Steering complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine fans were activated however, the engine overheated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the engine thermostat as faulty. The thermostat was replaced, and the failure was remedied. Also, while driving the vehicle would jerk and hesitate while changing gears. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact was informed by the dealer that the failure was a transmission issue. No further information was available. Also, while driving 27 MPH, the service brake system failure" message suddenly displayed, and the brake pedal was hard while pressed. The parking brake was activated. Moments later the message "power steering failure" displayed and the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. …
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH and attempting to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard and the vehicle failed to come to a complete stop. After the failure, the "Service ESC" and "Service Power Steering" messages were displayed. The contact stated that months later, upon starting the vehicle, the "Shift to Park" message was displayed and the vehicle failed to recognize that the shifter was still in park(P). The check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the braking system needed to be updated and that the gear shifter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 15,000.
While traveling down the road at approximatly 35-40 mph with my two minor children, the steering was not responding properly and the car kept attempting to veer to the right. I let off the gas to slow down since the brakes were also not seeming to respond well. Upon attempting to brake and execute a left hand turn, the car would not turn at all despite the steering wheel being as turned as far to the left as possible, the lights began flashing on the dashboard for "PowerSteering" ESC warning. We ended up going through the intersection without stopping and narrowly missed another car in intersection and went completely off the road into a snowbank. Fortunately we were not injured. We drove the vehicle back home (approximately one mile) by overpowering the steering and manually forcing the car to stay on the road. …
I have had the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer since May 2021, it has been 15 months, not even a year and a half off the lot and i have had wayyyy too many problems. I have has service the stabilitrak stability control system, service the antilock breaking system multiple times within the first 8-10 months. I had to get a part replaced due to that. The dealership had my vehicle literally for a month after i bought it, had an open tak report through Gm due to my engine light coming on. Gm did not know why it was happening. Had 2 service engine and transmission system alerts. I have had a fuel injector and line replaced as well within the first 6 months. I have had to get the system updated 2 times also. Now August 2022 im having service battery, or starter. Have had my vehicle shut off on me at an intersection then come back on two different times. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The accelerator pedal had to be depressed several times before the vehicle reacted. In addition, the stability traction control warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the steering angle sensor had failed. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 38,000.
As I was driving my 2008 Trailblazer the steering wheel completely froze on me and I could not turn the vehicle in any direction. I ended up driving it into someones yard before I could get it stopped. After having it taken to a garage they told me my power steering lines etc were blown. They have since fixed this issue, very costly to me though, and then they informed me that while checking the vehicle out they found my transmission lines are very corroded. So that is the next issue to be fixed with this vehicle.
Tl* the contact owned a 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel became loose without warning. The driver lost control of the vehicle, crossed over the median, and crashed into a truck on the opposite side of the road. The air bags deployed, but the engine started to burn. The driver of the other vehicle jumped out and used his fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire. The contact's friend sustained injuries that required medical attention. Fire and police reports were filed. The vehicle was towed and totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 111,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated while driving 52 MPH uphill the steering wheel locked and he lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle drove off of the road, rolled over, and none of the air bags deployed. A police report was filed. The driver sustained back, neck and shoulder injuries. The vehicle was declared destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle identification number was not available. The failure and current mileage was 65,000. Updated 09/14/11 updated 09/23/11
Related recalls (1)
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.
NHTSA investigations
Pincher/chafed wiring
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Trailblazer years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2002 (42), 2003 (26), 2006 (26), 2007 (23) and 2005 (20) model years. Steering complaints make up 4% of all complaints for the 2002.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Trailblazer steering problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 05V-455 (hose, piping, and connections, Oct 5, 2005). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Trailblazer steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles; 44% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the hydraulic power assist system (10 mentions), followed by the linkages › tie rod assembly (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.