Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD

2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer ExtRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 1,313 owner complaints for the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext. Most complaints involve fuel system, gasoline (541) and electrical system (297). The EPA rates it 15–16 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
15–16mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
6campaigns
Latest Sep 2015
Owner complaints
1,313
Top: fuel system, gasoline
Fuel cost / yr
$3,900est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

6 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Visibility: power window devices and controls

Free remedy

General 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.

VisibilityReported Sep 24, 2015NHTSA 15V599000

Exterior lighting: headlights

Free remedy

General 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.

Exterior lightingReported Aug 14, 2015NHTSA 15V519000

Visibility: power window devices and controls

Remedy pending

General 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.

VisibilityReported Jul 2, 2014NHTSA 14V404000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

1,313 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2006 – Sep 2026
  1. Fuel system, gasoline541
  2. Electrical system297
  3. Fuel system, other136
  4. Exterior lighting127
  5. Fuel/propulsion system82
  6. Visibility60
  7. Power train56
  8. Visibility/wiper53
  9. Engine47

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Trailblazer Ext model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
20021,268
20031,255
20041,357
20051,703
20061,313
Crashes reported
31
Fires reported
63
Injuries reported
44
Deaths reported
14
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Fuel system, gasoline

541 reports3 crashes6 fires
“AFTER I FILLED THE FUEL TANK IN MY CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER THE FUEL LIGHT CAME ON AND THE FUEL GAUGE READ EMPTY. SINCE THEN I HAVE BEEN RESETTING MY TRIP METER WHEN EVER I FUEL UP,BUT MY HUSBAND FORGOT TO AFTER FILLING UP AND RAN OUT OF FUEL WHEN HE WASN'T SURE OF HOW MUCH GAS THE VEHICLE ACTUALLY HAD. I CONTACTED THE LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP AFTER I FOUND THAT THE NHTSA HAD A DEFECT INVESTIGATION ON MY VEHICLE. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT INFORMED ME THAT IT WOULD ONLY BE REPLACED IF THE VEHICLE WAS 120,000 MILES OR UNDER AND UNTIL AUGUST 2015.NOW I HAVE 122,000 MILES I'M RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING THE DEFECTIVE PART MYSELF? THE PROBLEM AND DANGER OF ENGINE STALL STILL EXISTS DUE TO LOW FUEL LEVELS NO MATTER WHAT THE MILEAGE IS.THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURE DID NOT INFORM US THAT WE HAD TO DISPOSE OF THE VEHICLE AFTER 120,000 MILES BECAUSE IT WAS GOING TO BE UNSAFE AND NO WARRANTY TO REPAIR A DANGEROUS RECALL.I FEEL THAT CHEVROLET SHOULD REPLACE THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR NO MATTER WHAT THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS BECAUSE THE DANGERS STILL EXIST.I DO NOT UNDERSTAND THE THOUGHT PROCESS BEHIND THIS AND I GREATLY APPRECIATE HELP WITH THIS PROBLEM. *TR”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 29, 2014Fuel system, gasolineODI 10668757

Electrical system

297 reports2 crashes41 fires
“The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V248000 (Electrical System, Visibility). The contact stated that on several occasions while the vehicle was running or while driving at various speeds, the passenger's window switch was depressed from the driver's side door panel, and there was a clicking sound coming from the front passenger’s side of the vehicle, and the window failed to roll up or roll down. Additionally, the contact stated that on several occasions, when the driver's side window switch was depressed, the window failed to roll up or roll down. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 10, 2024Electrical system, VisibilityODI 11613711

Fuel system, other

136 reports
“ON MY 2006 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER LT MY GAS GAUGE SHOWS I HAVE AN EMPTY TANK OF GAS AT ALL TIMES EVEN IMMEDIATELY AFTER FILLING UP THE TANK. THIS HAS CAUSED ME TO RUN OUT OF GAS FOUR TIMES ON THE HIGHWAY WITH NO RESTART. IN BOTH OF THIS INSTANCES I HAD TO WALK ON THE HIGHWAY AND OFF AN EXIT TO FILL UP A GAS TANK AND THEN WALK BACK, ONE TIME BEING AT 02:00 AM. THIS IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS CONSIDERING I COULD BE HIT BY A CAR ON THE HIGHWAY OR STALL WHERE A BREAKDOWN LANE IS UNAVAILABLE AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THE TANK WILL NEVER READ ANYTHING ELSE THEN EMPTY WITH THE GAS LIGHT ON AS WELL. *JS”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 15, 2014Fuel system, other, EquipmentODI 10598367
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Engines
5.3L 8-cyl · 4.2L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 4-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
TrailBlazer Ext 2WD
Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
141916$3,900555
TrailBlazer Ext 4WD
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
141916$3,900555
TrailBlazer Ext 2WD
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
141915$4,150592
TrailBlazer Ext 4WD
Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
131815$4,150592
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 1869
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2006 Trailblazer Ext questions

How many recalls does the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext have?

6 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext problems?

Owners filed 1,313 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are fuel system, gasoline (541), electrical system (297), fuel system, other (136). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext get?

The EPA rates the 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ext at 15–16 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026