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2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer: common problems and reliability
· 1st generationOne of the worst Trailblazer years.
One of the Chevrolet Trailblazer years to avoid. All Trailblazer years
2,660 owner complaints, most about fuel system. 8 recalls.
Should I buy a 2006 Trailblazer?The 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer has 2660 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 8 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are fuel system and gasoline. Owners most often flag fuel economy is poor, commonly reported around 15-21 mpg.
Safety record for the 2006 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Trailblazer years only. How we score it
Is 2006 a good year for the Trailblazer?
Across the 16 Trailblazer model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2014) to 3,437 (2005). With 2,660 complaints, the 2006 Trailblazer sits above the model's median of 193.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2006 Trailblazer
exterior lighting:headlights
Campaign 15V519000General 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:power window devices and controls
Campaign 14V404000General 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:power window devices and controls
Campaign 15V599000General 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.
electrical system
Campaign 12V406000General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, SAAB 9-7x, and Isuzu Ascender vehicles, originally sold or currently registered in 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. 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.
Show 4 more recalls
electrical system
Campaign 13V248000General 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.
steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections
Campaign 05V455000CERTAIN 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.
equipment:other:labels
Campaign 05V552000CERTAIN 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.
air bags:frontal
Campaign 06V417000CERTAIN VEHICLES ORIGINALLY BUILT WITH CLOTH SEATS THAT WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC AIR BAG PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM AND LATER REUPHOLSTERED WITH AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVER KITS ARE INVOLVED. TESTING HAS INDICATED THAT THE AFTERMARKET LEATHER SEAT COVERS CAN CAUSE THE PASSENGER SENSING SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION.
What owners report on the 1st generation Trailblazer
Owners of the 2001-2009 Trailblazer largely regard it as a durable, truck-based SUV whose 4.2L inline-six is its standout feature, frequently described as reliable, stout, and capable of reaching 200,000-300,000 miles with basic maintenance.
- Very frequentFuel economy is poor, commonly reported around 15-21 mpg
- RecurrentElectrical and interior issues including failing window regulators
Door locks that lock but won't unlock, blown speakers, and trim pieces that won't stay attached.
- RecurrentInstrument cluster and fuel gauge failures
With fuel gauges described as wonky and common in early 2000s GM vehicles.
- RecurrentBlend door actuator failures causing HVAC directional problems
- RecurrentWheel bearing and hub assembly failures, with ABS sensor integrated into the hub raising cost
Owner insights for the 1st generation Trailblazer. Read the full 1st generation owner report.
Typical used price
Used Trailblazer listings typically run $18,397–$21,784.
Other Trailblazer model years
Compare every Trailblazer year side by side to see how 2006 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Trailblazer against its rivals
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