Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT ball joint problems

Filed Jul 9, 2012 · Electrical, Steering · WI

Most recent is a driver's side door/window controls that have completely stopped working. Controls have been sporadic for over a month and have now, and it stopped completely with the window in the down position. I have been lucky not to experience the burning/melting issue others have before it stopped working all together - but my window is now in the down position and cannot be closed. In addition to the door/window controls, the rear window wiper stopped working about a year ago, the fuel sensor went out over a year and a half ago so tank always registers empty and check engine light is always on. (I have received the offer from chevy to have the fuel sensor repaired, but because I will be responsible for half of the repair costs, I have yet to have it done -- chevy should pay 100%, not 50%). I've already replaced the tie rods about a year ago, but was just told that they need to be replaced again. I've had issues with the car violently shaking @ 60 MPH shortly after I bought it (used) from a dealer. After quite the run around and four extended stays at the dealers repair shop it was magically taken care of after I threatened to file "lemon law" paperwork. I'm just done. *tr the consumer stated shortly after, the windows controls for the other three windows began to work again sporadically, except for the driver's window which was propped closed. On occasion, when the driver's side widow button was touched my mistake, the window would move slightly until being stopped by the 2x4. The consumer finally had the recall repairs done, after waiting on the parts. The dealer removed the 2x4 from the driver's side and the consumer was charged $105.55 to get the window operational again. Updated 05/23/13

Filed Jul 18, 2009 · Engine, Suspension · 85,000 miles · GA

2002 chevy trailblazer service engine soon light will come on along with the reduced engine power light and the vehicle will not go faster than 40 MPH. Sometimes it will not go more than 20 and 10 MPH. I've taken the vehicle to the dealer and they cleaned the throttle and changed some filters and 2 days later....the same lights come on and the engine power is reduced. The dealer doesn't know what the problem is so the vehicle continues to do this and has been doing this for the past 6 months. There was a recall on the control arms in 2001 that affected the 2002 chevy trailblazer. I purchased my trailblazer in 2002 so I didn't receive any recall information. My control arms need to be replaced and I want to know why my vehicle isn't covered under the recall.

Filed Apr 25, 2007 · Engine, Lights · 10,000 miles · OH

Have been having major trouble with the front end. Had it checked multiple times at the dealer and at a local mechanics shop and the ball joints and bushings had to be replaced. Even the the warranty was finished, the dealer did not charge me for this, but unfortunately I thought that this would take care of the noise on the front end, but it is still there!! Also yesterday, april 24, 2007, I had to have the fan clutch replaced. This vehicle only has 35,000 miles. I have also had the service engine soon light come on and stay on several times and after reading other complaints, I should check out the gas tank for any cracks. This is my first and last gm product!!!! It spends more time being fixed then on the road. I have also had trouble with the rear tail light burning out, but that has since been fixed!

Filed Apr 20, 2007 · Engine, Steering · 82,090 miles · PA

I own a 2003 chevy trailblazer lt @ 35,825 miles I reported my vehicle binds up on turns & of course the garage found nothing (drove it 20 miles for comparison @ the time). So now that I am up to 82,090 miles now I mention suspension issues still & of course they find both lower ball joints need replaced @ $320.06 & left outer tie rod end broken @ $170.80. Also they inform me I need to replace 3 of my 4 stabilizer bar links are loose & rattling @ an estimate of $320.00 (haven't done yet) also, I have looked on a website called mycarstats.com & found many others with these same issues with this vehicle @ much lower mileage & where tie rod issue caused an accident -- they weren't as lucky as me. Also people I work with who have this same yr & model vehicle have had to have ball joints, sway bars replaced, and other suspension work @ lower mileages. I also had an issue with my 4-wheel drive becoming inoperative & this did almost cause me to wreck going up hill during winter weather. They replaced front differential engagement actuator. All these things in my mind should not have happened at these mileages. The 4-wheel drive quit @ 80,000 miles. All these issues can create safe driving issues for the consumer especially someone who pays over $30,000 for a vehicle when it's new. Let me add now that the latest expensive repair to add to my list is the fan clutch assembly on my engine cooling fan system $573.00 -- also found many gm owners of bravada, rainers, envoys & trailblazers experiencing this items failure too.

Filed Oct 20, 2006 · Suspension, Transmission · 56,000 miles · CT

Passenger side upper ball joint came out causing the lower ball joint to also come out resulting in a cut ABS sensor wire and a bent strut and finally a axle that ripped out of the transfer case which destroyed the case cover.

Filed Jul 27, 2006 · Steering · 45,000 miles · VT

I brought my extended 2002 trailblazer in to the dealer for a recall on the rear doors, a seal for the bottom. I think it was for the door latch rusting out and flying open while your driving. I told them to check the ABS because the warning light was on. They supposedly checked it out and told me that the front drivers side hub was very wobbly and it caused the sensor to go bad. Me being a mechanic also, decided to take it to my trusted garage and told them to replace the hub. My vehicle only has 45000 miles on it and I didn't think that this part should have gone bad. So I left it at the garage and about an hr later I got a call from them saying that not only the hub but both lower ball joints were bad, drivers side control arm joint was ready to fall off, this steers the wheel! And the brake pads that I just put on about a yr ago are worn at an angle. Now mind you, I just had this vehicle inspected a yr ago and it was fine. Its pretty embarrassing to have an almost new vehicle go in the shop and need the front end rebuilt. This really needs to be looked into because the front wheel could have broken off while driving. Also I have a list of warranty work that was done on this vehicle about a mile long. Now I have to spend over $1000 to get my vehicle back on the road. This just isn't right! I think I will be going to the honda dealer when I get this junk fixed!!!!!! Chevy out ---- honda in!

Filed Dec 2, 2005 · Suspension · 3 miles · WI

Dt: the contact stated when turning a corner or driving over a bump heard a loud noise. It sounded as though metal was rubbing together. This happened when she drove the vehicle off of the lot. The vehicle has been to the dealership multiple times. They replaced the front suspension sway bar and front control arm six times, and had to be replaced every six months or 3,000 miles. The vehicle was still experiencing the same problems. *ak updated 12/27/2005.

Filed May 3, 2005 · Suspension · 58,000 miles · 00

Contact states: left and right lower control arm failed and vehicle makes a noise when coming to a stop or making a right turn. Contact says that 2002 chevrolet, trailblazer was recalled for the same problem that he is having.

Filed Feb 17, 2005 · Steering · 7 miles · PA · crash · 1 injury

The tie rod broke pulling the vehicle into a tree causing injury and damage to the vehicle. Wheel damage windshield broken, side body damage and bumper damage.

Filed Jun 14, 2004 · Body, Brakes · 6,000 miles · NJ

Front end loose, ball joints needed replacement. Driver side seatbelt defective/twisted. Rotors warped needed repalcement. Outside door handle does not open door. Dirver side mirror moves around (programed) without notice. Transmission engages rough, feels like it slipping. Tailgate out of allignment, rear seatbelt defective needed replacement, 4wd locked up in parking lot, front end has scraping noises when turning, heated seats not working, irratic, tailgate panel falls off, driver seat frame broken needed replacement,electrical system irratic.