2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Trailblazer › 2008
These records cover every 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
193 complaints10 involved a crash11 involved a fire9 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Seat belts
Both side curtain airbags deployed while driving down the street. The driver's seatbelt tightened then locked up. There was no obvious reason for the airbags to deploy. the vehicle was taken to a Chevy dealer to see if it was on recall list but they said it was not. Vehicle was referred to a body…
Both side curtain airbags deployed while driving down the street. The driver's seatbelt tightened then locked up. There was no obvious reason for the airbags to deploy. the vehicle was taken to a Chevy dealer to see if it was on recall list but they said it was not. Vehicle was referred to a body shop for estimate for repairs...$6,435.00....if you can find the parts. driver was shaken up by the deployment but not injured.
- Structure › Body · Unknown or other
Frame rotting out - has rot holes - unsafe - remainder of truck IS good but without a solid structure this truck IS unsafe and useless. Many trailblazer frames do not last and rot out from what I've been researching. Bad product gm.
- Engine
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…
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?
- Electrical system
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while parked in her driveway, the passenger side door caught fire without warning. The fire occurred overnight and in the morning, the contact and her boyfriend discovered both her passenger side door and front passenger seat…
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while parked in her driveway, the passenger side door caught fire without warning. The fire occurred overnight and in the morning, the contact and her boyfriend discovered both her passenger side door and front passenger seat melted. The contact believed that the fire smoldered overnight and eventually burned out on its own. The fire department was not notified and a fire report was not filed. The contact called the dealer and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact's boyfriend discovered that the wiring inside the door had melted which may have caused the fire. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be serviced or diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 206,000
- Electrical system · Unknown or other
I was just sitting in a drive thru and my passenger side window just started smoking and now it will not go down.
- Exterior lighting
While driving home at approximately 9:30pm, my eighteen year old daughter experienced the headlights failing to come on after dark with the automatic headlight-on feature. She turned on the headlights manually, and the low beams still were not working, but all driving lights and high beam…
While driving home at approximately 9:30pm, my eighteen year old daughter experienced the headlights failing to come on after dark with the automatic headlight-on feature. She turned on the headlights manually, and the low beams still were not working, but all driving lights and high beam headlights were working. I assumed that the bulbs were burned out, so replaced both the driver and passenger side bulbs. The low beam headlights still failed to come on either automatically or manually. I Googled the problem, and multiple people have reported this exact same problem, and some stated that there was a recall due to this problem. I am unable to find either a recall or a service bulletin for this issue.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Vehicle speed control
The check engine light came on, my gas tank needle went down to empty on a full tank of gas and will not come back up, and it stalls. While I was driving.
- Engine
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…
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.
- Steering
The power steering lines blow
- Air bags · Power train · Seat belts
Yes I was driving on the 65 miles an hour in the passenger lane are carpool lane all the sudden for no reason both curtain airbags just deployed I had my head right next to knock me out cold I didn't proceed over and hit the wall 21 times just skip down in when I came to I thought I was I thought…
Yes I was driving on the 65 miles an hour in the passenger lane are carpool lane all the sudden for no reason both curtain airbags just deployed I had my head right next to knock me out cold I didn't proceed over and hit the wall 21 times just skip down in when I came to I thought I was I thought it and other vehicles likely that was not the case did cause some testa injury hurt might pull my car allegedly for my ribcage in got my neck in my head I see this IS happened many times the 2008 but yet they keep saying there's no problem that even though it's a 2% lean and exposed the 16 for the role over to kick in that escape screwing everybody yeah the vehicles on the highway going straight no turns no bombs nothing just deployed I have video pictures of the wall it screwed up my rams and of course the 4 wheel drive messed up and show the back axle in the pumpkin so now thats whining so I know it's gonna fail soon power steering linkin truck never lead to drop another with silent at the great V6 in it now the front end steering all screwed up and I can see that it's happened many many times before
- Exterior lighting
Dim headlights quit working while driving at night. Bright lights worked, but no dims.
- Vehicle speed control
There's a problem after braking which causes a few second delay when accelerating from a slow speed, supposedly part of the stabilitrak/abs system caused by a faulty sensor. I have almost had a couple of accidents because of this when waiting to turn in a left turn lane.
- Electrical system
Rear hatch license plate lamps blowing out, flickering also hatch lock clicks repeatedly, without touching electric lock buttons. When opening the hatch the license lights go on/off on/off. The hatch lock clicks repeatedly. The hatch wire harness covered with a 'rubber boot/sleeve', when moved…
Rear hatch license plate lamps blowing out, flickering also hatch lock clicks repeatedly, without touching electric lock buttons. When opening the hatch the license lights go on/off on/off. The hatch lock clicks repeatedly. The hatch wire harness covered with a 'rubber boot/sleeve', when moved causes lock clicking and plate lights flickering. the hatch lock intermittently locks but will not unlock. Vehicle usually parked. Obviously unable to see license lamps when in motion.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Vehicle speed control
My 2008 trailblazer powers down and traction control light comes on acceleration I feel this IS dangerous to cars behind me
- Air bags · Seat belts
TL* the contact owned a 2008 chevrolet trailblazer. The contact stated that he crashed and rear ended into another vehicle stopped at a stop light at 53 mph. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy as well as the seat belt pretensioner failed to engage. The contact sustained a severe…
TL* the contact owned a 2008 chevrolet trailblazer. The contact stated that he crashed and rear ended into another vehicle stopped at a stop light at 53 mph. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy as well as the seat belt pretensioner failed to engage. The contact sustained a severe concussion & almost bit his tongue off with his head smashing into the windshield. He also sustained cuts and bruises on his lower body and legs and a bruised neck. There was a passenger in the other vehicle that had to be transported to the hospital with injuries as well. The vehicle was totaled with the whole front smashed in up to the windshield. The dealer and manufacturer had not been contacted yet. The failure mileage was 220,000. The vin was not available. *Ln*jb
- Air bags
Service air bag light IS on. the code IS: b0026 drivers side front deploy.
- Structure › Body
I went to close my hatchback on my 2008 trailblazer yester and after closing the door a few seconds later the glass exploded. some on the inside of the car and some on the outside. the truck was parked. I now have a cut on my finger that may need stitches. I hear this IS a very common problem with these trucks.
- Electronic stability control (esc)
While turning left at low speeds stabilitrak activates shutting power off to the wheels once you release gas petal for 5-10 seconds stabilitrak will return to normal and allow power back to wheels. This IS a serious safety issue because if you pull out on the highway or any street and you loose power, you could get hit
- Air bags · Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Low beams stopped working, took it to the dealer who replaced both bulbs and it worked for a couple weeks now low beams randomly shut off while driving, especially at night. Airbag sensor keeps turning on and off and the horn stopped working. The airbag sensor seems to come on more on longer trips around the city with more turns.
- Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet trailblazer. When the contact attempted to fasten the front driver's side seat belt, he noticed that the belt was deteriorating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the seat belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired.…
TL* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet trailblazer. When the contact attempted to fasten the front driver's side seat belt, he noticed that the belt was deteriorating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the seat belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000.
- Electrical system
Can turn over but doesnt start have to keep playing with key untill it starts and will once in awhile just lose power while driving sometimes can put in neutral and will start back up but sometimes have to pull over to wait and restart cant drive on free way afraid it will die out in traffic
- Exterior lighting
Low beam headlights go off intermittently while driving. Unable to get them to come back on manually. Comes on and off as it pleases. Have already replaced the headlight relay to no avail.
- Exterior lighting
I was driving in the evening and both of my headlights cut off and won't come back on.
- Exterior lighting
I was driving my car at night and the headlights just went off. no white lights only the amber lights were on, the next day when I turned the car on the lights were working. this has happened 3 times. I am afraid to drive the car after dark.
- Air bags · Seat belts · Unknown or other
I was driving down the road and it was raining pretty hard. I hit a pothole that was not visible and my airbags, only on the sides, deployed.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Loss of Headlights
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…
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 the module to fail and result in a simultaneous loss of both low beam headlights and both daytime running lights (DRLs), often with no warning or prior detectability to the driver. This failure can be intermittent or permanent. No other exterior lights are affected. High beams, turn signals, brake lights, and reverse lights are still operational.General Motors addressed this issue with 2 recalls (14V755 & 15V519) and a special coverage program (N172091910). In view of the recalls and special coverage program implemented by GM and the vehicle high beams continuing to operate, ODI has tentatively concluded that the actions taken by GM mitigate any unreasonable risk to safety posed by HDM failure in the subject vehicles.Accordingly, the investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at NHTSA.gov under the identification numbers in the attached document.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011782This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 11009531This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009156This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 11009088This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11007936This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007935This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11007196This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
- 11007116This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11007095This bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles and the TOP TIER FUELS website URL.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006682This service bulletin provides information on a guide to help reduce repeat visits for the same customer concern.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11004761This 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 misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004727This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 11001325This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information to cover GMs policy on performing GM covered vehicle services and maintenance on vehicles originating/sold in Canada.
- 11001321This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 11000162The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
- 11000160This service bulletin provides information on proper use of floor mats.
- 11000158This service bulletin includes information on Interior Cleaning - Instrument Panel (IP), Hard or Plastic Surfaces, Seats, Carpet, Leather, Vinyl, Fabric Cleaner, Stain Remover, Restorer - Product Availability.
- 11000119This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10253770This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Tire Radial Force Variation (RFV).
- 10253632Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical 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 misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10251888This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10250505This service bulletin provides information on the cold start control system in DI engines to reduce cold start emissions and improve fuel economy.
- 10250347This Warranty Admin service 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 process, GWM Transaction submission, vehicle service record retention and proper handling of assembly returns for Canadian Dealers only.
- 10250100Special Coverage Adjustment ? Throttle Position Sensor Replacement
- 10250013High Voltage Safety ? High Voltage Disabling
- 10249980This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. Technician will need to use Pico Oscilloscope Diagnostic Kit to effectively diagnosis vehicles. Technician should drive the vehicle will using the Pico Oscilloscope to record data. After the data is recorded it should be reviewed to determine the root cause of the concern. If a repair attempt made the concern better but not eliminated or had no affect at all, and are requesting assistance from General Motors Technical Assistance Center record another Pico file and save it to the computer. After the new Pico Oscilloscope data has been saved email the data to General Motors Technical Assistance Center in the subject line include ?Vibration? ?Business Associate Code? and the last 8 of the Vehicle Identification Number.
Every Chevrolet Trailblazer model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.