MotorDeets

2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext: 1 recall, 261 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.

1vehicle recalls
261owner complaints
6mention a crash
16best combined mpg
2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext
Photo: Bull-Doser · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Exterior lights Vehicle recall #04V527000 · 2004 · 871,473 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: An inoperative brake lamp will not convey the driver's intention of stopping to drivers in following vehicles, and an inoperative rear turn signal lamp will not convey the driver's intention to turn to drivers in following vehicles. Both of these failures can increase the risk of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will inspect the tail lamp/stop lamp assemblies, and if necessary, replace them. The recall began on November 22, 2004. Owners should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537, Buick at 1-866-608-8080, or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 13 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Electrical145
Fuel system29
Transmission & drivetrain17
Engine & cooling16
Exterior lights13
Speed control / throttle9
Fuel & propulsion9
Equipment8

What owners describe

The 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext has 261 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 4 Trailblazer Ext model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 216). Complaints peaked in 2009 (56 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 64,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2003 (313 complaints, 3 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
5.3 L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive141816Regular
4.2 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive141916Regular
4.2 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive131815Regular
5.3 L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive131715Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext problems?

Owners have filed 261 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (145), fuel system (29), transmission & drivetrain (17).

What gas mileage does the 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext get?

EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (5.3 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Trailblazer Ext years

2002200320042006