Exterior lighting: brake lights
Free remedy
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.
Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer ExtRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 1,357 owner complaints for the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext. Most complaints involve electrical system (778) and fuel system, gasoline (125). The EPA rates it 15–16 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
15–16mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Nov 2004
Owner complaints
1,357
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,900est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
1,357 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2004 – Aug 2025
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
778 reports5 crashes16 fires
“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.”
Fuel system, gasoline
125 reports1 crash
“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 DISCOVERED THAT A CRACK HAD FORMED ON THE FUEL NECK THAT CONNECTS TO THE FUEL TANK, WHICH WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT THEN SPOKE WITH J.B.A. CHEVROLET (7327 RITCHIE HWY, GLEN BURNIE, MD 21061) WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 126,432.”
Exterior lighting
115 reports1 crash4 fires
“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 failure mileage was 189,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
4 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Engines
- 5.3L 8-cyl · 4.2L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 4-spd
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TrailBlazer Ext 2WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 18 | 16 | $3,900 | 555 |
| TrailBlazer Ext 4WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | $3,900 | 555 |
| TrailBlazer Ext 2WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | $4,150 | 592 |
| TrailBlazer Ext 4WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 15 | $4,150 | 592 |
- 16mpg comb.
- 16mpg comb.
- 15mpg comb.
- 15mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 1076
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2004 Trailblazer Ext questions
How many recalls does the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext have?
1 safety recall as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext problems?
Owners filed 1,357 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (778), fuel system, gasoline (125), exterior lighting (115). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext get?
The EPA rates the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext at 15–16 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026