The Chevrolet Trailblazer debuted in 2002 as a mid-size SUV and was redesigned in 2020 as a compact crossover SUV.
Available with either a 1.2 or 1.3 liter engine with optional all-wheel-drive the Trailblazer offers a spacious interior, a user-friendly infotainment system and a wide array of standard features.
In this article, we’ll take a look at how many years of service you can expect from the Chevrolet Trailblazer.
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Here is the short answer to how long do Chevy Trailblazers last:
The Chevrolet Trailblazer is a durable vehicle with an average lifespan of 200,000 miles. This means you can expect approximately 13 years of service, provided the vehicle is properly maintained, well looked after and driven smoothly.
How Many Miles Can You Expect from a Chevrolet Trailblazer?
Historically, the Chevy Trailblazer has been shown to reach an average of 200,000 miles, which translates to roughly 13 years of service when considering the average of 15,000 miles driven per year.
We can estimate that the new, compact crossover generation of this vehicle will maintain the longevity of its mid-size SUV predecessors.
The nature of the current generation Trailblazer makes it more geared towards urban city driving, and less towards rugged off-road use. Taking this into consideration, you may be able to expect closer to 250,000 miles with conservative use.
As with most cars, case-to-case reports of longevity can vary based on a number of factors. ULtimately thou, it is down to the owner to ensure they get the most life out of their vehicle.
To bolster the lifespan of your Trailblazer, adopt good driving habits, clean your vehicle regularly to prevent rusting and make sure to consult your service manual to keep up to date with factory scheduled maintenance.
How Soon Should You Expect Rust on a Chevrolet Trailblazer?
Frame and undercarriage rust is an almost universal problem across all mid-size generations of the Trailblazer.
Owners of 2002, 2003, 2006, and 2007 model years, in particular, report holes in their frame as a result of rust and corrosion.
The current generation of the Chevy Trailblazer has not been around long enough for us to accurately assess the rust situation.
However, given the Trailblazer’s notorious rusting in the past, we recommend investing in the ceramic coating to prevent the onset of rust in the long run.
Alternatively, rust-proofing sprays can be found at fair prices and are relatively easy to apply.
Salt buildup on vehicle surfaces is corrosive, and the sand, dirt and snow that build up can trap moisture in wheel wells and underbody structures.
Standard rust proofing measures include regular washes, rustproofing sprays, keeping the interior dry, and ceramic coatings for a more long-term investment.
Additionally, storing your vehicle in a garage out of the elements can have numerous benefits as well as helping to reduce rust.
How Long Does the Chevrolet Trailblazer Last Compared to Similar Car Models?
The redesign of the Chevrolet Trailblazer puts it right at the heart of a competitive compact and sub-compact crossover market. The Trailblazer features sporty design language, excellent maneuverability around the city, and mild off-roading capabilities not common in vehicles of this size.
In this segment, we’ll see how the Chevrolet Trailblazer stacks up to its competitors.
Chevrolet Trailblazer vs. Honda HR-V
The Trailblazer and HR-V share the same 200,000-mile average lifespan.
The annual maintenance cost of the Honda HR-V is $301, making it $223 cheaper than the Trailblazer which costs $524 a year to maintain.
Reliability is where the Honda HR-V truly shines. With a reliability rating of 5.0 out of 5.0, the HR-V ranks as the single most reliable subcompact crossover. Meanwhile, the reliability of the new Chevy Trailblazer has yet to be ranked due to insufficient data.
The Honda HR-V currently stands as the far superior value-for-money option, while also being the more reliable and well-documented vehicle.
Chevrolet Trailblazer vs. Ford EcoSport
The Chevrolet Trailblazer dominates the Ford EcoSport in the longevity department. The EcoSport has been notorious for not lasting very long, with an average lifespan of just 100,000 miles, or 7 years.
Maintenance costs are the biggest selling point of the Ford EcoSport. With an annual maintenance cost of just $191, this makes the EcoSport $333 cheaper than the Trailblazer, which costs $524 a year to maintain.
Although the Chevy Trailblazer at this time does not have RepairPal data for a reliability rating, we would expect it to exceed or at the very least be on par with the reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 of the Ford EcoSport.
Both the Chevy Trailblazer and Ford EcoSport are newcomers to the compact crossover market. However, the success of the previous generation Trailblazer makes it a safer choice than the notoriously short-lived EcoSport.
Chevrolet Trailblazer vs Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 may be a newcomer in the compact crossover segment but it matches up impressively to the 200,000-mile lifespan of the Chevrolet Trailblazer. Both SUVs are set to offer over 13 years of service.
In terms of cost to maintain per year, the Mazda CX-30 is cheaper by a considerable margin. With the Chevy Trailblazer and Mazda CX-30 costing $524 and $345 respectively, the difference between the two is a sizeable $179.
The Mazda CX-30 is the second most reliable compact crossover on the market, with an impressive RepairPal reliability score of 4.5 out of 5.
A major selling point of the CX-30 and most current Mazda vehicles, in general, is an emphasis on the driving experience. While the Trailblazer is capable of taking on rougher terrain, the CX-30 features better steering feedback and throttle response.
You may also be interested in our article: How Long Do Mazda CX-30 Last?
How Reliable is a Chevrolet Trailblazer?
The Chevrolet Trailblazer is an affordable and well-rounded compact crossover that features sporty styling, extensive safety features, light off-road capability, and excellent maneuverability around the city.
Given that the redesigned crossover debuted in 2020, sources such as RepairPal, J. D. Power, and ConsumerReports do not have a great deal of specific data to give an accurate reliability score.
However as a brand, Chevrolet has received a modest RepairPal reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 which ranks it 20th out 32 for all car brands. And in 2019 Consumer Reports ranked Chevrolet as the 7th least reliable automotive brand.
Please also read our article: how long do Chevrolet Suburban last?
The Best and Worst Years of the Chevrolet Trailblazer
According to CarComplaints’ extensive database, 2002 ranks as the worst model year of the Chevrolet Trailblazer. Owners reported complete transmission failure, with an average of $3,100 to repair, and an average of 100,000 miles when the problem occurs.
Other problems found primarily in the first 5 years after launch include:
- Fuel gauge not working
- Interior accessory problems
- Engine problems
- AC/heater problems
- Transmission problems
The compact crossover redesign of the Trailblazer (2021 onwards) has yet to encounter any major problems and hence is the safest choice.
Related: 11 Best & Worst Chevrolet Trailblazer Years (With Facts & Stats)
What About Recalls?
Here is the full list of recalls:
- 2002: 13 recalls
- 2003: 8 recalls
- 2004: 2 recalls
- 2005: 6 recalls
- 2006: 2 recalls
- 2007: 8 recalls
- 2008: 5 recalls
- 2009: 0 recalls
- 2021: 1 recall
- 2022: 1 recall
Chevrolet Trailblazer Model Year List:
Here is the full list of model years of the Chevrolet Trailblazer:
- 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer
- 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer
- 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer
- 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer
- 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer
- 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer
- 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer
- 2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer
- 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer
- 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer
- 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Is the Chevrolet Trailblazer Expensive to Maintain?
The Chevrolet Trailblazer will cost an average of $524 a year to maintain, with an expected cost of roughly $6,000 over a 5 year period.
How Long Do the Brakes Last?
Chevrolet Trailblazer brake pads usually last between 25,000 and 65,000 miles.
How you drive your vehicle will play a big part in brake longevity. If you tend to do a lot of stop-and-go driving or are prone to heavy braking then your brakes will need frequent replacement.
Full and complete stops from a high speed are the biggest culprit of premature brake pad wear.
How Long Do the Tires Last?
Chevrolet Trailblazer tires last up to 4 years, which means an average of 60,000 miles given the 15,000 miles driven per year.
Maintaining the correct tire pressure will not only keep you safe it will also bolster your tire’s lifespan, the correct pressure for your tires is usually located in the driver’s door jamb.
To ensure even wear of your tires, have them rotated regularly as specified in the owner’s manual or new-tire warranty guidelines, this is usually every 5,000 – 8,000 miles.
How Long Does the Transmission Last?
The transmission on the Chevy Trailblazer is built to last up to 130,000 miles before needing major servicing or replacement.
Ensure fluid levels are topped up and fix any problems immediately to keep the transmission running smoothly.
How Long Do Spark Plugs Last?
Spark plugs on the Chevrolet Trailblazer are built to last between 80,000 to 100,000 miles.
Spark plugs are responsible for creating the spark that ignites the air/fuel mixture, causing the explosion which makes the engine produce power.
They are usually inspected and if needed, replaced when you go for a tune up.
What About Insurance Cost?
The average insurance costs for a Chevrolet Trailblazer is $134 per month or $1,609 annually according to Finder.
Insurance costs can vary from person to person; be sure to shop around to find the best possible deal.
Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Chevrolet Trailblazer
- Keep up to date with factory scheduled maintenance.
- Keep fluids topped up and check fluid levels regularly
- Drive smoothly, use controlled acceleration and braking
- Check your tire pressures at regular intervals
- Check engine oil every two weeks
- If possible, keep the vehicle stored in a garage, out of the elements
- Use good quality parts and fluids
- Invest in a ceramic coating to protect against contaminants and minor scratches
- Consider all rust-proofing options
- Wash the vehicle regularly particularly when encountering salt and snow
- Confirm the weight of objects before attempting to tow them, do not overload your vehicle.
Resources
https://www.carcomplaints.com/Chevrolet/Trailblazer/2021/
https://repairpal.com/chevrolet/trailblazer
https://www.cars.com/research/chevrolet-trailblazer/
https://www.chevrolet.com/suvs/trailblazer
https://enginepatrol.com/suv-long-distance-driving-road-trips/