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2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 189 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext, most often about the fuel system (68% of complaints, typically around 54,000 miles). It is the 3rd most complained-about Trailblazer Ext model year since 2000 and has 6 recalls.
Most common 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext problems
Fuel system
129 complaints · 68%Half of these problems showed up before 54,000 miles. Parts named most often: storage, delivery.
At around 53,000 mi I filled my gas tank and when I started the trailblazer up the fuel gauge read empty and the low fuel light was on. After about 20 miles the gauge started to register, but would intermittently drop to empty. This happens every time I fill up. Now the check engine light comes on and shuts off…
Fuel level sensor indicates tank is empty at all time. This fault could result in the auto running out of fuel, stall, or be rear ended by another vehicle. Results of such an event could result in mugging, rape or death.
Electrical
41 complaints · 22%Half of these problems showed up before 71,000 miles. Parts named most often: instrument cluster/panel, wiring.
As of today, my reduced engine power light came on and there appears to be an issue with the electronic throttle control system. When I turned the car off, and then restarted it, the problem went away, but then a few minutes later, came on again, and the car would not accelerate. This is a major safety concern as the…
3 weeks ago, per the fuel guage had 1/4 tank, no 'low fuel' light indicator. However, my vehicle ran out of gas, leaving me to coast to the side of the road on a corner. I was stranded. I have not let the tank get that low since, out of fear the guage was not reading it properly. Last night, I filled the vehicle.…
Lights
11 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 94,000 miles.
My fuel gauge on my 2006 chevy trailblazer slowly stopped to where it is no longer working at all. Also, suddenly today, both of my dim (low beam) head lights stopped working after having the battery replaced. Have checked fuses and they are ok. I have seen many complaints for both of these issues.
The headlights are not working properly. Sometimes the headlights work but other times they turn off. The high beams and marker lights are not affected. This also applies to the daytime running lamps and occurs in motion or at a stop.
Body and structure
9 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 70,000 miles. Parts named most often: body.
My 2006 chevy Trailblazer Ext is junk! We purchased it used in 06 it had around 20,000 miles it now has 75,000 the front doors make loud popping noises when opened and shut. They are coming loose from the frame.
Tl contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH in the rain the rear of the vehicle started shaking and the rain guard trim kit on the tailgate broke and was hanging from the vehicle. The contact pulled over and removed the trim kit since it could have fallen off of the…
Visibility and wipers
8 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 50,000 miles. Parts named most often: power window devices and controls, windshield, rear window wiper/washer.
My 2006 chevy Trailblazer Ext is junk! We purchased it used in november of 06 it had around 20,000 miles it now has 70,000 the front doors make loud popping noises when opened and shut check engine light stays on have had it serviced twice wont go away had master cylinder replaced its now making a horrible whining…
No control of windshield wiper. Wipers start and stop on their own. On/off switch has no control once the wipers start. This situation will wear out blades, leaving the driver without wiper when needed.
Transmission
6 complaints · 3%Half of these problems showed up before 88,000 miles. Parts named most often: transfer case (4-wheel drive), automatic transmission.
Upon turning the four-wheel drive engaged unknown to me at the time because the selector switch did not indicate this.the truck became difficult if not impossible to turn at low speeds as this vehicle does not have a limited slip differential in the four wheel drive mode. While turning the tires on the outside of the…
4WD quit working and was told by the dealership today I needed to replace the transfer case for over $2,000. Already reported the fuel sensor quit working. Told by a phone rep for NHTSA it could take at least a year to investigate and was given a phone number for the ftc. My car has under 44,000 and when the transfer…
Engine
6 complaints · 3%Half of these problems showed up before 50,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, cooling system.
The air conditioning on my 2006 chevy Trailblazer Ext stopped working. The problem was the blower motor resistor module and resistor module connector. The parts had melted together, causing the wires to become loose at the connection. Apparently this is a common problem with my chevy model. There are many online…
Engine started knocking. Oil level was full. Towed to dealer. Dealer advised the main engine bearings went out. Dealer acknowledged no abuse or neglect. Gm will not replace motor. (2006 trailblazer).
Wheels and tires
4 complaints · 2%Parts named most often: tread/belt.
Tl contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext. The vehicle has continental contitrac tr owl tires (lt275/70r18 125/1225). While driving 55 MPH, the contact heard a loud roaring noise and felt the vehicle pull to the right. He noticed that the tread on the passenger side front tire had separated. The dealer was…
May 30, 2007-left front tire went flat, hole on inner side right below tread-could not be fixed-bought new tire june 16, 2007-right front tire blew out on highway and shredded apart, heavy smoke-bought new tire july 5, 2007-right front tire-hole blow tread on inside--cannot be fixed.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext recalls
Visibility and wipers: power window devices and controls
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Lights: headlights
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Visibility and wipers: power window devices and controls
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Visibility and wipers: power window devices and controls
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 campai
Full defect summary
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.
Equipment: labels
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Steering: hose, piping, and connections
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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Loss of headlights
Summary
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 vehicle
Driver's master power window switch
Summary
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 ti
Driver's master power window switch
Summary
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 a
Fuel level gauge system failure
Summary
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
Questions about the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: fuel system (129 complaints, typically around 54,000 miles); electrical (41 complaints, typically around 71,000 miles); lights (11 complaints, typically around 94,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext have?
- 6 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from September 24, 2015 (visibility and wipers). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2006 a bad year for the Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext?
- It is the 3rd most complained-about Trailblazer Ext model year since 2000, with 189 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.