This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer lighting problems
moderate 9 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $250 · see lighting across all vehicles →
Complaints
9
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$250
When does it fail?
Of the 9 lighting complaints filed for the 2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Lighting accounts for 33% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 3 categories tracked.
Of the 5 model years of Chevrolet Trailblazer we track for lighting problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (9).
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering lighting 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 service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet trailblazer. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the low beam headlights suddenly shut off. The light bulbs were replaced, but the failure continued to occur. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,050.
My wife was driving home from work at night and the headlights went off and did not come back on by the time she got home (approx. 15 min.). She was on a busy city street which also involves some sharp turns as the drive progresses toward home.
I just saw the recall gm is doing for the 2006~2007 Chevrolet trailblazer. I noticed that other years are not affected specifically mine. My 2009 trailblazer currently has this issues, both low beam head lamps do not work. I have tried everything to get them to work. I have had no luck. Please investigate this issue further. We have to drive with our high beam lights which could possibly…
While driving the low beam headlights will go out. And not come back on you have to turn on high beams to have headlights stopped and pulled over turned off the vehicle turned it back on and low beams still did not come back on
Traveling between 50 to 55 MPH. Headlights started to dim and flicker. On 10/29/2014, was traveling home from work at night and the headlamps went out without warning. Traveled with hazards on for approximately five miles before headlamps came back on. Not sure what the issue may be. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet trailblazer. While driving various speeds, the low beam headlights stopped operating sporadically. The dealer was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet trailblazer. The contact stated that the headlights and daytime running lights failed to operate. The contact had to use the high beam headlights to drive. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 136,731.
Had lighting trouble with your 2009 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 lighting problem on the 2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 9 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $250 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the lighting typically fail?
Based on the 9 complaints filed, lighting issues most often appear around 90,444 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $250 for lighting 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 lighting?
No active recalls currently cover lighting 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/2009/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.