2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer sits mid-pack among Trailblazer years: 37 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 123, with no recalls and one closed investigation.
Lighting leads the complaint categories with 13 reports (35% of the total).
37
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
6
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2009 compare to other Trailblazer years?
What are the most common 2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lighting | 13 | 35% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 12 | 32% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 4 | 11% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 2 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Other | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE LIGHT BULBS WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE.…”
“AS I WAS DRIVING IN MY YARD I HAPPENED TO BUMP THE IGNITION KEY AND THE MOTOR CUT OUT AND DIED. THIS CAUSED ME TO NOT BE ABLE TO TURN AND AVOID BUMPING A POST CAUSING SOME BODY DAMAGE, BUT I WAS ABLE TO AVOID HITTING MY FRIEND IN THE YARD BECAUSE HE HAD MOVED FROM BY THE POST A MINUTE EARLIER. I…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE GENTLY CRASHED INTO A CURB. THE AIR BAGS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DEPLOYED SHORTLY AFTER THE MINOR COLLISION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE…”
“AS I WAS DRIVING IN MY YARD I HAPPENED TO BUMP THE IGNITION KEY AND THE MOTOR CUT OUT AND DIED. THIS CAUSED ME TO NOT BE ABLE TO TURN AND AVOID BUMPING A POST CAUSING SOME BODY DAMAGE, BUT I WAS ABLE TO AVOID HITTING MY FRIEND IN THE YARD BECAUSE HE HAD MOVED FROM BY THE POST A MINUTE EARLIER. I…”
“WHEN I HIT A BUMP, SPEED BUMP, WATER, RAIN, ANYTHING OF THE LIKE, I GET THE STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT AND ABS LIGHT, YESTERDAY 9/13/79 I RECIEVED THE 4WHEEL DRIVE MAINTENCE NEEDED AS WELL WHEN I HAD THE TRAILBLAZER IN AUTO 4WD, THIS ISN'T THE FIRST OCCURANCE AND I BELIEVE THIS IS GOING TO END UP…”
2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer — common questions
Is the 2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 37 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Trailblazer year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 2009 Trailblazer problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are lighting (13 complaints), electrical system (12 complaints), airbags (4 complaints).
Does the 2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer.
Is the 2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Chevrolet Trailblazer years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Trailblazer years to avoid are 2005, 2002, 2006, 2004, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2021. The cleanest record among Trailblazer years belongs to 2014.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.