2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer
The 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer is a mid-size SUV that offered a blend of utility and comfort. Engine options included a 4.2L Inline-6, producing 275 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.3L V8, producing 302 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque (available on some models). Both engines were paired with a 4L60E 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciated the Trailblazer’s spacious interior and towing capacity, but common complaints revolved around reliability issues, particularly with the electrical system and suspension.
Engine
4.2L Inline-6
- Camshaft Actuator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine may run rough, produce a ticking noise (especially at idle), and the check engine light may illuminate with codes related to camshaft position.
- Solution: Replacement of the camshaft actuator/phaser.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Coolant Leaks (Water Pump)
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the front of the engine, overheating.
- Solution: Replace the water pump and gasket.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
- Recalls: None Found
- Coolant Leaks (Thermostat Housing)
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking from the thermostat housing, overheating.
- Solution: Replace the thermostat housing and gasket.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
- Recalls: None Found
5.3L V8
- Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, blue smoke from the exhaust, engine knocking.
- Solution: Depending on the severity, possible solutions include replacing valve stem seals, piston rings, or complete engine rebuild/replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5000+ (depending on the severity and solution)
- Recalls: None Found
- Lifter Tick
- Description/Symptoms: Ticking noise coming from the engine, especially on cold starts.
- Solution: Replacement of the affected lifters. In some cases, a full top-end rebuild may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
4L60E 4-Speed Automatic
- Transmission Slipping/Erratic Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Transmission slips between gears, harsh or delayed shifts, difficulty engaging gears.
- Solution: Diagnosis may reveal issues with the valve body, solenoids, or internal wear. Repair options range from valve body replacement to full transmission rebuild.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at highway speeds, stalling when coming to a stop, or complete loss of forward motion.
- Solution: Replacement of the torque converter. It’s often recommended to replace the transmission fluid and filter at the same time.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension Compressor Failure (If Equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: Rear suspension sagging, compressor not running, “Service Ride Control” message on the instrument panel.
- Solution: Replacement of the air suspension compressor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
- Recalls: None Found
- Rear Air Suspension Leaks (If Equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: Rear suspension sagging overnight or after a short period, hissing sound from the rear suspension.
- Solution: Repairing or replacing the leaking air springs.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700 per air spring
- Recalls: None Found
- Front Suspension Ball Joint Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the front suspension, loose steering, uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replacement of the worn ball joints.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per ball joint
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Instrument Cluster Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Gauges not working correctly (speedometer, fuel gauge, etc.), dim or flickering display.
- Solution: Repair or replacement of the instrument cluster.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600
- Recalls: None Found
- Ignition Switch Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the vehicle, stalling, key getting stuck in the ignition.
- Solution: Replacement of the ignition switch.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400
- Recalls: None Found
- Power Window Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Window not going up or down, grinding noise when operating the window.
- Solution: Replacement of the power window motor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400 per window
- Recalls: None Found
- Transfer Case Encoder Motor Failure (4WD Models)
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting in and out of 4WD, service 4WD light.
- Solution: Replacement of the transfer case encoder motor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Liftgate Latch Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Liftgate not opening or closing properly, latch not engaging or disengaging.
- Solution: Replacement of the liftgate latch assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $350
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- HVAC Blower Motor Resistor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Blower motor only working on certain speeds, or not working at all.
- Solution: Replacement of the blower motor resistor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200
- Recalls: None Found
- HVAC Actuator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Clicking noise behind the dashboard, temperature not changing correctly, or air only coming out of certain vents.
- Solution: Replacement of the affected HVAC actuator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400 per actuator
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer, while appreciated for its space and capability, presents several common issues that potential buyers should be aware of. Engine problems like camshaft actuator failure (4.2L) and oil consumption (5.3L) can be costly. Transmission issues, particularly with the 4L60E, are also common. Electrical problems, such as instrument cluster and ignition switch failures, are prevalent. Suspension issues (especially if equipped with air suspension) and interior HVAC problems add to the list of potential concerns. The severity of these issues ranges from relatively minor fixes (e.g., blower motor resistor) to major repairs (e.g., engine rebuild or transmission replacement), with associated costs varying accordingly. Thorough inspection and a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic are highly recommended.