Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
For the past few months, while operating the vehicle, the lights on the driver side door for power features would flicker on and then off causing heated seats to not work, windows could not go up or down, inability to power lock or unlock. Numerous times the drive has had to cross the center console to enter or exit the vehicle when the drive door would not unlock. Today on 6/1/12, the panel was not lite up and would not allow windows to operate, unlock or lock or heat for seats. After trying a few more times, there was a smell of fire and smoke. (yellowish). Thankfully the car was in the parked position and we were able to get out, open the door by manually pushing the lock button to open. We quickly removed the power main door switch from the door hand rest where it was apparent by smell and touch of the burning of the equipment.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT. While driving various speeds, the vehicle would stall and shut off without warning. The vehicle would have to be jumpstarted in order to restart. The failure recurred, but the vehicle would not restart. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who was unable to identify the cause of the failure. The mechanic replaced the vehicle's battery, auxiliary water pump, starter, and alternator; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
I am having this issue, for a few weeks now, the key gets locked in the ignition switch, will not turn off, it drain the battery the first day, now I have to disconnect battery, then when it finally locked it did not want to start, I could not start the vehicle for almost two days, and I cannot afford to take it to a mechanic right now.
Stopped at a local exxon station to fill up with gas at 1/4 tank level. I filled the tank to full a now $90.00 expense. When I got back in and started my 2006 Chevy Trailblazer EXT, the gas gauge indicated an empty tank and the yellow warning light stayed on. I drove for a few miles, stopped turned the vehicle off and restarted the vehicle with no indicated change to the fuel level. I checked to make sure that the gas cap made a good seal. Nothing seems to make a difference. Now the gauge jumps from full to empty and all levels in between with no rhyme or reason. After seeing how many people at http://www.topix.com/forum/autos/Chevrolet-Trailblazer/th8ji6tepo3vrji3d are having the same problem; I believe that this should be a mandated recall for GM. This has all happened within 1000 miles of my manufacturer's warranty expiration.
Gas gauge became very erratic. Finally didn't register at all. Check engine light came on while out of town. Took the car to a merlin automotive for repair. Spent hundreds of dollars and the light would not go off. Mass air flow meter, plugs, fuel rail, throttle position sensor, fuel injectors. They even called in a Chevy technician who could not figure it out. When I returned home I took it to my local repair shop where they dropped the tank and replaced the sending unit. Hundreds of dollars in expenses. Then the heating fan switch started smoking and had to be replaced as it had melted and nothing worked . Also, every door rusted through at the bottom including the rear hatch. Dealers' response:welcome to wisconsin. I spent $700 to have the rust cleaned up.
I have bought 2 new batteries with in a month of each other due to my battery being dead over and over again. I was told my alternator was fine only that something keeps draining the life out of my battery.this has been going on for months. If I let the Trailblazer sit for 1 to 2 days the battery is dead again.I also noticed that the face of my radio has started to get hot. When we first had auto zone change the battery we noticed that it caused our air vents to stop working. I looked this up on line and it looks like I'm not the only one who has this problem. I see it's a big problem.I don't know if there is a recall , but I'm scared it is a electrical problem that could hurt me and my 4 kids if it happens while driving. Can you please help me with this.
I've had my Trailblazer for two years now about 4/2010 the windows would go up and down on their own and the power lock stopped working so Chevy replaced the main control switch then about 6/2011 I had to replace the wheel bearings and the sensor twice and about 01/2012 the wipers and washer fluid wouldn't shut off got a new wiper motor put in and now the truck has been sitting since 4/2012 had to have it towed from albany because the truck just all of a sudden slowed down even with my foot on the gas pedal and now I have ten different codes that came up two for the camshaft sensor and solenoid the knock sensor the crankshaft sensor and a few other ones... We called Chevrolet and they have no clue what is going on nor what is wrong with it.
Both rear brake lights failed simultaneously, even after fuses were checked both under the hood and behind the drivers side fuse box (fuse #12 & fuse #34). This is a road hazard and faulty wiring should be covered. Front left headlight was found to have switch with melted wiring as well, changes by mechanic and I was informed it could have caused a fire. This vehicle has 3 recalls thus far that are extremely dangerous if such faults can cause a fire within the electrical wirings. I would like to get compensated for the work done, the brake lights faulty wiring should be covered under the recall as the local Chevy dealer refuses to fix it.
3 weeks ago, per the fuel guage had 1/4 tank, no 'low fuel' light indicator. However, my vehicle ran out of gas, leaving me to coast to the side of the road on a corner. I was stranded. I have not let the tank get that low since, out of fear the guage was not reading it properly. Last night, I filled the vehicle. Apporximately a mile from the gas station, my check engine light came on & the guage registered empty with the light indicator. During my 10 minute drive it continued to fluctuate between empty & full. I am affraid of the vehicle cutting out again while driving in traffic or manuevering through corners. This is very dangerous.
Vehicle was on and being driven on the highway/freeway when it shut off and lost power. Vehicle came a stop and restarted vehicle and it did not start immediately after a few attempts it started as if nothing happened and I drove it home. Luckily I arrived home and entered my driveway and it shut off again and has not been able to be restarted since. I have not gotten any resolution or help from a Chevrolet company and they can not say what it possibly could be. There are Trailblazer forums online that state the same by other owner who are experiencing the same. Please help as I and my kids could have been hurt or killed.
NHTSA investigations
Driver's Master Power Window Switch
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on February 9, 2012 in response to complaints alleging driver door module melting and/or burning in MY 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazers. In response to ODI's Information Request letter, General Motors presented 167 reports and 698 warranty claims that related to the alleged problem.
Driver's Master Power Window Switch
On August 15, 2012 General Motors (GM) announced a regional recall action (12V-406) involving model year (MY) 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, Isuzu Ascender and MY2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the salt belt states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New…
Electrical complaints in other Trailblazer EXT years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the electrical system of the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, 22% of the model year's 189 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 72,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.