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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
89,602 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.

2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer engine problems

engine problem

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2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #21

Jun 182022

Trailblazer

  • miles

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

I was driving on the highway just reaching 55 mph, that is when all of a sudden, my suv stalled out with no warning no sound nothing. I tried to restart it and sounded as if it was trying to start but wouldn't. after a couple of times of trying that is when a tow truck came and as he was putting my suv on the flat bed I noticed huge amount oil on the ground. I got it towed to Chevy dealership for service and that is when they told me that the 6th cylinder cracked also a rod went through causing a hole in the engine block. I asked what could have caused it, because I'm on top of my maintenance and my suv only had 94,000 miles on it. That is when he explained to me that it was nothing that I did and that there was nothing that I could've done to prevent it and that there was nothing I did wrong that caused it. So, the leaves me asking, isn't that a manufacturing issue?

- Aurora, CO, USA

problem #20

Feb 012021

Trailblazer

  • 128,000 miles
The exhaust manifold in my 2008 Chevy Trailblazer has broken now three times. The Chevy dealer has changed the manifold twice for free but now they no longer want to pay for it plus I asked if they have made a change to the cast iron manifold and they tell me the part number changed in 2011 but my failures have occurred since then so I know the replacement manifold I will have the same problem. Exhaust fumes in winter enter the cabin.

- Lake City, FL, USA

problem #19

Aug 182018

Trailblazer

  • 143,339 miles
Engine dies while driving (losing propulsion, steering, brakes, etc.) and the key will not restart when turned forward (in neutral), while coasting, but will restart when the key is turned back and then forward again. In this case, coasting down and braking and turning right, possibly with right turn signal on. Died right before starting to turn the steering wheel at about 15-20 mph. It was a clear dry 100 degree afternoon, on smooth pavement. We live on a bumpy dirt road that is just over a quarter of a mile long to reach our house. Similar to other GM ignition key / no air bag recall programs for similar model year vehicles, such as the HHR. There is no recall, but how many people does this happen to" any deaths, yet" I don't believe the air bags may have worked, should we have been involved in an accident. There was no information shown in the diver information center display (dic) and there were warning lights on in the dashboard, to indicate that the power was on to the instrument cluster (ic), but that the motor was off. I could not select brakes and steering as being affected, but with no motor, there is no vacuum brake boosting going on, and no power steering either.

- Casa Grande, AZ, USA

problem #18

Oct 252017

Trailblazer

  • 111,567 miles

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

Numerous times I have driven this vehicle and it continues to do the same thing when I reach speeds of about 35 to 40 mph it loses power, the tach. Even declines in it's reading. It's like someone is behind me with a rope, and stepping on their brakes, slowing me down. This happens when I'm going straight down a street, making no turns, and let it basically idle roll down the street. All the while, it is in gear, engine running, and in motion on a city street

- Tyler, TX, USA

problem #17

Jun 062016

Trailblazer

  • 120,000 miles
I have had my 2008 trailblaer for a year now. I have been having major electrical issues for the past few months including my battery light and other popping up ramdonly and my truck not wanting to drive or run right. Now my exhaust manifold is completely cracked thru,

- Alexander, AR, USA

problem #16

Jan 252016

Trailblazer

  • 28,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While driving 15 mph and making a left turn, the engine stalled and the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch failed and needed to replaced. The vehicle was repaired twice; however, the failure was persistent. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

- West Land, MI, USA

problem #15

Feb 222016

Trailblazer

  • miles

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

Had exhaust manifold replaced at local GM dealer under warrenty in 6/26/13 now have same problum exhaust manifold making loud noise. Had 80112 miles when first done now when happened was2/22/16 the miles were 109482, witch is only 29370 miles what are my options this should be fixed again by them.

- Home, PA, USA

problem #14

Jan 052016

Trailblazer

  • 160,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While driving approximately 10 mph, the vehicle decelerated independently and the reduce engine power warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.

- Sulphur, IN, USA

problem #13

Aug 132012

Trailblazer

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving, the check engine warning light illuminated persistently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the exhaust cam position solenoid failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired several times but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

- Mt Arlington, NJ, USA

problem #12

Jun 132015

Trailblazer

  • 85,026 miles
Exhaust manifold is cracked, GM knows there are issues with these but yet wont fix

- Niagara Falls, NY, USA

problem #11

Oct 212014

Trailblazer

  • 153,000 miles

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

Exhaust manifold cracked and had to be replaced.

- Jacksonville , FL, USA

problem #10

Feb 282014

Trailblazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • 79,000 miles
Purchased this vehicle from a dealer. The next day the truck was dead. It has since had the battery replaced 3 times. The exhaust manifold cracked at 82,000. The number 4 position on the blower does not work. The stabiltrak lights come on for no reason and go off for no reason. With all of the complaints, something should be done.

- Walkerton, IN, USA

problem #9

Nov 072014

Trailblazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • 143,000 miles
Was driving and suddenly the exhaust got real loud. Took it to repair facility and they said that the exhaust manifold had cracked. GM knows this is a bad part, and a safety part, but they only advanced the warranty 20,000 miles. I have never had an exhaust manifold crack on any vehicle, besides one that is 6 years old.

- Davison, MI, USA

problem #8

Oct 042014

Trailblazer 8-cyl

  • 50,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While driving 55 mph, the vehicle began to shake violently and started to smoke. The vehicle was merged to the side of the road and was unable to be started. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the engine had to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000. Updated 2/9/15 the consumer stated a rod burst through the oil pan at 50,000. The vehicle needed the engine to be replaced. Updated 10/6/2015

- Bryan, OH, USA

problem #7

Aug 282013

Trailblazer

  • 72,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while going downhill at 35 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing, however they could not duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.

- Parachute, CO, USA

problem #6

Mar 152013

Trailblazer

  • 55,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the engine stalled and all of the warning indicators were illuminated. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who recommended the replacement of the ignition switch. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.

- Carnegie, PA, USA

problem #5

May 122014

Trailblazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • 121,700 miles
Started vec. In the morning. Exhaust very loud. Checked exhaust system found manifold cracked. Got on on star acct...stated extended coverage had expired. Found out special coverage GM bull. #11150. Contacted dealer. Stated not covered due to out of mileage range of 120000 limit. Said to take to serv. Mgr and said out of his hands. Contacted GM and now they are working with me to help resolve issue. Told GM I have never recv. Any info about this problem when I bought this Trailblazer. Will fumes enter pass. Area. Don't know at this point. Safety issue...yes, recall issue...yes, design issue...yes.

- Mckee, KY, USA

problem #4

Apr 212014

Trailblazer 6-cyl

  • 110,000 miles
While sitting the parked vehicle, with the key in ignition in the on position but engine off the dash began to pour smoke into the vehicle. Upon inspecting under the hood there were burned and melted wires leading to fuse box. Electrical fire occurred.

- Orange Park, FL, USA

problem #3

Aug 052013

Trailblazer 6-cyl

  • 74,000 miles
Seems to be a lot of others with this problem. GM should consider a recall. People don't have &500-$600 laying around. And there are many with same year make and around same mileage with this problem.

- Corpus Christi, TX, USA

problem #2

Sep 222012

Trailblazer

  • 75,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that after engine startup, the exhaust became abnormally loud. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who confirmed that the exhaust manifold was cracked and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 75,000 and the current mileage was 76,000.

- Lansing, MI, USA

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