Problems with 2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

In 2010 i had to have the ignition starter switch because my 2003 trailblazer would not start. this cost 300.00 plus the tow charge. on may 7th. 2015 i had to have the same switch replaced again, now not two weeks later the ignition switch is acting up again. i called general motors and they said there was no recall on my trailblazer, and i could contact my local chevrolet dealer and see if they can tell me what i can do. i know what that information will be, bring it in and they will repair it, and that will cost me several hundred dollars. thanks to general motors.

My tachometer went out on my 2003 chevy trailblazer on 9-6-10. i have around 100,000 miles on the vehicle, but this is not the first of many complaints on this vehicle. *tr

None of the dashboard instrument gauges are working in my 2003 chevy trailblazer. it began with the speedometer not working properly. it wouldn't work at times then it would suddenly start working and then the needle wouldn't go all the way down to zero and it would start at 10 or 15. i got a ticket once because the trooper said i was going about 70mph & the gauge was reading 60mph. the other gauges began to go out one at a time. *tr

We have a 2003 chevy trailblazer that the speedometer went out on. it was diagnosed as a cluster that needs to be replaced at almost 600.00 i told gm in case# [xxx] that an independent mechanic diagnosed it but they made us go spend 96.00 on a gm dealership to diagnose it and then 3 hours later tell us so sorry, we know there are a lot of complaints but there is no bulletin o recall on this so we cant do anything. a speedometer should no go out on a car, no matter how many miles and if it is not an isolated instance, there needs to be a recall. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

We have a 2003 chevy trailblazer ltz. the instrument cluster is going all crazy. the speedometer is not working. i see this has been an issue on a lot of the vehicles. we ahve two children and hate driving a vehicle that we don't know how fast we are going. it would only happen once a month at first and now it is every time we drive it. we took it to the dealship and were told that we would have to purchase a new one. *tr

The instrument cluster on my 2003 chevrolet trailblazer fails to register the actual readings for speed and/or rpms. *tr

The gauge cluster on my 2003 chevy trailblazer stopped working over two years ago. from the readout upon my dashboard gauges, i have no idea at what speed i'm driving, how much fuel is in my tank, what is the electrical supply from my battery, or the engine's oil pressure. the tachometer does not register prm's. thankfully i use a tomtom gps to gauge my speed, and the odometer does function, so i know to stop for a fuel refill every 250-300 miles traveled. this will usually place me at between 1/4 tank and empty. *tr *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet trailblazer. the contact stated that all of the instrument panel gauges excluding the fuel level gauge was reading inaccurately. when driving at any speed, the speedometer remained at the same speed regardless of how fast or slow he was driving. both the dealer and manufacturer were informed of the failure and advised her that there were no recalls. the vehicle was not repaired. the current mileage was approximately 120,000 and the failure mileage was 80,000.

In july 2010 my trailblazers clutch fan and thermostat went out. i was able to diagnose the problem by the number of complaints filed on this model that were on the internet. then in october my tachometer started acting up, it broke november 24, 2010. the speedometer broke on december 3, 2010. i have found many complaints on the clutch fan going out and the cluster going out on the internet. someone at work had a problem with their envoy and it was the thermostat and their clutch fan going out. all at fairly low mileage. i am very disappointed in gm for not wanting to repair these issues so the consumer bears the costs of repair which is about 500 for the clutch fan and thermostat and 400 for the cluster.

Speedometer and fuel gauge quit working. *tr

My speedometer quit working and i can no longer tell what speed i am going. this happens everytime i drive. to correct the problem will cost me around $500.00 to $700.00. my vehicle is a 2003 chevy trailblazer with 4wd. *tr

For the past 6 months my 2003 chevrolet trailblazer speedometer has intermittently worked properly. 90% of the time it is reading a false speed. i never know how fast or slow i am traveling. this is a very dangerous problem that gm should at least acknowledge and recall. *tr

The speedometer on my 2003 trailblazer ls is malfunctioning. it won't go down past 30 mph - thus when i'm going 45 mph, it reads 75 mph. first time was in 2009, and then yesterday (5/18/2010) it started doing the same thing again. the first time the shop i took it to was able to repair it, but today they told me i need a new cluster. went online and found i am not the only person to have this happen to me, and that there are many people with the same issue. *tr

Speedometer quit working. this is a common problem with this vehicle and should be covered under a factory recall. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet trailblazer. the contact was driving approximately between 35-40 mph approaching a traffic light. when coming from the complete stop the speedometer displayed an inaccurate reading of 95 mph. the vehicle continued in operation. the failure occurred intermittently with the speed rate reading fluctuating. the authorized dealer was notified which stated the vehicle was not covered under a service warranty. the vehicle had not been repaired at the time of the complaint. the contact had concern of the safety risk involved. the failure mileage was 73,153.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet trailblazer lt. the contact stated the gauges on the dashboard would fluctuate back and forth. the fuel gauge would read inaccurate fuel levels and the speedometer would read inaccurate traveled speeds. the dealer advised that the entire instrument cluster would need to be replaced in order to remedy the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 97,000 and the current mileage was 105,000. updated 12/01/10. *lj the consumer stated still has not been replaced. updated 12/09/10*jb

My 2003 chevy trailblazer's speedometer cluster went out it is not gauging with mph. this is a safety hazard because you can't tell what speed you are going i phoned chevy since my warranty is expired this should have been a recall. they won't fix it unless i pay for the repairs. *tr

Speedometer quit working, reads very incorrectly. i am being told by the dealership that its a cluster piece and the price is $600.00. i contacted gm they will offer no assistance. after researching this on the internet this seems to be a common problem that should be covered under a recall. *tr

Speedometer sticks at 65 mph when using the cruise control. this is the fifth time this has happened. dealer suggests instrument cluster replacement. this is a safety hazard. many posts on internet for same problem, but no vehicle recall. meanwhile truck series had same problem and was recalled. this need to be taken care of now. *tr

The speedometer gives false readings sometimes displaying over 120 mph when sitting still. the gauge is usually off by 10 or more miles per hour. also, the tach gauge is off as well. similar failures on other chevrolet models have been subject to recall. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet trailblazer. the contact stated that the instrument cluster was not functioning properly; the speedometer did not register the correct speed. at times when the vehicle was shut off, the speedometer would indicate that the vehicle was moving 70 mph, or register a speed of 120 mph when the vehicle was moving 40 mph. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where it was repaired. the vin was not available. the contact also called the manufacturer who referred him to nhtsa. the current and failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet trailblazer. the contact stated that the entire insturment panel malfunctioned. the contact called the manufacturer regarding the failure and was informed that there were no recalls and he would have to pay all repair expenses. the failure mileage was approximately 133,000.

Lights dim during acceleration. rumor has it that the car is doing diagnostic tests with extra loads, or the secondary air pump is kicking on. *tr

I own a 2003 chevrolet trailblazer that has a malfunctioning speedometer. although gm has issued a recall on other trucks and suvs with the same problem, the trailblazer has not been made a part of this recall. i have friends who have experienced the same problem with their trailblazers, so it seems to be a common issue. my vehicle only has 64k miles at the current time, which would fall within the realm of warranty repair for the other recalled vehicles. i am an avid chevy owner, but i feel that gm has fallen down on addressing this concern with trailblazer owners. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet trailblazer. while driving various speeds, the speedometer would stop working and within a few minutes it would began to function normally. the dealer confirmed that it malfunctioned and would cost $1000 to repair it. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 175,000 and the current mileage was 180,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet trailblazer. the contact stated that the entire instrument panel was inoperable and he was unable to determine how fast or slow he was traveling or how many miles were on the vehicle. the dealer did not offer any assistance since there was no recall. the manufacturer had not been notified nor was the vehicle diagnosed or repaired. the current mileage was 122,000. the approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Speedometer works sporadically along with the tachometer and is an on going problem.... *tr

Speedometer of 2003 trailblazer failed, reading 2-3x actual speed. obvious safety issue. internet search reveals this a common problem. *tr

Gauges and speedometer on 2003 trailblazer quit working. problem eventually caused problems to the whole electrical system.. headlights went out, all dash lights quit working and electric power to engine eventually shutdown while driving. had to have it towed to dealer. if you look on the internet this is a very common and dangerous problem for trailblazers, but no recall? *tr

One or more of the gauges on the instrument panel intermittently malfunctions. the first indication was the gas gauge, which when the gas tank was filled, the needle pointed straight down, then would change to random areas on the gauge. i thought this was a result of the float in the gas tank sticking, until the needle pointed to different areas of the gauge at different times; no rhyme or reason, and was not consistent with a "sticking float". then the tachometer would read 5,000 rpm when the vehicle was in park, and 7,000 rpm when going 35 mph, and would point straight down at other times. then the speedometer would read very random speeds, never consistent, and sometimes will read over 120 mph. the temperature gauge reads different temperatures, and the needle sometimes points straight down. though these malfunctions are random among the gauges, they are constant as a whole; on a daily basis. all of these malfunctions could be a safety concern. i never know how much gas i have, which could be dangerous if i ran out while on the highway traveling at 70 mph, the speedometer is inaccurate, which could cause an accident in heavy traffic, whether traveling too fast or too slow, the temperature gauge is inaccurate, which could cause severe burns if the vehicle overheated, but failed to reflect that on the gauge, and similar safety concerns with the tachometer, which could also result in severe engine damage. i have also researched this complaint, and realized that there have been many of the same complaint submitted here, and to the manufacturer. i am very surprised that there was a recall for this problem on the 2002 model, but not on the 2003 model, since it is the same problem, and because so many complaints have been filed about it. *tr

After a freeze the speedometer on my 2003 chevy trailblazer stopped working. after doing research i found out that this is very common. *tr

Speedometer and oil pressure gauge not working. was told by my mechanic that i need a new control panel cluster. *tr

I own a 2003 chevrolet trailblazer. during a stretch of sub zero temperatures, the speedometer is consistently showing incorrect speeds. when the truck is turned off, the speedo shows 60mph. checking with local mechanics, they advise that this is a common problem that they see with this make and model. they inform me that numerous recalls are available in the tahoe and silverado for this same issue in the 03 model. i have lodged a complaint with chevrolet customer service. currently, no recall is in effect for this defect (my truck just turned 80,000 miles). the estimate i've received to correct this defect is around $400 to $600 depending on who services the vehicle. a vehicle with this type of defect is unsafe and unfit for my family to drive. mis-judging speed, especially during winter driving conditions could lead to serious injury or even death (i live in the midwest). i am also at an increased risk for receiving speeding tickets. i appreciate the opportunity to file my concerns on the odi website. thank you for your time. *tr

Last dec i was driving and my tachometer began reading higher than expected. when i turned off the vehicle to refuel, the tachometer continued to read ~3000 rpm. my vehicle had approx. 38k miles on it at the time. i researched this symptom and found this is a common problem that was addressed by a recall on other gm vehicles using the same instrument clusters. one solution is to remove a fuse and then turn on the ignition switch. this resets the cluster. however, this is temporary and the problem soon returns. according to numerous internet forums, it is only a matter of time until more critical instruments (speedometer, fuel gauge, etc.) exhibit the same erratic symptoms. *tr

Speedometer in vehicle stopped working then it starts again then it tops out at 120 mph while vehicle is sitting still or 30 mph while vehicle is sitting still then at certain times it will work and then it doesn't i don't know whether to replace it or what then the rpm gauge works then it won't. *tr

Speedometer inconsistently failing. updated 03/15/10

I have (one of many) a 2003 chevy trailblazer with a bad instrument gauge cluster. currently, my rpm, speedometer, gas, oil pressure gauges do not work at all. from my research, i have learned that gm has this problems on almost all of their other trucks which they have a recall on. for some reason, the trailblazer does not have a recall on this problem. i would like to know why. *tr

2003 chevy trail blazer instrument cluster non operational: all gauges on the dashboard panel do not work! *tr

2003 chevrolet trailblazer with approximately 83,000 miles on it. i was on the way to work this morning and my speedometer out of the blue just started reading the wrong speed. i was doing 35 mph and it showed i was doing 120mph. the needle then shot straight down and now it starts off at around 90-100 mph mark and still rotates clockwise. this is a serious problem and could lead to the safety of me, my occupants, and others. the dealership wants $350.00 for parts and labor, that is outrageous since this is totally out of my control, this is not a part that somebody should have to pay out of pocket for. i see a lot of complaints regarding this item in my vehicle as well as the gmc envoy. please help !!!! *tr

My 2003 chevy trailblazer seems to have a cluster motor problem. it started late last year, the speedometer was erratic, fails, starts working again. the fuel gauge has stopped working altogether . i brought the car to a dealership to have it diagnosed and they said they was nothing wrong with the cluster. i understand that the chevy tahoes, suburbans, avalanche and others have been recalled on this, why not the trailblazer...same engine, different model. this is a safety issue and needs to be addressed. chevy will not do anything about it and they know that there is a problem , they just refuse to admit it. why should consumers have to pay for the $800-$900 repair when obviously its faulty? *tr

Instrument panel failing on 2003 chevrolet trail blazer, rpm, 3-6 months ago, fuel gauge 2-3 weeks ago; unidentifiable light comes on and off. *tr

2003 chevrolet trailblazer. all gauges on the instrument cluster have stopped working. this is a known problem with numerous makes and models, many of which have been recalled - the trailblazer has not. gm will not take the initiative to make this right on their own. i think they need a little encouragement. a recall is the right thing to do. a non-functioning speedometer is an easy way to cause an accident. *tr

The instrument cluster on my 2003 chevrolet trailblazer has completely stopped working. the only thing that works on the cluster is the fuel levels, and that's starting to worry me as well. *tr

Speedometer is broken with only 70,000 miles on the vehicle. *tr

My 2003 chevy trailblazer's speedometer does not work. thought i was going 65mph on the highway and other cars were zipping past me turned out i was only going 51 mph. i pulled over and stopped and the speedometer was just stuck on 51. i looked on-line to see if anybody had, similar problems and to my surprise there were 100's if not 1000's of complaints for the same problems. contacted chevy and they said it was not a "safety hazard", how can not knowing your exact speed all the time not be a safety hazard??? granted there were no incidents but eventually something will happen, not to mention the fact that not knowing your speed could cause you to get pulled over by the police. it will cost consumers between 400-600 dollars to fix, when it is a manufactures defect, to whom we the taxpayers just bailed out. chevy should rectify this problem as they have with the same problem for other models. they know the problem but since there are so many complaints they do not want to cover the costs. what happens if you think you are going 55 mph and actually going 70? could be alot of problems. *tr

Driving along and speedometer showed almost 100mph. after turning off the engine the speed read about 30mph. call the chevrolet dealer and they stated this is a very common problem with gm, and well known with the trailblazers. they stated that it was the cluster panel and gm was repairing almost all the vehicles but the trailblazer. my daughter drives the trailblazer to college and this happens all the time which is a danger not knowing what speed you are going. the dealer said gm is refusing to pay for the repairs due to so many trailblazers with this problem and it would cost up to $1500 to repair. i've made several calls to gm this past year and just get a runaround. *tr

2003 chevy trailblazer instrument cluster is malfunctioning intermittently. i have owned since new. also head lamps at time will fail to work, intermittently. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 chevrolet trailblazer. while the vehicle was parked the rpms stopped working and in a year the speedometer stopped working. while the vehicle was parked the speedometer displayed 80 mph. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic and who advised her that the step motor needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. she contacted the manufacturer and was advised that there was no recall for the failure. the failure and current mileage were approximately 120,000.

Defect in instrument cluster of 2003 chevrolet trailblazer after being rear ended. the speedometer will ready 40 when stopped and 120 when driving. when i took my car in for repairs, they said since this is a known issue then they will not fix it and it will be an additional $700 at my expense. all other models for this year have been recalled because of this except the trailblazer. i have read numerous reports on the web of this defect. also, the cd player was jammed in the process of the wreck and they refused to pay for that either. it needs to be recalled for the gm dealers to fix. *tr

I have a chevrolet trailblazer 2003. i was driving the vehicle as usual. the speedometer quit working and other various lights on my dash board lit up, i.e. change oil light, check engine light. a chevrolet dealer checked the vehicle and told me it was the instrument panel cluster and that it would be about $420,00. it works periodically for a few days and then goes back out again. i have checked the web site and chevrolet knows about this and had a recall for a short time and did not notify its customers. i only found about this when a friend also had the same problems with her tahoe and she had talked to a mechanic who said he fixed the same problem for one of his customers and found our that there had been a recall that chevrolet did not notify it's customers. my husband and i have doctors appt. that are at least 75 miles one way and i worry about getting a ticket or having further vehicle damage related to this concern. *tr