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2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2007 TrailBlazer has several recalls on file with NHTSA, most of them about the driver's door window switch or door module[1][2][3][4][5]. Owners filed 732 complaints, led by fuel system and electrical problems[6][7][8]., led by fuel system and electrical problems[6][7][8].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 732 owner complaints for this model year[6]. Of those, 19 mention a crash, 56 a fire, 23 injuries and 4 deaths[6]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name more than one part, so the groups below overlap.
The largest groups are:
- Fuel system, gasoline: 215 complaints, 2 with a fire, median mileage at failure 53,800[7].
- Electrical system: 200 complaints, 3 with a crash and 39 with a fire, median mileage 76,725[8].
- Exterior lighting: 151 complaints, 2 with a fire, median mileage 113,936[10].
- Visibility: 64 complaints, 16 with a fire, median mileage 76,000[11].
- Fuel/propulsion system: 58 complaints, 1 with a fire[12].
- Fuel system, other: 43 complaints, none with a crash, fire or injury[13].
- Engine: 34 complaints, 2 with a crash and 3 with a fire[14].
- Air bags: 27 complaints, but 14 mention a crash and 19 an injury[15].
We read a small sample of complaint texts in the four biggest groups. These are themes in that sample, not a measure of how common they are.
- Fuel gauge. In the fuel system sample, owners describe a gauge that reads empty after a fill-up or swings between full and empty. A few describe the vehicle shutting down or running out of fuel because they could not trust the gauge[7].
- Electrical. Owners describe warning lights and gauges that come on or fail, and the fuel gauge shows up here too. Some describe a loss of power or an electrical short[8].
- Headlights. In the exterior lighting sample, owners describe low beams that go out while driving and sometimes come back after a wait[10].
- Door window switch. In the visibility sample, owners describe a driver's window that stops working, often with a burning smell, smoke or melted parts in the door[11]. This matches the recalls below.
Fire counts are highest in the electrical and visibility groups, so those two groups deserve the closest look[8][11].
Recalls
Five recalls are on file for this model year[1]. Newest first:
- Window switch module (15V599). Dated Sept. 24, 2015, covering 9,932 vehicles[2]. Fluid can get into the driver's door master window switch module and corrode the circuit board. Some cars had the module coated instead of replaced, and the coating may not remove the risk of a short and a fire, even when parked. Dealers install a new module for free[2].
- Headlight module (15V519). Dated Aug. 14, 2015, covering 429,170 vehicles across several makes[16]. The headlamp driver module can overheat and fail, so the headlights and daytime running lights do not turn on. That makes it harder to see the road and be seen. Dealers replace the module for free[16].
- Remedy pending
Window switch module (14V404). Dated July 2, 2014, covering 184,611 vehicles[3]. Same corrosion and short problem. A short can make the door locks and window switches act up, and can melt parts, make odor or smoke, or cause a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use. Owners were told to park outside until the repair. The remedy was to inspect the door module and replace it if needed, free of charge. Remedy not yet available: the record says parts were not available when it was filed. It also says cars that only got the coating under the earlier recall 13V248 must be repaired again[3]. - Door module (13V248). Dated June 13, 2013, covering 193,652 vehicles[4]. It expanded recall 12V406 with the same short and fire risk and the same advice to park outside. Dealers tested the module, applied a protective coating if it worked and replaced it if it did not[4].
- Remedy pending
Door module (12V406). Dated Aug. 16, 2012, covering 278,174 vehicles[5], limited to cars sold or registered in certain states, including Illinois, Michigan, New York and Ohio. Same short and fire risk and same advice to park outside. The record says parts were expected in March 2013, so the remedy was not yet available when it was filed[5].
To learn whether a specific car has open recall work, an owner would need to check its VIN with NHTSA or a dealer. Our data cannot show that.
Fuel economy
EPA lists seven versions. All are automatic 4-speed[17][18][19][20][9][21][22]. The 4.2L 6-cylinder and 5.3L 8-cylinder use regular fuel[17][9]. The 6.0L 8-cylinder uses premium[18].
| Version | City / hwy / combined MPG | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2WD, 4.2L 6-cyl[17] | 14 / 20 / 16 | $4,200 |
| 4WD, 4.2L 6-cyl[19] | 14 / 20 / 16 | $4,200 |
| 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl[9] | 14 / 20 / 17 | $3,950 |
| 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl[21] | 13 / 19 / 16 | $4,200 |
| Ext 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl[22] | 14 / 19 / 16 | $4,200 |
| 2WD, 6.0L 8-cyl[18] | 13 / 17 / 15 | $5,500 |
| AWD, 6.0L 8-cyl[20] | 12 / 16 / 14 | $5,850 |
The best combined rating is 17 MPG and the lowest is 14 MPG[9][20]. Annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new[17].
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the 4-door rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions 4 stars for rollover, with a rollover risk of 19.1%[23]. The same rating and risk appear for the version listed as 4-DR W/SAB RWD/AWD[24]. Our data has no other crash ratings for this year.
Engine and size
The EPA ratings above list three engines: a 4.2L 6-cylinder, a 5.3L 8-cylinder and a 6.0L 8-cylinder[17][9][18]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models[25].
| Body and drive | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-door 2WD LS/LT[25] | 192 in | 74 in | 74 in | 113 in | 4,418 lb |
| 4-door 4WD LS/LT[26] | 192 in | 74 in | 74 in | 113 in | 4,594 lb |
| 4-door SS 4WD[27] | 192 in | 74 in | 68 in | 113 in | 4,729 lb |
| 4-door SS RWD[28] | 192 in | 74 in | 68 in | 113 in | 4,550 lb |
| EXT 2WD LS/LT[29] | 208 in | 75 in | 77 in | 129 in | 4,773 lb |
| EXT 4WD LS/LT[30] | 208 in | 75 in | 77 in | 129 in | 5,007 lb |
The EXT is 16 inches longer and has a 16 inch longer wheelbase than the standard body[25][29].
How 2007 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 1,249 | 13 |
| 2003 | 1,214 | 9 |
| 2004 | 1,342 | 2 |
| 2005 | 1,466 | 2 |
| 2006 | 1,297 | 8 |
| 2007 | 732 | 5 |
| 2008 | 193 | 0 |
| 2009 | 27 | 0 |
NHTSA's counts for each TrailBlazer model year[1]:
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 1,249 | 13 |
| 2003 | 1,214 | 9 |
| 2004 | 1,342 | 2 |
| 2005 | 1,466 | 2 |
| 2006 | 1,297 | 8 |
| 2007 | 732 | 5 |
| 2008 | 193 | 0 |
| 2009 | 27 | 0 |
The 2007 year has fewer complaints than 2002 through 2006 and more than 2008 and 2009[1]. For recalls, it has more than 2004, 2005, 2008 and 2009, and fewer than 2002, 2003 and 2006[1]. The list also shows zero complaints and recalls for 2021 through 2026[1]. Counts are not adjusted for how many were sold, so they are not a ranking of quality.
Should you buy a used 2007 TrailBlazer?
The data gives mixed signals. A major concern is the driver's door window switch module, which has several recalls and a fire risk even when parked[2][3][4][5]. Before buying, ask for proof that the recall work was done, and check the VIN with NHTSA. Owners in the fuel system sample we read describe fuel gauge trouble, and a few describe running out of fuel[7]. Fuel economy is modest, with EPA combined ratings from 14 to 17 MPG[9][20], so a pre-purchase inspection that covers the door switch, headlights and fuel gauge is a reasonable step., which has several recalls and a fire risk even when parked[2][3][4][5]. Before buying, ask for proof that the recall work was done, and check the VIN with NHTSA. Owners in the fuel system sample we read describe fuel gauge trouble, and a few describe running out of fuel[7]. Fuel economy is modest, with EPA combined ratings from 14 to 17 MPG[9][20]. A pre-purchase inspection that covers the door switch, headlights and fuel gauge is a reasonable step.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer?
- In NHTSA complaints, the fuel system, gasoline group is largest with 215, then the electrical system with 200[7][8]. In the samples we read, owners describe fuel gauge errors, warning lights, headlights going out and driver window switch failures[7][8][10][11].
- Does the 2007 TrailBlazer have recalls?
- Yes, five recalls are on file[1]. Four cover the driver's door window switch module or door module, and one covers the headlamp driver module[2][16][3][4][5].
- What is the gas mileage of a 2007 TrailBlazer?
- EPA combined ratings run from 14 to 17 MPG depending on engine and drive[9][20]. The 2WD 5.3L 8-cylinder has the best combined rating[9].
- Is the 2007 TrailBlazer a safe SUV?
- NHTSA rates rollover at 4 stars with a risk of 19.1% for the versions listed[23][24]. Our data has no other crash ratings.
- Is 2007 a good year for the TrailBlazer?
- It has fewer complaints than 2002 through 2006 and more than 2008 and 2009[1]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so this is not a ranking of quality.
Facts and sources
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet TrailBlazer model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V599, filed September 24, 2015: Visibility › Power Window Devices And Controls. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V404, filed July 2, 2014: Visibility › Power Window Devices And Controls. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 13V248, filed June 13, 2013: Visibility › Power Window Devices And Controls. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 12V406, filed August 16, 2012: Visibility › Power Window Devices And Controls. NHTSA recall database
- NHTSA has 732 owner complaints on file for the 2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer (19 mention a crash, 56 a fire, 23 injuries, 4 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 215 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 53,800). NHTSA vehicle records
- 200 complaints name the electrical system component group (3 crashes, 39 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 76,725). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for TrailBlazer 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 151 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 113,936). NHTSA vehicle records
- 64 complaints name the visibility component group (1 crashes, 16 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 76,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 58 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 82,660). NHTSA vehicle records
- 43 complaints name the fuel system, other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 50,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 34 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 3 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 89,643). NHTSA vehicle records
- 27 complaints name the air bags component group (14 crashes, 0 fires, 19 injuries, median mileage at failure 105,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 15V519, filed August 14, 2015: Exterior Lighting › Headlights. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for TrailBlazer 2WD, 4.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for TrailBlazer 2WD, 6.0L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for TrailBlazer 4WD, 4.2L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for TrailBlazer AWD, 6.0L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 16 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for TrailBlazer 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for TrailBlazer Ext 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4-DR RWD/AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4-DR W/SAB RWD/AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TRAILBLAZER 4DR SUV 2WD / LS/LT: length 192 in, width 74 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 4,418 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TRAILBLAZER 4DR SUV 4WD / LS/LT: length 192 in, width 74 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 4,594 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TRAILBLAZER 4DR SUV SS 4WD: length 192 in, width 74 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 4,729 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TRAILBLAZER 4DR SUV SS RWD: length 192 in, width 74 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 113 in, curb weight 4,550 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TRAILBLAZER EXT 4DR SUV 2WD / LS/LT: length 208 in, width 75 in, height 77 in, wheelbase 129 in, curb weight 4,773 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, TRAILBLAZER EXT 4DR SUV 4WD / LS/LT: length 208 in, width 75 in, height 77 in, wheelbase 129 in, curb weight 5,007 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov