Owners have filed 274 complaints
about the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer with NHTSA between 2020 and 2026.
The largest single group is the other & unspecified.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 15 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 22
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Trailblazer. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 57
10.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
68% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2021 compares with every other Chevrolet Trailblazer
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Automatic Emergency Braking
832.0%
Body
624.0%
Warnings
520.0%
Assist
28.0%
Interlock/Lockout
14.0%
Rearview System Braking
14.0%
Warnings
14.0%
Vehicle Latch Anchor
14.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
615.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1127.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
717.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
820.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
12.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
512.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
25.0%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV FWD Later Release
18.5% risk
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV AWD Later Release
17.9% risk
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV FWD Early Release
18.5% risk
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV AWD Early Release
17.9% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Sep 2020peak 14Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202136514,781 units in Canada
Accessories
Issue: On certain vehicles, the emergency spare tire jack could break if it is not properly positioned under the vehicle. If this happens, the jack could collapse and the vehicle could fall suddenly. Safety Risk: A jack that collapses could trap or injure a person who is near or under the vehicle. Corrective Action: General Motors will contact owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the emergency jack. The company recommends that you should not use the original emergency jack. Instead, if you are in a situation which requires its use, they recommend that you should call the GM Roadside Assistance Centre.
Recall 2020452404 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: On certain vehicles, a sensor in the electronic brake boost system may have a bad connection. Under certain driving conditions, this could cause a loss of brake assist. If this happens, there would be a sudden increase in brake pedal force required to slow or stop the vehicle. Safety Risk: Reduced brake performance can cause extended stopping distances and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to replace the electronic brake boost module.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Lancaster, OHCrash2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
A loud popping noise heard through the radio when light pressure applied to brakes. Noise loud enough to scare the hell out of all the occupants in the car. Brakes squeaked when car was in reverse. Tried to slow down on wet pavement. Car started to veer to the right. Forward collision warning nor automatic emergency braking worked. Pushed brake all the way to the floor and the car did not slow. Rear ended another car. No airbags deployed. My passenger was okay. I got diagnosed with a concussion. Do not know if the occupants in the other car were injured.
NHTSA complaint #11643617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lancaster, OHCrash2 injured
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
A loud popping noise heard through the radio when light pressure applied to brakes. Noise loud enough to scare the hell out of all the occupants in the car. Brakes squeaked when car was in reverse. Tried to slow down on wet pavement. Car started to veer to the right. Forward collision warning nor automatic emergency braking worked. Pushed brake all the way to the floor and the car did not slow. Rear ended another car. No airbags deployed. My passenger was okay. I got diagnosed with a concussion. Do not know if the occupants in the other car were injured.
NHTSA complaint #11643617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
A loud popping noise heard through the radio when light pressure applied to brakes. Noise loud enough to scare the hell out of all the occupants in the car. Brakes squeaked when car was in reverse. Tried to slow down on wet pavement. Car started to veer to the right. Forward collision warning nor automatic emergency braking worked. Pushed brake all the way to the floor and the car did not slow. Rear ended another car. No airbags deployed. My passenger was okay. I got diagnosed with a concussion. Do not know if the occupants in the other car were injured.
NHTSA complaint #11643617 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bakersfield, CACrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
Brakes failed and myself and others were in harms way. To my knowledge the car was totaled as the air bags did deploy.
NHTSA complaint #11527819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bakersfield, CACrash1 injured
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Brakes failed and myself and others were in harms way. To my knowledge the car was totaled as the air bags did deploy.
NHTSA complaint #11527819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bakersfield, CACrash1 injured
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Brakes failed and myself and others were in harms way. To my knowledge the car was totaled as the air bags did deploy.
NHTSA complaint #11527819 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Water Valley, MS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Shifter
NHTSA complaint #11757775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richton Park, IL
ENGINE
My timing belt snapped prematurely, causing a total loss of engine power while driving on the highway, which is a severe safety hazard
NHTSA complaint #11754543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jefferson City, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am submitting this report regarding my 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer because it has been experiencing the "Shift to Park" issue described in the GM bulletin 19-NA-206. Even when the vehicle is shifted into Park, it intermittently displays a "Shift to Park" message and does not recognize that the transmission is in Park. This issue has been ongoing and has not resolved despite normal use of the vehicle. It is frustrating to deal with on a regular basis, and it appears to be the same condition addressed by GM in Technical Service Bulletin 19-NA-206 that is available to view on the NHTSA website. I believe the NHTSA should push General Motors to issue a recall for this problem rather than relying on a Technical Service Bulletin. The issue appears to affect many GM vehicles, and owners should not have to bear the burden of repeated repairs or diagnosis for a known defect. I respectfully request that the NHTSA investigate this issue further and require GM to provide a permanent remedy through a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11754013 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Clinton, MA
POWER TRAIN
"shift to park" issue on a 21 traiblazer causing your car to not being able to shutdown entirely meanwhile the shift is perfectly on Park.
NHTSA complaint #11753767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Montgomery, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle displays Shift to Park when vehicle is in park & you push the ignition button & audible chime occurs. Apparently this is a known issue for Chevrolet Trailblazers & Buick Encore GX vehicles model year 2021 & newer. You have to either wiggle the gear shifter several times & depress/wiggle the shift lever button in order to turn off the vehicle. Sometimes it takes 5 minutes to get it to work.
NHTSA complaint #11752759 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Puxico, MO
POWER TRAIN
My trailblazer will not shift properly into drive from park or reverse. GM calls this a "loss of forward motion" or "delayed forward engagement" in their service bulletin TSB-24-NA-009. It is a safety issue because you never know when or how long the vehicle will take to engage and allow forward movement. This causes issues when leaving a parking spot or a driveway, especially on busy roads. If the car will not move forward, my family is stuck in the road until it finally engages into gear and allows forward movement. When this occurs, the vehicle engine will shutter and not allow any forward movement. I usually have to move the drive selector back to park and back to drive again. This creates an immediate and unreasonable safety risk because the vehicle will not move for several seconds while I am sitting in traffic. This generates a P2714 code. I had the car looked at by a GM dealer as well as an independent transmission repair shop and both indicate it will likely need a new transmission. GM is fully aware of the defect and has issued a service bulletin, TSB-24-NA-009 to instruct dealers how to diagnose and repair the problem. The bulletin proves a widespread engineering or manufacturing flaw exists. However, GM is treating this as a maintenance issue rather than the severe safety hazard that it is. It is my understanding, GM has since abandoned this transmission on the newer models, further indicating that GM knew these transmissions were not designed well. I am requesting the NHTSA office cross-reference my complaint with GM TSB-24-NA-009 and upgrade the component defect to a mandatory, manufacturer-funded safety recall before it causes a collision or fatal injury. Thank You
NHTSA complaint #11752367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Puxico, MO
ENGINE
My trailblazer will not shift properly into drive from park or reverse. GM calls this a "loss of forward motion" or "delayed forward engagement" in their service bulletin TSB-24-NA-009. It is a safety issue because you never know when or how long the vehicle will take to engage and allow forward movement. This causes issues when leaving a parking spot or a driveway, especially on busy roads. If the car will not move forward, my family is stuck in the road until it finally engages into gear and allows forward movement. When this occurs, the vehicle engine will shutter and not allow any forward movement. I usually have to move the drive selector back to park and back to drive again. This creates an immediate and unreasonable safety risk because the vehicle will not move for several seconds while I am sitting in traffic. This generates a P2714 code. I had the car looked at by a GM dealer as well as an independent transmission repair shop and both indicate it will likely need a new transmission. GM is fully aware of the defect and has issued a service bulletin, TSB-24-NA-009 to instruct dealers how to diagnose and repair the problem. The bulletin proves a widespread engineering or manufacturing flaw exists. However, GM is treating this as a maintenance issue rather than the severe safety hazard that it is. It is my understanding, GM has since abandoned this transmission on the newer models, further indicating that GM knew these transmissions were not designed well. I am requesting the NHTSA office cross-reference my complaint with GM TSB-24-NA-009 and upgrade the component defect to a mandatory, manufacturer-funded safety recall before it causes a collision or fatal injury. Thank You
NHTSA complaint #11752367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hacienda Heights, CA
ENGINE
Reduced engine powers caused by turbo charger underboost, at 91200 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11751316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Matthews, NC
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle has 67,000 miles and suffered a catastrophic CVT transmission failure, documented by dealership diagnostic code P2714. The transmission severely slips and exhibits a dangerous 15-second delay to engage forward gear after shifting into Drive. More critically, the vehicle suffers from unpredictable engine stalling. The car completely shut down and stalled in traffic while trying to accelerate into a driving lane after shifting. The vehicle did not trigger any dashboard safety warnings, limp mode, or "Reduced Engine Power" messages prior to shutting down, causing an un-warned loss of motive power on a public road. This creates an immediate, severe risk of a high-speed rear-end collision. General Motors has acknowledged internal CVT chain slippage and hydraulic failure points in Technical Service Bulletins 24-NA-009 and PIP6033 but has not issued a safety recall.
NHTSA complaint #11750836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When putting the vehicle in park an error displays, SHIFT TO PARK, and the vehicle does not turn off completely and will ding although you’ve put it in PARK. This has been happening for well over a year and the dealership says it’s a known issue but not a recall. There are times it’s taken up to 25 mins that I’ve had to sit in the vehicle to get the vehicle to turn off by wiggling the shifter or just putting it in drive and back into park, hitting the shifter button, etc. I’ve had to let the battery die in the very beginning because I panicked when it happened and had to get into work. My son has been late to class when he uses the vehicle to drive to school. It’s been such an inconvenience and a safety issue because the vehicle doesn’t turn off and won’t lock and who knows if it’s really securely engaged in the park position or not.
NHTSA complaint #11750520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Michigan City, IN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The infotainment system which controls the radio,backup camera, onstart,and other safety components stopped working i took it to a gm certified dealership and it has just been all bad from there. gm has horrible customer service and so does the gm certified shop in michigan city i took my truck in that I only had for 11 months because the infotainment center went of paid for two diagnostic tests they still couldn't] find the issue and now they they're changing me 1,037.76 for a radio which they dont even know if it's going to fix the problem which if it doesn't then I have to pay more money for another diagnostic test and more parts and because I got mad and said I'm paying for a guessing game the dealership told gm that because I had some aftermarket equipment in my vehicle that that caused the issue bullshit the stuff never got plugged into anything at that point the day of my appointment with the audio shop the screen went black with no sound they're all full of shit and didn't want to take responsibility for the widely known issue with the telemedic system
NHTSA complaint #11749755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Michigan City, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The infotainment system which controls the radio,backup camera, onstart,and other safety components stopped working i took it to a gm certified dealership and it has just been all bad from there. gm has horrible customer service and so does the gm certified shop in michigan city i took my truck in that I only had for 11 months because the infotainment center went of paid for two diagnostic tests they still couldn't] find the issue and now they they're changing me 1,037.76 for a radio which they dont even know if it's going to fix the problem which if it doesn't then I have to pay more money for another diagnostic test and more parts and because I got mad and said I'm paying for a guessing game the dealership told gm that because I had some aftermarket equipment in my vehicle that that caused the issue bullshit the stuff never got plugged into anything at that point the day of my appointment with the audio shop the screen went black with no sound they're all full of shit and didn't want to take responsibility for the widely known issue with the telemedic system
NHTSA complaint #11749755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Garfield Heights, OH
ENGINE
car was driving fine, went up a hill then check engine light came on with warning that stated "reduced engine power." drove it approx 8 min to home. parked in garage. Next morning, took to Firestone Complete Autocare as that was the first place available. Just got a call that the whole turbo assembly needs to be replace costing almost $2000 and will be without a car for about a week. 5 year warranty expired 3 months ago and there is less than 47,000 miles on it. It is currently at the shop so I don't have a bill yet, but they told us how much when they told us what was wrong with it. This is unacceptable! Reading about and hearing about this complaint all over the internet!!!
NHTSA complaint #11749711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Mary, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The shift to park is defective on mine and many other GM vehicles. I had it previously repaired under manufacturer warranty and then again in just over 16,000 miles driven which fell outside of the manufacturer warranty. I had to pay out of pocket for the repairs and GM refused to reimburse me for the repairs. GM has a service bulletin recognizing the defective part and still refused reimbursement. The shift to park causes the vehicle to not recognize the vehicle is in park preventing it from shutting off. This causes the battery to drain and need replacement as well. I have now had the shift to park and battery replaced twice in under 45,000 miles. The service advisor for Seminole Chevrolet advised this part should last minimum of 100,000 miles and it is a known issue. This causes a major safety concern as the vehicle doesn't shut off and could cause someone to be stranded anywhere. It is concerning that a major vehicle manufacturer is continuing to manufacture and use known defective parts. My vehicle has been inspected and repaired both times at Seminole Chevrolet in Sanford, FL. I have also contacted the Executive Resolution team at GM with no resolution. The shift to park and low battery illuminates on the dashboard before the vehicle completely shuts down due to the battery failing caused by the shift to park defect.
NHTSA complaint #11749121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Millville, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Due to the Front view camera module going bad, I have no access my ADAS.
NHTSA complaint #11748172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pottstown, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Shift assembly kit, it is available. Dealership has to order part for inspection. Still passed inspection. Possible unintended rollaway accidents. Not being able to lock the vehicle as well. Yes, it’s been confirmed. There’s also so many class action lawsuits against GM about this matter. Why isn’t there a recall already?! Getting the “shift to park” message in my vehicle for the 2nd time now in less than 4 years. The shift assembly kit was replaced back in December 2022. Apparently it needs to be replaced again because of a switch.
NHTSA complaint #11747213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Michigan City, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2021 chevy trailblazer rs is experiencing issues with the infotainment system and the onstar module they have stopped working and I have no backup camera and this issue is a safety concern to me and anyone who rides with me i have contacted both gm and onstar and got nowhere with them after I had a diagnostic test done on 6/18/26 they recommended replacement of the whole system
NHTSA complaint #11745155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Paducah, KY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Dealership Linwood inspected vehicle and certified power and ground module has internal fault-faulty front camera module.
NHTSA complaint #11742562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Paducah, KY
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Dealership Linwood inspected vehicle and certified power and ground module has internal fault-faulty front camera module.
NHTSA complaint #11742562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anaheim, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving on Thursday, June 4, 2026, the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete failure of the electronic braking/power brake assist system. Simultaneously, multiple safety warnings illuminated on the dashboard display, including a persistent service wrench icon, a traction control warning light, and a lane-keep assist indicator light. Due to the loss of brake assistance, the vehicle was unsafe to operate and had to be towed/driven directly to a licensed dealership for emergency diagnosis. The dealership technicians subsequently inspected the vehicle and reported that the entire electronic braking system had suffered a total failure and is completely non-functional. Despite multiple technical service bulletins and recalls issued for similar vehicle builds regarding electronic brake boost interruptions and mechanical brake vacuum pump failures, I am being forced to pay for these critical safety repairs out of pocket. A sudden loss of braking power poses an immediate crash hazard, and I am filing this report to urge the NHTSA to investigate why this manufacturing defect is not covered under an active safety recall for this specific vehicle configuration.
NHTSA complaint #11742380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anaheim, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
While driving on Thursday, June 4, 2026, the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete failure of the electronic braking/power brake assist system. Simultaneously, multiple safety warnings illuminated on the dashboard display, including a persistent service wrench icon, a traction control warning light, and a lane-keep assist indicator light. Due to the loss of brake assistance, the vehicle was unsafe to operate and had to be towed/driven directly to a licensed dealership for emergency diagnosis. The dealership technicians subsequently inspected the vehicle and reported that the entire electronic braking system had suffered a total failure and is completely non-functional. Despite multiple technical service bulletins and recalls issued for similar vehicle builds regarding electronic brake boost interruptions and mechanical brake vacuum pump failures, I am being forced to pay for these critical safety repairs out of pocket. A sudden loss of braking power poses an immediate crash hazard, and I am filing this report to urge the NHTSA to investigate why this manufacturing defect is not covered under an active safety recall for this specific vehicle configuration.
NHTSA complaint #11742380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving on Thursday, June 4, 2026, the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete failure of the electronic braking/power brake assist system. Simultaneously, multiple safety warnings illuminated on the dashboard display, including a persistent service wrench icon, a traction control warning light, and a lane-keep assist indicator light. Due to the loss of brake assistance, the vehicle was unsafe to operate and had to be towed/driven directly to a licensed dealership for emergency diagnosis. The dealership technicians subsequently inspected the vehicle and reported that the entire electronic braking system had suffered a total failure and is completely non-functional. Despite multiple technical service bulletins and recalls issued for similar vehicle builds regarding electronic brake boost interruptions and mechanical brake vacuum pump failures, I am being forced to pay for these critical safety repairs out of pocket. A sudden loss of braking power poses an immediate crash hazard, and I am filing this report to urge the NHTSA to investigate why this manufacturing defect is not covered under an active safety recall for this specific vehicle configuration.
NHTSA complaint #11742380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Syracuse, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Amplifier lost connection, so speakers won’t work, collision warning won’t sound, and turn signal won’t sound.
NHTSA complaint #11742150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Mifflin, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I needed to have my muffler welded in November to pass inspection. I was told I would likely need the entire thing replaced in a year. I now hear another exhaust leak, and I’m preparing for a hefty car travel and have to deal with trying to get it fixed in 10 days time. This is ridiculous on a 5 year old car that I have only had two year. This needs to be a recall, insane to have to pay for a whole replacement.
NHTSA complaint #11738187 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Myersville, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Intermittently I will receive a dashboard message reading “shift to park” after I park the vehicle and do shift to park. This is a known issue with this vehicle across several years identified as “a known issue caused by a faulty switch in the shifter assembly failing to detect when the car is in Park”. GM has identified and found a solution to this problem by replacing the entire shifter assembly at the owners own cost. This malfunction has the potential to cause great harm. Potentially the vehicle could roll if the engine/system does not identify that it is in park. This could cause very expensive damages or even take a life. The vehicle also remains in accessory mode which drains the battery and can become even more costly for the owner at no fault of their own.
NHTSA complaint #11736470 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
