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2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Trailblazer years

Owner complaints for the 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer are substantially higher than the model-year median of 87.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

169 reports with mileage · 24 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 65 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 33 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

10 crash reports11 fire reports8 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

65 reports
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115,600 miles · Jul 1, 2013
Electrical System

DRIVER DOOR LOST POWER NOT WORKING AT ALL, ALL OTHER FUNCTIONS (PASSENGER, REAR, AND TRUNK LOCKING FUNCTIONS WORK) THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS SAME FUNCTION FOR 2006-2007 BUT 2008 WAS NOT INCLUDE. THE CORROSION THAT COULD RESULT IN A SHORT IN THE CIRCUIT BOARD. A POWER SHORT IN DOOR LOCK AND POWER WINDOW SWITCHES TO FUNCTION INTE…

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DRIVER DOOR LOST POWER NOT WORKING AT ALL, ALL OTHER FUNCTIONS (PASSENGER, REAR, AND TRUNK LOCKING FUNCTIONS WORK) THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS SAME FUNCTION FOR 2006-2007 BUT 2008 WAS NOT INCLUDE. THE CORROSION THAT COULD RESULT IN A SHORT IN THE CIRCUIT BOARD. A POWER SHORT IN DOOR LOCK AND POWER WINDOW SWITCHES TO FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY OR BECOME INOPERATIVE. THE SHORT CAUSE OVERHEARING, WHICH COULD MELT COMPONENTS OF THE DOOR MODULE, PRODUCING ODOR, SMOKE, OR A FIRE. AFTER REVIEW WITH MY SERVICE PROVIDER THIS IS SAME PROBLEM WITH THE PASS RECALL. CHEVROLET RECALL DOES NOT GO FAR ENOUGH TO INCLUDE ALL MODEL YEAR'S AFTER 2007 WHICH ALSO BE CHECKED FOR OLDER PARTS PLACE IN NEWER MODELS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10522612

47,200 miles · Jun 20, 2013
Electrical SystemFire

ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION BOX POWER WIRING/RIBBON THAT IS UNDER LEFT REAR SEAT OVERHEATED AND CAUGHT PAPERS INSIDE CAR ON FIRE AND CAUGHT ENTIRE CAR ON FIRE FROM OVERHEATED COPPER RIBBON THAT FAILED TO TRIP CIRCUIT BREAKER TO STOP WIRING RIBBON OVERHEATING. THIS DEFECT IS COMMON AND WHEN THE MANUFACTURER CHANGED FROM WIRES …

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ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION BOX POWER WIRING/RIBBON THAT IS UNDER LEFT REAR SEAT OVERHEATED AND CAUGHT PAPERS INSIDE CAR ON FIRE AND CAUGHT ENTIRE CAR ON FIRE FROM OVERHEATED COPPER RIBBON THAT FAILED TO TRIP CIRCUIT BREAKER TO STOP WIRING RIBBON OVERHEATING. THIS DEFECT IS COMMON AND WHEN THE MANUFACTURER CHANGED FROM WIRES TO COPPER RIBBON FOIL IT CREATED A MEANS FOR WIRING/RIBBON OVERHEATING AND SOURCE OF FIRE TO BEGIN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10520805

80,000 miles · Mar 14, 2013
Electrical SystemStructure

ALL ELECTRICAL POWER WAS LOST ON DRIVERS DOOR. WINDOW REMAINS OPEN. SIDE MIRRORS,HEATED SEATS,DOOR LOCKS AND INTERIOR LIGHT IS NOT WORKING ON THIS DOOR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10502798

18,000 miles · Jan 11, 2013
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE BUT FAILED TO DO SO. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE ALTERNATOR WAS OVER CHARGING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSIST…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE BUT FAILED TO DO SO. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE ALTERNATOR WAS OVER CHARGING AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000.

NHTSA ODI #10492297

32,800 miles · Oct 16, 2012
Electrical SystemPower Train

I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE BACK IN SEPTEMBER 2009. EVER SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS COMING ON FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THIS HAPPENS WHEN ITS HOT AND COLD, DRY OR WET. JUST STARTING THE ENGINE MAKES THEN COME ON. I HAVE BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR 2 YEARS NOW FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND …

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I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE BACK IN SEPTEMBER 2009. EVER SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS COMING ON FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THIS HAPPENS WHEN ITS HOT AND COLD, DRY OR WET. JUST STARTING THE ENGINE MAKES THEN COME ON. I HAVE BEEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR 2 YEARS NOW FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND THEY TELL ME THAT THEY DON'T KNOW WHY IT IS HAPPENING AND CAN'T FIX IT. MY VEHICLE IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY AND WILL NEVER BE FIXED. ?*TR

NHTSA ODI #10480742

Mileage unknown · Sep 21, 2012
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

2008 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER FAILURE TO START AFTER A FAILURE IN ENGINE RUN DURING ENTRY TO HIGHWAY. *BF

NHTSA ODI #10477601

74,458 miles · Aug 21, 2012
Electrical SystemFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW WAS OPENED AND THE DOOR CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE CIRCUIT BOARD IN THE DOOR PANEL CAUSED THE FIRE. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDOW HAD ALSO BECOME I…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW WAS OPENED AND THE DOOR CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE CIRCUIT BOARD IN THE DOOR PANEL CAUSED THE FIRE. THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WINDOW HAD ALSO BECOME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 74,458. ..UPDATED 11/14/12 *BF UPDATED 11/19/2012 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10471686

120,000 miles · Jul 17, 2012
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT VARIOUS WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL UPON STARTING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT WAS NOT FUNCTIONING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY REPLACED A FUSE IN THE FUSE BOX. T…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT VARIOUS WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL UPON STARTING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT WAS NOT FUNCTIONING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY REPLACED A FUSE IN THE FUSE BOX. THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD CONTACT HER AT A LATER DATE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 131,000. UPDATED 10/11/12*LJ UPDATED 10/11/2012 *JS

NHTSA ODI #10466302

55,000 miles · Apr 15, 2012
Electrical System

ON STARTING VEHICLE ALL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. STOPPED ENGINE AND RESTARTED AND THIS TIME BATTERY LIGHT, ABS, SEAT BELT WARNING AND PARKING BRAKE LIGHT STAYED ON. WINDOWS WOULD NOT WORK ALONG WITH POWER LOCKS, RADIO, ONSTAR, AND LIGHTS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10455286

88,500 miles · Mar 19, 2012
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STABILITY AND TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT ALSO EXPERIENCED ENGINE FAILURES AS WELL AS THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT THAT WAS CAUSING A HESITATION IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DI…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STABILITY AND TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT ALSO EXPERIENCED ENGINE FAILURES AS WELL AS THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT THAT WAS CAUSING A HESITATION IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE AS WELL AS UPDATED THE VEHICLE SOFTWARE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 88,500. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10452163

Official recalls

0

No recalls in this snapshot.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

RQ17002 · Loss Of Headlights

Opened Apr 24, 2017 · Closed Mar 29, 2021

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting: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 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.