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2003 Chevrolet Blazer problems

The most common problem on the 2003 Chevrolet Blazer is airbags, typically around 138,300 miles. It has 1.4 times the complaints of a typical Blazer model year.

Typical year1.4x the typical complaints
Year score
60/100
Owner complaints
77
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
408
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
15-17mpg

The worst 2003 Chevrolet Blazer problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Chevrolet Blazer

No deployment 8Fuel gauge 7

Recalls 1

Equipment: other: labelsReported March 18, 2004 · 183,922 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, "occupant crash protection."
Risk
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.

Recall number 04V132000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2003 Chevrolet Blazer

Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Chevrolet Blazer 408

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 408 bulletins for the 2003 Chevrolet Blazer

2003 Chevrolet Blazer fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
4.3L 6‑cylRWD14-1520-2116-17
4.3L 6‑cyl4WD1317-1815

What 2003 Chevrolet Blazer owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Feb 28, 2018 · Airbags · CA · crash

Rear ended a stopped pick up at 45 MPH and air bags did not deploy. It was on a highway where the speed limit is 55. The whole front end was damaged but most was on driver side.

Filed Jan 11, 2018 · Fuel system · 206,854 miles · MI

1/10/2018, while driving on I-96, SUV suddenly lost power in the middle lane at 72mph. I coasted vehicle to a stop in that lane, as heavy traffic would not allow me to pull over. My family of four were in that SUV when the fuel delivery system failed. The fuel pump stopped working without warning.

Filed Sep 20, 2016 · Body, Brakes · NJ

I purchased this vehicle in february 2015 with 71,000 - the body was very well kept inside and out. What I didn't know was the extensive amount of rust and corrosion under the vehicle, which did not show initially. I have only had same a little over a year and have had to already replace front arm joints because they snapped in half and my tire was sitting crooked and in danger of falling off!! Fuel lines had to be replaced because they completed rusted through and gasoline was leaking out all over. The driver door was checked 2x as it does not shut correctly and I can hear wind getting into the vehicle while driving (not to mention water pouring in over the driver's side door and door controls), the brakes go completely to the floor (despite being fixed), the ABS light and check engine light stay on despite being checked - this truck design is terrible and it now rides and sounds like a bucket of bolts. I have had many trucks from gmc jimmy, chevrolet trailblazer, etc. - I have never had one that has gone completely sour in so short a time. I have also read the numerous accounts of people in accidents with this year vehicle and the brakes failing and airbags not deploying - I am seriously scared to drive this vehicle anymore. I am a single mother of 2 and thought I was purchasing a reliable vehicle for my family from a reputable company. I see that most of the complaints - if they were investigated by chevy - were deemed "no problem found" and swept under the rug. What do I do?! I have already spent over $1,000 to fix this vehicle and it still has issues - I simply cannot afford to keep sinking $$ into a vehicle that is going to bleed me dry.

Filed Dec 20, 2015 · Airbags, Brakes · 175,000 miles · OK · crash

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 traffic, when the ABS system locked. I attempted to let off and re apply the brake but the ABS system just stayed engaged and the front end started sliding hard to the left and I steered away from the pull. I subsequently hit the center concrete wall at approx. 40mph with the front passenger side of my car, which caused me to spin around and hit the passenger rear, I continued to spin until I was facing back east. My air bags did not deploy but it caused severe damage to core support and passenger side frame horn. It was a single vehicle accident and no damage was done to anything but my vehicle and myself, the ABS did not release within what I approximate to be about 6 seconds and this so called safety device nearly killed me. I was wearing my seat belt.

Filed Nov 6, 2014 · Airbags · 85,000 miles · RI

Airbag recall.

Filed Oct 26, 2014 · Airbags · 138,300 miles · OR

My 03 blazer has had its airbag lights on for some time now and I'm worried that if I get into a crash my airbags wont deploy, I'm scared also to see so many complaints along the same lines as mine. This problem needs to be addressed by the federal safety agency or by gm before someone is killed or injured badly. A recall is needed!

Filed Oct 7, 2014 · Body · OR

Drivers door hinges are loose causing damage to the door latch and door flying open.

Filed Aug 6, 2014 · Electrical · 115,000 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet blazer. The contact stated after several attempts starting the ignition, the engine failed to operate. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was diagnosed by a certified mechanic, who informed that the starter relay switch would need to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

Filed Jul 28, 2014 · Airbags · 78,000 miles · OH · crash

Was hit by right side impact by a truck without brakes at a stop light. It was going 40 MPH. Coming down hill as I took off at stop light . Pushed across 3 lanes of traffic. Air bags did not deploy ! Also I was hit on front right side panel . It later caused my instrument panel to not display the lights on warnings . Had to replace the panel . That's when I was informed that air bags will not deploy at all ! But flashes on and off as you drive.

Filed Mar 31, 2014 · Brakes · 50,000 miles · MI

Noticed brake fluid on floor of my garage. Found that the brake line to the rear brakes was rusted and leaking. Gm dealer said it was out of warranty so I paid a local garage to install new brake line. It has failed again, 98,000, while I was driving. Lost braking ability. I find that gm will sell me a set of brake lines for $500 and I can have them installed anywhere I want to. Considering the current gm situation with the ignition switch I think they should be made to recall all effected vehicles and fix their rusting brake lines.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2003 Chevrolet Blazer before you buy

Compare the 2003 Chevrolet Blazer

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2003 Chevrolet Blazer

Is the 2003 Chevrolet Blazer reliable?

Owners have filed 77 complaints about the 2003 Chevrolet Blazer, 1.4 times a typical Blazer model year.

What is the 2003 Chevrolet Blazer year score?

The 2003 Chevrolet Blazer scores 60 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet Blazer: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Chevrolet Blazer?

Airbags, with 14 complaints, typically around 138,300 miles. Next is body (12).

How many recalls does the 2003 Chevrolet Blazer have?

1 recall, covering equipment.

What year does the Chevrolet Blazer have bad airbags?

The Chevrolet Blazer model years with the most airbags complaints are 1995 (59 complaints), 1996 (56 complaints) and 1997 (38 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2003 Chevrolet Blazer get?

Official estimates for the 2003 Chevrolet Blazer range from 15 to 17 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.3L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 14-15 city and 20-21 highway.

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