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Chevrolet TrailblazerModel year report

2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer Problems

Complaints
1,108filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
68,000miles, 929 complaints with mileage
Recalls
8campaigns on record
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
16 mpgcombined, 4.2L 6-cyl RWD · 14 city / 20 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer most often report a fuel gauge that reads empty or fluctuates after refueling, usually traced to the in-tank fuel level sensor; complaints describe the repair costing several hundred dollars at a dealer. Other repeated themes are power window and door lock problems traced to the driver's door switch module, and headlamps or daytime running lights that cut out. Many of the sampled complaints were filed between roughly 30,000 and 100,000 miles.

  1. Fuel system

    Fuel gauge reads empty or fluctuates after refueling

    • 509 complaints (46%)
    • median 58,000 mi at 5.0 yrs old (447 state mileage)
    • 9 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • owner-quoted repair $800 (median of 92 quotes)
    • filed 2007–2026

    Owners describe the fuel gauge dropping to empty or swinging between full and empty right after filling the tank, often with the low-fuel warning and sometimes the check engine light. Complaints say dealers or independent shops diagnosed the in-tank fuel level sensor or sending unit and quoted repairs in the several-hundred-dollar range because the tank has to be dropped. Several owners report running out of fuel despite the gauge showing fuel, and some describe replacing the sensor more than once. Reported from roughly 30,000 to 110,000 miles in the sample, with many cases between about 40,000 and 70,000 miles.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: Fill the tank and watch whether the gauge climbs to full and stays there; ask whether the fuel level sensor or pump module has been replaced and keep a fuel log if the gauge is erratic.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I own a 2006 chevy Trailblazer ls and the fuel gauge was working as advertised one day then the next day the gauge began to fluxuate, eventually to stop working all together. I have tried several fuel cleaners with no results. Have done tons of research and have found hundreds if not thousands of complaints of the same issue on several GM vehicles. …”

    NHTSA complaint #10297968, filed 2010-01, 49,000 miles

    “I have a 2006 chevy Trailblazer, with about 57,000 miles. The gas sensor is malfunctioning, as after I fill up with gas, the gauge with go from empty, to full, to empty, etc. After some research, I find out I am one of many with this same problem, and feel this should be part of a recall to fix this problem. Cost to fix this problem is estimated at $800 or more.”

    NHTSA complaint #10355678, filed 2010-09, 57,000 miles
  2. Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)

    Power windows and door locks quit or act on their own

    • 111 complaints (10%)
    • median 93,600 mi at 6.8 yrs old (87 state mileage)
    • 26 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • owner-quoted repair $470 (median of 8 quotes)
    • filed 2007–2024

    Complaints describe windows that stop working, mirrors and windows that move independently, and door locks that fail, often after the driver's door switch panel showed a burning smell or a melted circuit board. Owners say the dealer or an independent shop replaced the driver's door master switch module or window switch panel, and some paid several hundred dollars. Several owners mention a recall notice that did not cover their particular vehicle. Mostly reported between about 60,000 and 100,000 miles, and after the vehicle had been sitting or in wet conditions.

    Recall 15V599000Recall 14V404000Recall 13V248000Recall 12V406000

    What to check: Operate every window and lock from the driver's door and each door, and ask whether the master window switch module has been replaced; a burnt smell at the switch panel is a reason to look closer.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Left blazer at airport for a week, while we took a vacation. Got back from vacation, the locks didn't work. After using the key to get into the vehicle, could smell something burnt. Driver side power window didn't work for any windows / locks. Went to repair shop, and the driver power window panel had to be replaced. I received a notice for a safety recall in oct. 2012. The invoice #130355 from ron sick's for repair was $440.09.”

    NHTSA complaint #10493251, filed 2013-01, 85,460 miles

    “Driver side window switch had a burning smell and the functions of the window, driver side mirror and automatic door do not work. Upon inspecting the switch it was noticed the bottom of the circuit board had melted on the left side portion.”

    NHTSA complaint #10460141, filed 2012-05, 61,250 miles
  3. Electrical system

    Stalls or loses power and power steering while driving

    Mentioned in 5 of 60 sampled complaints

    Owners describe the engine shutting off or the vehicle losing acceleration and power steering while moving, sometimes with the electrical system dropping out; restarting after cycling the ignition restores function in some reports. Complaints mention independent diagnosis of steering or electrical faults and, in some cases, suspicions about the ignition switch, with no dealer repair reported. Reported from roughly 133,000 miles upward, typically at driving speeds rather than at startup.

    2 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask whether the vehicle has ever cut out while driving and whether battery, alternator or ignition switch work has been done; check that all warning lights behave normally on a test drive.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I was driving approximately 40 MPH and all of a sudden I lost power in the vehicle. I had no acceleration, I lose power steering. Vehicle was still powered on but I could not pick up speed or steer vehicle. I had to pull over to the shoulder and cut off ignition then restart vehicle. Once restarted I had full functionality again. This has happened 4 times in the last 30 days. Vehicle has also started stalling when attempt to start up.”

    NHTSA complaint #10652847, filed 2014-11, 163,863 miles

    “Whether the car is turned on, or off with or without key in the ignition, it has a small speaker or tweeter that steadily stays making a faint buzz. The center console is very loose, and if you press or knock up against the right side or the back side, it becomes louder and/or quieter. Then while in auto (2wd-4wd^or4wdl) and driving, the transmissions feels to not switch geer at the right time, or from drive to reverse and back to drive it jolts forward or back really hard.”

    NHTSA complaint #11317627, filed 2020-03, 185,010 miles
  4. Transmission and drivetrain

    Power steering hose leaks and loss of assist

    Mentioned in 4 of 60 sampled complaints

    Complaints describe difficulty turning the steering wheel or a sudden loss of power steering assist, with a shop diagnosing a leaking or failed power steering hose or line. Some owners point to the power steering hose recall and note their vehicle identification was not covered, and one report describes a steering failure while driving and another a repeat hose failure. Reported from about 45,000 to 200,000 miles in the sample, with failures occurring during ordinary driving.

    Recall 05V455000

    What to check: Check the power steering fluid level and look for fluid at the hoses and fittings under the front of the vehicle, and ask whether the power steering hose recall was performed on this vehicle.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I am currently experiencing for the second time a power steering hose issue and after researching, I see that there was a recall for 2006 chevy trailblazers with this issue, however my VIN number is not listed. Will my vehicle be able to be covered under this recall too?”

    NHTSA complaint #10592903, filed 2014-05, 60,000 miles

    “Parts been acting up on me. Been having numerous problems with hydraulic hose on steering, windows/locks electrical and been constantly replacing wheels and hub bearings.”

    NHTSA complaint #11337500, filed 2020-07, 190,000 miles

Buying note. A 2006 Trailblazer with a working fuel gauge and functioning windows and locks is the main thing to confirm before purchase, since those repairs recur in owner reports and can be costly; also check headlamp operation and power steering for leaks, and ask for any recall or service paperwork.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 1,108 consumer complaints for the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer. 929 of the complaints include a mileage, and 27% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 68,000 miles. Of all complaints, 29 involved a crash, 59 a fire, 40 an injury, 14 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns and 788 technical service bulletins for this model year.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Engine cooling (24), Electronic stability control (23), Other or unknown (23), Vehicle speed control (17), Suspension (12), Latches, locks and linkages (11), Equipment (9), Seat belts (6), Seats (5), Tires (5), Wheels (2).

Example complaints

Fuel system: “I filled up my tank yesterday. One hour later, started the car and the fuel guage read zero, with low fuel indicator on. Now it's intermittent, never going above 3/4 full. I have printed out the NHTSA's investigations number dp 10-001and pe 11-014. I have heard that GM is willing to fix the problem for 1/2 price. What is 1/2 price? 1/2 of what? What do I need to do next?”

NHTSA complaint #10775975, filed 2015-09, 75,000 miles

Electrical system: “When turn the car off and remove the key from the ignition, there are two speakers that continue to make static noise, whether I have opened the door or not. If I bump or hit the center console it will make the speakers louder or turn off. The check engine light is on for multiple codes, and I have worn out shocks. The shocks should make me feel as if I am gliding, bur I feel and jerk to every bump.”

NHTSA complaint #11317442, filed 2020-03, 185,000 miles

Exterior lighting: “Headlights went out driving them came back on then off again. Went to the dealer for known recall 14291 and said my specific Trailblazer is not listed for the recall. This is very dangerous as I was driving in the dark for many miles. I should be reimbursed for any fixes as GM knows there is a problem not sure why it's only to specific trailblazers and not all from 2006-2007”

NHTSA complaint #11123152, filed 2018-08, 153,000 miles

Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “Wipers and washer fluid would start operating on their own could not make them stop on two separate occasions washer fluid only would spray without wipers working this impaired my visibility of the road and surrounding traffic fortunately I was able to get off the road and stop the vehicle on both occasions until it stopped spraying.”

NHTSA complaint #10980564, filed 2017-04, 118,950 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

27% of the 929 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 48,000 and 98,000 miles.

2%0–102%10–2522%25–5029%50–7521%75–10018%100–1506%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (929 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 68,000 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

’08’11259’14’17’20’23’26
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Trailblazer · sedan RWD/4WDnot rated3 / 4——4 · 19.1% risk

Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
TrailBlazer 2WD4.2L 6-cyl4-speed automatic142016$4,200
TrailBlazer 2WD5.3L 8-cyl4-speed automatic141916$4,200
TrailBlazer 2WD6.0L 8-cyl4-speed automatic141815$5,500
TrailBlazer 4WD4.2L 6-cyl4-speed automatic142016$4,200
TrailBlazer 4WD5.3L 8-cyl4-speed automatic142016$4,200
TrailBlazer AWD6.0L 8-cyl4-speed automatic131614$5,850

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

See all 8 recalls for the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

NHTSA investigations

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 788 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 788 bulletins →

Other model years of the Chevrolet Trailblazer

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
20261212,0001531—Too new
20252618,7501531Too new to compareToo new
20243610,0001531Too new to compareToo new
20237542,481053150 · TypicalToo new
202211237,750153169 · MoreRising
202119820,00044–531100 · MoreRising
20092783,0000—160 · FewerStable
200819373,0000—1649 · TypicalFalling
200773271,1005—16Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20061,10868,0008—16Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20051,46670,0002—15Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20041,08167,0752—16Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200390175,0008—16Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20021,14965,00012—16Not compared (before 2008)Falling
20012076,5310———Stable
20002670,5000——Not compared (before 2008)Stable

All Chevrolet Trailblazer model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer?

Owners of the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer most often report a fuel gauge that reads empty or fluctuates after refueling, usually traced to the in-tank fuel level sensor; complaints describe the repair costing several hundred dollars at a dealer. The issues reported most often: Fuel gauge reads empty or fluctuates after refueling; Power windows and door locks quit or act on their own; Stalls or loses power and power steering while driving.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer have?

NHTSA recorded 1,108 consumer complaints for the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer is reported most often?

Fuel system is named most often, in 607 complaints (55% of the total), followed by electrical system with 251.

Has the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer been recalled?

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer get?

The EPA rates the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer (TrailBlazer 2WD, 4.2L 6-cyl) at 16 mpg combined, 14 city and 20 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer reported?

Among the 929 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 68,000 miles and the middle half falls between 48,000 and 98,000 miles; 27% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.