How Long Do Chevrolet Trailblazers Last? (Miles & Years)

The Chevrolet Trailblazer used to be the nameplate for a Chevrolet SUV that was in production between 2001 and 2008. However, it morphed into a crossover SUV, and production started in 2020 for the 2021 model year.

Throughout its history as an SUV and now as a subcompact SUV, the Trailblazer has retained its class and quality.

In this article, we are going to be examining the Chevrolet Trailblazer’s durability in great detail.

Check also our list of most common issues with the Chevy Trailblazer models.

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Here is the short answer to how long Chevrolet Trailblazers last:

The Chevrolet Trailblazer can last for an average of 200,000 miles and possibly more with adequate maintenance. If you drive 15,000 miles per year, that gets you about 13 years of great service from your Trailblazer.

How Many Miles Can You Expect From a Chevrolet Trailblazer?

The first series of the Chevrolet Trailblazer (SUV) can hit 200,000 miles, subject to proper maintenance.

We found multiple owners on forums who claim to have gotten well over 200,000 miles from their Trailblazer models. A few owners also claimed to have crossed 300,000 miles with their models.

One thing these owners emphasized, however, is the importance of regular maintenance. The Chevrolet Trailblazer will serve you for as long as you are willing to maintain it.

The new Chevrolet Trailblazer (crossover) hasn’t been around for long. However, it is showing great promise and will probably reach 200,000 miles with proper maintenance, just like its ancestor.

How Soon Should You Expect Rust on a Chevrolet Trailblazer?

The Chevrolet Trailblazer can stay rust-free for about four to eight years according to many long-term owners.

Many Trailblazers in the 2000s were notorious for frame rust problems that disfigured the vehicles. There are five complaints about this on Carproblemszoo, and the average failure mileage was about 120,000 miles.

Owners who drive on salted roads in salt belt regions also had a lot to say about the Trailblazer’s susceptibility to rust. They also often complained about Chevrolet’s failure to take responsibility and advised trying alternative options.

Such alternative options serve as a precaution, and they include rustproofing, undercoating, and regular washes. These are tested options that have been proven to keep rust and corrosion away for much longer.

There haven’t been any reports of rust on the new Chevrolet Trailblazer (crossover) yet. Like all new Chevy models, the new Trailblazer comes with a warranty covering rust-through corrosion for six years.

How Long Do Chevrolet Trailblazers Last Compared to Similar Models?

The new Chevrolet Trailblazer rivals several other subcompact SUVs. It is often ranked low on the top subcompacts list because of its purportedly weak engine and sluggish ride quality. Let’s see how it stacks up against some of its competitors in terms of longevity.

Chevrolet Trailblazer Vs. Mazda CX-30

A wide-open cargo hold and a sporty interior are some of the outstanding features of the Mazda CX-30. Its quality is undeniable, and it has great longevity as well, with an expected lifespan of 200,000 miles.

Those numbers show that the Mazda CX-30 will last around the same time as the Chevrolet Trailblazer.

The 2021 CX-30 also boasts a reliability rating of 82/100 on J.D. Power. However, the 2021 Chevy Trailblazer hasn’t been rated by the platform yet.

The Mazda CX-30 also has better reception among critics, automotive experts, and owners. It ranks #1 on the list of top subcompact SUVs on U.S. News, while the new Trailblazer hasn’t been ranked.

While it’s true that both cars will last around the same time, the Mazda CX-30 is the better vehicle overall.

Chevrolet Trailblazer Vs. Kia Soul

The Kia Soul is one of the oldest and top-selling subcompact SUVs on the market. Owners are afforded classy features, including a spacious interior and smooth handling.

Much like the Chevy Trailblazer, the Kia Soul is also expected to last an average of 200,000 miles. This, of course, is subject to the owner’s adherence to the maintenance schedule.

To break the tie, let’s check out the reliability of both cars.

On J.D. Power, the 2021 Kia Soul has an incredibly excellent reliability rating of 89 out of 100, the highest in its class. The Trailblazer, on the other hand, hasn’t been rated for lack of sufficient data.

The Kia Soul also makes a big case for itself by emerging winner of the U.S. News’ “Best subcompact SUV for the money.” This is a testament to its superior quality and value and gives it a big edge in this conversation.

Chevrolet Trailblazer Vs. Honda HR-V

The Honda HR-V is one of the oldest subcompact SUVs and is currently in its third generation. It has ample space for cargo, decent safety features, and can last up to 200,000 miles on average.

While both cars can hit and even surpass the 200,000-mile mark, they differ in terms of quality and reliability.

On J.D. Power, the Honda HR-V notched an above-average reliability score of 76 out of 100. However, there isn’t enough data to measure the Trailblazer’s reliability just yet.

The Honda HR-V also ranked 5th on U.S. News’ list of top subcompacts, while the Trailblazer hasn’t been ranked. The HR-V also has a much better critics’ rating on the platform and has shown some consistency over the years.

How Reliable Is a Chevrolet Trailblazer?

A lack of sufficient data has led to the inability of many reputable platforms to rate the Trailblazer’s reliability.

On Consumer Reports, the Chevrolet Trailblazer has not yet been rated. The platform, however, had the car tested and was largely satisfied with its performance.

The story is the same on J.D. Power, where the Trailblazer is still listed as “Not Yet Rated.”

However, on cars.com, 83 consumers have rated the new Trailblazer so far and have given it a stellar 4.8 reliability rating. This proves the vehicle has had a satisfactory performance so far and can therefore be considered reliable.

The Best and Worst Model Years of Chevrolet Trailblazer

The Chevrolet Trailblazer debuted in the 2002 model year and was reborn in the 2021 model year. Let’s have a look at some of the Trailblazer’s great and not-so-great model years.

On CarComplaints, the Chevrolet Trailblazer has received a total of 2,165 complaints.

The 2005 model has the most complaints, with 916. However, the 2002 model, with 197 complaints, was named the worst model year on the platform. This was because of its high repair cost and the magnitude issues.

The new 2021 Trailblazer has had 1 complaint so far, making it the fewest of all models. The 2008 model is perhaps the most impressive, with just 58 complaints in all its years of existence.

On Carproblemzoo, 9,048 problems are reported concerning the Chevrolet Trailblazer. The 2005 Trailblazer also got the most complaints here, with 1,992. The new 2021 Trailblazer already has 15 complaints on the platform so far, and the 2009 Trailblazer has just 35.

The 2005 model stays consistent as the worst model year, with a 4.1 rating from 72 reviews on cars.com. Meanwhile, the new 2021 Chevy Trailblazer has the best rating on the platform, with a stellar 4.9 from 83 reviews.

What About Recalls for These Models?

Below is a list of recalls for all models of the Chevrolet Trailblazer to date:

2002: 14
2003: 9
2004: 2
200: 2
200: 8
2007: 5
2021: 4

The 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer has the most recalls with 14, and the 2003 model follows with 9.

Chevrolet Trailblazer Model Year List

Here is a list of all Chevrolet Trailblazer model years since 2002:

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

Are Chevrolet Trailblazers Expensive to Maintain?

The new Chevrolet Trailblazer has no estimated ownership costs on RepairPal and Car Edge. This is due to a dearth of data regarding the remodeled Chevrolet Trailblazer.

As soon as more information shows up, we will let you know whether the Trailblazer is expensive to maintain.

How Long Do the Brakes Last?

The Chevrolet Trailblazer brakes are expected to last between 25,000 miles and 65,000 miles. The longevity of the brakes depends on how you drive and how often you brake.

We advise keeping an eye out for brake problem signs like squeaking sounds and pulsating pedals, amongst others.

How Long Do the Tires Last?

The Chevrolet Trailblazer tires should last for 50,000 to 60,000 miles, which is about 4 years. To help the tires last longer, you can rotate them regularly and ensure that you maintain the correct tire pressure.

How Long Do the Transmissions Last?

A vehicle’s transmission is key to its functionality; hence, the Chevrolet Trailblazer has a transmission slated to last up to 130,000 miles.

How Long Do the Spark Plugs Last?

The Chevrolet Trailblazer’s spark plugs are built to last as long as 100,000 miles. It could even last longer, but experts advise replacing the plugs once they hit 100,000 miles.

What About Insurance Cost?

According to Insuraviz, insurance for the Chevrolet Trailblazer costs an average of $1,346 annually. It costs $20 less than the average subcompact, making it one of the cheapest in its class.

Car Edge also estimates $1,465 per year as insurance cost for the Chevrolet Trailblazer.

Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Chevrolet Trailblazer

Below are tips that can increase your Trailblazer’s life service:

Have a maintenance plan and adhere to the schedule
Rotate the tires whenever you service the vehicle
Wash the vehicle often
Change the oil as recommended by the manufacturer or based on usage
Use a Chevrolet-authorized repair shop

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