VehicleVerdict

2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,302 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 10.6 times the median Trailblazer year — the 2004 model ranks #4 of 18 Trailblazer years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 7 deaths and 92 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 50% of all reports (650 of 1,302), far ahead of fuel system at 154.

1,302

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

4

Investigations

69

Crash-involved

40

Fires reported

92

Injuries

7

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Trailblazer years?

Trailblazer NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted1,904 complaints1999: 7 complaints2000: 32 complaints2001: 29 complaints2002: 1,573 complaints2003: 1,160 complaints2004: 1,302 complaints2005: 1,904 complaints2006: 1,440 complaints2007: 965 complaints2008: 263 complaints2009: 37 complaints2014: 2 complaints2021: 259 complaints2022: 159 complaints2023: 86 complaints2024: 50 complaints2025: 31 complaints2026: 6 complaints
Trailblazer NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Trailblazer years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System65050%
Fuel System15412%
Lighting1108%
Transmission645%
Engine554%
Airbags423%
Speed Control383%
Visibility & Wipers353%
Other312%
Brakes252%
Body & Structure232%
Tires & Wheels161%
Suspension161%
Steering131%
Seats111%
Latches & Locks91%
Seat Belts81%
Driver Assistance10%
Child Seat10%

Does the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

05V198000LightingMay 5, 2005 · 286,478 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE DRIVER WISHING TO SIGNAL A TURN BY MOVING THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL LEVER, (UP OR DOWN) MAY CAUSE THE FRONT MARKER/TURN LIGHTS AND REAR TURN LIGHTS TO FLASH IN A MANNER SIMILAR TO HAZARD WARNING, RATHER THAN FLASHING ON THE DESIRED SIDE ONLY.

Consequence

THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CLEARLY SIGNAL THEIR INTENTIONS TO TURN, CHANGE TRAVEL LANES, OR POTENTIALLY WARN OTHERS OF AN IMPAIRED VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SUSPECT FLASHER MODULES WITH A NEW FLASHER MODULE DESIGNED WITH SEALED RELAYS AND MORE DURABLE CONTACT MATERIAL INSIDE OF THE RELAYS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 4, 2005. ISUZU BEGAN MAILING OWNER LETTERS ON AUGUST 4, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, AND OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

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.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW SWITCH FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS ADVISED THAT THE SWITCH WIRING CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 18, 2013 · fire

“MY 2004 TRAILBLAZER KICKED INTO FULL SPEED WHILE I WAS TRAVELING IN AN ICY ROAD AT 20 MPH. IT AUTOMATICALLY SWITCHED TO 4 WHEEL DRIVE, SPUN AT A 90 DEG. WENT INTO A DEEP DITCH, SPUN BACK STRAIGHT AND HEADED UP THE DITCH, AGAIN FULL SPEED, INTO A CULVERT AND TOTALED THE VEHICLE. BOTH AIR BAG SENSORS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 30, 2008 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED WHICH CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A CREEK. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · July 4, 2014 · crash

“THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY UNTIL PART FAILURE. TRANSMISSION PRESSURE COOLING LINE CONNECTOR NOT IN PLACE PROPERLY,CAUSED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID TO SPRAY ON HOT EXHUAST MANIFOLD, STARTING A MAJOR ENGINE FIRE.THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY GENERAL MOTORS ADJUSTER, AND CONSIDERED A TOTAL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 26, 2004 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OVERHEATING WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE REPLICATED.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 19, 2013 · fire

2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer — common questions

Is the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,302 complaints put the 2004 model at #4 of 18 Trailblazer years. It is one of the Trailblazer years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 Trailblazer problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (650 complaints), fuel system (154 complaints), lighting (110 complaints).

Does the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer. 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 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet Trailblazer years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Trailblazer years to avoid are 2005, 2002, 2006, 2004, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2021. The cleanest record among Trailblazer years belongs to 2014.

Related

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