2009 Chevrolet TrailblazerRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 28 owner complaints for the 2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Most complaints involve exterior lighting (13) and electrical system (9). The EPA rates it 13–17 mpg combined.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Exterior lighting13
- Electrical system9
- Air bags4
- Electronic stability control (esc)3
- Engine2
- Vehicle speed control1
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Service brakes1
- Seat belts1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Trailblazer model year we’ve synced.
View as table
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 1,277 |
| 2003 | 1,266 |
| 2004 | 1,368 |
| 2005 | 1,734 |
| 2006 | 1,347 |
| 2007 | 782 |
| 2008 | 195 |
| 2009 | 28 |
| 2021 | 201 |
| 2022 | 113 |
| 2023 | 75 |
| 2024 | 36 |
| 2025 | 27 |
| 2026 | 12 |
- Crashes reported
- 5
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Deaths reported
- 0
What owners report most
Exterior lighting
“My first complaint is that headlights, low beam, would not work. Only high beams worked. The issue stopped, unexplainable, on its own, has not occurred again. The 2nd complaint is the radio volume would 'slip' as if there were a loose wire to the speakers, and loss of sound became more frequent and for longer periods of time, eventually all sound stopped, it has not been fixed, as of yet. 3rd complaint, a brand new battery, in under a year of use, went completely dead, without any visible explanation. When an attempt to jump start the vehicle the cables from another cars battery were touched at my cars battery, it sparked, indicating to the person performing the task, there is a 'short' somewhere in the wiring system. I drive this vehicle less than 3000 miles per year, and use it sporadically with my second vehicle to keep the batteries active. I cannot explain why these issues are occurring but thought it important to mention them to other possible victims with the same issues.”
Electrical system
“THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE FAILED. ALL THE LIGHTS BLINK WHILE YOU RIDE ALONG. THE TWO BACK DOORS WILL NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK AND THE FRONT DOORS ARE STARTING TO NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK PROPERLY. THE ITEMS THAT LET YOU KNOW WHEN A TIRE IS LOW IN AIR ARE FAILING. THE LAST ONE COSTING OVER $100 TO FIX. I AM GETTING VERY UPSET WITH THE ELECTRIC PARTS IN THIS TRAILBLAZER. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE PURCHASE. AS A PHOTO I CAN SEND YOU A PHOTO OF THE VEHICLE.”
Air bags
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. IN TURN, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY A SEMI-TRUCK. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HEAD, KNEES, AND ARMS, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Engines
- 5.3L 8-cyl · 4.2L 6-cyl · 6.0L 8-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.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TrailBlazer 2WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,650 | 523 |
| TrailBlazer 2WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | $3,900 | 555 |
| TrailBlazer 4WD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.2 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | $3,900 | 555 |
| TrailBlazer 4WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | $3,900 | 555 |
| TrailBlazer 2WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 6.0 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 14 | $4,450 | 635 |
| TrailBlazer AWD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 6.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 13 | $4,800 | 684 |
- 17mpg comb.
- 16mpg comb.
- 16mpg comb.
- 16mpg comb.
- 14mpg comb.
- 13mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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
2009 Trailblazer questions
How many recalls does the 2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.
What are the most common 2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer problems?
Owners filed 28 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are exterior lighting (13), electrical system (9), air bags (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer get?
The EPA rates the 2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer at 13–17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).