Electrical complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
Full destruction because of fire I was on the way back from a long trip in southern chile (up to ushuaia) over the "carretera austral" and, after about 9'000 km drive without any problem, I saw a white smoke back my vehicle. Oil pressure: normal, motor temperature: normal. This meant immediate stop along the "ruta 40 norte" in argentina (about 100 km north of bariloche, on the way to neuqu). While stopping, I felt the brake pedal just going without immediate reaction but the pression came back. While bringing the gear shift to position parking, I did not feel any sensation, as if it would have no connection; the automatic door blocker connected to the gear shift did not work too, so that we had to unlock the doors manually. After having disconnected the engine, I saw white smoke coming out from the upper left corner of the motor. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT. The contact stated that the entire instrument panel failed to operate. In addition, the speedometer, tachometer, and fuel gauge failed to function properly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the instrument panel cluster would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000. The VIN was unavailable.
One by one things have been going out and not working. First the car would not start all the time with the key, then the A/C stoped working, next was the fuel pump, then the injectors. I checked everything it could be. I was driving with my kids down the highway when my car just died lost power steering so it was hard to get off the road fast. I got it started and was driving and it did it again. I was able to finally get it home when it would not start again. After some research online found out this car has issues with the fuse box itself under the hood. I opened it up just to find the wording that connected the pins was broken in numerous places and had started to burn up in the box.
None of my gages work and a lot of my dash lights are on. I have no idea how much gas I have. My speedometer and RPM gages work but nothing else does. This has been happening on and off for about 3 months but they would always go back on. But now it has been off for a week without going back to normal. Twice last week the radio and the power windows stopped working as well. This happens while driving parked all the time and it doesnt go back to normal. I have seen a lot of complaints about this so I have no clue why there isn't a recall. It is not safe to drive my Trailblazer until these things are fixed. I work at a Chevrolet dealership and they couldn't figure out how to fix this either. GM needs to put out a recall to get this fixed asap.
Pulled into driveway, lights would not go off, a few minutes later smoke was coming out from under hood and it smelled like burning plastic. Popped hood and fuse block and relay we smoking and melting! Got fire extinguished and pulled the head light relay switch, but it had melted through the block!!!!
The headlight wiring inside of the lens assembly over heats and melts the electrical connector going to the bulb and the insulation on the wiring. This has happened to both headlights on more than one occasion. Had to go and have the electrical wiring plus connector replaced.
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…
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2004 (145), 2003 (77), 2006 (41) and 2002 (14) model years. Electrical complaints make up 56% of all complaints for the 2004.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for any Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles; 28% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the instrument cluster/panel (75 mentions), followed by the 12v/24v/48v battery (3).
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.