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CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2002-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer is known for many things, but perhaps it is most famous for its faulty fuel gauge.

This gauge flip-flops more than a politician during election season. Some report that the gauge says "empty" after a fill-up, while others report the gauge says "full" when they're running on fumes. Either way, there's one thing everyone seems to agree on: the darn thing is just wrong.

Following hundreds of complaints and a few accidents allegedly caused by the malfunction, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation into the issue in May 2011. Unfortunately for frustrated owners, no recall has been announced.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
88,481 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer lights problems

lights problem

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2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Comments (Page 5 of 6)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #21

Oct 192012

Trailblazer

  • 74,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

To whom it concerns, needed to report this since I believe this is a great safety problem that needs to be addressed by GM. The issue is with the low beam headlights. On my vehicle its only the passenger headlight. If you search online you can find others that have same issue but with both low beams go out whenever without notice. Very dangerous on dark roads. I've had my headlight fixed many times myself and than gave up and took to where I bought vehicle. What is happening is the bulb is making connector hot enough to melt to bulb so connector and bulb both need replace it may last a year most times not. There is definitely going to cause a fire before long. This could cause loss of life. I really need this important matter looked into and GM should have to correct this problem since it's a problem for lots of people.

- Chestertown, MD, USA

problem #20

Oct 202008

Trailblazer 6-cyl

  • miles
We were driving down the road and the headlights went out on dim. I still have the problem to this day and it happens when they are on dim or bright.

- Lafayette, TN, USA

problem #19

Jun 012012

Trailblazer

  • 65,000 miles
While driving during the day all of the speakers started going in and out. This has happened for the last year. As of now only the very front dash speakers are audible but very faint. The other issue we're having is at night the headlights will completely go out. We will immediately have to pull over and wait for the car to decide when the lights will come back on.

- Saint Cloud, FL, USA

problem #18

May 012012

Trailblazer 6-cyl

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Headlamp relay, I have had to replace it twice in a matter of a year. It was completely melted and caused the headlights to stay on resulting in a dead battery. There is obviously an issue here, it could have started a fire and caused harm. I will be reporting this straight to Chevy too...

- Erie, PA, USA

problem #17

Dec 072012

Trailblazer 6-cyl

  • 65,000 miles
The SUV would not start in October 2012. I was told I needed a new battery, so I bought one right away. I drive the SUV very infrequently, maybe only 40 miles a week. On decmber 7, 2012 the headlights started to flicker while I was driving across the chesapeake bay bridge in Maryland. This was very concerning because it was getting dark out. I drove directly to a friend's house, and when I tried to park the SUV the lights would not turn off. Even after manually trying to turn off the lights and removing the key from the ignition, the lights would not turn off. Finally the lights went out, but the battery was dead when I tried to restart the SUV in the morning. We tried to charge the battery. This caused sparks by the fuse box and the lights inside the cabin began to turn off and on, even with the key out of the ignition. The headlights also started to flicker off and on and the doors locked an unlocked. I had the car towed back across the bridge to my local mechanic and was told I need a new battery. Obviously the battery is not the issue. I would like to know what GM intends to do about the faulty wiring in these models and how they are going to correct the issues related to the recall notice I received in October 2012. The recall number is 12180 and I think this current problem is related to it. I received the notice and it states the parts are not available at this time and to park the vehicle outside. I called and asked if it is ok to drive the SUV and was told "yes". since I must drive across a 5 mile bridge several times a week, I am concerned the truck will break down and cause an accident. I am also concerned a passenger or my pet dog could be injured.

- Annapolis, MD, USA

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problem #16

Oct 132012

Trailblazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While driving approximately 65 mph at midnight, the interior and exterior lights failed. The driver stopped the vehicle on the shoulder and shut the vehicle off. After restarting the vehicle, both interior and exterior lights illuminated normally. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000. Updated 11/29/12 the consumer stated the failure was the body control module. GM states they are unaware of any problem. Updated

- Newport News, VA, USA

problem #15

Sep 012012

Trailblazer

  • 88,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Having a problem with the vehicle RPM dropping while idling and the head lights flickering and sometimes shutting off. Check engine light come on and the code said it was the "idle air control valve" it only happens when the ac compressor is engaged. The problem seems to go away when the ac is turned off. Have not had it repaired yet because it's a fairly expensive part.

- Wichita, KS, USA

problem #14

Oct 022012

Trailblazer

  • 150,008 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated both headlights on the vehicle were inoperable. The vehicle was taken a mechanic who previously replaced the fuse within the fuse box; however, recently there was smoke coming out of the fuse box causing the failure to recur. The vehicle was not taken back to the mechanic or the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,008.

- Hugo, OK, USA

problem #13

Jul 122012

Trailblazer 6-cyl

  • 125,556 miles
Rear brake lights keep going and having to change them bi weekly.

- Torrance , CA, USA

problem #12

Sep 052006

Trailblazer

  • 60,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that both headlights and tail lights failed at engine start up. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic and the manufacturer was contacted. The vehicle was repaired for both headlights. The failure mileage was 60,000 and the current mileage was 68,000.

- Massapequa, NY, USA

problem #11

Mar 142012

Trailblazer 6-cyl

  • 159,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While traveling around town on 3/14/12, I noticed when it got dark that I did not have any low beam headlights. I was traveling on a interstate which caused me to have to use only my high beam headlights until I got home. On the trip home many drivers became very agitated due to me having to drive with my high beams.. I found online that many Trailblazer owners have had the same problems, but Chevrolet has not issued a recall for those problems. I have not noticed or have been told that my brake lights are out at the same time, I just want GM to own up to this defect and offer assistance in paying for this repair.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #10

Feb 102009

Trailblazer 6-cyl

  • miles
Drivers door control panel burned causing failure of door locks, windows, etc. Gas gauge continually showed incorrect amounts of fuel causing running out of fuel. Replaced the part and it happened again.Chevrolet took no blame.recently Chevy notified all owners that there is a problem that they will fix up to 1/2 of the actual cost.(my share will be $218 for their mistake) back tail lights have blown out over and over again since purchase. Finally replaced entire units on my own andit continued to happen. Contacted Chevrolet dealer and Chevy customer service.went to dealer and had the taillights repaired but Chevy again took no responsibility but kindly sent me a$1000 voucher for use on a new purchase of a Chevrolet.the dealer repair cost was apprx.$680. Still own the vehicle and will have make fuel gauge repair.

- Watertown, CT, USA

problem #9

Feb 022010

Trailblazer 6-cyl

  • 50,000 miles
All repairs done within 20,000 of use (purchased used at 50,000 currently have 70,000) back windshield water pump does not work brake lights/left signal light are not working correctly, back up lights illuminate when braking left front driver side tie metal rods visible due to suspension errors causing too much wear on tire service stability track error check engine light on bottom of car is rusting out ABS failed on ice car runs rough left outer tie rod end replaced front/rear alignment done front brakes replaced rear brakes replace left front wheel barring replaced left rear brake caliber replaced driver master switch replaced windshield washer pump replaced fuel level sensor replaced left outer tie rod replaced (second time) front end alignment ignition switch replaced water pump replaced solenoid replaced front hub R/F replaced front disc brake pads replaced brake rotor replaced rear disc brake pad replaced rear brake rotor replaced gas cap replaced tail light assembly L/R. battery replaced.

- Windham, NH, USA

problem #8

Jul 032010

Trailblazer 6-cyl

  • miles
Low-beam headlights go off without warning after about 20 minutes driving. Dashboard lights still on... (not a fuse problem...not a blown headlight)...after car is turned off for a while(30 minutes or so). Lights will come on when car is started...problem repeats itself after 20 minutes or so...the problem is that the driver may not know the lights are off unless the street is extremely dark...making the driver a hazard to others on the road, as well as himself.

- Memphis, TN, USA

problem #7

Sep 292011

Trailblazer 6-cyl

  • 67,340 miles
While traveling out of town on 9/29/11, I noticed when it got dark that I did not have any low beam headlights. I was traveling over 800 miles on interstate which caused me to have to use only my high beam headlights for the duration of the trip. While on the trip, I stopped at a red light when a gentlemen pulled up next to me to let me know that I did not have any brake lights either. I immediately pulled over and checked the lights and found that none of my brake lights were working. The blinkers and flashers work, but that was all. During the trip many drivers became very agitated due to us having to drive with our high beams, one person became so enraged that they turned around and followed us while trying to run us off of the road. I found online that many Trailblazer owners have had the same problems, but Chevrolet has not issued a recall for those problems. I contacted Chevrolet's headquarters and was told that a recall has not been issued and the cost would be my responsibility.

- Caledonia, WI, USA

problem #6

May 012011

Trailblazer

  • 102,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that the drivers side brake light would not illuminate when the brakes were applied. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the wires needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Neither the manufacturer nor the dealer were made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 102,000 and the current mileage was 109,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Brafford , MA, USA

problem #5

May 192008

Trailblazer

  • 19,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the headlights would suddenly fail without warning. The dealer was contacted and they advised him that they are aware of the failure, but did not have a resolution to the failure. The vehicle was later inspected by a dealer and the headlight bulbs were replaced but to no avail. The contact stated that the headlight bulbs were replaced several times, but the failure persisted. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.

- Accident, MD, USA

problem #4

Apr 162011

Trailblazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • 100,339 miles
2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer lt. While driving at night, lowbeam headlights go out. Happens at various speeds, happens sporadically. This has occurred 2 times before. The times before was in September 2010 mileage unknown at the time while driving in my neighborhood. Then on October 08, 2010, at 91,164 miles while driving home on the interstate at 70mph in the occurrences in 2010 lowbeam headlights went out while driving, then independently re-illuminated within seconds. The latest occurrence happened on April 16, 2011 at 10:50pm. I had just driven vehicle 20 minutes earlier and had no problems. My wife used the vehicle at 10:45pm and lowbeam headlights went out while driving at 40-45mph. She stated it took repeated tries with headlight switch to get the lights to re-illuminate. Wife pulled turnsignal arm back and highbeam lights would illuminate the flash to pass feature. No other electrical problems present. This happened while driving in neighborhood at low speed. This is a condition that could be very dangerous at highway speeds. This vehicle has automatic headlights, they come on automatically at dusk, and the headlight switch is left in the automatic mode and never touched. I have owned this vehicle since 19,000-20,000 miles, was a GM executive/demo vehicle.

- Kathleen, GA, USA

problem #3

Mar 012011

Trailblazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • miles
2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Consumer states problem with brakes and traction control light illuminating. The consumer the ABS would activate when making right turns. Several components were replaced, but the consumer continued to experience problems. The blower resistor was replaced due to it only working on high. The engine light illuminated, the fuel sensor was not working, the heat was inoperative, there were noise/creaks coming from the steering wheel when driving slow and making turns, the power windows and heated seats stopped working, the fuel gauge was inaccurate, the 4-wheel drive switch had to replaced, the seat belt was difficult to fasten, the head lights and tail lights sockets burned out, the fan for the heater and defroster stopped working, the transmission would not down shift properly and eventually had to be replaced, the ignition switch didn't always work and the key would sometimes get stuck.

- Branson, MO, USA

problem #2

May 202010

Trailblazer 6-cyl

  • 98,000 miles
While driving at night, the low beam headlights stopped working without notice. Stopped at next convenience store, checked all fuses and all were good. Started ignition and lights still did not work. Checked high beam headlights and they worked. Followed up with mechanic the following morning. Could not diagnose problem and referred to a local dealer. Dealer diagnosed problem as being a faulty BCM. BCM was replaced. Approx. 8 weeks later, same problem w/low beam lights not working. Dealer replaced relay. Now low beams work, check engine light has come on and fuel gauge has stopped working.

- Comer, GA, USA

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