2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Aug 20, 2019 · Engine, Suspension · 177,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet trailblazer. While driving various speeds, the front end of the vehicle vibrated. The vibration was more pronounced while the engine was idling. Also, while ascending up a hill, the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failures. The mechanic replaced the motor mounts, control arms, and tension belt; however, the failures continued. The manufacturer and an unknown dealer were notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 177,000. The VIN was invalid.

Filed Oct 18, 2017 · Lights, Suspension · GA

Flasher module, transmission leak evening after replacement, upper control arms goes out after replacement.

Filed Mar 25, 2017 · Body, Suspension · RI

I've noticed that my front end was lower than usual. At first I thought my upper control arms were giving in. I took my car to replace the front tires and to also get a 4 wheel alignment. That is when I was told that the strut base that is welded onto the chassis was rotting off. The mechanic expressed that I was a very lucky guy because at any point in time during my commute, I could have been in a serious car accident that could have resulted in death since I mostly use this car on the highway to commute to work. I didn't think much of it until he actually showed me all the rotted parts and I was in deep shock once I saw what he was telling me. I'm thankful that the cars strut was leaning on the inner fender frame preventing it from completely falling to the ground. I asked the mechanic how something like this could have happen and he explained that since we live in an area where it snows, the salt that is applied on the roads gets trapped into the slotted holes of the chassis and deteriorates with time. It is unknown of the time of which the chassis had begun rotting.

Filed Sep 23, 2015 · Body, Engine · 94,180 miles · PA · fire

On august 26, 2015 we purchased a 2003 chevrolet trailblazer from wali's auto sales in enola, pa. It had 93,907 miles on it and appeared to be in good condition with a clean car fax. We traded in our 1996 chevrolet suburban and received $1700 in trade in value purchasing the trailblazer for $5722.70 including tax and transfer fees. Brakes and ball joints had been replaced prior to our purchase along with a transmission line. We took the vehicle for an alignment as soon as we purchased it. We drove the vehicle approximately 200 miles and then on september 17th left home with intentions of driving the vehicle to stowe vermont. At 11:30 am on the morning of september 17th (approximately 2 hours into our trip) the vehicle lost power and brakes close to scranton, pa. The engine caught fire and within 7 minutes the vehicle burned up. The VIN number was not readable. The scranton fire department responded along with pennsylvania state police and the forty fort police. We have a copy of the fire report. The vehicle was towed by a local tow company. My wife and I escaped injury. We had liability insurance through state farm which covered towing and fire company expenses. Wali's gave us a 30 day warranty on the vehicle and has acknowledged since the incident that there is a warranty on the vehicle but is not forthcoming in allowing us to submit a claim to their insurance company.

Filed Jan 10, 2011 · Suspension · 65,000 miles · WA

2003 chevy trail blazer. Noticed very odd wear pattern on front tires. Front end of car seemed "loose". No accident, car just hard to steer accurately. Took to dealer. Both front lower ball joints were loose. Front struts were shot. Dealer replaced lower ball joints and struts. I'm a little old lady who drives in town - only 65,000 original miles and front end is going out. Pour quality! Dealer said front end worn because car has 4 wheel drive and is heavier than passenger car. I do not drive off road. Repairs not covered by warranty. No help on 60,000 mile front tires completely shot in 17,000.

Filed Sep 26, 2010 · Suspension · 96,500 miles · WI

I was backing out of my driveway and the driver side control arm snapped on my 2003 chevy trailblazer ltz. The consequences could have been fatal if it happened 2 days prior while I was driving out of town on the freeway going 70 MPH. A new control arm has to be installed. I have the dealer saving the old parts including the bolt. I found the bolt head at the end of my driveway.

Filed Apr 20, 2010 · Electrical, Engine · 54,000 miles · NC

2003 chevrolet trailblazer speedometer failed *gr the speedometer would register as high as 120 MPH. The vehicle was inspected and it was determined there was an internal malfunction on the instrument cluster. The consumer was informed it would cost $550 for a replacement cluster. The rear passenger taillight and passenger side head light burned out and was replaced. The water pump and serpentine belt were replaced. The mechanic noted a broken bolt in the water pump that held down the housing and the ball joints were replaced.

Filed Mar 26, 2008 · Engine, Fuel system · 32,000 miles · NY

Water has been seen several times dripping from underneath the truck in the center area. It appears to be from the emissions system. No wet weather at the time. It appears to be some sort of condensation. Also fan clutch failure, sway bar linkages failure, tie-rod failure, rack and pinion failure/leak, control arm failures 2 times, windshield wiper would not turn off failure, windshield wiper reservoir tank leak replaced, AC cold air failure. All needed to be replaced on a vehicle less than 5 years old with only 38,000 miles on it.

Filed Jul 2, 2006 · Steering · 39,384 miles · MA

Tie rod end failed.

Filed May 4, 2006 · Brakes, Lights · 6,774 miles · NY

Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was receiving a regular maintenance inspection at an independent repair shop, the mechanic determined the right front outer tie rod assembly needed to be replaced. After the replacement, there was a rattling noise in the front suspension, but the vehicle was not seen for further inspection. In addition, the federal safety agency recall, #04v527000 repair was performed on the exterior lighting however, the recall repair did not remedy the problem. The contact replaced the bulbs in the exterior brake lights, but the dealership was not contacted. In addition, resurfaced rear rotors and replaced pads. Also, replaced rear windshield wiper arm. The door locsk were inoperative. The rear brake lights were inoperative. Updated 05/30/06.

Filed Oct 5, 2005 · Suspension · 85,400 miles · NY

Front end lower control arm and suspension very loose. Sounds like I have a box washes in front.

Filed Jul 15, 2005 · Suspension · 34,796 miles · MO

Dt: caller says the ball joints started going bad on january 13, 2005. The right front fell off, and was replaced at 35,000 miles and at 40,000 miles. It was replaced under warranty, and at 43000 miles the right and left were defective. Dealer offered to replace the ball joints and the spindles. Manufacturer said consumer could trade the vehicle in and would give him $750.00. In addition, caller was concerned about the safety of driving the vehicle, and felt he was being taken advantage of because manufacturer had the upper hand.