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2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT transmission complaints

Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 49, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT transmission problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Aug 18, 2009 · Transmission · 53,200 miles · NY

Transmission cooling line corrosion and leak.

Filed May 8, 2009 · Transmission · 63,798 miles · CT

2003 trailblazer transmission gone bad (@63,000miles) while driving. Car stalled in the middle of the street, lucky no other car was behind.

Filed Apr 21, 2009 · Steering, Transmission · IN

Stopped at a stop light the car would not go forward would go backwards had just had transmission replaced 1 year before only had 79k miles bought the car brand new both driver window motors have gone out seal to front driver door transmission replace pwr steering--rack and pinions and usually have regular check up worst car I have ever bought.

Filed Feb 23, 2009 · Steering, Transmission · 61,000 miles · MO

Lisa was taking kids to school when she noticed problems when stopping got to moms house and called shop. On way to shop front differential came apart and took steering and axle with it.

Filed Feb 19, 2009 · Transmission · 82,000 miles · MI

No warning lights, no warning sounds. While crossing an intersection, transmission went out. 0 forward gears, reverse works. Vehicle just reached 82,000 miles. Serviced regularly.

Filed Feb 2, 2009 · Transmission · 95,000 miles · NY

The transmission cooling lines corroded which caused the transmission fluid to leak out while on a 20 mile round trip from our house. The truck started to run rough as we pulled in the driveway and there it died. I had it towed to a local transmission repair shop where they confirmed the transmission was dead, rebuild or replace. I paid to tow it to the gm dealership where I bought the truck and they confirmed the tranny was dead. Aluminum cooling lines rotted out, drained the fluid and the unit fried. There are no warning lights or monitoring of this fluid level per gm. This truck had been serviced by this dealership. The service mechanic told me that this is not a common occurrence but this is not rare either. He said gm will not help with the repairs and he was right. I had the local tranney shop do the repairs for 2500.00, less than gm's 4500.00. There have been many problems with this truck, I will do another report regarding the failed door latches, and I gave gm the time to repair their problems and then they tell you to "stuff it" when their bad designs get real costly. Last gm in my driveway.

Filed Jan 12, 2009 · Transmission · 65,471 miles · FL

My 03 ext first transmission went out with just over 65k and then 16mo. Later at 80k went out again. No help from gm. I have owned a 99 blazer and 02 trailblazer with no real issues however this 03 has had numerous from cracked gas tank to catalytic converter going out as well as now having loud engine noise!

Filed Dec 2, 2008 · Transmission · 45,201 miles · MI

I own a 2003 chevy trailblazer ext with 4wd. On several occasions the vehicle has rolled away while in park. Also, the vehicle on 2 separate occasions went forward when the gear select was in reverse. Finally, on 4 occasions the vehicle put itself in neutral. Twice at speed and twice while waiting at traffic lights. This vehicle nearly ran over my 3-year-old child and the dealer claims all of these instances have been driver error. I've had it with gm and their unwillingness to see any urgency with this huge safety related issue.

Filed Sep 23, 2008 · Engine, Transmission · 60,000 miles · VA

Where should I start? Purchased 03 trailblazer in 2/08 w/only 60,000 miles. Has been in shop 3 months..lost count of costs. A/c and heat not working properly..no hot air; clutch fan replaced; transmission slipping; engine cuts off while at stop-light. Should I go on? You would think w/only 60,000 miles on it--it was just getting broken in. I have never been so disappointed in a truck before..now I am stuck with the truck and its payment...no more money to repair and can't afford to trade in.

Filed Sep 13, 2008 · Transmission · 51,000 miles · NJ

Driving on vacation towing camper. Tried to accelerate and nothing. Got to gas station. No trans fluid. Got it to dealership . They said trans blown due to water in trans. Dipstick rusted inhalf. Leak with hose caused problem. Got fixed gm only paid 1/2 because we fought. Had extended warranty they said manufacturer defect. Found service bulletin on internet. Still fighting to get our money back .only 51,000 miles.

Filed Aug 25, 2008 · Transmission · 60,000 miles · OH

Transmission lines rotted out. Lost fluid and tranny went south!. 1400 for repairs!. Thanks alot gm. Junk!

Filed Aug 19, 2008 · Transmission · 71,000 miles · CT

Automatic transmission fails to shift into second. Loud revving noise, failure to shift.

Filed May 16, 2008 · Transmission · 62,440 miles · NC

2003 trailblazer transmission failure. Driving in the neighborhood (25 MPH) heard a load clunk ( like something either hit or fell of the vehicle), then a high pitched whining sound, got the vehicle home (11pm). In the morning, to take the vehicle to be looked at found that I had no reverse, had to push it out of the garage. I have a extended warranty, but have given firestone permission to replace with a rebuild unit from gm. I do not know what my warranty will cover, but believe that gm should foot the bill, since this had been a reported problem for this transmission for years.

Filed Mar 27, 2008 · Transmission · TX

I was driving home to texas from a vacation to visit family in oklahoma. All of a sudden without warning vehicle's transmission got stuck in 3rd gear. Then the transmission failed altogether. Vehicle left me stranded in the middle of nowhere with my four children. They are telling me that there are alot of problems with the trailblazer transmissions.

Filed Mar 22, 2008 · Transmission · 44,000 miles · OH

My chevrolet trailblazer ext, that I purchased 4 1/2 years ago and it has 44,000 miles on it, has a transmission problem. The chevrolet dealership tells me that it is a 2000 fix. I am angry and disappointed that a vehicle with relatively few miles on it is having such a major problem.

Filed Feb 12, 2008 · Transmission · 42,000 miles · PA

I bought a used 2003 trailblazer. I took it in because it was having issues with the engine light coming on. The engine light no longer comes on but the problem has gotten worse. The transmission slips constantly, I have only had this vehicle for 4 months. I am afraid this is going to happen when I am in the middle of traffic and my children and I will be in serious trouble.

Filed Sep 18, 2007 · Transmission · 66,000 miles · MI

Transmission went out at 63,000 miles -- clutch fan went out along with transmission. No warning -- nothing. This seems to be a common problem with trailblazers. Gm should order a recall --overall expense is over $2000.00

Filed Sep 13, 2007 · Body, Brakes · 71,700 miles · NY

My 2003 chevy trailblazer has a third brake light across the top hatch .while driving down a busy highway it was flying like a wing on the back of my vehicle luckily dot falling completely off but when I stopped it came crashing down onto my window of hatch luckily not breaking all I could do is break it completely off so it would not fly into someone's windshield behind me I work with a lady with the same make and model and hers flew right off her latch causing it to smash luckily no one was behind her. I also have it in the shop due to rusty corroded hoses that went to transmission causing all fluid to drain almost burning up my transmission no indication lights ever came on other than it skipping a little luckily a service engine light came on a week later I took it to garage and just in time. Unfortunately even with power train warranty this problem is costing me 500.00 out of my pocket no fault of mine wheel wells and brake drums have been beaten due to lots of rust build up and doors that were recalled and fixed three times still not working right also front headlight replaced twice in two years causing me to be pulled over twice as I did not realize the problem of my lights going out frequently.

Filed Jun 12, 2007 · Transmission · 53,000 miles · SC

The automobile starts out in 2nd gear and at highway speed the transmission hunts for the correct gear shifting back and forth.

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 Dec 29, 2006 · Transmission · 35,094 miles · TX

While driving across the williamsburg bridge I suddenly lost the ability to accelerate. The RPM gauge shot to the high end and I had to coast the vehicle off of the bridge. I was towed to the dealership who without looking at it, knew immediately that the transmission had failed. I asked the service technician was this a common problem and he pointed me to edmunds.com to show how many posts there were concerning this problem. The dealership "overhauled" the transmission and told me I should consider a transmission cooler. I've never towed anything with the vehicle and am concerned that I am about to experience the same problem, except this time my warranty is expired.

Filed Nov 9, 2006 · Transmission · AZ

We have a 2003 chevy trailblazer and have had nothing but problems with it since we bought it brand-new. It was back in the shop within 2 months of purchasing it due to needing the entire fuse box replaced. It has been back in for repairs numerous times for engine failure and problems with the gauges. We have had the entire speedometer panel replaced at our expense and spent $1200 on repairs related to the transmission. We returned it to the dealer 2 months later due to the exact same difficulties with the engine stalling and they told us the computer needed to be reprogrammed. We paid for that and not one week later the vehicle is continuing to stall on us. It has been extremely dangerous and in at least once circumstance has almost caused an accident. This vehicle is unsafe to drive. The engine has quit on us on at least 12 different occasions within the last 2 months, despite being in for repairs twice for the same issue. We are extremely disappointed in this vehicle and are saddened by the fact that we have spent so much money and to no avail. We have since learned that many, many other people are experiencing the same trouble. We are taking it back to the dealer tomorrow and trading it in. We need something that is reliable and safe out on the roads. And this vehicle is definitely not safe.

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 Sep 12, 2006 · Transmission · 73,800 miles · IN

Trans coolant lines rubbed against cat converter, causing leaks. 4 - 4.5 qts of trans fluid leaked out. Trans overheated and failed on the highway, causing vehicle to stop in an unsafe location. Transmission had to be replaced.

Filed Aug 26, 2006 · Brakes, Transmission · 400,050 miles · NY

Multiple problems with this vehicle with only 40,000 miles on it! Power window assembly broke and repaired twice on the same door, inoperable climate control unit, front dashboard gets extremely hot at all times, brakes squeal all the time (dealer could not figure it out and was remedied with ceramic brake pads after multiple attempts), transmission has poor shifting pattern (bulletin provided a new shift program for the transmission and the dealer installed but is right back to it's original problem after 3 months).

Filed May 18, 2006 · Transmission · 59,500 miles · GA

2003 chevy trailblazer ext transmission problems: transmission shifted very hard from 1st to 2nd gear and 2nd to 3rd gear after vehicle had been driven for about 1 hour. This occurred several times over the course of a month. Finally, the "service engine soon" light came on during about the 4th occurrence. Called onstar and they stated that there was a powertrain/transmission problem that should be addressed soon. Took vehicle to several transmission shops and was told that the code was an 1870 "general transmission slippage" code. Transmission shop indicated that the problem is a result of a torque converter failure. Transmission is now being replaced at a transmission shop with cost of approximately $2900. Vehicle has just under 60,000 miles. It is my intense feeling that this type of replacement should not be necessary on a $38,000 vehicle with this low of miles.

Filed May 11, 2006 · Electrical, Fuel system · CA

2003 chevy trailblazer blew a few fuses so I could not start the vehicle (several times already), per dealer. Tachometer jumps around, radio gets hot, electrical lights turn off along with heater/cooler, rear lights replaced three times, hole in gas tank, drive line replaced, constant chirping/ticking noise (of course dealer does not hear). Purchased brand new and have way too many problems for a new vehicle. You asked for incident date....there are several. Will stick to toyota's from now on....

Filed Apr 18, 2006 · Transmission · 29,000 miles · NY

Dt*: the contact stated the gear shift locked in the park position without warning on three occasions within the last year. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who made unknown repairs to the gear shift. The vehicle is currently at the dealer awaiting a third repair.

Filed Apr 3, 2006 · Transmission · 64,517 miles · VA

Traveling up a draw bridge at 50 miles per hour the transmission quit completely, the engine would rev up but no drive from the transmission. Fortunately, no one rear ended the vehicle as we slowed down and barely made it over the top of the bridge and then coasted down enough to get off of the bridge. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and they determined that the transmission must be completely replaced at my cost. The vehicle has 64,000 miles, too few for a transmission failure.

Filed Dec 8, 2005 · Transmission · 70,650 miles · CT

The incident occurred while driving home after dropping my son off at work on I-95. I was traveling between 65 and 70 MPH and passing a semi when my vehicle suddenly and with no prior warning shifted into second gear. Luckily I was able to maintain control of my car and able to drive it the rest of the way home. On monday I drove my vehicle as instructed to the mj sullivans, the dealership in which I bought the trailblazer, for service. I was then notified that the stator support bushings in the transmission failed and that it would actually be cheaper to replace the transmission. Interestingly, the new transmission comes with a 10yr/100k mile warranty and my vehicle has only 69000 miles of highway miles. Asked the service engineer about how unusual this type of failure is and they told me highly considering the wear on other parts in the transmission. We do not tow or have hills in our area and for the most part only travel on the highway so I would not suspect that we would be putting a high level of wear and tear on it. We had the transmission replaced.

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