Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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 while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering and braking functionality. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic with power steering failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V455000 (Steering). The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn which resulted in the contact crashing into a curb. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to local mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing a power steering line to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with, NHTSA campaign number: 05V455000 (steering) however the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of failure and told the contact that their vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer. After driving 55 MPH, the contact noticed fluid leaking from the power steering. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 05V455000 (steering). The contact also received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V755000 (exterior lighting) and stated that the part needed for the repair was not available. The manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000. VIN tool confirms part not available.
I was involved in an automobile accident out of state. I was traveling during the evening hours to try to avoid heavy traffic. I started having trouble with the dim lights and could only proceed using the bright lights. The next thing I realize is that I am unable to control the vehicle and struck another vehicle on the road. I then proceeded to slide down an embankment approximately 30 feet. My vehicle sustained enormous damage to the front and side of the vehicle. The front airbags did not deploy and my vehicle was deemed totaled by my insurer.
Steering wheel position sensor failure of this sensor can cause assist problems... I belong to a trailvoy club for Trailblazer's and have read that there is several members that have reported problems with this steering wheel position sensor...a quote for repair is around $200 with the sensor cost of another $100, total bill of $300 and when the light stability control comes on it can cause the steering to be eractic, which not only in dangers your life but everyone and every thing in you path!
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While driving 30 MPH, the power steering failed without warning and the vehicle became difficult to steer. The contact noticed power steering fluid under the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 05V455000 (steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Whilst driving on the highway the engine shut down and lost power steering. Had to pull over on the side of the highway. At high speeds this is troubling. The powertrain and check engine light came on. Waited several minutes and car would restart and be operable but would repeat. Mechanic determined a faulty computer known as the powetrain control module (PCM) or engine control module (ECM). This part was replaced and has fixed the problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that the windshield wipers would independently activate whenever the vehicle was started. The failure recurred twice while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the failure originated in the steering column. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000. Updated 5/19/15
I was pulling out of my driveway turing left and the stablizer light on the dashboard came on . I pulled over shut my car down . And started back up the light was gone when ever I drive and I go 60 MPH my sterring wheel starts shaking and my stablizer light comes on and the vec. Shuts down. All I have to do is make a turn not even quickly and the light comes on.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the power steering seized without warning. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Related recalls
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
Certain passenger vehicles May have been built with a power steering hose that is not to specification. Under extreme steering maneuvers, such as turning the steering wheel fully to the left or right while braking, the hose May fracture and leak fluid.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the power steering hose(s) for two suspect date codes and replace them if required. The recall will begin on October 14, 2005.
Steering complaints in other Trailblazer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the steering of the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer, 2% of the model year's 1,108 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist › pump (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 05V-455 (hose, piping, and connections, Oct 5, 2005). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 16% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to steering 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.