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:
2 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
5 / 1
Average Mileage:
71,499 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.
Recently, I filled my gas tank & low fuel light warning displayed and low fuel light came on. Since then the check engine light is on steady (not blinking) most of the time. The fuel gauge floats back and forth never really letting you know it's true status. The dealers and public know about this issue- yet Chevy refuses to take responsibility and fix the product. It is frustrating & nerve wracking to never know how much fuel you have at any given time, as well as the constant warning lights/ chimes during driving. This is the second serious issue I have had with this vehicle- just a month before had to repair safety issue of stabilitrak turning on at random, after twice it slowed my vehicle- without warning- on the thruway from 55 mph to about 20 mph. I had documentation of 4 trips to dealer for this concern within the first year of ownership but "the computer doesn't show a problem" so 5 years later I finally had the code show up after a close call almost accident. This concern is all over the internet as well & even with contacting Chevrolet & the nys attorney general they still only covered half the cost of the repair. Chevrolet needs to take responsibility for the safety of their products and obviously will not unless recalls are mandated- I urge you to do just that. Thank you
The problems just began with my car with the gas gauge working intermittently and with in 2 weeks I had to change the drivers side taillight which was not only burned out but the housing was melted to the bulb. Next within a weeks time I was in the drive thru getting food and all the gauges just flashed and the car died. Upon trying to restart it several times the lights flashed off and on; the doors locked and unlocked themselves and their was not even enough power to call onstar. Check fuses found no problems. Still waiting diagnosis and getting it fixed.
The gas gauge stopped working completely and now the check engine light is on. This has been a problem with several other Trailblazers of the same year. The fuel sensor is bad in this model, I have taken it to a mechanic who told me the check engine light is also due to this. I have ran out of gas a few times due to the fuel gauge not working. I think this should be an issue that would be a recall. It is an expensive fix and the consumer should not have to pay for this to be fixed!!!!
Slowing for a stop sign. Engine stopped. Fuel gauge showed 1/4 tank. Fuel gauge inaccurate. Had it changed ($450), sending unit in fuelpump. July 1,2012.same thing. Repairs were less by $175 because the shop I deal with (I am a good customer) felt I needed a break, and did not charge to replace it the second time. When we picked the vehicle up the ac / vent does not open for the dash ports. All other ports, ie floor, defrost, work somewhat. This morning the whole blower quit. I went out this afternoon and the blower again blows, but not the dash vents....argggggggg is there any solution?
- Kingman, AZ, USA
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The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that at engine start up, the fuel gauge indicated empty and the vehicle stalled while traveling 50 mph. The fuel gauge continued to indicate empty after refueling. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 84,000 and the current mileage was 89,000.
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that the fuel gauge would not display the proper fuel level reading. As a result, the vehicle stalled while driving 60 mph. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and the fuel system was repaired. The failure recurred approximately five years later. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for repair. The contact also stated that the control panel on the front driver's side, which controlled the windows, was not functioning. The contact also smelled a burning odor when she attempted to control the windows. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure repaired. The manufacturer was notified and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 10,000. The VIN was unavailable.
The gas gauge is inaccurate. I ran out of gas when I thought there was gas in the car. Since then (had just recently purchased vehicle) I have to fill up and reset mileage so that I will know if I actually have gas and when it is likely that I'll need to get more.
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that the fuel level gauge would display a reading of empty after refueling. The contact stated that the fuel tank could be full but the low fuel warning light would remain illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or mechanic for diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 47000. The VIN was unavailable.
Fuel gauge inoperable just as stated in all the other complaints. Chevy should be held accountable to repair at no cost for the life of the vehicle. Please mandate a recall as soon as possible.
Check engine light come one code P0461 - fuel tank pressure sensor circuit high voltage. This problem seems to be a common problem with the Chevy Trailblazers and should be a recallable issue. Furthermore, the suspension on this vehicle has been a financial drain from the sway bar links, front end links stabilizer shaft and ball joints.
Fuel gauge intermittently displays incorrect fuel level causing vehicle to stall due to an empty fuel tank. Gauge may display full when empty, empty when full, or anywhere in between.
Gas gauge fluctuates, filled gas tank, moments later it went down to empty (warning light and sound went off). This has happened for the past week. Prior to this the check engine would sporadically go off and on, probably an early indicator that there was a problem with the fuel gauge. Problem has caused my family to be stranded on the freeway at night while I am at work and I have to go help them this is a big safety issue. GM only wants to pay for part of the repair, which is not right as the issue is wide spread and is a safety issue.
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While parked, the contact noticed that the fuel gauge did not display the accurate fuel level reading. As the failure progressively worsened, the fuel gauge would permanently provide a reading of empty. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Youngstown, NY, USA