Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact replaced the camshaft and crankshaft sensors; however, the failure recurred with an error code for the Variable Valve Timing (VVT). Additionally, the odometer mileage would not appear upon starting the vehicle until the vehicle was driven. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the timing chain and actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Driving vehicle turn it off turn back on drive somewhere and turn it off and go swimming for an hour came back go to go start it and would not start I believe it's the anti-theft system as we replaced the ignition switch and the ignition cylinder but my illumination selector for my gear selector nor my tachometer works nor do my front two windows or locks
Tl contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While driving 35 MPH, the brake pedal was resistant when it was depressed. The vehicle would not stop and the contact rear ended another vehicle. The road conditions were dry and there were no warning indicator lights prior to the failure. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The front bumper was damaged and the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the brake failure. The manufacturer stated that the speed was not fast enough to make the air bags deploy. The driver was wearing her seat belt, but she reinjured her back and experiences numbness in her legs. While driving between 30-60 MPH, the engine would stall and the check engine warning light flashed. The vehicle would not restart and was towed to the dealer. …
This issue started when the back hatch of the Trailblazer would not lock or open and the rear wiper would not work. After dealing with this for a few months the doors, windows and driver side seat stopped working. Also, the doors would not lock/unlock with the keyless entry. After some research, I changed the lgm fuse (it was blown). Once the fuse was changed everything started working except the back hatch. I manually locked the back hatch and closed it. Once the hatch was closed all of the doors locked and I could not open the truck. I manually used the key and opened the driver side door. When I opened the door I could hear the electrical wires burning in the door panel and throughout the truck. The truck was filled with smoke and smelt of burnt plastic. Luckily I was not inside the truck when the fire started because none of the unlock or window buttons worked. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. After several attempts, the vehicle restarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The ignition circuit was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The mechanic stated that the throttle body needed to be cleaned. In addition, the contact stated that there was a grinding sound as the ignition was being started. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the starter drive gear was worn and the starter was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 8.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While driving various speeds, the windshield wipers sprayed uncontrollably at maximum pressure. Even though the sprayer activated uncontrollably, the wipers did not work. The failure recurred. The contact also stated that the check engine indicator illuminated and remained lit prior to the failure. The contact called progressive Chevrolet at [phone] (located at 8000 hills and dales rd nw, massillon, oh 44646) and was advised to call the manufacturer. The manufacturer was called and stated that there was no recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
Vehicle was serviced for a faulty fuel level float sensor, which was registering that there was no fuel in the gas tank when the tank was full. 7 days later, while driving on a busy freeway, all of the gauges on the gauge cluster started spinning out of control and the vehicle lost complete power while driving 65 MPH. I had to merege across 4 lanes on the freeway in heavy traffic and nearly got run over. No power to the engine at all - it just died while I was driving. Of course, OnStar and the Chevrolet dealer that performed all of the service on the vehicle were no help. While waiting for OnStar, my vehicle was towed off the freeway.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact was driving approximately 5 MPH when she smelled a burning odor. The engine was powered off and the contact then noticed a fire had erupted from under the hood. The fire quickly began to spread but the contact was able to exit the vehicle without injury. The fire department was called to extinguish the fire and a police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed to determine the cause of the fire. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that the failure occurred on several occasions. In order to restart, the vehicle would need to be shifted into park or neutral. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that there were other issues with the vehicle that the independent mechanic was able to correct, but the stalling persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
On two occasions now within a two week time frame, vehicle shuts off while driving. Both times I was in motion at approx. 25 to 35 MPH. Get it over to put in park and it does start up so far. I have children and I commute on an extremely busy freeway. What if this failure occurs while I'm moving at 70mph plus? My mechanic has replaced some parts in hopes it was the problem. The check engine light is on/off for months but nothing of a major concern is showing up on the computer. I understand this vehicle has 150K miles but it should not be shutting down while driving. Please help.
Engine complaints in other Trailblazer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer?
NHTSA has 67 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer, 6% of the model year's 1,108 complaints. The component named most often is engine (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer, though it has 8 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 96,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 5 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.