7.3

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$500
Average Mileage:
91,900 miles
Total Complaints:
14 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (10 reports)
  2. replace instrument panel cluster (5 reports)
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problem #14

May 082009

Trailblazer LS 5.3L 6 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

The problem grew gradually. First I lost the tachometer, Then went the oil pressure gauge. Then the fuel gauge quit. Then the speedometer. Was having problems with the drivers side low beam light constantly going out. Turned out to be in the fuse box under the hood. For awhile pushing on fuse #6 worked. The light would come on again. Eventually we bypassed the box and put an inline fuse. Then I began to lose my gauges. Don't know for sure if its all related to the fuse box but it sure looks like it.

- Greg B., Lancaster, PA, US

problem #13

Jul 012010

Trailblazer KS V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 95,000 miles

IT SEEMS THAT THE PROBLEM WITH THE DASH INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IS VERY COMMON TO THIS YEAR. I HAVE READ THAT CHEVY HAD A RECALL FOR THE BIGGER MORE EXPENSIVE SUV'S BUT NOT THE LOWLY TRAILBLAZER. IF IT IS THE SAME THING SHOULD OF BEEN A RECALL ON ALL AFFECTED CARS. I REALLY DON'T WANT TO PAY FOR A REPAIR THAT WAS A DEFECT.

- stephaniefmissouri, Stewartsville, MO, US

problem #12

Aug 012010

Trailblazer LT 4.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

With the complaints that I have read it seems there should be A recall on this problem because it is diffinately A factory deffect!

- Harry N., Mesquite, TX, US

problem #11

Dec 102011

Trailblazer LT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 103,000 miles

For a year, my RPM, oil gauge, and temperature gauge have not worked properly. I could live with this. However, last Saturday my speedometer quit working which was not the best timing since the roads here in Wisconsin are starting to get bad, and I can't really tell how fast I'm going. I'm working with GM to see if they will even cover any part of it. The dealership said that there have not been enough complaints. We told him that there have been several on the internet, but he said they were "on sites that we shouldn't trust." My husband proceeded to tell him that he would trust owners before he would trust the dealership.

- a.wi, Stoddard, WI, US

problem #10

Jan 012010

Trailblazer LS 4.2L I6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles

Mine is no different than anyone else's problems. It started with the tach, then the fuel gauge, then the oil pressure and sometimes the temp gauge and the speedometer. I believe the problem is largely related to truck with the same instrument panel from 2003-2006, and as others have reported it was recalled on the Tahoes, Silverados and not the Trailblazers. As long as the electrical problem doesn't start a fire, and apparently is isn't expected to, there will not likely e a recall especially since TB's cost less than the other vehicles with the recall. Another swing and a miss by Government Motors. I will not buy another GM vehicle that was manufactured after 1985.

- Dallas M., Topeka, KS, US

problem #9

Nov 122009

Trailblazer V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 87,000 miles

A year and half ago I lost my fuel gauge. November 2010 I lost the battery/voltage gauge, and now in December I have lost my RPM gauge. I am down for a class action lawsuit. Especially hearing that this was a problem in their trucks and they fixed it. I love my trailblazer but this extremely annoying.

- Sandra W., Norco, CA, US

problem #8

Nov 082010

Trailblazer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 132,000 miles

I have always bought Chevys since my dad retired GM.. Not happy with the trailblazer. Incorrectly built and yet the recall only covers certain models for this part... BS

- tbeck, North Port, FL, US

problem #7

Oct 052010

Trailblazer 6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 96,000 miles

mileage,battery,rpmand temp.gas gauges not working

hope this can help other people solve their solution as well as mine!

- Leticia M., Maywood, CA, US

problem #6

Oct 052010

Trailblazer 6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 96,000 miles

it sucks that chevy dealers say your warranty has expired, and are not willing to help but are ready to charge an arm and a leg!

- Leticia M., Maywood, CA, US

problem #5

Dec 102009

Trailblazer LS 4.2L L6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,000 miles

I have had my Trailblazer for a little over two years and have not had any major problems until recently. While I was deployed to Iraq my vehicle was not used much for a year. When I returned and picked up my vehicle I noticed that the Oil Pressure Gauge was acting up. I didn't think much about it. Being a Mechanic in the Army I just decided to Disconnect the battery and reset the gauge. It worked for the time being but it kept acting up. After that some of my other gauges started doing the same thing. It ended costing me over $500 to get the Gauge Cluster replaced. I was told at the Dealership that there were recalls on the Blazers but not the Trailblazer. I really enjoy the convenience of owning an SUV. It makes my life easier. My last three vehicles have been SUV's made by GM. I am just curious if I am going to run in any other problems with my Trailblazer that will hit me in the wallet and if the Guage Cluster replacement will eventually come up on the recall list.

- Kurt V., Colorado Springs, CO, US

problem #4

Aug 132009

Trailblazer LS V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,000 miles

click to see larger images

instrument panel malfunction instrument panel malfunction

Last summer, upon returning from a two week vacation, my battery was dead. When it was jumped and restarted, the speedometer indicated I was going 95 mph while the car was parked. In the ensuing months, it has varied from below zero mph (while stopped or driving) to being buried at what would be 140 mph. I can only judge my speed using my 50 years of driving experience, or by the cars around me. About a month ago, the oil pressure gauge also went out of whack.

Today I was told this was a GM recall, so I called two local dealers. Both said it is not a recall, and that the repair price is $450 to $500.00. Both dealers also told me this is a recall, but only with the Silverado and the Tahoe. One went so far as to tell me, "It's a common problem" that she "has seen on all kinds of cars."

Now, being age 65, I have driven and owned a lot of cars, for a lot of years, and this is the first car I have known to have this problem. Is there something wrong with this picture?

Is GM going to deny responsibility until someone dies, and they face a multi-million dollar law suit?

- Susan C., Pompano Beach, FL, US

problem #3

Apr 082009

Trailblazer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,330 miles

My 2003 Chevy Trailblazer's instrument panel started with the tachometer not working correctly then when to the gas gage not working at all, now the speedometer messes up once in a while and most recently the battery meter quit working!!!! Was told from the dealer that this is not a recall issue...I would have to pay to have it fixed and it would be ABOUT $500!!!!! If this many people are having the same problems then there is obviously a manufacture defect with this. Has anyone gotten anywhere with GM? Is it worth my time and effort to call and complain about this?????

Angie

- bei, Ocoee, FL, US

problem #2

Jun 012007

Trailblazer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

I too have problems with my instrument panel with my Trailblazer. I called a Chevy dealer and they told me that they are not covering my year of vehicle even though it is a manufacturers problem. I will NOT buy another Chevy.

- srforbes, Enid, OK, US

problem #1

Aug 212008

Trailblazer LT EXT 4.2L Inline 6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,213 miles

Problem: Instrument Cluster Panel Malfunction due to Erratic Operation

Description: During operation, instrument cluster panel will operate erratically. In this particular situation, the "AIR BAG WARNING" light came on followed by the "ABS BRAKE WARNING" light, then the alarm chimed with the error message "SERVICE BRAKE SYSTEM". Next, all instrument cluster lights turned on and all gauges began operating in an erratic way including tachometer, speedometer, oil pressure, temperature, fuel and voltmeter. Following this, resulted in a loss of powered steering and power assisted braking and ABS assist. While maneuvering the vehicle to the side of the road, the engine stalled out. Also, the smell of burning engine coolant (or a similar smell) began to come out of the vents.

Workaround: Place vehicle into neutral or park then restart vehicle, this resets the cluster panel and vehicle operation continues normally.

Resolution: None yet, currently being investigated.

- ems-medic, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada