AC & Heater complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (air conditioning, heater, defroster, HVAC controls).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Vehicle was parked with all doors locked and the vehicle not running. The remote unlock button was engaged and all doors unlocked with the exception of the driver door. The remote unlock was engaged 3 to 4 more times. The door was manually unlocked from passenger's side. When the door was opened, smoke was pouring out of the inside. We poured available liquids down the window slot but smoke was still pouring out. While my spouse went inside the business where we were parked to grab a pitcher of water, I jerked the plastic oval piece around the inside door handle off and saw flames. He returned with the pitcher and we poured the water down the open hole at the door handle and finally managed to extinguish the flames. We drove the vehicle home but none of the door functions worked at all. It is going to cost me approximately $600 to fix this issue. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that the console on the drivers side door caught fire while the contact was closing the window. The contacts mechanic stated that the entire motor and actuator for the window needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 66,105. The current mileage was 67,001. Updated 10/03/12 the consumer stated the box that holds the controls is melted and smells burnt. The driver's side door would not lock or unlock with remote. Memory seat controls, locks,windows, and heated seat controls all failed as a result. Updated 10/09/2012
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vents released a burning odor. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, who diagnosed that the blower motors resistor and connector were melted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but denied assistance with the repairs because of the age of the vehicle and the expired warranty. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 65,000.
Tl contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Since purchasing the vehicle, the headlamps flicker or dim while driving, similar to a power surge. The dealer was initially unable to duplicate the failure. When the failure was able to be duplicated, the dealer was unable to make a repair. At the end of September of 2007, the steering column made a sparking sound and the dealer could not duplicate the failure once more. On September 20, 2007, the radio and all the components on the instrument panel failed intermittently. The vehicle had to be turned off and restarted for them to eventually operate again. In addition, the dome lights would remain illuminated. The driver's side door latches were replaced twice. The rear hatchback latch was replaced twice. When the key was removed from the ignition, the key buzzer would continue to sound. …
The front air vents in my 2004 Trailblazer quit working after I installed a new battery. My front air vents will no longer work. After researching this on the internet it appears that this is a common problem with the Chevy Trailblazer. It will require the purchase and installation of a new control module to regulate the air flow so the vents will work. This is a component/design problem that GM needs to fix not the consumer.
Dt*: the contact stated the headlights dim without warning. The problem occurs intermittently and has increased over time. Upon inspection the dealership determined the problem is related to the defroster in the ac compressor. The dimming of the headlights is normal for the vehicle. Updated 02/24/06
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that the air conditioner light, rear brake light, and rear driver side tail light malfunctioned. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the technician diagnosed that the lights malfunctioned due to electrical issues with the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.
My 11-month old 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer has had multiple quality problems, twice affecting my safety. Most of the problems have been electrical in nature. The 4wd has become inoperable numerous times, once while driving in snow. In another incident during a severe thunderstorm at night the air conditioner (A/C) failed and I was unable to defrost my windshield in order to see. After one dealer failed to diagnose the 4wd problem, another dealer replaced my ignition switch because the technician said I had no power at all going to the "rear grid." I continue to have intermittent electrical problems, including near stalling at a traffic light, and ongoing 4wd failures. The car also has very jerky motion when in 4wd reverse, of course, when the 4wd is working at all. The dealer told me that was normal and now I see there is a service bulletin on the problem.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Trailblazer years have ac & heater problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2002 (21), 2003 (17), 2005 (6) and 2004 (5) model years. AC & Heater complaints make up 2% of all complaints for the 2002.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Trailblazer ac & heater problems?
No. NHTSA lists no a/c & heater recall for any Chevrolet Trailblazer 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 ac & heater problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 49,000 miles; 61% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the appliance › air conditioner (34 mentions), followed by the front assembly › seat heater/cooler (7).
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.