Top 5 Problems Chevy Trailblazer SUV 1st Generation 2002-09 

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They left off the #1 thing that will break that everyone has had happen. Center console breaks starting with the latch then eventually the whole thing. Brilliant move making the frame out of the cheapest plastic ever.

My TrailBlazer has been very good to me over the years its at 204k miles atm still running smooth as ever.

I just bought a 2003 Trailblazer with 110k miles. So much better than the newer 3.6L engines. I had a complete detail done and it looks almost new. My wife and 18 y/o son hated it before now they love it. So far it’s been a great buy.

Trailblazers, one of the best SUVS out there.

I bought a 2006 TrailBlazer LS with 150k miles in mid 2018 as a vehicle primarily to get to and from work. Since my ownership, the Check Engine light came on, trailing arm snapped and the door trims popped and snapped off. For the holidays I drove 1800 miles to California and eventually gave it to my parents since they wanted an off-roader for the desert. It still runs as of January 2022 with around 175k miles, it's just that every service/warning light comes on lol.

The only problem I have with my fuel sensor is that it falls from one side to the other too quickly

I had an 03 and I put 200k miles on it. I experienced almost all of these problems including multiple wheel bearings. Still was a good truck and would love to own an SS someday

Yep. I had all these problems on my 2006 with 400,000 miles except the misfire was from a bad coil.

Shifter cable linkage breaking was a big issue too.

This videos sometimes are like a gold mine

Owning a Envoy I can confirm, the fan clutch and resister are very true 😂

My Only Purchase of a New Vehicle was my 2002 AWD Chevy Trailblazer LTZ. I bought it New from the Chevy Dealership Nov. 2001. Immediately, I had a Problem with the AWD System. An example: I switch the vehicle into AWD during inclimate weather; rain, snow, etc., otherwise I use 2wd..(have never towed anything or used it off raod). Well I was having horrible trouble with the vehicle not going into the desired mode of transmission. I brought it back to my dealership about 5or6 times w/o the proplem being fixed(staying in 2wd, or going into full time 4wd) and without being given a free loaner. You would think that because the dealership didn't fix the trouble, that they would give me a complimentary loaner, but no they did not! Anyway, one of the serviceman rubbed me the wrong way and I decided to put in for a Lemon Law of which the vehicle qualified(same problem not fixed 4x in a given time span). After filing my paperwork for the Lemon Law Vehicle, they made me jump through hoops at Corporate to discourage me, but to no avail, I marched forward. I was denied time and again for a replacement or a refund, after showing proof. When they offered me 1 payment to go away, I respectfully declined. I wanted a replacement vehicle at this point. I paid over $40,000 for a new problem free SUV, and all I got was a headache. Forward to the end, in hindsight, I should have had a lawyer handle it. Chevrolet screwed me over, they said they would fix it to my liking; they didn't, and the period to act ran out without them fixing what they told me they would do. I can't believe that Chevrolet would treat me this way. I was always a Chevy Guy, with my Big Block Nova SS & my Big Block Chevelle SS in the muscle car years. Don't bend down for that droped wrench, you'll might just get rear ended! I guess this is called Life's Lessons! 😢

Amazing! My ‘05 Trailblazer had a misfire yesterday and it was the #4 coil!!!!

About a month ago my cylinder 1 ignition coil completely died on me. Keep in mind they were the original Delphi branded coils too so I'm surprised they've lasted 17+ years. I didn't bother just changing one out because it would just rainbow effect on the others so I replaced all of them.

Nice, I said it not too long ago you guys should do more trailblazer videos. You delivered. I'm actually learning these things blow through transmission fluid pumps as well. LoL. I'm actually so fed up doing swaps that I'm currently rebuilding mine with all the necessary upgrades to hopefully prevent it from happening again any time soon.

Just turned 400,000 on my 2002 TB. Love this truck. No issues at the moment.

He forgot to tell you the #4 misfire is often from leaking hood seal, which allows rain to run off the windshield and collect on top the engine, and run down into the spark plug well

My 05 Trailblazer has 225k miles. I've had the fan clutch and fuel sensor problems. I replaced the fuel pump at same time as fuel sensor because it had 100k miles. Fuel pump was working but figured I'd go ahead and replace so I didn't have to pay the labor again. GM put out a list of approved gas brands. I started buying only those brands and never had another problem with the fuel sensor. Fan clutch has gone out twice. Overall it has been an excellent car. Still runs great. I'd buy a newer car if I could find one I liked as well as my old Trailblazer.

I'll add a few things I found with the 02-09 trailblazer. 1. With the 4.2, the intake manifold bolts can become loose causing a massive vacuum leak which will give you codes for a misfire and one bank running too rich. To fix just tighten all 10 bolts around the intake manifold 2. The rear upper control arms can come into contact with the sway bar link, snapping it. To fix, either get new control arms or relocate the upper link to the other side of the mount, you will need aftermarket sway bar links. 3.The air pump, the stupid little thing that pumps air into the exhaust, will go bad and throw a code. It doesn't really matter, fix it if you want. Quality of life mods that I have done. 1. Chevy tahoe springs in rear, trailblazer ext springs in the front. Gives you more payload capacity and slightly better ride height, be sure to pair each with some bilstein shocks. 2. When doing a full brake job, buy trailblazer ss caliper brackets, pads and rotors for the front, only if you have 17 inch wheels. If you are feeling very special, 02 tahoe dual piston calipers fit in the rear with slight modification to the bracket and dust shield. The rotors are a perfect fit except for bolt pattern, you can just drill new holes.

Bought 2005 TB LS in 2015. Replaced/repaired quite a few parts which included needed/required maintenance. Have 180k on it. Everything still works and we're still driving

I have a 02 trailblazer LT and just replaced all 6 ignition coils. Had a code for random multiple cylinder misfire. Turns out all 6 coils where original to the truck from 02. Replaced both front hubs starter,fly wheel front o2 sensor and other odds and ends. 107k on truck runs like a dream.

Lo máximo la trailblazer , aca en Peru viajo por las Lineas de Nazca con la chevrolet trailblazer ext, algunas veces me he encontrado con luces extrañas que me han seguido y en otros casos frente a frente, muchas historias increíbles tengo con la chevrolet trailblazer ext. SALUDOS

I’ve got a 08 blazer lt has 324k and runs and shift smooth as ever

On my 04 with 4.2L it was the rack and pinion steering and both front wheel bearings after those easy fixes this truck has been a dream just over 100,000 miles.

i have a 07 ls and i love it.it gives me a great smooth ride

Haha yep those front wheel bearings on my '05 had me thinking for a minute that the car was going to blow. It was SO loud.

Clear and concise. Happy to see someone who does it right. I enjoyed the video.

I have two of these, an 03 EXT and an 07. Bought the 03 with 211k for 2k with a pretty solid body with the intention of fixing it up, engine lost compression on #2 after 2k miles and needs everything so I bought an 07 with 116k for 6 grand. Been using the 03 for parts and its been a godsend. Just went through 2 blower motor resistors before I ripped the blower motor out of the 03 and now it runs great.

i've had my 07 for about 3 years now and have already done the front driver side wheel bearing and now i have lost number 4 fan speed. I've also had to replace the VVT actuator (easy), water pump (easy) and rear diff pinion bearings (not easy).

Proud new owner of a 04 206k new rebuilt transmission good compression on the engine! Way happy with my purchase

Spot on! I have an 06 w/ 230K and I have experienced 4 out of the Top 5. Thanks for the video.

The video described every single issue I'm having with a trailblazer that I just bought....Thanks for the Information, It helped a lot with figuring out what was happening!

I bought mine 8 years ago for 2300 dollars. It has 300,000 miles on it. If something was to happen to it I would definitely buy another.

Thank you, distinguished man, a special thank you, respected man. Thank you

Good video to checkout. Fan clutch motor and front wheel bearings are starting to exhibit those symptoms, and worn valve seat would explain the jet noise. I'd say he's on the money with seeing 3 outta 5

Had 2 of this Gen. Trailblazer used, had to replace steering rack on both of.them. Also on both rusty leaking brake lines just below master cylinder, spliced in Cu. tubing to fix.

I've had to replace both front hub bearings and the blower motor resistor. Replacing the hubs bearings was easier than replacing the thermostat. I had rattles going over bumps and it was because of both front and rear sway bar links being worn out. The hardest job was replacing both power steering lines. Where the lines are held down by rubber or plastic bracket on top of the left fender well, they get rusted out. Trying to bolt the lines onto the steering box is tricky because only a small bolt holds the lines in, and you surely don't want to break that off or you're screwed. Keep checking for leaks

Main issues were stock stereo and blower motor resistor. I have about 135k miles and with regular maintenance, my 05 Trailblazer is a blessing. The weird thing is I have to hold the gas pump manually when I fill because it clicks the gas pump off if I leave it in like in a normal car.

Good info! I'm doing upgrades and repairs on my Trailblazer and I just added fog lights onto it.

Thanks I have a 07 best s.u.v iv had 200000 nd still strong

The funny part is I have replaced all of these things lol

I love the GMT360 platform. I prefer them over the newer SUVs. Only gripe is the fan clutch, not sure why GM did not go with dual electric fans to cool it. I have had an '02 TB that served me well until an old lady that should have not been driving t-boned me. My rear door was done but her van was totalled all the way to the front dash. Good thing these are still on frame or would have been much worse. I currently have an '06 Saab 9-7X which is a Trailblazer with Saab skins. Love it but it has too many quirks cause of all the luxury add ons. Currently looking for another TB to add to my arsenal. Maintenance is so easy and the in-line 6 is almost bulletproof. Add a tune from PC of NC and it is a whole new SUV.

I have a Saab 97x with the 4.2 which is essentially the same vehicle. In 110,000 miles since new, I've replaced my wheel hub assemblies a few times (referred to as wheel bearings in the video). I strongly recommend Timken as they have lasted the longest at around 50,000 miles. So far, haven't had any of the other issues, but from what I can recall I have had to replace 1) Rusted out brake line and transmission line 2) Idler pulley 3) Power Steering Cooler 4) Suspension air bags and compressor (twice so far) 5) ABS sensor failure 6) Alternator 7) Crankshaft position sensor (likely due to extended oil change interval) 8) Starter 9) O2 sensor 11) Seat lumbar support failure, and the normal maintenance of brakes, tires, battery, belts, fluids, spark plugs, etc. It's not exactly Toyota reliable, but it's been fairly good and I like the ride quality, size, features, comfort and best of all, it has been paid for for 11 years. Important aspects IMHO, change transmission, differential, and transfer case fluids at maintenance intervals, and oil every 5k.

I discovered the Blower motor resistor "wiring harness" would fry out because factory installed the gage of wire wasn't correct. Many forums and videos talk about it should have had a recall it was such common problem. I've a 2005 Chevy Trailblazer and number 5 highest setting didn't work. I found a perfect match blower motor harness on ebay. I replaced last summer and #5 still blowing strong.

What about the front axle going through the oil pan That engineer should get the Darwin award

If the video calls for certain tools, I only use Quinn 1l2 3l8 d.t.w and Quinn 66pc 35pc set . So I just buy it off the napa Carlyle tool wall. There tool layout display is perfect

@1A Auto, Excellent vid. If I had heat in my garage I'd be checking all this. Not that I would fix it myself, but I appreciate the Information. Thumbs up & Subscribed.

2009 LT...156k miles...normal maintenance - brakes and wheel bearings only real issues....all replaced twice....still I must say worth every penny....

I got a 2004 LT only 85k miles for 2500 at an auction..all i needed was to change the gear shifter...clean the throttle body... new brake ps and rs and this truck has been great had it for last 2 months and i love it i was lucky came with a bad ass blue interior light was already tinted and had a touch screen head unit lol never had suxh a steal like this definitely put my charger up untill summer now that i got this bad boy

Resistor and Fan Clutch (and water pump twice).. and valve cover gaskets and 3 coils. Have a 2002 with 220k. Factory hubs, alternator, ac compressor, rack... it’s been great.

Besides the trans lines and power steering lines needing replaced in the salt belt, and an occasional 14v reference wire that shorts out, you can expect 300k or more from the 4.2 with regular maintenance.

You guyz video content is the level as icon tools

The fan clutch problem would have been expensive, but I just rigged it so it was always engaged. Didn't seem to cause any issues. The other issue that seems to be common is the electrical system relating to the taillight. How many trailblazers have you seen with taillights out?

Past couple of years I've had issue with the Oil Sensor. Driving my 6-cyl 2005 model at 45-55 and then coming to a stop the Oil Pressure gauge will flatline, the engine idle becomes rough, and if I don't manually accelerate the engine the car will stall. I've had my mechanic chase after this one and we've replaced/adjusted everything up to the Oil Pump (sensor, connectors, etc.). There are no issues at all with the engine... no taps, no misses. Mechanic states that the engine appears to not be oil-deprived because it runs so well. It is so random that when vehicle was left for days and driven by mechanic, he was not able to experience it. Just not willing to fork the $$$ to replace oil pump if it's not the real reason for the issue.

very well done- bravo

I've had around 7 issues with mine and it was none of these, Ignition switch, Radiator Cooler, Fan door in the back keeps popping from being stuck, Vehicle was in Limp Mode when I bought it, Turned out to be a severed wire that connects at the top of the radiator for the fan.

# empower # confidence and experience grows # I can tackle more difficult tasks

Good job 👏

I've owned these for a long time and I never heard of problems with the valve seats. Typical reason for misfires is a bad coil. And what you're pointing at is the Secondary Air Injection System valve, not an EGR, which it doesn't have. It is a high failure system that causes other issues.

These videos would be great if you could recommend aftermarket replacements.

I bought an 06 Trailblazer not long ago. I have replaced the blower motor resistor. I'm gonna turn the day I bought it if I ever have any of these major problems he was talking about!

I've replaced the ignition switch 4 times in my 07, very faulty design in those. But if you order the 2nd gen version of the switch, it holds up far better (with the black and grey colouring on the unit). Changed my water pump and block heater and driver front wheel hub. The passenger front is about to start going soon...and the alternator too. Also thrown a couple of new batteries in it over the years. Since I plunked new plugs in it, the mileage has been way better as well. Mine has 187,000 Km on it and other than a some minor issues, it still runs very well and I live in Canada where the winters beat the hell out of vehicles every year.

I have a '03 with over 250,000 miles and I have had all except the fourth issue. The fan clutch, hub bearings I had to change twice but they are easy to do. At the moment I am replacing the transmission. It has taken me over a year to find one that was not over $1000.00. I hope it works. LOL

For me it's a great vehicle. I love the my trailbleazer.

My only issues out of these five was a worn out clutch fan and wheel bearings. Over the years I had to change a few ignition coils and living in New York we deal with pot holes due to snow plowing. I need to change sway bar links every two years. Right now I have an electrical issue where the AC blows ice cold for 20 minutes and then blows hot until I shut off engine for a few hours. No mechanics were able to figure this one out yet.

Dash cluster going crazy or the vehicle stalls or both! If you get out and shake the vehicle it will start again? Pull the rear interior panel on the driver side and check the wiring harness that runs along the bottom behind it! It rubs in an area that will ground out the harness! If you're experiencing this issue pull the cup holder out and pull up on the panel you'll see the dash goes back to normal.found that to be an issue on 4 trailblazers with that issue I've worked on.

Great video.. I had got my front left hub replaced during last summer since the ABS dash light came on. And about 7 weeks ago the light came back on. Could the others abs sensor go out as well.

My '04 has several problems but still runs like a champ. Check engine light, shocks needs replaced, my SUV rocks left to right when I take a slow sharp turn and the tires feel like they're slipping while turning slow and sharp. Rear passenger window fell, water or something is getting under my front passenger floor mat keeping it moist and gross. I clean it up..it comes back! And my AC has a leak or something in it. It was professionally serviced 2 years ago and it stopped after getting an oil change at a private shop 🤔

02 trailblazer on my third fan clutch and fourth scrap yard resistor. 333 km baby!

Have 2002 4 wheel drive bought in 2001. Had to replace front wheel drive shaft, fan clutch, rotted trans lines, front wheel bearings plugs, replaced all coils, spark plugs, shifter connector and vvt. Runs like a top and average 19+ a gallon. Plan to keep another 20 years 😅

Well back to watching top 5 problems

also would add the transmission cooler lines and power steering lines. both of mine of both type went really bad on mine really quick. not an easy job to do either. also if you have a rough idle check how dirty the throttle body is.

I own a 2004 and I can list at least 10 more 😆 all easy fixes

Thank you very much

8. The four wheel drive actuator on the oil pan starts crunching and grinding and you need to replace it and your CV shaft

1) Transmission 2)Transmission 3)Transmission 4)Transmission 5)Transmission Specially 3rd gear!

They're an ok suv. I have had one of these before. I never had any issues with mine. I dont drive it hard like its a pro street car though. 😂 My only complaint about these suv's would be the god awful unstable steering. (Thats what made me sell the one i had.) They're good and reliable. Dont change lanes fast in them though. The body roll is insane.

Also the oil light flashing problem an rough idling at same time...just unhook the wires on the sensor next to the oil filter....will help.

I'm a subscriber since 750,000 , I remember so. Watching so many of these video I'm losing count

I now watch these video with playback speed on 2. Per Haynes MANUAL as confidence and experience grows, I can tackle more task

2005, fuel sensor under recall. Fan and resistor, yes. Fan clutch wires... no valve issues yet at 175k miles. Upper a or control arms from a1 auto.

I've had 2 of the 5 problems wheel hub and fuel sensor once I got my 05 TB paid for I replaced everything whether it needed or not

He didnt mention 08 and 09 exhaust manifold breaking between 3 and 4 cylinders. I also had the wet coil on #4 but its been a great car so far

Still buying one

I have the Trailblazer tick, which someone said was an exhaust manifold issue. In the video you mentioned fan clutch ticking noise, which it sounds more like my issue. It's a rhythmic tick sounding more from the front of the block. Your thoughts?

#4 coil has gone on twice. This time I'll try cleaning. Not sure where to clean but I'll look.🎉🎉

My 08 was making a thumping sound on the front like I had a bad tire. I bought new tires and it's still doing it. Not sure if it's the hubs warped or the bearings. Both look and feel fine.

Spot on 😂

well done sir..

So funny. As I watch this video all five I have replaced or need to. Whenever under 50 in Florida my 07 is having problems starting. It starts turns over shuts off then takes forever cranking but will always start. Definitely something bad going on though.

Bought my 2005 TrailBlazer four-wheel drive 2 years ago it had 148,000 mi first got it I replaced injector, changed the oil and it was good to go. I'm at 314,492. I drive approximately 170 miles a day. Change oil every 3-4 weeks or 3000 to 4000 miles. Great vehicle! However, I live in Mississippi the roads are terrible! At 175,00 replaced right top control arm. I am picking up another one today, I bought the life time warranty so no charge today. Within the last month ( as time and money allowed) I have replaced both sides upper and lower control arms ball joints, inner and outer tie end rods. I replace my break pads every 4-6 months. I've replaced both back break rotors, and one back break caliber. I have gone through 6 sets of tires and too many patches and plugs to count. I love my truck. Said I would drive it till the wheels fell off. Well, I lied!!! Right front wheel feel off last month... I put new tie end rods on it and I'm still driving it. God blessed me with this ride!!! Hope it goes another 300,000. I fix everything as soon as it starts s sound. NOW.. I need help. Have a low hum about a week now. Getting louder and sounds like something is rotating. Several guys at different shops have did the shake test said hub feels fine. I know I still need to replace shocks and sturts. On my to do list next week. Hum reminds me of an old 4x4 Jeep my uncle had that was deer camp ONLY condition. Anyone remember those from late 78- early 80s? 😂

i have a 2004 ...I think i got it with about 100k and now it has over 250 i think... But i've replaced the bearing multiple times (buy good quality) and I was getting misfires every year which turned out to the coil packs. The blower motor resistor has been replaced as well. The power steering lines and transmission cooler and lines!! I've replaced all four calipers as well... But the main thing i seem to have issues with the most...the issue that seems to come up every year, is the blend doors for hte A/C. Every year, it somehow stops working or gets stuck...or something. It's only blowing at the feet, or now it seems to be letting heat in at the same time the AC is on..... This is probably the most annoying thing about this car. Cuz i never find out that this mess is acting up, until i need it

2002 LTZ here, 216K and going strong

I love the trailvoy’s best suv period.

We own a 2005 GMC Envoy & have had 4 out of 5 of these happen.

I was detailing my recently acquired 2003 tb ext and found a fuse box under the middle seat driver side and the computer mid seat passenger side. Who'd have thought

My 5 problems with the TrailBlazer. 1.Moon roof leaks 2. AC not working 3.fuel sensor 4.Rust 5.Steering Rack

3:05 that is not an egr valve. That is an auxiliary air pump check valve. Because of vvt, this engine doesn’t have an egr valve.

My personal list #1 ignition switch (3 in the past 4 years) #2 front wheel bearings (2 sets in the past 4 years) #3 headlight relay (2 in the past 4 years) #4 sway bar endlinks (2 sets and they still rattle)