2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Apr 20, 2007 · Engine, Steering · 82,090 miles · PA

I own a 2003 chevy trailblazer lt @ 35,825 miles I reported my vehicle binds up on turns & of course the garage found nothing (drove it 20 miles for comparison @ the time). So now that I am up to 82,090 miles now I mention suspension issues still & of course they find both lower ball joints need replaced @ $320.06 & left outer tie rod end broken @ $170.80. Also they inform me I need to replace 3 of my 4 stabilizer bar links are loose & rattling @ an estimate of $320.00 (haven't done yet) also, I have looked on a website called mycarstats.com & found many others with these same issues with this vehicle @ much lower mileage & where tie rod issue caused an accident -- they weren't as lucky as me. Also people I work with who have this same yr & model vehicle have had to have ball joints, sway bars replaced, and other suspension work @ lower mileages. I also had an issue with my 4-wheel drive becoming inoperative & this did almost cause me to wreck going up hill during winter weather. They replaced front differential engagement actuator. All these things in my mind should not have happened at these mileages. The 4-wheel drive quit @ 80,000 miles. All these issues can create safe driving issues for the consumer especially someone who pays over $30,000 for a vehicle when it's new. Let me add now that the latest expensive repair to add to my list is the fan clutch assembly on my engine cooling fan system $573.00 -- also found many gm owners of bravada, rainers, envoys & trailblazers experiencing this items failure too.

Filed Oct 20, 2006 · Suspension, Transmission · 56,000 miles · CT

Passenger side upper ball joint came out causing the lower ball joint to also come out resulting in a cut ABS sensor wire and a bent strut and finally a axle that ripped out of the transfer case which destroyed the case cover.

Filed Dec 2, 2005 · Suspension · 3 miles · WI

Dt: the contact stated when turning a corner or driving over a bump heard a loud noise. It sounded as though metal was rubbing together. This happened when she drove the vehicle off of the lot. The vehicle has been to the dealership multiple times. They replaced the front suspension sway bar and front control arm six times, and had to be replaced every six months or 3,000 miles. The vehicle was still experiencing the same problems. *ak updated 12/27/2005.

Filed May 3, 2005 · Suspension · 58,000 miles · 00

Contact states: left and right lower control arm failed and vehicle makes a noise when coming to a stop or making a right turn. Contact says that 2002 chevrolet, trailblazer was recalled for the same problem that he is having.

Filed Jun 14, 2004 · Body, Brakes · 6,000 miles · NJ

Front end loose, ball joints needed replacement. Driver side seatbelt defective/twisted. Rotors warped needed repalcement. Outside door handle does not open door. Dirver side mirror moves around (programed) without notice. Transmission engages rough, feels like it slipping. Tailgate out of allignment, rear seatbelt defective needed replacement, 4wd locked up in parking lot, front end has scraping noises when turning, heated seats not working, irratic, tailgate panel falls off, driver seat frame broken needed replacement,electrical system irratic.