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Chevrolet Trailblazer headlights problems

663 of the 7,174 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Trailblazer describe headlights failing or too dim, most of them for the 2005 model year.

owner complaints
663
worst model year
2005
typical repair cost reported
$550
typical mileage
91,164
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Lights · 59,050 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the headlights failed to illuminate as intended. The contact stated that the headlights did not provide illumination up to thirty feet. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the failure was not duplicated. The dealer informed the contact that the headlight bulbs were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 59,050.

Filed Jun 28, 2026 · Electrical, Lights · TN

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.

Filed Jan 7, 2026 · Lights · MI

Unit used as a rental from Avis. Night time driving will cause on-coming traffic to flash high beams while my lights are in low beam mode. This is a daily problem with a multitude of on-coming drivers as the LED headlights are perceived to be extra bright / blinding.

Filed Nov 28, 2024 · Electrical · NY

While driving the car will cut off and on real quick. The headlights will flash on their own. Security systems cuts off and the brakes function messes up.

Filed May 13, 2024 · Lights · 133,000 miles · DC

The contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH at nighttime, the low-beam headlights started flickering, and then became inoperable. The vehicle decelerated and veered to the side of the road. The contact engaged the high-beam headlights and continued driving. The contact stated that he replaced the low-beam headlights relay several times. Additionally, the contact replaced the low beam headlights switch, bulb, and fuses; however, the failure persisted. The local dealer and a second dealer, Pohanka Chevrolet (13915 US-50, Chantilly, VA 20151) were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The contact related the failure to GM Campaign Number: N140291. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.

Filed Mar 22, 2024 · Airbags · IL · crash

The airbags failed to deploy In a significant collision where hood, radiator, grill/number and both headlights were damaged. GM has been contacted and fail and refuse to do an inspection stating the issue is time barred to 10 years to original warranty of vehicle and are failing to acknowledge manufacturer defect or issue a recall. There were no warning signs/lights prior to notify that the airbags would fail to deploy in an accident. The vehicle has not inspected, even a request has been made on multiple occasions, with getting the runaround and claim closed. The lack of safety puts other drivers/owners of the 2005 Trailblazer and or similar vehicles at risk, at time they will need it the most to find out airbags are defective and will not work. Injuries and lives are at risk only for GM to run a cover up and not stand up to do what is right. Police report number [XXX] Adams Co Sheriff's Office, could not upload. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 25, 2023 · Lights · OR

The headlamps have quit working when driving at night but will come back on later. This has happened several times. I found GM recall number 14291 that is supposed to include 2006 Chevy Trailblazers and pertains to this problem. The local dealership told us that our vehicle has a vin number that is not covered. It would seem that all model 2006 Chevy Trailblazers would use the same HDM modules in them when they were built. Is ours covered?

Filed Jun 10, 2023 · Electrical, Lights · MI

Keeps blowing #46 headlight relay. Happens every 2-3 weeks. When this happens the low beams stop working. I have to switch to high beams to continue driving.

Filed Dec 30, 2022 · Electrical, Lights · OK

For several years the low beam headlights would go off and on intermittently. Now, they are mostly off which means I cannot drive my vehicle at night anymore unless I want to blind people or get stopped. I have changed headlamps, relays and fuses to no avail. Now, I see that many others with the same make and model SUV have been having the same issue but no recalls have been issued for this year model. This is a major safety issue when we have to drive with the high beams on and when the lights go off unexpectedly. If you will issue a recall for one year model having a particular issue, why would you not do the same with all year models having the same issue? Come on chevrolet and the federal safety agency, let's get this problem solved to save some lives. It is very scary to be driving and have your headlights go out and a major pain to have to be sure you are home by dark or not be able to go out after dark because your headlamps are or may stop working.

Filed Sep 8, 2022 · Lights · 189,000 miles · MS

The contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the headlights became inoperable. After a while, the headlights became operational. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 189,000.

Related recalls

Exterior lighting: headlightsReported August 14, 2015 · 429,170 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix, 2006-2009 Buick LaCrosse, 2006-2007 Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, GMC Envoy XL, 2006-2008 Isuzu Ascender, and Saab 9-7x vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the headlamp driver module (HDM) may overheat and fail, causing the headlamps and daytime running lights to not illuminate.
Risk
Headlamps that do not illuminate reduce the driver's ability to see the roadway and reduce the vehicle's visibility to oncoming vehicles, both of which increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the HDM, free of charge. The recall began on May 17, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300 or Pontiac customer service at 1‑800‑762‑2737. GM's number for this recall is 14291.

Recall number 15V519000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: turn signalReported May 5, 2005 · 286,478 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain trucks and sport utility vehicles, the driver wishing to signal a turn by moving the directional signal lever, (up or down) may cause the front marker/turn lights and rear turn lights to flash in a manner similar to hazard warning, rather than flashing on the desired side only.
Risk
The driver may not be able to clearly signal their intentions to turn, change travel lanes, or potentially warn others of an impaired vehicle operating condition increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the suspect flasher modules with a new flasher module designed with sealed relays and more durable contact material inside of the relays free of charge. The recall began on august 4, 2005. Isuzu began mailing owner letters on august 4, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463, isuzu at 1‑800‑255‑6727, buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080, and oldsmobile at 1‑800‑630‑6537.

Recall number 05V198000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: brake lightsReported November 1, 2004 · 871,473 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain sport utility vehicles, vibration and heat may cause the tail lamp/stop lamp bulb to loosen in its socket. If this occurs, the bulb may flicker and eventually become inoperative.
Risk
An inoperative brake lamp will not convey the driver's intention of stopping to drivers in following vehicles, and an inoperative rear turn signal lamp will not convey the driver's intention to turn to drivers in following vehicles. Both of these failures can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the tail lamp/stop lamp assemblies, and if necessary, replace them. The recall began on november 22, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, oldsmobile at 1‑800‑630‑6537, buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080, or gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463.

Recall number 04V527000 · Recall details

Questions about the Chevrolet Trailblazer headlights

Which Chevrolet Trailblazer years have headlights failing or too dim problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2005 (182 complaints), 2007 (146 complaints) and 2006 (103 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix headlights failing or too dim on the Chevrolet Trailblazer?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $550 (median of 23 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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