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2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer: common problems and reliability
· 1st generationOne of the worst Trailblazer years.
One of the Chevrolet Trailblazer years to avoid. All Trailblazer years
2,725 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2004 Trailblazer?The 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer has 2725 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and fuel system. Owners most often flag fuel economy is poor, commonly reported around 15-21 mpg.
Safety record for the 2004 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Trailblazer years only. How we score it
Is 2004 a good year for the Trailblazer?
Across the 16 Trailblazer model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2014) to 3,437 (2005). With 2,725 complaints, the 2004 Trailblazer sits above the model's median of 193.
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
Recalls affecting the 2004 Trailblazer
exterior lighting:brake lights
Campaign 04V527000ON 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.
exterior lighting:turn signal
Campaign 05V198000ON CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE DRIVER WISHING TO SIGNAL A TURN BY MOVING THE DIRECTIONAL SIGNAL LEVER, (UP OR DOWN) MAY CAUSE THE FRONT MARKER/TURN LIGHTS AND REAR TURN LIGHTS TO FLASH IN A MANNER SIMILAR TO HAZARD WARNING, RATHER THAN FLASHING ON THE DESIRED SIDE ONLY.
What owners report on the 1st generation Trailblazer
Owners of the 2001-2009 Trailblazer largely regard it as a durable, truck-based SUV whose 4.2L inline-six is its standout feature, frequently described as reliable, stout, and capable of reaching 200,000-300,000 miles with basic maintenance.
- Very frequentFuel economy is poor, commonly reported around 15-21 mpg
- RecurrentElectrical and interior issues including failing window regulators
Door locks that lock but won't unlock, blown speakers, and trim pieces that won't stay attached.
- RecurrentInstrument cluster and fuel gauge failures
With fuel gauges described as wonky and common in early 2000s GM vehicles.
- RecurrentBlend door actuator failures causing HVAC directional problems
- RecurrentWheel bearing and hub assembly failures, with ABS sensor integrated into the hub raising cost
Owner insights for the 1st generation Trailblazer. Read the full 1st generation owner report.
Typical used price
Used Trailblazer listings typically run $18,397–$21,784.
Other Trailblazer model years
Compare every Trailblazer year side by side to see how 2004 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Trailblazer against its rivals
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