FaultScore

Chevrolet Trailblazer brake problems

289 of the 9,343 complaints filed about the Chevrolet Trailblazer are about the braking system — 3% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2002.

289

Complaints

3%

Share of all complaints

47

Crashes

7

Fires

Brakes complaints by model year

Median failure at 111,000 miles

Median failure at 5,601 miles

Median failure at 93,265 miles

2002 Trailblazer 59 20.4%

Median failure at 45,320 miles

2003 Trailblazer 37 12.8%

Median failure at 61,869 miles

Median failure at 39,500 miles

2005 Trailblazer 30 10.4%

Median failure at 82,000 miles

Median failure at 63,160 miles

Median failure at 91,000 miles

Median failure at 61,835 miles

Median failure at 112,568 miles

2021 Trailblazer 31 10.7%

Median failure at 4,500 miles

Median failure at 16,357 miles

Median failure at 25,000 miles

Median failure at 10,000 miles

What owners said

2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer Prattville, AL

SERVICE BRAKES

My new vehicle was stuck in park the dealership replaced a control module then a gear shift assembly and now some kind of brake switch and im nervous that the vehicles is unsafe. The dealership has not been letting me know much I've had to call and they won't give me any paperwork.

NHTSA complaint #11756401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer at 140,000 miles Thousand Oaks, CA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and became stuck. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic to be repaired; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted and informed that the brake pedal, model cylinder, and booster needed to be replaced; however, parts were not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA complaint #11750121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer at 140,000 miles Thousand Oaks, CA

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed and became stuck. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic to be repaired; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted and informed that the brake pedal, model cylinder, and booster needed to be replaced; however, parts were not available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA complaint #11750121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer St. Charles, MO

SERVICE BRAKES

When shifting to park, car alerts to “shift to park”

NHTSA complaint #11748676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer 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.

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer at 75,000 miles Winchester, KY

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. During the failure, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle was jump-started. The Auto START/STOP function was disabled for the vehicle to operate properly. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact replaced the battery, and the failure was almost resolved. Additionally, while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to stop as needed. The issue was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the RPM was abnormally elevated, and the vehicle jerked abnormally while shifting gears. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.

NHTSA complaint #11734601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer Killeen, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

My brand new two week old 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS Issue: Auto Start/Stop system failure, the engine shuts off and does not restart Description:
 While stopped at traffic lights with the auto start/stop feature engaged, the engine shuts off as designed. However, when I release the brake pedal, the engine does not restart as it should. Instead, the vehicle displays a message stating “press brake to start,” and the vehicle behaves as if it has been completely turned off. This leaves the vehicle temporarily disabled in traffic and unable to move immediately when the light changes. I must press the brake and manually restart the vehicle, causing a delay and creating a safety concern, especially in intersections. This issue has occurred multiple times and appears to be related to a malfunction in the auto start/stop system. The failure to automatically restart the engine creates a risk of being stranded in active traffic and increases the likelihood of a collision. No warning lights or prior indications are given before the failure occurs. Concern:
 This is a safety issue for me and my family because the vehicle does not respond as expected when attempting to accelerate from a stop and leaves me stuck in traffic unexpectedly. It is now in the shop for the second time, as I was able to record this continuous malfunction of my brand new 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer. I get anxiety everytime I drive it. I feel I’m going to be rear ending or be involved in some type of crash. The vehicle is currently not safe to drive currently at the dealership for a second time. I had it towed each time, as I feared for my life and safety. Dealership could not duplicate issue. They asked me to record it and I was able to.

NHTSA complaint #11730351 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer Orlando, FL

SERVICE BRAKES

Brakes squeal when rotors and pads are cold. Problem disappears when they warm after driving

NHTSA complaint #11727823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer West Warwick, RI

SERVICE BRAKES

When stopped at a red light & the light turns green & I accelerate, the vehicle does not move. It makes a loud noise and jumps. This happens way too many times. There’s also an issue with the brakes, when you press on them, you can hear something grinding, which should not be happening because I bought the car brand new. Also the brakes have always been super squeaky, which is very frustrating because they should not be with a brand new car once again. The engine light goes on and off randomly and doesn’t say anything.

NHTSA complaint #11726811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer at 135,884 miles Bastrop, TX

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the brakes became inoperative. The message "Brake Failure - Speed Reduced to 53 MPH – Service Required" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the dealer stated that the vehicle could not be diagnosed because diagnostic tests were available only by appointment. The dealer informed the contact that the computer software needed to be reset to drive the vehicle back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided the contact information about a recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 135,884.

NHTSA complaint #11722954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Waverly, OH

SERVICE BRAKES

Shift to park. Vehicle will not shut off. Also trying to start vehicle having to repeatedly push brakes down hard and push to start before finally starting. I bought this vehicle with 0 miles this has been an on going on and off problem since around 20000 miles have been put on.

NHTSA complaint #11720155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer Hamilton, NJ

SERVICE BRAKES

Event happened on January 19th 2026. I’ve had my brand new car for 10 days and on the morning of the 10th day I started it to see multiple warnings. The car was in park and had not yet moved that day and a “Service Stabilitrak” came up. Once I started moving 2 more alerts came up “Break system failure, 62MPH top speed” and “Service power steering”. I brought it to the dealer and they diagnosed it with a Master Break Cylinder failure. The car has 120 miles on it. And due to the part being on back order I’ve been without that new car for over 3 weeks now.

NHTSA complaint #11717422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer Ransomville, NY

SERVICE BRAKES

The incident involved a 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer, purchased new in late February 2025. The failure appears related to the vehicle’s electrical/charging system and associated control modules, resulting in a sudden loss of critical safety systems. The vehicle was towed by GM Roadside Assistance and is currently at an authorized Chevrolet dealership, where it is available for inspection upon request. While driving in Cambria, New York, the dashboard illuminated with multiple warning indicators and the vehicle experienced a complete loss of power steering and braking. The brake pedal traveled fully to the floor with no resistance and no braking effect. Steering effort increased dramatically. The driver was only able to avoid a crash due to favorable road and traffic conditions and was able to coast to a stop and pull off the roadway. This failure posed an immediate and serious risk of injury or death to the driver and others. The problem had occurred previously in the form of repeated warning messages. Beginning within the first week of ownership, the vehicle displayed “Service the Charge System Vehicle May Stall” warnings and since then has appeared hundreds of times. The vehicle was previously towed to an authorized Chevrolet dealership, where we were informed that General Motors identified the issue as a known software-related problem and advised that the vehicle could continue to be driven while awaiting a future update. The catastrophic failure occurred after this guidance. The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Chevrolet dealership both prior to and following this incident, and General Motors has been involved through dealership communication. No police or insurance inspection has occurred, as no collision resulted. Based on the repeated warnings, dealer statements, and nature of the failure, the best assessment is an electrical or software-related malfunction, though the precise root cause remains UNKNOWN and requires investigation.

NHTSA complaint #11715690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer Buckeye, AZ

SERVICE BRAKES

Shift to park message when car is in park - cannot turn off vehicle until message goes away. Car can roll if message is not off. Brakes: intense squeaking

NHTSA complaint #11708220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Lewisville, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

There is a faulty sensor on this car that does not allow the car to be properly parked and gives the error message "Shift to park" on the dashboard. You have to turn the car back on and mess with the shifter multiple times to get it to register that it is park. This usually takes about 10 attempts every time you need to park the car. There are other reports regarding this exact issue on this car that further validates that this issue is relevant and needs to be addressed through a recall.

NHTSA complaint #11695946 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer Fort Hood, TX

SERVICE BRAKES

My car has been well maintained and always taken for service according to recommendations from the manufacturer. My brakes have ALWAYS squealed since I first bought it new but apparently there’s nothing they can do about it so I’ve just dealt with it. Now a more serious concern I am having after manufacturer warranty is my dash is displaying a shift to park message every time I shift into park and turn off my car. I also might add that this has been going on with others! Chevy doesn’t think it’s a concern when it is a very serious issue. I have children and once when I went to get gas after almost being on empty my car wouldn’t turn off because of that error and I couldn’t get gas. I tried turning it off and on multiple times to fix but it just didn’t want to work when I needed it most. I have to aggressively charge gears go get it to work most of the time. It’s a serious issue that has been brought to their attention and shouldn’t be happening to a vehicle under 50,000 miles and well maintained. These issues need to be addressed there’s no reason I should have to pay to fix an issue this extensive and costly in a 2022 vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11686672 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Coon Rapids, MN

SERVICE BRAKES

While driving, a service warning came on that reads "Service Power Steering" - when that came on, the brakes ceased to work properly and required significant force, causing a big delay in braking. It is not safe to drive due to the limited braking. This mirrors the recall situation for other 2021 Trailblazer models with the interrupted brake sensor.

NHTSA complaint #11685359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer Fenton, MO

SERVICE BRAKES

I reported my first issue back in late 2024 of the brakes squealing they took my car in and resurface the rotors. It stopped squealing for about a few months and now we are in summer of 2025 and they are squealing again. I took my car to the dealership because they told me that my car would be under warranty for 30,000 miles with the brakes. First started when they told me that the guy that told me I would have a rental car waiting for me did not set me up for a rental car. I live 45 minutes to an hour away from the dealership. When I pulled into the garage, I could hear the squealing of my car. When I went up to the counter the guy told me he couldn’t hear anything. They then tried to tell me that I would have to take my car back home and call back in the morning to talk to the rep I was talking to in the service department as he had already left for the day along with his associate. I was determined that I was not leaving there without a rental car and my car to be looked. I finally went in on my own to find the gentleman who sold me the vehicle who I really do appreciate and have no issues with him(Keith Keys) he’s a very good sales person at Weber Chevrolet. As they were getting me a rental the guy from the service department pulled around with my car and asked me to get in. He then told me that he had fixed the issue by slamming on my brakes a few times and that it was OK for me to take it home. I then let him know that it was staying to be looked at and I was going to take the rental. The next day when I called the service rep, he stated that they were going to replace the front brakes and it would be available the following day to pick up. When I went to go pick up my vehicle and leave the parking lot I didn’t even get out of the parking space and it was still squealing. I went back in and they told me it was normal and I would have to call the service rep the following day I’m still waiting to hear. I have owned many Chevy’s to know breaks don’t do that

NHTSA complaint #11678982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer Tucson, AZ

SERVICE BRAKES

My 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer has two main issues. First, there is a constant squealing noise when braking. I reported this twice to the dealer — the first time they said it was just sand inside the wheel. The noise continued. On the second visit, they told me it would cost over $100 to inspect the brakes because the wheel needed to be removed, which I couldn’t afford. This problem started before the vehicle reached 36,000 miles. Second, the electrical system malfunctions occasionally while driving. When I connect my son’s phone to Bluetooth, both the dashboard and infotainment screens shut off completely for a few seconds. This happens while the vehicle is in motion, and it is extremely dangerous, especially on highways. The screens then turn back on. I believe both issues may relate to safety and should be investigated.

NHTSA complaint #11677369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer at 25,000 miles Fort Myers, FL

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle independently activated the brakes while the accelerator pedal was depressed. In addition, the contact stated that while attempting to make a left turn, the steering wheel independently veered towards the right. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the brake master cylinder assembly was replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer and was left for further investigation. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

NHTSA complaint #11659160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Chevrolet Trailblazer problems