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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2002–2006

Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns and 863 owner complaints for the Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, covering model years 2002 to 2006. The 2003 model year drew the most complaints (313), and Electrical System is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 9 recall campaigns on file
  • 863 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 4 model years with data (2002–2006)
  • most complaints: 2003 (313 for that model year)
  • top component: Electrical System (277 complaints)
  • latest recall 15V599000 (reported Sep 24, 2015)
  • 18 complaints reporting a crash (2.1%)
  • 13 complaints reporting a fire (1.5%)
  • 17 complaints reporting an injury (2.0%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT complaints by model year

4 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2003 model year has the most complaints: 313 of 863, or 36.3%. Next come 2004 (261) and 2006 (189). The fewest are for 2002, with 100 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2002–2006Column chart of 863 complaints across 5 model years. The highest is 2003 with 313. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2002: 100 complaints10020022003: 313 complaints31320032004: 261 complaints26120042005: 0 complaints20052006: 189 complaints1892006
Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
20021003210
20033137690
20042616360
20061892210
All model years8631813170

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Electrical System is the component named most often, in 277 complaints (32.1% of all 863), followed by Fuel System, Gasoline (234) and Power Train (92).

Components named most often in Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Electrical System27732.1%
Fuel System, Gasoline23427.1%
Power Train9210.7%
Exterior Lighting576.6%
Engine and Engine Cooling505.8%
Visibility495.7%
Structure414.8%
Fuel System, Other343.9%
Latches/Locks/Linkages242.8%
Fuel/Propulsion System212.4%
Vehicle Speed Control182.1%
Air Bags172.0%
Steering172.0%
Equipment161.9%
Suspension161.9%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT recalls

9 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Trailblazer EXT, newest first. The 9 campaigns cover model years 2002 to 2006. The 2006 model year appears in the most campaigns (6).

  • 9 recall campaigns
Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT recall campaigns covering each model year
2002: 3 campaigns2003: 3 campaigns2004: 1 campaign2005: no campaigns2006: 6 campaigns
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 15V599000

    Reported

    Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls

    Model year 2006

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer and GMC Envoy vehicles, and 2006 GMC Envoy XL and Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT vehicles. Fluid may enter into the driver's door master power window switch module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board, causing window switches to become inoperative. Previously, the affected vehicles may have had their master power window switch module treated with a protective coating, instead of having it replaced.

    Consequence:
    The protective coating may not eliminate the risk that the circuit board could short and result in a fire, even while the vehicle is unattended.
    Remedy:
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a new driver's door switch module, free of charge. The recall began on November 2, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 15700.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 15V519000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Headlights

    Model year 2006

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix, 2006-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, GMC Envoy XL, 2006-2008 Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7x vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the headlamp driver module (HDM) may overheat and fail, causing the headlamps and daytime running lights to not illuminate.

    Consequence:
    Headlamps that do not illuminate reduce the driver's ability to see the roadway and reduce the vehicle's visibility to oncoming vehicles, both of which increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
    Remedy:
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HDM, free of charge. The recall began on May 17, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is 14291.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 14V404000

    Reported

    Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls

    Model year 2006

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x; 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL; and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender vehicles. Fluid may enter the driver's door master power window switch module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board. A short may cause the power door lock and power window switches to function intermittently or become inoperative. The short may also cause overheating, which could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke, or a fire.

    Consequence:
    A short in the circuit board could lead to a fire, increasing the risk of personal injury. A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
    Remedy:
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the part number on the door module, and install a new door module if necessary, free of charge. Parts for the remedy are not currently available. An interim letter was mailed to owners in August 2014. A second owner letter will be mailed when parts are available. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-462-8782 (GMC), 1-800-955-9007 (SAAB), and 1-800-255-6727 (Isuzu). GM's number for this recall is 14309. NOTE: This recall provides a new remedy for all vehicles covered by recall 13V-248. Vehicles whose modules were modified but not replaced as part of the previous recall remedy must have their vehicles remedied again under this campaign.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 13V248000

    Reported

    Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls; Electrical System

    Model year 2006

    General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x; 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL; and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender vehicles. Fluid may enter the driver's door module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board. A short may cause the power door lock and power window switches to function intermittently or become inoperative. The short may also cause overheating, which could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke, or a fire.

    Consequence:
    A short in the circuit board could lead to a fire, increasing the risk of personal injury. A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
    Remedy:
    Owners will be contacted and dealers will test the driver's door module. If the module is functioning properly, a protective coating will be applied. If the module is not functioning properly, it will be replaced. These repairs will be done free of charge. GM will notify Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC owners, Isuzu and Saab will contact their respective owners. The recall began on August 2, 2013. Buick owners may contact the owner center at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet owners at 1-866-694-6546, GMC owners at 1-866-996-9463, Isuzu owners at 1-800-255-6727, and Saab owners at 1-800-955-9007. GM's campaign number is 12180. This recall is an expansion of recall 12V-406.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 05V552000

    Reported

    Equipment › Other › Labels

    Model year 2006

    Certain trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "tire selection and rims." These vehicles were shipped with tire and loading information labels listing an inacccurate vehicle capacity weight.

    Consequence:
    A misprinted label could lead to improper vehicle loading specifications or tire inflation which could result in a tire failure, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Owners will be provided with corrected labels and installation instructions. At the customer's option, a dealer can install the label for them. The recall began on March 31, 2006. Owners may contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080, Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463, Hummer at 1-800-732-5493, Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, Saturn at 1-800-972-8876, or Isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 05V494000

    Reported

    Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch

    Model years 2002–2003

    Certain sport utility vehicles have a rear side closure latch that may not latch or unlatch due to corrosion caused by road splash, such as water and road salt. These vehicles were originally sold in or currently registered in the following states: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.

    Consequence:
    If the door is not latched properly and it goes unnoticed, it may open while the vehicle is in motion. If an unbelted occupant fell out of the vehicle, personal injuries could occur.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a seal along the lower part of the rocker panel to prevent intrusion of corrosive material, and inspect the rear side closure latches. Functional latches will be cleaned and lubricated. Non-functioning latches will be replaced. The recall began on February 24, 2006. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463, or Isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 05V455000

    Reported

    Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, and Connections

    Model year 2006

    Certain passenger vehicles may have been built with a power steering hose that is not to specification. Under extreme steering maneuvers, such as turning the steering wheel fully to the left or right while braking, the hose may fracture and leak fluid.

    Consequence:
    If this were to occur, power steering assist would be lost and increased steering effort would be required. On vehicles equipped with hydro-boost power brakes, it could also result in loss of power brake assist and increased braking effort would be required. If the power steering fluid spray were to spray onto hot engine parts, an engine compartment fire could occur.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the power steering hose(s) for two suspect date codes and replace them if required. The recall will begin on October 14, 2005. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463, Buick at 1-866-608-8080, Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, Isuzu at 1-800-255-6727, or Hummer at 1-800-732-5493.

    Filed by Isuzu Motors Limited

  8. NHTSA campaign 04V527000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights

    Model years 2002–2004

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  9. NHTSA campaign 04V046000

    Reported

    Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer

    Model years 2002–2003

    Certain sport utility vehicles have windshield wiper systems that will not turn on, cease operation while in use, fail to turn off/on by themselves (moisture sensitive wiper system), or have continuous windshield washer pump operation because the presence of water within the wiper modules can either cause a short circuit or can lead to the corrosion of components within the module.

    Consequence:
    Depending on the occurrence and weather situation, driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will cover the windshield wiper module vent hole with a patch. Also, the wiper motor, circuit board, and electrical connector will be inspected to signs of water intrusion and/or corrosion and be replaced as required. The recall began July 6, 2004. Owners should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537; or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT have?

NHTSA lists 9 vehicle recall campaigns for the Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, covering model years 2002 to 2006. The most recent, 15V599000, was reported on September 24, 2015 and is filed under “Visibility”. The 2006 model year is covered by the most campaigns (6).

Which Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT model year has the most complaints?

The 2003 model year, with 313 of the 863 complaints in NHTSA’s file (36.3%). The next are 2004 (261) and 2006 (189). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT complaint?

Electrical System is the component named most often: 277 complaints, or 32.1% of all 863. Fuel System, Gasoline (234) and Power Train (92) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Chevrolet dealer.

How many Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 863 complaints, 18 report a crash, 13 a fire, 17 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Chevrolet models

8 models · most complaints first

The Chevrolet models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Chevrolet VIN decoder with every Chevrolet model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Chevrolet models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.