trailblazer anger

[hammer1]

I have a 2002 trailblazer. It cost $35,000 new. The transmission went out at 45,000 miles. It cost $2800 to fix. The warranty expired at 36,000 miles. Chevy dealer fixed it and would not help pay for any of it. Why would I buy another chevy. I am an engineer and understand mechanical failure but I also understand customer satisfaction and loyalty. If they would've paid for half I wouldn't be angry.

[likearock00]

First of all, I feel your pain. Major mechanical problems are difficult to swallow, especially so short after the warranty expires. My Silverado's tranny messed up on me while we were driving for thanksgiving this past year at 17k. I'm glad mine was still under warranty though.

Secondly, you paid that much for a Trailblazer? I would think that you could've and would've negotiated a better deal than that- even for a fully loaded one.

I'm buying an extended warranty on mine and was something I definitely would have advised you to purchase. They are absolutely worth the money and peace of mind. Mechanical failures are going to happen regardless of brand. Don't blame Chevy until you research how many of these vehicles have failures vs the competition.

[Dave B]

Shouldn't happen at 45,000 miles. Sorry that happened to you. But I don't care what brand of vehicle you have. If the tranny goes out after the warrenty expires, I dought any car mfg/dealer will pay for it.

[darndot]

Most brands will not replace your transmission after the warrenty is up. Why buy a new GM product. 100,000 miles warrenty, best in the business.

BTW, We have 90,000 miles on our Trailblazer and with very minimal problems. Welcome to GMI.

[PA Dweller]

I don't own a Trailblazer but I know a friend that swears by them. The last 3 vehicles he owned were Trailblazers and he never had problem with them. In fact his current Trailblazer is a 2002 model year. His only issue with it was the On Star which had to be upgraded to Digital. You probably got a lemon but I would be just as upset as you are.

[member12]

I got screwed on a Camry several years ago. (I actually got a Trailblazer afterward and couldn't have been more happy....120,000trouble free miles and I traded it for a Silverado b/c I needed a pickup).

There is no excuse for anything breaking on any Chevrolet before 100,000 miles unless there is severe abuse. I totally understand your frustration. Every Chevrolet should be able to go 200,000 miles on the factory powertrain, power equipment, and electronics.

We all need to hold Chevy to a different standard than any other car.

[shadams]

Originally Posted by hammer1

I have a 2002 trailblazer. It cost $35,000 new. The transmission went out at 45,000 miles. It cost $2800 to fix. The warranty expired at 36,000 miles. Chevy dealer fixed it and would not help pay for any of it. Why would I buy another chevy. I am an engineer and understand mechanical failure but I also understand customer satisfaction and loyalty. If they would've paid for half I wouldn't be angry.

GM actually encourages us to goodwill repairs for this reason. However, the decision is left up to the dealer, no matter who you talk to. The other problem is that although the mileage is low, its almost 7 model years old, and that is more than likely why they didnt help.

I have said time and time again, customers know at the time of sale what the terms of the warranty are, and are always offered extended warranties. Things happen, and GM lived up to their end of the deal by protecting it up to 3yr/36k (and now 5yr/100k). I still agree with you that the trans shouldnt have failed, but they can, and do, and you had your chance to protect yourself and didnt take it. Sorry....

[73ChevelleSS]

I can just imagine all the future threads that will be on here.You know the people who buy a new GM product with the 5/100k powertrain warranty.The minute something fails after their warranty goes out they will be on here crying the warranty blues.I understand everyones frustration when something goes wrong and they have to pay for it.No offense,but if this guy would have purchased an extended warranty he would never have come on here to complain.There has to be a limit on what every car manufactor will cover beyond a stated warranty.If not they would all be out of business.I would also bet he could of received some sort of goodwill help with enough phone calls.

[drees1]

Sorry the hear that. Why didn't you buy a Full Comp Extended Warranty? Always buy the full warranty.

[FenwickHockey65]

Our '03 Envoy has 40000 miles on it...no transmission problems, no engine problems, just some interior panels on the doors that are rattling and something's up with the suspension.

[96vette]

Just because you payed $35,000 doesnt mean you got a better transmission and nothing should go wrong because the money you payed for it, I understand your mad about it but come on. He doesnt say how the Blazer was treated like towing beyond its max weight, abused, etc. His first post and comes off with something like that.

[darndot]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

Our '03 Envoy has 40000 miles on it...no transmission problems, no engine problems, just some interior panels on the doors that are rattling and something's up with the suspension.

Are you getting what I call popping noises? My TB needed swaybar links. They are pretty easy to install.

[KillerMRK]

Dude, you've been out of warranty for 3 years. Tough cookies.

[FenwickHockey65]

Originally Posted by darndot

Are you getting what I call popping noises? My TB needed swaybar links. They are pretty easy to install.

I think it is a swaybar link problem. It sorta sounds like the sound you get when you stretch and compress a spring over and over again. It only happens when you hit a bump or something. Somebody told me it was the sway bar links...but I can't tell.

[darndot]

Originally Posted by FenwickHockey65

I think it is a swaybar link problem. It sorta sounds like the sound you get when you stretch and compress a spring over and over again. It only happens when you hit a bump or something. Somebody told me it was the sway bar links...but I can't tell.

That would be the problem. I bought mine from Rockauto, and installed them myself. Very easy to do, and save some money. Soak the old nuts in PB Blaster a couple days before.