIDE THAT CAN ALLOW THE TRANSMISSION TO BE SHIFTED OUT OF PARK WITH THE IGNITION IN THE OFF POSITION.

Consequence

THESE OVERRIDES ARE NOT PERMITTED UNLESS THE VEHICLE HAS A LOCKING STEERING COLUMN.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL ELIMINATE THESE CONDITIONS BY DISABLING THE OVERRIDES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MAY 29, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR HUMMER AT 1-866-486-6376.

What owners report

GM T-BODY 4 WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES 2002 > LOSS OF CONTROL DURING 4-WHEEL DRIVE CONDITIONS. TRANSFER CASE SHIFTING IN AND OUT WITH OUT WARNING, CAUSING A SLIDE AND SPIN OUT CONDITION. HAVE BEEN IN TOUCH WITH GM AND WAS TOLDS CONDITION IS NORMAL. THEY BLAME THE DRIVER IS DRIVING TOO FAST FOR…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 18, 2004 · crash

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer have?

NHTSA has 110 complaints about the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer transmission — 9% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer transmission?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the transmission: 03V075000.

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.