Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The air conditioning on my 2006 Chevy Trailblazer EXT stopped working. The problem was the blower motor resistor module and resistor module connector. The parts had melted together, causing the wires to become loose at the connection. Apparently this is a common problem with my Chevy model. There are many online postings indicating that the problem could cause a fire. Chevrolet company refused to even look at my vehicle until I paid a $110.00 diagnostic fee. The service technician immediately knew what the problem was and explained that it was a common problem with my model and the tahoe. The gas gauge also stopped working recently which I was told by the technician that it too was a common problem. There are numerous complaints on these parts as well as the brake light circuit boards, which also went out on my vehicle. The technician once again said that it was a common problem. …
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.
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. …
Vehicle's reduced engine power light comes on, and vehicle loses power in dangerous places. Lost of problems consist of several parts having to do with acceleration. This problem happened suddenly, andnis a danger to himan safety because of it happening several times including o n the highway.
Tl* the contact owned a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, fire erupted from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle stalled as the contact merged to the shoulder. The contact and all of the passengers exited the vehicle as it became engulfed into flames and was destroyed. The fire department and the police were notified. A report would be available if needed. No one was injured. The insurance company was notified. The contact also stated that the vehicle was repaired for routine maintenance two months prior. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 66,000. Updated 08-30-12
Dt: left driver's side outside mirror is not holding the correct settings, and clicks constantly. The mirror is hitting against something, and turns completely to the ground. When using keyless entry the mirrors also turn to the ground. The mirror is changing by itself, and it is not going back to the correct setting. The mirror is always making a clicking noise and it is facing downward. There is no problem with the right side. The dealer replaced the right side mirror, and from then on the left side has not worked. Consumer has taken vehicle to dealership 4 or 5 times to be checked. Dealership insists the mirror is working fine. But as soon as the consumer leaves the dealership the mirror will work for a couple of hours and then stop working properly. …
I have a 2002 Trailblazer with about 50,200 miles and the other day it began to make a high pitched sound, almost like a plane landing. When I took it to the dealer, he said it's the fan clutch and it's going to cost $711 to fix. When I asked if this is normal wear & tear, I did not get a proper answer. The response was that this happens a lot on the Chevy & GM vehicles. When I called Chevy corporation, I was given a claim# & told that they will have to investigate this problem & then they will call me back in about 3 days to advise if they will help with the costs of the repair. Both the customer service reps I spoke with at Chevrolet corporation [phone]) told me that they've personally never had such a complaint before and that this was new to them. But when I googled this problem for the Chevy Trailblazer 2002, I got several web pages including NHTSA which documented this problem. …
Have been having major trouble with the front end. Had it checked multiple times at the dealer and at a local mechanics shop and the ball joints and bushings had to be replaced. Even the the warranty was finished, the dealer did not charge me for this, but unfortunately I thought that this would take care of the noise on the front end, but it is still there!! Also yesterday, April 24, 2007, I had to have the fan clutch replaced. This vehicle only has 35,000 miles. I have also had the service engine soon light come on and stay on several times and after reading other complaints, I should check out the gas tank for any cracks. This is my first and last GM product!!!! It spends more time being fixed then on the road. I have also had trouble with the rear tail light burning out, but that has since been fixed!
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2004 (21), 2003 (18), 2002 (14) and 2006 (6) model years. Engine complaints make up 8% of all complaints for the 2004.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles; 29% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (12 mentions), followed by the cooling system (9).
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.