This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer airbags problems
severe 29 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
29
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
7crashes
4injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 29 airbags complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 6 model years of Chevrolet Trailblazer in our records for airbags problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to complete a terminal replacement or connector re connection to correct a condition of Diagnostic Information for Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System, Intermittent AIR BAG Indicator/Lamp Illuminated with DTC(s) B0012, B0013, B0015, B0016, B0019, B0020, B0022, B0023, B0026, B0033, B0040, B0042 or B0044 Set (Inspect and Replace Connector Position Assurance (CPA) Retainer)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides Information on Passenger Presence Sensing System (PPS or PSS) Concerns with Custom Upholstery, Accessory Seat Heaters or Other Comfort Enhancing Devices
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗GENERAL MOTORS: DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION FOR INTERMITTENT RESTRAINTS, AIR BAG (SIR) INDICATOR/LAMP ON WITH DTC(S) B0012, B0013, B0016, B0016, B0019, B0020, B0022, B0023, B0026, B0033, B0040, B0042 OR B0044 SET. THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY A LOOSE, MISSING, OR BROKEN CONNECTOR POSITION ASSURANCE (CPA) RETAINER AT THE AIR BAG FOR THE SET DTC. INCLUDES TRAILBLAZER EXT. UPDATED 8/16/10. UPDATED 3/12/12.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT IS ON. UPDATED ON 12/13/07.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Side curtain airbags on this Trailblazer deploy without warning during routine driving—straight roads, low-speed turns, even gravel driveways. At 20-40 mph, with no collision or rollover, both or one airbag fires. Owners hit curbs, swerve into traffic, and lose control while trying to see around the deployed bags. One owner crashed into the car ahead after airbags deployed at a traffic light. Another hit a tree because the bags came out on a simple left turn. When mechanics scan the vehicle, codes point to the airbag and seatbelt systems (B0051, B0058, B0062, B0070, U7300), but dealers often claim no defect exists.
Conversely, the Trailblazer sometimes fails to deploy in actual crashes—head-on at 35 mph, rear-end at 45-55 mph—leaving occupants with windshield strikes, concussions, and broken bones. One owner's front end was crushed to the windshield; another totaled the vehicle at 45 mph. GM investigators blamed the crashes as "not significant enough" despite totaled vehicles and serious injury.
Seatbelt pretensioners also malfunction, locking up after false deployments or failing during real collisions. Repair bills run $4,000 or more. Some owners report intermittent passenger airbag non-engagement despite proper seating. Dealers cite no diagnostic codes and refuse warranty work.
Same Chevrolet Trailblazer airbags reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2007
Failure modes owners describe
Spontaneous side curtain airbag deployment
Both or one side curtain airbag deploys without a collision or rollover event, often at low speeds (20-40 mph) on normal road conditions. Deployment occurs during routine driving, turns, or after minor road hazards like potholes or gravel driveways.
When: Various mileages ranging from 800 to 127,000 miles; incidents occur during normal driving conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Both side curtain airbags deploy spontaneously; Airbags deploy while driving straight at low speed; Deployment triggered by minor road hazards (potholes, gravel); Deployment during normal turns or maneuvers; White powder/substance emitted during deployment; Airbags fail to deflate after deployment
Codes mentioned: B0051, B0058, B0062, B0065, B0070, U7300, B0026
Repairs/costs cited: $4,000 for airbag and headliner replacement noted in one case; insurance companies have determined manufacturer defect; whole roof interior replacement required in one case (10 days in shop)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM has declined assistance in some cases; GM concluded near-rollover situations in some complaints despite owner assertion no rollover occurred; manufacturer claimed sensors functioned normally; insurance companies identified manufacturer defect but refused repair; one GM investigator report stated no failure in airbag system
Delayed or slow airbag deployment in actual crashes
Airbags fail to deploy or deploy very slowly during actual collision events at moderate to high speeds (35-55 mph), leaving occupants with head/neck injuries. One incident involved rear-end collision at 45 mph with vehicle totaled; another involved head-on crash at 35 mph with crushed front end.
When: At 6,500 miles (head-on crash); 220,000 miles (rear-end at 53 mph); low mileage vehicle totaled
Symptoms owners cite: Complete airbag deployment failure in head-on collision; Complete airbag deployment failure in rear-end collision; Delayed/slow deployment of driver side airbag while passenger side deploys rapidly; Seat belt pretensioner failed to engage; Occupant struck windshield with severe concussion; Head and neck injuries, cuts and bruises to lower body
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle totaled with front crushed to windshield; another totaled with over $13,000 damage
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM investigator stated crash at 45 mph not significant enough to deploy airbags and OnStar notification; manufacturer determined no failure in airbag system; dealer and manufacturer unable to diagnose failure
Intermittent front passenger airbag non-deployment
Front passenger airbag fails to engage intermittently with a properly seated adult (120 lbs, 5'7") despite seatbelt use. Problem recurs after initial dealer repair; airbag may or may not engage even with proper seating position.
When: First occurred around 32,000 miles; recurred by 62,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag does not engage with 120 lb adult seated properly; Intermittent non-engagement that changes while driving; Airbag disengages when passenger crosses legs or positions feet close to seat; No diagnostic codes present
Repairs/costs cited: Initial repair completed at 32,000 miles; problem returned by 62,000 miles and could not be corrected on second visit
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated passenger must sit properly; advised sitting closer to front of seat; claimed no code present so problem cannot be fixed; no recall or service bulletin exists
Airbag system sensor/module malfunction
Airbag warning light illuminates; diagnostic scanning reveals faulty passenger presence sensor (PPS) airbag module or related circuit fault. Parts availability issues delay repair.
When: At various mileages; one case at time when tire pressure sensor light also active
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminated; Diagnostic codes indicate module or sensor failure
Codes mentioned: B0026
Repairs/costs cited: $1,150 for faulty PPS airbag module replacement; part on GM backorder; replacement part had to be located out of state and could not be delivered overnight
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented; parts availability issue with GM
Airbag deployment with seat belt pretensioner activation and malfunction
When airbags deploy (spontaneously or in crashes), front seat belts tighten excessively, lock in place, or fail to function properly afterward. In one case, pretensioner failed to engage during 53 mph rear-end collision.
When: Concurrent with airbag deployment events; one case at 220,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Front seat belts lock in place after airbag deployment; Driver side seat belt becomes limp/non-functional; Passenger side seat belt becomes extremely tight, deforming seat and breaking belt housing; Seat belt pretensioner fails to engage during collision; Seat belts lock up and become impossible to use after false deployment
Repairs/costs cited: Both front seat belt systems require replacement in one case; seat deformation requiring seat replacement noted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Synthesized from 29 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had airbags trouble with your 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer?
It's a meaningful issue. 29 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Across the 21 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 37,000 and 104,000 miles, with the median around 69,525. A quarter of owners report trouble before 37,000; a quarter make it past 104,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Chevrolet/Trailblazer.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.