2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer Engine Problems

Which parts fail

• Exhaust system
  6
• Engine
  1
• Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
  1

Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  00%
• 25k–50k
  27%
• 50k–75k
  1139%
• 75k–100k
  621%
• 100k–150k
  725%
• 150k+
  27%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

I was driving on the highway just reaching 55 mph, that is when all of a sudden, my suv stalled out with no warning no sound nothing. I tried to restart it and sounded as if it was trying to start but wouldn't. after a couple of times of trying that is when a tow truck came and as he was putting my suv on the flat bed I noticed huge amount oil on the ground. I got it towed to Chevy dealership for service and that is when they told me that the 6th cylinder cracked also a rod went through causing a hole in the engine block. I asked what could have caused it, because I'm on top of my maintenance and my suv only had 94,000 miles on it. That is when he explained to me that it was nothing that I did and that there was nothing that I could've done to prevent it and that there was nothing I did wrong that caused it. So, the leaves me asking, isn't that a manufacturing issue?

Engine dies while driving (losing propulsion, steering, brakes, etc.) and the key will not restart when turned forward (in neutral), while coasting, but will restart when the key is turned back and then forward again. In this case, coasting down and braking and turning right, possibly with right turn signal on. Died right before starting to turn the steering wheel at about 15-20 MPH. It was a clear dry 100 degree afternoon, on smooth pavement. We live on a bumpy dirt road that is just over a quarter of a mile long to reach our house. Similar to other GM ignition key / no air bag recall programs for similar model year vehicles, such as the hhr. There is no recall, but how many people does this happen to? Any deaths, yet? I don't believe the air bags May have worked, should we have been involved in an accident. …

Numerous times I have driven this vehicle and it continues to do the same thing when I reach speeds of about 35 to 40 MPH it loses power, the tach. Even declines in it's reading. It's like someone is behind me with a rope, and stepping on their brakes, slowing me down. This happens when I'm going straight down a street, making no turns, and let it basically idle roll down the street. All the while, it is in gear, engine running, and in motion on a city street

The exhaust manifold in my 2008 Chevy Trailblazer has broken now three times. The Chevy dealer has changed the manifold twice for free but now they no longer want to pay for it plus I asked if they have made a change to the cast iron manifold and they tell me the part number changed in 2011 but my failures have occurred since then so I know the replacement manifold I will have the same problem. Exhaust fumes in winter enter the cabin.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving, the check engine warning light illuminated persistently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the exhaust cam position solenoid failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired several times but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle decelerated independently and the reduce engine power warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While driving 15 MPH and making a left turn, the engine stalled and the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch failed and needed to replaced. The vehicle was repaired twice; however, the failure was persistent. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

Purchased this vehicle from a dealer. The next day the truck was dead. It has since had the battery replaced 3 times. The exhaust manifold cracked at 82,000. The number 4 position on the blower does not work. The stabiltrak lights come on for no reason and go off for no reason. With all of the complaints, something should be done.

I have had my 2008 trailblaer for a year now. I have been having major electrical issues for the past few months including my battery light and other popping up ramdonly and my truck not wanting to drive or run right. Now my exhaust manifold is completely cracked thru,

While sitting the parked vehicle, with the key in ignition in the on position but engine off the dash began to pour smoke into the vehicle. Upon inspecting under the hood there were burned and melted wires leading to fuse box. Electrical fire occurred.

Engine complaints in other Trailblazer years