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2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer: complete transmission failure

14 of the 901 complaints about the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer describe complete transmission failure.

owner complaints
14
of this car's complaints
2%
typical mileage
95,000
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 59 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Complete transmission failure by model year

What owners say

Filed Apr 3, 2017 · Transmission · 150,840 miles · IL

Transmission failed in reverse - required new transmission @ 150,840 miles.

Filed Oct 29, 2015 · Transmission · 225,000 miles · MD

I've had to replace the transmission twice now I have in fact reported to gm asking if there was any recourse I may take and they simply flat out told me no! So I started hearing a noise and then the transmission started to not shift properly to the point you could not drive it. To me this I consider this a very unsafe condition because if it stopped moving altogether I'd be on the highway with the possibility of an accident occurring. I do have an invoice but no scanner, it did cost me 3k or better on both occasions to replace it. I'd like to know if there's anything I'm able to do to be reimbursed for any or all of the inconvenience I've concurred.

Filed Sep 22, 2014 · Transmission · 95,000 miles · CT

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the transmission stopped and there was a sudden increase in engine rpms. The vehicle became stuck in drive and would not switch gears. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the transmission failed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000. Updated 10/24/2014*lj updated 4/16/2015

Filed Apr 22, 2014 · Body, Electrical · 75,000 miles · FL

First rear A/C stopped working and repaired but stopped working less than a year later. Gas gauge stopped registering amount left so now we go by fill ups and reset mileage each time. Rear brake lights have been replaced multiple times because of melting in sockets and now right turn signal won't work bc there is problem with socket again. Passenger side rear door handle doesn't engage consistently either. Repairs are frustrating. Biggest issue was transmission died right after warranty expired and we had to cover entire cost of this. Kind of sucks because I love my truck but the electrical system seems to have problems.

Filed Feb 2, 2011 · Transmission · 98,000 miles · WI

No problems with my 2003 chevy trailblazer previously. Went out to start it and it wouldn't go in reverse. Needed new transmission at a cost of $4,000 dollars. My understanding is that this is a common problem with trailblazers but it has not been addressed.

Filed Oct 30, 2009 · Transmission · 96,000 miles · NV

Transmission went out on 2003 chevy trailblazer lt. No warning lights came on to indicate that there was a problem with the vehicle. Have to replace transmission.

Filed Mar 17, 2008 · Transmission · 400,000 miles · MA

Transmission line leaking. Cooling line rubbing on catalytic converter. Transmission fluid leaking on converter. Smoke could be seen. Possible fire issue. Transmission failure possible if fluid level too low. Line was in contact with converter. Remedy was to have all lines replaced so they were routed away from converter.

Filed Oct 16, 2007 · Transmission · 70,000 miles · TN

Transmission failure at 68,000 miles on two wheel drive vehicle. Stranded wife and kids on interstate in michigan. Thank you to the michigan state police for helping! Very dissatisfied with the whole gm brand. Second SUV owned and similar problems with both. This will be the last....

Filed Nov 22, 2006 · Electrical, Engine · FL

Transmission failure. I own a 2003 trailblazer and have had numerous problems with it. They have replaced 4 fan clutches, 3 computers, transmission just had its 2nd overhaul and numerous other little items. This vehicle only has 66,400 miles on it and I bought it brand new.

Filed Nov 11, 2006 · Transmission · 52,000 miles · GA

2003 chevy trailblazer transmission failure at 52000 miles.

Filed Nov 6, 2005 · Engine, Transmission · 51,225 miles · FL

Heard lots of noises. At 51,225 mostly highway miles found vehicle needed: (1) differential cover gasket (2) pinion shaft seal (3) extension housing seal (4) thermal fan clutch cost: $1,800 left alone, failed seals and gasket will cause complete transmission failure, failed fan clutch will cause engine seizing, fire.

Filed Jun 13, 2005 · Transmission · 75,300 miles · CO

2003 chevrolet trailblazer transmission failure (at 75,000 miles) on highway $2000 repair required - full transmission overhaul

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmissionReported March 6, 2003 · 511,167 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 114, "theft protection." these vehicles are equipped with a mechanical override that could allow the ignition key to be removed with the shift lever in a position other than park. In addition, these vehicles have an override that can allow the transmission to be shifted out of park with the ignition in the off position.
Risk
These overrides are not permitted unless the vehicle has a locking steering column.
Remedy
Dealers will eliminate these conditions by disabling the overrides. Owner notification began on may 29, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020, gmc at 1‑800‑462‑8782, oldsmobile at 1‑800‑442‑6537, or hummer at 1‑866‑486‑6376.

Recall number 03V075000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer transmission failure

Is complete transmission failure a common problem on the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer?

14 of 901 owner complaints about the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer (2%) mention complete transmission failure. The model year with the most reports is 2002.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer?

There is 1 recall and 59 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Fuel smell 53Check engine light 48Wipers 47Fuel gauge 45Fuel leak 43No deployment 36Headlights 35Fuel pump 29Stalling 23Loss of power 20Won't start 17Ball joint 15Fire or smoke 14ABS 13Knocking 12Grinding brakes 8Door locks 8Won't shift 8Overheating 7Tire blowout 7Hesitation 6Power steering loss 6Seat belt 6Warning lights 6Slipping 5

All model years of the Chevrolet Trailblazer

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