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:
3 / 6
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 11
Average Mileage:
53,851 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.
Gas gauge on my 2006 Trailblazer indicates that the tank is empty, does not provide an accurate reading even when the tank is full. This is extremely unsafe because it can lead to running out of fuel at any given time. I think something needs to be done about this B/C alot of people is having the same problem.
The fuel gauge on my 2006 Chevy Trailblazer marks empty regardless of just being filled up. I did a lot of research online and have found that this seems to be a common problem for many people with the 05 & 06 Trailblazer around the 40,000 mile mark.
Fuel gauge in 2006 Trailblazer ls fails to work properly. It fluctuates from empty to proper full level and sometimes fails to work at all. This is a common defect with GM Trailblazers from 2005 on. Other GM models as well ie, Tahoe and uplander. I have 43,500 miles on this vehicle.
2006 Trailblazer lt, purchased GM certified used, 32,000miles, at 39,000 I filled the gas tank, restarted my car and the gauge read E which continued until it finally got to 3/4. this was not continuous driving. Ok until I filled it again and I experienced the same thing, called to make an appointment and was told they could find nothing and bring it in the next time it happens which I plan to do. For now I write down the mileage. My fear will this problem of registering wrong make my car think it's out of gas on the highway and stop in traffic!!
- Granville Summit, PA, USA
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
This is in addition to the current investigation regarding the 2006 Chevy Trailblazer fuel system. On a daily basis my fuel gauge moves from full to empty and back and anywhere inbetween. I have to keep track of the miles driven so I have an idea when the tank needs to be refueled. GM wants upwards of $1,000 to fix their error and from what I have read on websites such as topix.com, it seems that an overwhelming number of people are having this same problem, dating back to 2008.
Defective fuel gauge sending unit failing nationwide. Fuel gauge reading inaccurate leading to pre-mature engine failure and leaving the driver possibly unable to steer and stop the vehicle safely.
Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). 2006 Chevy Trailblazer ls vehicle [xxx]. fuel tank sensor failure. Sensor fails to send information to fuel gauge. Never know how much gas is in tank. Had vehicle to Chevy garage, costs $400 to get vehicle fixed and only guaranteed for 1 year or 12,000 miles. I have checked on line and there are hundreds of the same complaint for the same make and model vehicle. Some have stated that they already had vehicle fixed once and it has happened again. The man at the Chevy garage told me there have been recalls on two other models of trucks for the same problem but not the Trailblazer. Doesn't seem quite fair. I have 73,000 miles on my vehicle.
2006 trail Blazer fuel gauge inaccurate the consumer stated when there was a full tank of gas, it registered empty for several hours and then it would read full, then empty again. Also, there was an error code for the tank level sensor circuit.
Chevrolet Trailblazer gas gauge failure. Fuel sending unit needs replaced, cost ~$800 with labor. Gauge randomly goes from full to empty, and seems to be a common issue.
I drive a 2006 Chevy Trailblazer. After refueling the truck, I noticed the gas cap did not lock properly and the fuel gauge started to jump from empty to full. The check engine light also came on. I immediately replaced the fuel cap but the fuel gauge continued to read inaccurately over the next several weeks. Shortly thereafter, the gauge always reads empty even with a full tank of gas. A Chevy mechanic told me the problem was a faulty fuel gauge sending unit in the gas tank. He said the repairs would cost ~$1,000. I cannot afford the repairs and it is a safety hazard to be continuously checking the mileage odometer to assure I don't not run out of gas. My boss has a GMC Envoy with the exact same problem. I quick search on the internet reveals several hundred if not thousands of complaints about the same issue. I have almost run out of gas while driving. This faulty gas gauge is a serious safety problem that GM should take ownership for and not require car owners to repair.
Fuel gauge indicates empty and fuel level light illuminates with fuel tank full. Gauge becomes erratic as vehicle is driven. Condition appears to be intermittent and so far self corrects after fuel settles in tank over night.
Fuel sensor failure. I have owned my vehicle approximately 3 years now I'm being told my fuel sensor is bad. My engine light stays on and have been told it is going to cost over $700 dollars to repair. I have been able to pull up 15 pages of complaints about the samething. When is someone going to do something about this problem with the 2006 Chevy Trailblazers.
When I hit about 50,000 miles on my 2006 Trailblazer, my gas tank sensor stopped working. Now my gas gauge always shows empty. When I contacted the dealership and other body shop, they told me it was a common problem on these vehicles. I am out of warranty and the dealership wants to charge me $600 to $700 to repair something that is a defect on their vehicle.
Fuel gauge sensor does not function. This causes the fuel tank to constantly read empty. I noticed this just as the warranty on my leased vehicle was about to expire due to mileage the fuel gauge stopped working. I have been forced to use the trip odometer on the vehicle to determine if I need fuel or not. When this first started occurring, it worked and then didn't work and I ran out of fuel on some busy roads and had to push my vehicle to a fuel station. When I took the vehicle to porter Chevy to have it fixed they said it would cost me $950. I spoke to other Chevy dealers and they said prices ranging from $800-$1500 to correct and had two mechanics tell me that the part is garbage and that it would just break again within a year not to waste my money. I filed a complaint on through the cpsc and found 50 others just like mine on there. Not NHTSA was on cnn and I checked to see over 200 similar cases on this site some involving serious safety issues over the same problem I'm having. I have 3 small kids and need this corrected. Not my fault that Chevy is ripping off its customers with faulty parts.
Issue: The gas gauge on my 2006 Trailblazer is not working properly. The fuel lights comes on and stays on even after filling the gas tank. The issue started around mid January 2010 and has gotten worst. My only comfort is knowing that I do have gas in my tank but it is very frustrating and unnerving. I have no idea if it is going to get worse. I have had a diagnostic check to confirm that this is an issue. I am in the process of trying to get it repaired but not sure of the cost or how long I may be without transportation.
The fuel level sensor on 2006 Chevy Trailblazers acts erratically then stops working. I ran out of fuel twice, once on a busy highway at rush hour, and again after having work done at the dealer. They had to drain some fuel to do the work and didn't tell me. Having calculated how much I had, I thought I was ok but I ran out of fuel on the way home at 9pm at night on a dark single lane road with the baby in the back seat.
1) filled gas tank full on 2006 Chevy Trailblazer lt 2) began driving and gas gauge dropped to empty and warning light came on- after approx. 10-20 miles gas gauge goes back up to full - though unsure if it is accurate - this happens at every fill up 3) spoke with GM dealership - $450 to drop gas tank and replace fuel gauge sender/sensor - have not replaced yet due to cost - and after doing research I found that this is a very common problem with Trailblazers - requesting recall.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Lee's Summit, MO, USA