2003 Chevrolet Blazer: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 77 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (16% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2004
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 77 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“1/10/2018, while driving on I-96, suv suddenly lost power in the middle lane at 72mph. I coasted vehicle to a stop in that lane, as heavy traffic would not allow me to pull over. My family of four were in that suv when the fuel delivery system failed. The fuel pump stopped working without warning.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jan 2018
“Rear ended a stopped pick up at 45 mph and air bags did not deploy. It was on a highway where the speed limit is 55. The whole front end was damaged but most was on driver side.”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet blazer. The contact stated after several attempts starting the ignition, the engine failed to operate. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was diagnosed by a certified mechanic, who informed that the starter relay switch would need to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“My 03 blazer has had its airbag lights on for some time now and I'm worried that if I get into a crash my airbags wont deploy, I'm scared also to see so many complaints along the same lines as mine. This problem needs to be addressed by the NHTSA or by gm before someone is killed or injured badly. A recall is needed! *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2014
“Brake lights fail to turn on when brake pedal is pressed. Replaced brake switch, all tail lights. Mechanic investigation shows multi-function switch to be cause of problem as in previous recall for multi-function switch on 2002 blazer. Requesting investigation and addition to the recall. *kb”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Sep 2011
“Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet blazer. While the contact was driving approximately 25 mph, an opposing vehicle crashed into the driver side of the vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy with the impact. There was no personal injury. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle sustained severe damages. The failure was 263,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2010
“Was hit by right side impact by a truck without brakes at a stop light. It was going 40 mph. Coming down hill as I took off at stop light . Pushed across 3 lanes of traffic. Air bags did not deploy ! Also I was hit on front right side panel . It later caused my instrument panel to not display the lights on warnings . Had to replace the panel . That's when I was informed that air bags will not deploy at all ! But flashes on and off as you drive. *js”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2010
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet blazer. The contact stated when inspecting under the vehicle, he noticed the frame behind the front wheels had fractured. He did not observe any visible signs or rust or corrosion. The vehicle had not yet been taken to the dealer for further inspection or repairs. The failure and current mileages were 110,000.”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2010
“Noticed brake fluid on floor of my garage. Found that the brake line to the rear brakes was rusted and leaking. Gm dealer said it was out of warranty so I paid a local garage to install new brake line. It has failed again, 98,000, while I was driving. Lost braking ability. I find that gm will sell me a set of brake lines for $500 and I can have them installed anywhere I want to. Considering the current gm situation with the ignition switch I think they should be made to recall all effected vehicles and fix their rusting brake lines. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Apr 2009
“Right passenger door on my 2003 chevrolet blazer 2 door drops when open and lifts up when closed. Same situation as my 2004 four door blazer. Upper and lower hinge pins and bushings failed causing the door to become difficult to open and close a real safety problem. *tr”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2009
When filing, owners marked a crash in 14 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECT LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
How other years compare
Check your exact Blazer by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Chevrolet Blazer reliable?
NHTSA has 77 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2003 Chevrolet Blazer. The most complained-about area is air bags (16% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2003 Chevrolet Blazer problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 50,000 miles or less.
Does the 2003 Chevrolet Blazer have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning equipment:other:labels. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.