AI Damage2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT 370: common problems
Owners of the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT 370 filed 16 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and exterior lighting. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 16
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 31% of all complaints
- 2 Exterior lighting 25% of all complaints
- 3 Electronic stability control 13% of all complaints
- 4 Engine 13% of all complaints
- 5 Fuel system 13% of all complaints
- 6 Visibility 13% of all complaints
- 7 Engine and cooling 6% of all complaints
- 8 Fuel/propulsion system 6% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 5 complaints (31% of all).
- Exterior lighting: 4 complaints (25% of all).
- Electronic stability control: 2 complaints (13% of all).
- Engine: 2 complaints (13% of all).
- Fuel system: 2 complaints (13% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 16 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
While driving on a smooth hi-way (no vibrations) the low beam headlights went off. I switched to hi beams and pulled off the road at first opportunity. When I switched back to low beams and they worked perfectly. This has happened 4 times in the 11 years of ownership, twice in one week. Could never induce the problem.
Driving on freeway at a cruise control speed of 70 mph without any warning lights or malfunctions with the truck, white smoke was noted from behind the truck. Smoke immediately became worse and truck was pulled off on side of road. Smoke was noted coming from under front hood as well.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 chevrolet trailblazer ext 370. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 14v755000 (visibility) and stated that the part was not available within a reasonable time frame to schedule the recall repair.
The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the headlights became inoperable without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the hdm module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred.
While the vehicle was stopped at a red light, the headlights failed to illuminate. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
The contact did not experience a failure related to the recall; however, the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure mileage was 110,000.
While operating the vehicle, the fuel gauge would erroneously indicate that the fuel tank was empty. After restarting the vehicle, the fuel gauge would provide an accurate fuel reading before displaying empty again. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure.
Then my check engine light came on. And the second engine light came on. As I pull to side of road stop the car put it in park. And tried to start it and all it did was crank and not turn over like I was out of gas. Did research on conditions and it came back default ignition switch. This has just been a nightmare.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 9,042 of 36,659 model years in the NHTSA data (top 25% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Trailblazer EXT 370 has 58 complaints (5 years in the data). This year has 16, below average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Exterior lighting. Headlamps, leveling, sensors and mounts after a frontal hit.
- Electronic stability control. ABS/ESC sensors, steering angle, codes after suspension repair.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT 370?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, exterior lighting, electronic stability control. Total complaints: 16. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: fuel system, fuel smell (25%), headlights and tail lights (25%), warning lights, check engine (25%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT 370?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT 370 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2006 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-06.