CarComplaints.com Notes: Carrying the not-so-proud traditions of its 2002 predecessor, the 2003 has a handful of instrument panel malfunctions that can leave you guessing your speed, engine temperature or how much gas is left in the tank.
4.7
definitely annoying
Typical Repair Cost:
$280
Average Mileage:
41,000 miles
Total Complaints:
3 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
replaced front and rear sway bar links (2 reports)
Strange knocking noise going over small bumps. Most noticeable if I am turning right when going over small bumps with left front wheel. Also noticeable, but less so, when going straight over several small bumps in a row.
Rattling noise started when the vehicle had approx. 35,000 miles on it and got progressively worse over time. When I brought the vehicle back to the dealer that I bought it from for new tires in Oct. 2007 I asked them to check what might be causing the rattle. The vehicle had 50,000 miles on it. No trailer pulling and 99% highway miles. One ride around the block on city streets I was informed that my stabilizing link bushings were bad and should be replaced as over time they will continue to wear and cause a handling problem. The links were around $350 and labor was $100. The service guy did inform me that this has been a common problem with this vehicle. Called a couple of other Chev dealers and was told the same thing. Having owned GM vehicles all of my life I was really pissed off as my other vehicles usually made it beyond the 50,000 mile marker before I encountered major out of pocket expenses. I then sent a copy of of my bill from the dealer to the GM consumer center as I was concerned that these parts should not have failed at this point in time on a fully loaded very expensive Chevrolet Trailblazer. I was hoping for GM to at least admit that there was a problem and buy me a cup of coffee if nothing else. I did get a call from them and after a total of 59 minutes on my cell phone and two service reps latter I was told that they failed because of normal wear and tough sh*t but the replacement parts would have a one year warranty one them which does me alot of good since they will not fail until 35,000 again. I could not get any assurance that the replacement part was any better than the ones taken off. GM did involve the dealer in the process, 2 times and still no luck on getting any help on this repair. Can you imagine in this day and age a rubber suspension part failing and GM claiming due to normal wear and tear. Wow.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Strange knocking noise going over small bumps. Most noticeable if I am turning right when going over small bumps with left front wheel. Also noticeable, but less so, when going straight over several small bumps in a row.
- David G., Summerville, SC, US