Suspension complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I was driving down a state highway with my cruise control set at 57 MPH and all of the sudden all of the lights came on in the console. My on star did not work, nor did the radio or anything electrical in my vehicle. My vehicle was still running, but none of the gauges, lights, windows, etc. Were working. I pulled to the side of the road and then drove it to the dealership. The dealership kept the vehicle for 3 weeks and were not able to diagnose nor fix the problem. All of the sudden 3 weeks later they got into the vehicle and the problem had resolved itself.
Tl contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact heard sounds coming from the rear of the vehicle. The noise began to worsen gradually and the vehicle was taken to the Chevrolet dealer; however, they could not find any failures. The vehicle has been taken to the shop three times and has still not been properly diagnosed. The contact feels that this is a safety issue because the vehicle is currently beginning to drift while driving. He feels that the drifting and the noise are related. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 19,002.
The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that the front subframe of the vehicle was corroded with perforated rust holes. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that they did not provide frame repair. The vehicle was taken to several mechanics who diagnosed that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
Ive had to continueously replace the brakes axles, warped rotors . As well as needing to purchase tires for front end due to control arms malfunction. Constant replacemenf of front axle all causing rubbing, mis alignment and front end sitting inward. These replacements happen more than 3 times a year the last 3 years of ownership.
Brakes failed for no apparent reason around 8:00 am that morning. My friend and I was driving to my home in his 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer after many stops that morning. We was on the interstate doing 65 MPH. I noticed the traffic ahead approaching and I said "cars" indicating to my friend to slow down. He said "I have no brakes!" We narrowly missed the first cars and while readjusting we came into contact with the driver side of three vehicles rolling us on our side! I broke both my arms escaping thankfully with my life. We had no idea what suddenly and unexpectedly lost brakes. Weeks afterwards I started reading about the stabilitrac and steering sensor on the 1 of many Chevrolet vehicle defect issues. Around that year and I believe was the problem. I have been out of work and tried to explain this to people with no reply. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While driving, the air pump failed to inflate the air bag suspension. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was towed to auffenberg Chevrolet (144 w shawnee st, muskogee, OK 74401). The dealer stated that there was no recall; therefore, the contact would be responsible for the repair cost. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the air bags needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 18,000.
Rear frame rail rust through at control arm mount locations on both driver and passenger side. In addition frame from suspension mount forward approx 2feet rust through. Vehicle was kept washed and has no other rust issues except for frame. I've learned that this was an issue from 2003 to 2008 model years. This issue has been checked and verified thru a reputable garage
My gas gauge reads empty all the time even after a fill up. It never moves. Also I have replaced shocks and struts all the way around the vehical but every time you hit a bump in the road it shakes you from side to side really hard.
Related recalls (1)
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. Under certain circumstances the front lower control arm brackets May fracture. This fracture could result in separation of the front lower control arm from the frame.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and right front lower control arm brackets. Owner notification began by telephone on April 4, 2001. The followup letter to consumers was mailed May 3, 2001.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Trailblazer years have suspension problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2002 (33), 2003 (33), 2004 (14), 2006 (12) and 2005 (7) model years. Suspension complaints make up 3% of all complaints for the 2002.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Trailblazer suspension problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 01V-126 (lower arm, Apr 12, 2001). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Trailblazer suspension problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles; 44% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the front (27 mentions), followed by the rear (11).
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.