2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. 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.
What could happen: 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.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2004 TRAILBLAZER EXT.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 04V527000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-630-2438.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
Summary: 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.
Notes: GM RECALL NO. 04087. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Electrical system (778), Fuel system (203), Gasoline (125), Lights (121), Transmission / drivetrain (79).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
08/09/2025 · Airbags · crash
I was driving and a girl pulled out from a stop sign and hit my passenger side front of my trailblazer. Her airbags deployed immediately, meanwhile mine didn't deploy. My husband saved my face by throwing his arm over me!
09/08/2022 · Lights
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the headlights became inoperable. After a while, the headlights became operational. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate fai…
01/06/2022 · Firerelated · fire
The contact owned a 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the rear passenger side. The contact pulled over and noticed that underneath the rear passenger's seat had caught fire. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. The contact sustained burns to his left shoulde…
01/06/2022 · Transmission / drivetrain
Electronic throttle body? No throttle control, motor will only idle, turn ignition switch off, then restart it will run. Reduced Engine Power light comes on. Happens for no apparent reason. Very unsafe situation.
12/06/2021 · Wheels / tires
The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer equipped with Hankook tires Model:Dynapro HT Tire Size: P245/70R16 Dot Number:Unknown. The contact stated that she had both rear tires, driver side and passenger side, replaced with the Hankook tires by an independent mechanic. After the instillation, the contact stated that the vehicle would shake while driving…
05/01/2021 · Unknown Or Other
FUL PUMP
01/05/2021 · Electrical system
MY CLUSTERBOARD IS COMPLETELY NON FUNCTIONING THE READINGS ARE NOT WORKING
08/18/2020 · Fuel system
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THE HE NOTICED A FUEL ODOR EMITTING FROM UNDERNEATH THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FUEL MILEAGE HAD ALSO DECREASED WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HAVE AN EVAP SMOKE TEST PERFORMED ON HIS VEHICLE. THE RESULT OF THE TEST DISCOVE…