2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Trailblazer › 2009
These records cover every 2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
27 complaints5 involved a crash2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Unknown or other
My first complaint is that headlights, low beam, would not work. Only high beams worked. The issue stopped, unexplainable, on its own, has not occurred again. The 2nd complaint is the radio volume would 'slip' as if there were a loose wire to the speakers, and loss of sound became more frequent…
My first complaint is that headlights, low beam, would not work. Only high beams worked. The issue stopped, unexplainable, on its own, has not occurred again. The 2nd complaint is the radio volume would 'slip' as if there were a loose wire to the speakers, and loss of sound became more frequent and for longer periods of time, eventually all sound stopped, it has not been fixed, as of yet. 3rd complaint, a brand new battery, in under a year of use, went completely dead, without any visible explanation. When an attempt to jump start the vehicle the cables from another cars battery were touched at my cars battery, it sparked, indicating to the person performing the task, there is a 'short' somewhere in the wiring system. I drive this vehicle less than 3000 miles per year, and use it sporadically with my second vehicle to keep the batteries active. I cannot explain why these issues are occurring but thought it important to mention them to other possible victims with the same issues.
- Air bags
Traveling on highway applied brakes and hit car in rear. Air bags not deployed.
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet trailblazer. The contact stated that the headlights and daytime running lights failed to operate. The contact had to use the high beam headlights to drive. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 136,731.
- Engine
Cracked exhaust manifold
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Fuel/propulsion system · Vehicle speed control
The engine lights come on, then the car starts chugging and shuddering and sounds and feels as if it will shut down. I am not able to accelerate. this IS a serious safety risk in traffic, especially if driving on the interstate. the car will not move at anything over 20 mph, if it even…
The engine lights come on, then the car starts chugging and shuddering and sounds and feels as if it will shut down. I am not able to accelerate. this IS a serious safety risk in traffic, especially if driving on the interstate. the car will not move at anything over 20 mph, if it even accelerates at all. I usually end up coasting to the side of the road and shutting the engine down. I let it sit and turn it back on and it may or may not let me go again. *tr
- Exterior lighting
While driving the low beam headlights will go out. And not come back on you have to turn on high beams to have headlights stopped and pulled over turned off the vehicle turned it back on and low beams still did not come back on
- Exterior lighting
The low beam headlights keep going out. all other lights stay on and the high beam lights work. only the low beam headlights are affected. this has happened while in motion and from a stopped position when first starting the car and putting it in drive. I have researched it on several group we…
The low beam headlights keep going out. all other lights stay on and the high beam lights work. only the low beam headlights are affected. this has happened while in motion and from a stopped position when first starting the car and putting it in drive. I have researched it on several group we sights and found that the problem IS the headlight dimmer module (hdm). I have replaced this two times over the last two years which always fixes it for about a year then it starts failing again. this IS a very dangerous situation because it happens after dark. I can pull over and stop, open the hood and take off the fuse box cover and remove the hdm and put it back in the socket. sometimes this works and sometimes not. it IS a dangerous situation. there have been recalls on earlier trailblazers but not this year. it should be included.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owned a 2009 chevrolet trailblazer. While driving 70 mph, the contact's vehicle rear ended another vehicle. In turn, the contact's vehicle was struck by a semi-truck. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries to the head, knees, and arms…
TL* the contact owned a 2009 chevrolet trailblazer. While driving 70 mph, the contact's vehicle rear ended another vehicle. In turn, the contact's vehicle was struck by a semi-truck. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries to the head, knees, and arms, which required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the crash. The failure mileage was 135,000.
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Exterior lighting
The headlights have failed. All the lights blink while you ride along. The two back doors will not lock or unlock and the front doors are starting to not lock or unlock properly. The items that let you know when a tire IS low in air are failing. The last one costing over $100 to fix. I am getting…
The headlights have failed. All the lights blink while you ride along. The two back doors will not lock or unlock and the front doors are starting to not lock or unlock properly. The items that let you know when a tire IS low in air are failing. The last one costing over $100 to fix. I am getting very upset with the electric parts in this trailblazer. This has been going on since purchase. As a photo I can send you a photo of the vehicle.
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet trailblazer. While driving 65 mph, the headlamps failed to illuminate. The contact had to activate the high beam lights in order to continue driving. The contact learned that she needed to replace the fuse. The vehicle was repaired, but the new fuse only lasted six months. The vehicle will be diagnosed again per the manufacturer. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
TL* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet trailblazer. The contact stated that the headlights failed. The contact replaced the headlights bulbs several times however the failure was not corrected. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the failure was unable to be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,374.
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet trailblazer. While driving approximately 40 mph, the low beam headlights suddenly shut off. The light bulbs were replaced, but the failure continued to occur. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,050.
- Exterior lighting
My wife was driving home from work at night and the headlights went off and did not come back on by the time she got home (approx. 15 min.). she was on a busy city street which also involves some sharp turns as the drive progresses toward home.
- Electrical system
The first incident happened as I was in line behind a car at a stop sign, the vehicle just cut off and smoke started coming from the steering wheel. I tried to start it up again but it wouldn't start and was stuck in drive. It was towed and identified as the ignition switch burned. This was back in…
The first incident happened as I was in line behind a car at a stop sign, the vehicle just cut off and smoke started coming from the steering wheel. I tried to start it up again but it wouldn't start and was stuck in drive. It was towed and identified as the ignition switch burned. This was back in 2011. Since then, I have had the same problem and replaced the ignition switch four times. The vehicle just stalls and cuts out whenever wherever which IS dangerous. I just replaced this ignition switch last year as the vehicle cut off in the loading zone of my job and would not start resulting in it having to be towed. It's 2015 and the same issue IS happening again so this has to be a recall or defect on this particular vehicle if not others.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Service brakes
When I hit a bump, speed bump, water, rain, anything of the like, I get the stability control light and ABS light, yesterday 9/13/79 I recieved the 4wheel drive maintence needed as well when I had the trailblazer in auto 4WD, this isn't the first occurance and I believe this IS going to end up…
When I hit a bump, speed bump, water, rain, anything of the like, I get the stability control light and ABS light, yesterday 9/13/79 I recieved the 4wheel drive maintence needed as well when I had the trailblazer in auto 4WD, this isn't the first occurance and I believe this IS going to end up being a danger to people especially those in the northeast, as a former firefighter I have seen what these failures can do not only to the car but to the people as well, for this I believe there should be a recall, so as to repair these issues. And make the chevy brand reputable again.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owned a 2009 chevrolet trailblazer. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle gently crashed into a curb. The air bags on the passenger side deployed shortly after the minor collision. The vehicle was destroyed. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Electrical system · Engine
As I was driving in my yard I happened to bump the ignition key and the motor cut out and died. This caused me to not be able to turn and avoid bumping a post causing some body damage, but I was able to avoid hitting my friend in the yard because he had moved from by the post a minute earlier. I…
As I was driving in my yard I happened to bump the ignition key and the motor cut out and died. This caused me to not be able to turn and avoid bumping a post causing some body damage, but I was able to avoid hitting my friend in the yard because he had moved from by the post a minute earlier. I have had one more time with this problem, but not had a problem since, but I am now experiencing an occasional rough running engine. could this ignition switch on this year vehicle need to be recalled also?
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
While driving at 30 mph, low beam headlights went out. High beams functioned and fog lamps functioned. drove app. 5 miles and pulled off road and turned the car off. Turned the car on and the lights still did not function. Left the car for 2 hours and returned. Started the car and lights went on for 1 mile and then went off again. the lights went on again the following day for less than a mile of driving. *tr
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
TL* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet trailblazer. While driving approximately 15 mph, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000. mailed out 01/13/15*lj
- Exterior lighting
I just saw the recall gm IS doing for the 2006~2007 chevrolet trailblazer. I noticed that other years are not affected specifically mine. my 2009 trailblazer currently has this issues, both low beam head lamps do not work. I have tried everything to get them to work. I have had no luck. please…
I just saw the recall gm IS doing for the 2006~2007 chevrolet trailblazer. I noticed that other years are not affected specifically mine. my 2009 trailblazer currently has this issues, both low beam head lamps do not work. I have tried everything to get them to work. I have had no luck. please investigate this issue further. we have to drive with our high beam lights which could possibly cause an accident. thank you *js
- Exterior lighting
Traveling between 50 to 55 mph. Headlights started to dim and flicker. On 10/29/2014, was traveling home from work at night and the headlamps went out without warning. Traveled with hazards on for approximately five miles before headlamps came back on. Not sure what the issue may be. *tr
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
TL* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet trailblazer. While driving various speeds, the low beam headlights stopped operating sporadically. The dealer was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
- Electrical system
Was on expressway traveling about 65mph. vehicle started to shut off while driving, felt as if it was out of gas, but tank was over 3/4 full. managed to get to shoulder of road, sat there a minute or so vehicle recranked. I drove home. took vehicle to mechanic that evening, he tested it the next day and said ignition switch was defective. he replaced switch, vehicle seems fine. *tr
- Seat belts
After reading of the new gm recall involving seat belt wear, I inspected mine and the front drivers belt IS fraying along the edge quite noticeably. *tr
- Air bags
I was driving 2009 chevy trail blazer and was t-boned by a speeding bus on my side, I had my wife and 2 girls with me, all were wearing seat belt and one of my girls was in her car seat also. The vehicle was totaled, all airbags failed to deploy in the vehicle. I suffered major injuries and I was…
I was driving 2009 chevy trail blazer and was t-boned by a speeding bus on my side, I had my wife and 2 girls with me, all were wearing seat belt and one of my girls was in her car seat also. The vehicle was totaled, all airbags failed to deploy in the vehicle. I suffered major injuries and I was out from monday through saturday. 3 months later I had an open brain surgery and still under doctors' care. the accident took place in jordan, I was charged with the accident because the report by the police was based on who you know!!!!!! my wife and 2 girls are doing fine except for the psychological affects from that moment. This has changed my life completely. I tried to contact couple of lawyers in the states because I am deployed in kuwait but not having any luck of finding any one interested in the case because of the location of the accident. I would love to be able to find a lawyer that IS interested in this case. *tr
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.
- 11006278This service bulletin describes the U.S. Dealer Special Tool Loan Program process.
- 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.
- 10250244This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel which may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 10250100Special Coverage Adjustment ? Throttle Position Sensor Replacement
Every Chevrolet Trailblazer model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.