2003 Chevrolet Blazer: common problems and reliability

· 2nd generation

One of the better Blazer years.

104 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 1 recall.

Should I buy a 2003 Blazer?

The 2003 Chevrolet Blazer has 104 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and air bags. Owners most often flag lower intake manifold gasket failure.

Safety record for the 2003 model year

104
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
15
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2003 Chevrolet Blazer vehicles (US, public record).

The Year Score compares this year with other Blazer years only. How we score it

Is 2003 a good year for the Blazer?

Across the 18 Blazer model years we track, complaint volume runs from 15 (2005) to 1,280 (1996). With 104 complaints, the 2003 Blazer sits below the model's median of 186.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

electrical system
18
air bags
16
structure
13
fuel system
13
power train
13

Recalls affecting the 2003 Blazer

equipment:other:labels

Campaign 04V132000

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."

What owners report on the 2nd generation Blazer

Owners of the 1994-2005 Blazer generally describe it as a tough, simple, and reliable vehicle whose 4.3 engine and body-on-frame platform can run for very high miles, while criticizing brittle plastic interiors, rattles, poor fuel economy, and a transmission that often needs attention.

  • Very frequentLower intake manifold gasket failure
  • Very frequent4L60E transmission wear or failure, often between 150,000 and 200,000 miles
  • Very frequentBrittle, cracking plastic interior parts and trim
  • RecurrentInterior rattles and squeaks
  • RecurrentFuel pump failure, requiring tank drop

Owner insights for the 2nd generation Blazer. Read the full 2nd generation owner report.

Typical used price

Used Blazer listings typically run $22,199–$27,220.

Other Blazer model years

Compare every Blazer year side by side to see how 2003 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Blazer against its rivals

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