Model year record

2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer recalls & problems

The 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer has 8 safety recalls and 1,108 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is fuel system, gasoline (438 complaints).

Recalls8safety recalls

Complaints1,108filed by owners

Crashes · fires29 · 59reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths40 · 14reported in complaints

2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

VisibilitySep 24, 2015

Power window devices and controls

Recall 15V5990009,932 vehicles

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer and GMC Envoy vehicles, and 2006 GMC Envoy XL and Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT vehicles. Fluid may enter into the driver's door master power window switch module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board, causing window switches to become inoperative. Previously, the affected vehicles may have had their master power window switch module treated with a protective coating, instead of having it replaced.
Risk: The protective coating may not eliminate the risk that the circuit board could short and result in a fire, even while the vehicle is unattended.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a new driver's door switch module, free of charge. The recall began on November 2, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 15700.

Exterior lightingAug 14, 2015

Headlights

Recall 15V519000429,170 vehicles

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix, 2006-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, GMC Envoy XL, 2006-2008 Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7x vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the headlamp driver module (HDM) may overheat and fail, causing the headlamps and daytime running lights to not illuminate.
Risk: Headlamps that do not illuminate reduce the driver's ability to see the roadway and reduce the vehicle's visibility to oncoming vehicles, both of which increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HDM, free of charge. The recall began on May 17, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is 14291.

VisibilityJul 2, 2014

Power window devices and controls

Recall 14V404000184,611 vehicles

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x; 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL; and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender vehicles. Fluid may enter the driver's door master power window switch module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board. A short may cause the power door lock and power window switches to function intermittently or become inoperative. The short may also cause overheating, which could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke, or a fire.
Risk: A short in the circuit board could lead to a fire, increasing the risk of personal injury. A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the part number on the door module, and install a new door module if necessary, free of charge. Parts for the remedy are not currently available. An interim letter was mailed to owners in August 2014. A second owner letter will be mailed when parts are available. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-521-7300 (Buick), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-462-8782 (GMC), 1-800-955-9007 (SAAB), and 1-800-255-6727 (Isuzu). GM's number for this recall is 14309. NOTE: This recall provides a new remedy for all vehicles covered by recall 13V-248. Vehicles whose modules were modified but not replaced as part of the previous recall remedy must have their vehicles remedied again under this campaign.

VisibilityJun 13, 2013

Power window devices and controls

Recall 13V248000193,652 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x; 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL; and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier and Isuzu Ascender vehicles. Fluid may enter the driver's door module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board. A short may cause the power door lock and power window switches to function intermittently or become inoperative. The short may also cause overheating, which could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke, or a fire.
Risk: A short in the circuit board could lead to a fire, increasing the risk of personal injury. A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
Fix: Owners will be contacted and dealers will test the driver's door module. If the module is functioning properly, a protective coating will be applied. If the module is not functioning properly, it will be replaced. These repairs will be done free of charge. GM will notify Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC owners, Isuzu and Saab will contact their respective owners. The recall began on August 2, 2013. Buick owners may contact the owner center at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet owners at 1-866-694-6546, GMC owners at 1-866-996-9463, Isuzu owners at 1-800-255-6727, and Saab owners at 1-800-955-9007. GM's campaign number is 12180. This recall is an expansion of recall 12V-406.

Components: Visibility › Power window devices and controls; Electrical system

VisibilityAug 16, 2012

Power window devices and controls

Recall 12V406000278,174 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, SAAB 9-7x, and Isuzu Ascender vehicles, originally sold or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Fluid may enter the driver's door module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board. A short may cause the power door lock and power window switches to function intermittently or become inoperative. The short may also cause overheating, which could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke, or a fire.
Risk: A short in the circuit board could lead to a fire, increasing the risk of personal injury. A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.
Fix: Parts for this recall are expected to available in March 2013. GM will notify Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC owners when parts are available. Buick owners may contact the owner center at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet owners at 1-866-694-6546, and GMC owners at 1-866-996-9463. Isuzu owners will be notified by Isuzu Motors when parts are available. Owners may contact Isuzu customer service at 1-800-255-6727. SAAB owners will be notified by SAAB Cars North America when parts are available and for inquiries, owners may call SAAB customer service at 1-800-955-9007.

Components: Visibility › Power window devices and controls; Electrical system

Air bagsOct 31, 2006

Frontal

Recall 06V417000794 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY BUILT WITH CLOTH SEATS THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM AND LATER REUPHOLSTERED WITH AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVER KITS ARE INVOLVED. TESTING HAS INDICATED THAT THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVERS CAN CAUSE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION.
Risk: IF THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, THE FRONT AIR BAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE MAY BE DISABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE ENABLED, OR ENABLED WHEN IT SHOULD BE DISABLED. IN EITHER CASE, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT REQUIRES AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, A FRONT PASSENGER'S LEVEL OF INJURY MAY BE INCREASED.
Fix: BECAUSE A REPLACEMENT LEATHER SEAT COVER THAT IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM IS NOT AVAILABLE, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) WILL REPURCHASE THESE VEHICLES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS STATED IN GM'S LETTER TO OWNERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 6, 2006. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT GM AT 1-877-477-1022 TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF REPURCHASING THEIR VEHICLE.

EquipmentDec 7, 2005

Other › Labels

Recall 05V55200032,068 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABELS LISTING AN INACCCURATE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.
Risk: A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER VEHICLE LOADING SPECIFICATIONS OR TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECTED LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. AT THE CUSTOMER'S OPTION, A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, OR ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.

SteeringOct 5, 2005

Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections

Recall 05V455000123,592 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A POWER STEERING HOSE THAT IS NOT TO SPECIFICATION. UNDER EXTREME STEERING MANEUVERS, SUCH AS TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL FULLY TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE BRAKING, THE HOSE MAY FRACTURE AND LEAK FLUID.
Risk: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, POWER STEERING ASSIST WOULD BE LOST AND INCREASED STEERING EFFORT WOULD BE REQUIRED. ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRO-BOOST POWER BRAKES, IT COULD ALSO RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER BRAKE ASSIST AND INCREASED BRAKING EFFORT WOULD BE REQUIRED. IF THE POWER STEERING FLUID SPRAY WERE TO SPRAY ONTO HOT ENGINE PARTS, AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE POWER STEERING HOSE(S) FOR TWO SUSPECT DATE CODES AND REPLACE THEM IF REQUIRED. THE RECALL WILL BEGIN ON OCTOBER 14, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727, OR HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	19.1%

2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

TrailBlazer 2WD

16mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.2 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

TrailBlazer 2WD

16mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 19 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.3 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

TrailBlazer 4WD

16mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

4.2 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

TrailBlazer 4WD

16mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.3 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,200/year to fuel

TrailBlazer 2WD

15mpg combined

City / highway	14 / 18 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

6 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $5,500/year to fuel

TrailBlazer AWD

14mpg combined

City / highway	13 / 16 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

6 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $5,850/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Fuel system, gasolineDelivery › Fuel pump; Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap	438	3	6	1	58,000 mi
Electrical systemWiring; Alternator/generator/regulator	252	2	38	5	89,440 mi
Fuel system, otherStorage › Fuel gauge system	113	0	0	0	55,000 mi
Exterior lightingHeadlights; Brake lights	113	0	4	0	110,500 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	76	2	2	5	80,000 mi
VisibilityPower window devices and controls; Glass, side/rear	54	0	8	1	95,326 mi
Visibility/wiper	52	0	6	0	103,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)	51	0	2	0	61,000 mi
Engine	43	0	5	0	120,000 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module	31	20	1	32	65,500 mi
StructureBody; Body › Hatchback/liftgate	26	3	4	1	63,000 mi
SteeringHydraulic power assist › Pump; Electric power assist system	26	2	0	2	90,000 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Power train
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle jerked and vibrated abnormally. In addition, the thermostat temperature gauge increased, and the vehicle stopped. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to drive or reverse. The vehicle was towed to the residence.
May 13, 2026
Structure › Frame and members
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while having a routine oil change by an independent mechanic, the contact was informed that the frame was rust on the vehicle was rusted. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 226,569.
Nov 5, 2025 · 226,569 miles
Electrical system
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V248000 (Electrical System, Visibility). The contact stated that on several occasions while the vehicle was running or while driving at various speeds, the passenger's window switch was depressed from the driver's side door panel, and there was a clicking sound coming from the front passengerâs side of the vehicle, and the window failed to roll up or roll down. Additionally, the contact stated that on several occasions, when the driver's side window switch was depressed, the window failed to roll up or roll down. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not…
Jun 15, 2024
Exterior lighting
The headlamps have quit working when driving at night but will come back on later. This has happened several times. I found GM recall number 14291 that is supposed to include 2006 Chevy Trailblazers and pertains to this problem. The local dealership told us that our vehicle has a vin number that is not covered. It would seem that all model 2006 Chevy Trailblazers would use the same HDM modules in them when they were built. Is ours covered?
Sep 7, 2023
Exterior lighting
Just need a recall sheet for shipping vehicle.
May 28, 2023
Electrical system
Car randomly locks automatically by itself while car is parked and running. I have been locked out on several occasions. Locks while keys are in the ignition or if there just sitting in cup holder or wherever.
Feb 10, 2023
Tires
P245/65 R17, we purchased 4 tires 1 1/2 yrs ago. 3 of those 4 have had massive blow outs almost causing accidents. No nails, but big blow outs.
Jan 10, 2023
Steering
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering and braking functionality. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic with power steering failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 05V455000 (Steering). The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
Aug 1, 2022 · 200,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

Loss of HeadlightsClosed
The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV. The original scope of this investigation was expanded to include all vehicles equipped with the subject Headlight Driver Module (HDM). The focus of the investigation was to determine whether actions performed by General Motors adequately addressed any unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety in the subject vehicles concerning the headlights and the HDM that controls them.Under normal electrical load and environmental conditions, the HDM can overheat inside the Underhood Electrical Center (UEC). This can cause…
RQ17002 · opened Apr 24, 2017 · closed Mar 29, 2021
Driver's Master Power Window SwitchClosedLed to recall 12V406000
On August 15, 2012 General Motors (GM) announced a regional recall action (12V-406) involving model year (MY) 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, Isuzu Ascender and MY2005-2007 SAAB 9-7x vehicles originally sold or currently registered in the salt belt states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. The recall remedy requires the inspection and repair or replacement of the master power window switch, which GM refers to as a driver door module (DDM). At the same time, GM implemented a special coverage program to replace failed DDMs for vehicles registered outside of these states. ODI was not satisfied with GM's exclusion of non-salt belt vehicles and continued…
EA12004 · opened Jun 11, 2012 · closed Jun 21, 2013
Driver's Master Power Window SwitchClosed
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on February 9, 2012 in response to complaints alleging driver door module melting and/or burning in MY 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazers. In response to ODI's Information Request letter, General Motors presented 167 reports and 698 warranty claims that related to the alleged problem. ODI has received a total of 83 complaints, 66 alleging the door module had melted or burned, and the remaining 17 stating that the window switches acted erratically or were inoperative. Twenty-eight of the reports received have led to driver door fires, some of which allege the vehicle was keyed off and unattended. Based on the agency's current analysis, ODI has upgraded its investigation to an Engineering Analysis (EA12-004) to determine whether the subject vehicles contain a defect that presents an unreasonable risk to safety.The vehicle…
PE12003 · opened Feb 9, 2012 · closed Jun 11, 2012
Fuel Level Gauge System FailureClosed
The Office of Defects Investigation has received 668 complaints alleging inaccurate fuel gauge reading while driving in model year 2005-07 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, and Saab 9-7x vehicles.Of the 668 complaints, 58 incidents were alleged to result in a vehicle stall.Of the 58 stalling incidents, 43 complaints reported stalling because the fuel level reading indicated more fuel availability than what is actually in the fuel tank. One complaint alleged a vehicle crash after the vehicle stalled while exiting the interstate, became disabled, and was struck from behind.Summarily, the complaints show an apparent increasing trend, with most complaints received within the past year.A Preliminary Evaluation has been opened to assess the scope, frequency and potential safety consequences associated with the alleged defect.
DP10001 · opened Jan 7, 2010 · closed May 23, 2011