What's Wrong with the 1st Generation (2002–2009) Trailblazer?

Trailblazer owners have made 2,158 complaints about the 2002–2009 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 71st out of 80 Chevrolet generations in overall reliability, with real interior and engine concerns.

Compare With Other Trailblazer Generations

Common 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer Problems

Some of the worst issues 1st generation Trailblazer owners have to deal with.

  1. Sudden Low Beam Headlight Failure

    The 1st generation TrailBlazer's low beam headlights can suddenly shut off even though the lights themselves are perfectly fine. The issue is a a defective headlamp driver module which is responsible for distributing power to the lights.

    Continue reading article "Sudden Low Beam Headlight Failure" An open fuse block with the bad module circled in red

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

1st Generation (2002–2009) Trailblazer Key Numbers

  1. 8 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 2,158 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 71st in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 80 eligible generations.

What Trailblazer Owners Say About This Generation

A Melting Module Will Cause Chevy's Low Beam Headlights to Stop Working

I was driving home from a wedding on the interstate at 55 mph, and my headlamps failed. Everything went completely dark. After a panic, I was able to turn on my high beams, and they worked properly. I turned the car off, waited a few minutes, and turned it back on. The low beam headlamps worked then. Since the first incident, I have had approximately 10-15 other incidents of the same occurrence.

Chevy TrailBlazer owner

A Melting Module Will Cause Chevy's Low Beam Headlights to Stop Working

I was positive that my vehicle was included in the recent recall, but when I called my local dealer, I was advised that my vin number was not included. I don't understand, since the issue on the recall is exactly the issue that I am dealing with. I have had to limit my use of the vehicle at night for fear that the headlamps will fail. Side note - they have failed at night twice in the last week alone.

Chevy TrailBlazer owner