Four problems related to transmission slip out of gear have been reported for the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Automatic drive shift linkage disconnected due to failure of what appears to be a small plastic rivet that held the linkage components together. Transmission could not be shifted out of drive, not even to neutral. Could only stop car by coming to a complete stop with the brakes, turning off the ignition key, and then applying the emergency brake. Called dealer and then tow truck. When the tower arrived, he looked at the make/model of the vehicle and as I described what had happened he said he knew what the problem was because he had picked up 6 of the same vehicle in the last 2-3 months for the same problem. When he checked, he was correct, the linkage had become disconnected due to a broken plastic rivet.
Driving from out of town and all of the sudden rps ran high and trans would not shift. It would catch finally and then slip out had to drive it in 1st gear. Had it rebuilt lasted 1 yr and now back in shop! having it rebuit again. Very frustrated with this vehicle. I have had to replace just about everything on it at least once some things twice. Very poor made vehicle. Please look into the transmission problems. Mechanic states it is a known fact that the transmissions in Trailblazers overheat which causes these issues. How can gm sleep at night knowing they are charging 36000. 00 for a piece of junk! I have to work hard for my money and don't appreciate the way gm turns a deaf ear to their poor workmanship and design. I feel I should be compensated for the frustration!.
On 04-06-2009 at 10:30 am I was driving south on MD rt. 4 . The transmission then slipped out of gear while decelerating. Followed by a loud grinding noise, my rpm's raced and then slammed into gear almost causing a serious accident.
I started to do a 3 point turn and when I went to put my vehicle in reverse, there was a loud clunk and I no longer had reverse and would make an awful sound when I tried. I could drive it forward, but it wouldn't shift out of low gear, driving the rpms way up. Had to have it towed. Took it to a gm dealership and they gave me the choice of a rebuild or replacing the transmission. I chose to replace because it would have a longer warranty. The warranty on this was 36000 miles. . . It had 42800. Currently conversing with gm to try and get them to cover some of the expense.