2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT
The 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT is an extended-length version of the standard Trailblazer SUV, offering a third row of seating. Available engine options included the 4.2L Inline-6 engine and the 5.3L V8 engine. The 4.2L produced around 275 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with the 4L60-E four-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praised the Trailblazer EXT for its spaciousness and towing capability, while common complaints centered around fuel economy, reliability issues, and premature wear of certain components.
Engine
4.2L Inline-6
- Faulty Throttle Position Sensor (TPS)
- Description/Symptoms: Erratic idling, stalling, poor acceleration, and the check engine light illuminating.
- Solution: Replace the throttle position sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
- Camshaft Actuator Solenoid Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, decreased fuel economy, and potential misfires. The check engine light may illuminate with codes related to camshaft timing.
- Solution: Replace the camshaft actuator solenoid.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
5.3L V8
- Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, often noticed between oil changes. This can lead to low oil levels and potential engine damage.
- Solution: There isn’t a definitive fix, but possible solutions include replacing valve seals, piston rings, or, in severe cases, engine replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5000+ depending on the severity.
- Recalls: None Found
- Knock Sensor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine performance, hesitation, and the check engine light illuminating. The engine might also exhibit knocking sounds.
- Solution: Replace the faulty knock sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
4L60-E Four-Speed Automatic
- Transmission Slipping/Hard Shifting
- Description/Symptoms: Delayed engagement, slipping between gears, and harsh or abrupt shifts. The transmission may also fail to shift into certain gears.
- Solution: Often requires a transmission rebuild or replacement. Valve body issues are common.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations, especially during acceleration or when shifting into overdrive. May also cause stalling.
- Solution: Replace the torque converter.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Air Suspension Compressor Failure (If Equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sagging, inability to maintain proper ride height, and the air suspension warning light illuminating.
- Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Rear Airbags Leaking (If Equipped)
- Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sagging, compressor running constantly, and a hissing sound from the airbags.
- Solution: Replace the leaking airbags.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ per airbag
- Recalls: None Found
- Front Suspension Ball Joint Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps or turning. Excessive play in the steering.
- Solution: Replace the faulty ball joints.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per side.
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Instrument Cluster Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Gauges flickering or not working, the instrument cluster going completely blank, and warning lights illuminating intermittently.
- Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Door Lock Actuator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Door locks not working properly, either not locking/unlocking with the remote or power door lock switch, or making unusual noises.
- Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ per door
- Recalls: None Found
- Ignition Switch Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the vehicle, stalling, or the engine cutting out while driving. The key may also feel loose in the ignition switch.
- Solution: Replace the ignition switch.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: 07V021000
Exterior
- Liftgate Window Hinge Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The rear liftgate window detaching from the hinges, making it difficult or impossible to open and close properly.
- Solution: Repair or replace the liftgate window hinges.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
- Rust on Rocker Panels and Wheel Wells
- Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the lower body panels, especially around the rocker panels and wheel wells. This can lead to structural damage over time.
- Solution: Rust repair and repainting or panel replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ per area depending on severity.
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- HVAC Blower Motor Resistor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The blower motor only working on certain speeds or not working at all.
- Solution: Replace the blower motor resistor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+
- Recalls: None Found
- Seat Heater Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Seat heaters not working.
- Solution: Replacement of faulty heating pad.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT presents owners with a range of potential issues, spanning from engine and transmission problems to suspension and electrical faults. The severity of these issues can vary, with some being relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, while others can be major and costly. Engine issues, such as oil consumption in the 5.3L V8, and transmission problems, like slipping in the 4L60-E, can be particularly concerning due to their potential for significant repair costs. Suspension and electrical issues, such as air suspension failures and instrument cluster malfunctions, are also common and can contribute to the overall cost of ownership. Potential buyers should carefully inspect any used 2004 Trailblazer EXT and be aware of these potential issues to make an informed purchase decision.