2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT lights problems

23 complaints (7% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 48,557.

owner complaints: 23
of this car's complaints: 7%
typical mileage: 48,557
crashes: 0
recalls: 1

Which part fails

Headlights
5
Brake lights
3
Turn signal
2
Back up lights
2
Turn signal: flasher unit
1
Tail lights
1
Hazard flashing warning lights
1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k

25k-50k

50k-75k

75k-100k

100k-125k

125k-150k

150k-175k

175k-200k

200k+

Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT lights problems in other years

Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT lights

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Headlights 10

Related recalls

Exterior lighting: brake lightsReported November 1, 2004 · 871,473 vehicles affected

What is wrong: 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.
Risk: 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.

Recall number 04V527000 · Recall details

Related investigations

Loss of HeadlightsOpened April 24, 2017, closed March 29, 2021

The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV. The original scope of this investigation was expanded to include all vehicles equipped with the subject Headlight Driver Module (HDM). The focus of the investigation was to determine whether actions performed by General Motors adequately addressed any unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety in the subject vehicles concerning the headlights and the HDM that controls them.Under normal electrical load and environmental conditions, the HDM can overheat inside the Underhood Electrical Center (UEC). This can cause the module to fail and result in a simultaneous loss of both low beam headlights and both daytime running lights (DRLs), often with no warning or prior detectability to the driver. This failure can be intermittent or permanent. No other exterior lights are affected. High beams, turn signals, brake lights, and reverse lights are still operational.General Motors addressed this issue with 2 recalls (14V755 & 15V519) and a special coverage program (N172091910). In view of the recalls and special coverage program implemented by GM and the vehicle high beams continuing to operate, ODI has tentatively concluded that the actions taken by GM mitigate any unreasonable risk to safety posed by HDM failure in the subject vehicles.Accordingly, the investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at under the identification numbers in the attached document.

RQ17002

Brake lamp failureOpened August 3, 2004, closed November 4, 2004

Gm states that some brake/tail lamp bulbs can prematurely become inoperative due to malfunctioning brake/tail lamp sockets.on march 2, 2004, gm initiated a 6-year/72,000 mile special policy for 989,487 subject vehicles to inspect and replace the rear brake/tail lamp bulb socket assemblies.on april 4, 2004, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe04-032) based on consumer complaints alleging brake lights not operating when the brake pedal is depressed.on august 3, 2004 odi upgraded pe04-032 to an engineering analysis (ea04-021).by letter dated october 27, 2004 gm notified the federal safety agency that it will conduct a safety recall (the federal safety agency # 04v527) covering subject vehicles that were not already repaired under gm's special policy.my 2004 subject vehicles built after august 8, 2003 contain improved brake lamp assemblies and are not included in the recall.gm dealers will install the improved brake lamp assembly on subject vehicles built on august 8, 2003 and earlier.the action taken by gm is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.accordingly, this investigation is closed.

EA04021

What 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Feb 25, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · 120,000 miles · IL

Low beams intermently go off and on ! Exhaust manifold is cracked causing a leak ! All dash gauges but fuel gauge dont work !

Filed Jan 3, 2014 · Body, Lights · 156,000 miles · IL

While driving down highway started to hear a banging noise turns out it was my plastic that's above my hatch where my 3 red brake light is it hasn't fallen off yet just loose and flopping around I have read this happens to a lot of trailblazer this should be a safety recall on this and even you guys are aware of the problem the molding which is double sided tape is not a proper use for this the company should have to fix it is it gonna take one flying off and causing a death and major accident before anyone does something?

Filed Dec 10, 2011 · Acceleration, Electrical · OH

I am a senior citizen I brought this car new. After one year I had to replace linc plate. Over the years everything has gone wrong with this car. Speedometer has not worked since aug. '08, gas gauge stopped oct. '11. Instrument cluster since 2010 and gm knows this is a defected part. Yet gm paid for this same defected part at their cost for the tahoe, but has not paid for the trailblazer. Why? Windows and doors do not unlock on command. Window wiper(rear) stopped working-I replaced that part. A/c comes on my itself. Thermostat failure. I think gm should stand behind their product. The only reason they would not is that they already know that they are producing substandard products that are not fit to be driven on the road.

Filed Feb 20, 2011 · Lights · 5,000 miles · GA

Continuing failure of rear lighting (back-up, brake, driving, and turn). Typically, I have to replace a bulb about every 6 weeks, and the entire left assembly has been replaced twice since the car was new. Bulbs and sockets melt until they are inoperable. Similar issue with front headlights, although only about once a year. Old bulbs and assembly disposed of, but I'm sure more melted ones will be available soon.

Filed Nov 16, 2010 · Lights · 110,000 miles · KY

My 2003 trailblazer ext lost its third brake light, which fell off (for the third time). The entire housing flew off, and it was lost. Also, the passenger brake light will not work, even after replacing the control board and bulb.

Filed Mar 7, 2010 · Electrical, Lights · 90,000 miles · GA

Headlamps keep going out and the connectors keep melting and burning the rear radio speakers go out the rear heat/air goes out the level 5 setting on the fan does not work these are not unusual complaints for this vehicle, there seems to be a standard being set with these issues.

Filed Mar 2, 2010 · Lights, Locks · 89,500 miles · CA

Purchased a 2003 chevy trailblazer-ext lt in dec 2002 from the dealer, team chevrolet in pasadena. Since purchasing the vehicle, there's been several recalls, one in particular that keeps recurring are the brake lights keep burning, the dealer changed both units but it keeps burning out. I got tired of taking it to the dealer, so I purchased new bulbs and looked into replacing them myself. However when I unscrewed the bulb, I noticed the bulb just didn't burn normally (like a home lamp) it looked more of an electrical issue, the lining of where the bulb is screwed in looked like it had white residue and it smelled smoky. Also, don't know if its the shocks or suspension,makes odd noises. Dealer said its fine, but the noise is still there.shorly after my engine light turned on...the dealer could not figure what was wrong after a 2 to 3 week and costly expense and time...they switched out the gas tank...come to find out, that wasn't the problem, the engine light turned on again, they said one of the pistons needed replacing...$$$ that was a big expense and time consuming... Everytime I took it to them it, something was fixed, they charge, I pay, and the engine light would turn on, it got frustrating. Till, they finally got it right. Now my car sounds horrible (shocks/suspension noise got worse) when I go over city bumps or driving even small like hills, and mind you,which is driven by myself (female 124lbs) it shouldn't squeak or make noises, the brakes pedal makes a noise when I place my foot on it....yes it has 90k miles and it's an 8 year old car, but I kept up with the maintenances, I've taken it to the same dealer since it was purchased, only drive it to and from work....the car is in good condition, no hit/scratches/no tears.... I can't explain why.... Are there any other recalls, the dealer isn't aware of??? For instance they were not aware of the gas tank recall..which they were charging me over $1200 to repair, how can I trust they are doing their job?

Filed Oct 16, 2009 · Lights, Wheels · SC

I have two problems: when driving at night, headlights go off, not way to see, other than put on brights. Rim, broke to small pieces, had just gotten off I 95, was on off ramp when the car started making a very loud and scary noise, we had two small children onboard . Had this happen while on I 95 we could have all been dead.

Filed May 20, 2009 · Lights · MT

Head lamps and sockets keep burning out.

Filed Jul 27, 2008 · Lights · 98,000 miles · IL

Every few days when I use the turn signal all lights will flash as if the hazard warning lights have been activated. This is exactly like the gm recall for the 2003 chevrolet trailblazer however my VIN is outside of the recall.

Questions about the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT lights

Does the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT have lights problems?

Owners have filed 23 complaints about the lights of the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, 7% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT lights problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 48,557 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT lights?

Yes, 1 recall: 04V527000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT have the most lights problems?

The Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT model years with the most lights complaints are 2003 (23 complaints), 2004 (13 complaints) and 2006 (11 complaints).