2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 11%of 193 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 93,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the engine of the 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer, 11% of the 193 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 93,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11397464, filed 2021-02, 128,000 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,”
NHTSA complaint #10925060, filed 2016-11, 120,000 miles“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”
NHTSA complaint #11051403, filed 2017-11, 111,567 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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11124643, filed 2018-09, 143,339 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... …”
NHTSA complaint #10592414, filed 2014-05, 121,700 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11009531Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11007116Aug 6, 2024This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11007091Aug 5, 2024This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or…
- 11000119Apr 26, 2024This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10242298Aug 10, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10211658May 2, 2022This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
- 10199238May 3, 2021This service bulletin provides information on the cold start control system in DI engines to reduce cold start emissions and improve fuel economy.
- 10180695Aug 21, 2020This Technical bulletin provides a procedure to correct a condition of Active Fuel Management (AFM) Engine Valve Lifter Tick Noise at Start Up When Engine Has Been Off for 2…
- 10178949Jul 28, 2020This Bulletin provides guidelines for Dealers Not Required and for Dealers Required to Contact the PQC for engine or transmission assembly replacement and explains the PQC…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 42% |
| 2025 | 3 | 12% |
| 2024 | 9 | 25% |
| 2023 | 17 | 23% |
| 2022 | 17 | 15% |
| 2021 | 38 | 19% |
| 2009 | 2 | 7% |
| 2008 | 21 | 11% |
| 2007 | 22 | 3% |
| 2006 | 43 | 4% |
| 2005 | 30 | 2% |
| 2004 | 16 | 1% |
| 2003 | 15 | 2% |
| 2002 | 17 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer
65 complaintsAir bags
33 complaintsExterior lighting
17 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsEngine cooling
12 complaintsSeat belts
12 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsElectronic stability control
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology