2021 Chevrolet Blazer Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine4624.3%
- Electrical4021.2%
- Brakes2111.1%
- Powertrain (other)2010.6%
- Fuel system189.5%
- Steering157.9%
- Driver assistance115.8%
- Tires & wheels52.6%
- Suspension42.1%
- Other / unspecified31.6%
- Airbags21.1%
- Body & structure21.1%
- Exterior lighting10.5%
- Interior & seats10.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
On [XXX], my 2021 Chevy Blazer broke down in the middle of traffic in a left turn lane when it tried to auto-restart. I was left stranded for 2 hours and had to call the local police to direct traffic around me. Upon towing to a local auto shop, and then another two to Carl Black GMC in Roswell, Georgia, I learned that the engine had completely seized due to a leaking radiator. They quoted me $14,000 in repairs between the radiator and a new engine. The vehicle had approximately 84,000 miles at the time and GM offered $3,000 to help with the engine. The car never threw a check engine light prior to the engine completely seizing. The coolant temperature gauge in the car also never showed temperatures above normal. At a few points, the car fan ran loud after turning the car off and I thought this might have been electrical. I sanded and cleaned the ground connection to the chassis which seemed to fix the issue. I also learned of Special Coverage N252508350-Engine Coolant Thermostat that was issued by GM which indicated this condition could be caused by a coolant engine thermostat that could open at a low temperature. I had planned to get it completed along with the fuel pump control module recall at my next opportunity. This issue with my car left my stranded in the middle of a busy highway with cars zooming around me. GM has known about the issue of leaking radiators in 2021 Chevrolet Blazers for years and has never done anything about it. Between their shoddy electrical systems and the radiator, these cars are of significant risk of seizing up in the middle of traffic with no warning like mine. GM has refused to replace these radiators or issue a recall becaus the repair is $2,000 and affects multiple lines of vehicles.
My 2021 Chevy blazer is leaking oil at 70,000 miles Chevy only recalled under special warranty for camshaft carrier it appears Chevy put in a glue for them seals that comes off unfortunately they don’t recall all blazers just some but I am having the same issue as that special warranty. It’s a safety concern because no oil in the car can blow up the engine .6500 to repair
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, a loud cracking sound was heard and there was gray coming from underneath the hood. The contact parked the vehicle. Additionally, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. Upon opening the hood, the contact noticed gray smoke under the hood. The contact's minor child was occupying the vehicle during the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the AC compressor had melted, requiring replacement of the AC kit and expansion valves. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred and the ESC warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact associated the failure with an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was unknown.
The main instrument cluster where the speedometer and fuel gauge etc etc reside went blank during operation of the vehicle. I wasn't able to pull over safely until my destination was reached. Restarting the car seemed to "solve" the issue.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn, the vehicle lost braking functionality. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard. After exiting the vehicle, the contact became aware of a fluid leak underneath the vehicle. The "BRAKE Failure" warning light was illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where technicians diagnosed a fluid leak from the vacuum pump, causing the brake failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V645000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) as a possible cause for the failure. However, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer replaced the vacuum pump, and the vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Vehicle Information: 2021 Chevrolet Blazer 2.5L engine, VIN [XXX]. Odometer 118000 miles.Description of Incident: While operating the vehicle, the mechanical brake vacuum pump experienced a catastrophic internal failure. The drive gear housing shattered violently without warning, shearing off the end of the connecting engine camshaft. Because this was an instantaneous mechanical failure, the vehicles computer did not trigger any dashboard warning lights, check engine lights, or safe mode protocols prior to the failure.Safety Hazards and Component Damage: First, the total destruction of the vacuum pump caused an immediate compromise to the brake booster vacuum lines, resulting in a sudden, dangerous loss of power braking assistance. Second, the sheared camshaft breached the engine valve cover or head, causing the engines pressurized oil system to instantly dump all engine oil externally onto the ground. Third, shrapnel or violent structural torque from the instant engine seizure punctured or severed the adjacent transmission cooler fluid lines and compromised brake fluid lines, causing total loss of transmission fluid and brake fluid simultaneously.Request for Action: This failure mirrors the exact mechanical defects documented in GM Technical Service Bulletin 21-NA-268 and previous GM vacuum pump recalls like NHTSA Recall 19V-645, which excluded the 2021 Blazer. I am filing this report because the lack of an electronic warning indicator before a catastrophic mechanical brake and engine failure poses an extreme, immediate threat to highway safety. GM must expand recall coverage or issue a Special Coverage Adjustment for this model year. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
On [XXX], my 2021 Chevy Blazer broke down in the middle of traffic in a left turn lane when it tried to auto-restart. I was left stranded for 2 hours and had to call the local police to direct traffic around me. Upon towing to a local auto shop, and then another two to Carl Black GMC in Roswell, Georgia, I learned that the engine had completely seized due to a leaking radiator. They quoted me $14,000 in repairs between the radiator and a new engine. The vehicle had approximately 84,000 miles at the time and GM offered $3,000 to help with the engine. The car never threw a check engine light prior to the engine completely seizing. The coolant temperature gauge in the car also never showed temperatures above normal. At a few points, the car fan ran loud after turning the car off and I thought this might have been electrical. I sanded and cleaned the ground connection to the chassis which seemed to fix the issue. I also learned of Special Coverage N252508350-Engine Coolant Thermostat that was issued by GM which indicated this condition could be caused by a coolant engine thermostat that could open at a low temperature. I had planned to get it completed along with the fuel pump control module recall at my next opportunity. This issue with my car left my stranded in the middle of a busy highway with cars zooming around me. GM has known about the issue of leaking radiators in 2021 Chevrolet Blazers for years and has never done anything about it. Between their shoddy electrical systems and the radiator, these cars are of significant risk of seizing up in the middle of traffic with no warning like mine. GM has refused to replace these radiators or issue a recall becaus the repair is $2,000 and affects multiple lines of vehicles.
Torque converters are going out and causing people to need new transmissions. I was told by dealership that evaluated mine this is a known problem! I’ve also encountered others who have same issue with their cars.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Car will not crank, stalled while cranked, throws code P023F
fuel pump control module failed at 26000. recall number N252516900. This is a recall that other 2021 blazers have ben part of. Over 300000 recalls so far. GM says my car isn't. Ridiculous. They dont want to acknowledge their fault. I need a formal statement that this module should be recalled for my car.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle showed an error on the dash which stated "Action Required Steering Assist is Reduced Drive with Care" I tool the vehicle to the dealer I purchased it from McClusky Chevy at Kings Auto Mall in Mason Ohio. They informed me that the error code is C0460:58 and GM has a service bulletin 20-NA-215 which advises to replace the Steering Gear due to internal component interference. No one explained to me that this could cause catastrophic failure and lead to a crash before I left the dealership. They could not replace it as they said they do not have the part and it is on national backorder. Additionally they told me the repair would cost me $3,400. The vehicle has 42k miles on it and this repair is not under warranty as the warranty that would have covered it expired in March of 2026. I have taken the vehicle to a different GM dealer - Tom Gill GMC in Fairfield Ohio - they are waiting on the part and I have a case opened with GM regarding the costs. You would think that if there is a risk of a catastrophic failure which could cause harm to my self or someone else - the dealer would have an obligation to tell me so before i drive off. If not legally, certainly morally.
In September 2023, when getting my vehicle serviced for a routine oil change, I was told there was a leak in my radiator. They replaced the entire thing under warranty. On November 15th, 2025, while driving on the highway heading home from out of town with my children, an error flashed up saying “steering assist is reduced – drive with care” Upon arriving home, the fan on my car was running on high for a solid 10 minutes after turning the car off. No recall but Special Coverage N252508350 covers the thermostat replacement. Upon inspection by a mechanic, I was informed that the radiator is also leaking again in the exact same spot as it was previously. It should be noted I have never seen leaking fluid in my garage/driveway. I’ve driven less than 10,000 miles since the radiator was replaced previously. If there is a known problem with the coolant system which can cause overheating and steering assist issues, why isn't the faulty radiator and thermostat recalled. The radiator is cased in plastic to aluminum. Plastic can easily catch fire if a car overheats. The casing also prevents an owner from even knowing if there is a leak since the plastic is catching leaks - the mechanic informed me that's why I didn't know about both times it leaked. This is a 4yr old car with 46k miles, twice replaced radiator and thermostat. A recall should be issued since both problems could potentially cause a fire from an overheated engine & loss of steering assist while driving. A google search quickly showed me thousands of other Chevy Blazers from 2019-2021 with reoccurring thermostat and radiator issues. I feel unsafe driving in my vehicle but still owe too much to even trade it in for something else. I've owned dozens of vehicles in my lifetime, used and new and keep them 8-10yrs and have never had to replace a thermostat and radiator. This vehicle is dangerous due to GM/Chevy's cheap radiator model and thermostat which could overheat and catch fire
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
My wife and I were just driving and suddenly the motor started stopping installing. We managed to get over toward the curb and shut the motor off and restart it. Then it ran normal. When it did stall out, and we made it to the curb, it shut itself off. That was yesterday then this morning it started to do it a little bit when we left the house.
The thermometer and thermometer sensor are glitching . The engine temp needle will not rise at all, the engine fan will run the whole time driving and then when it is turned off will run for 10 min . Right before this happens a notice shows the guided steering is being limited. I disconnected the battery and it reset , I drove and there were no issues , next time I started my car the engine temp needle stayed down and the van started again. This car has 36k miles on it. I just bought it 2 days before it started happening
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
All 4 tires exhibit signs of dry rot impacting the inner sidewalls of each tire. The outer layer is showing significant signs of sidewall separation. There is no sign of damage visible on the exterior side walls, if an inspection was not done on this date 08/20/26 the driver and others would have been at significant risk of injury or death due to catastrophic failure. The worst separation occurred in the front drive / steering tires. While lesser damage was visible on the rear tire the damage was also significant. The driver side rear showed the least damage with only a 2 inch separation. The other 3 tires showed 12 inches or greater separation. Images are available for review.
Tires - purchased vehicle from car dealership two weeks ago. Drivers side rear tire low. Aired up was low again next day. Blow out On freeway tires are unsafe. Per Discount Tire said tire could not be repaired . all four tired unsafe, tread issue. Replaced two rear tires. Unknown when light came on. Tire size 265/45r21 dot A3LMWD 30
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Driving on straight road going speed limit. Heard a pop behind me like a tire pop. Car fish tailed uncontrollably and ended up crashing into a Ranch Fence on the right side of the road. 2 of my kids and myself had injuries. When we got off the vehicle witnesses and I saw A rear link broken which keeps the tires straight.
The first incident started on 08/16/2024, 2 days after buying the vehicle used from Dealership. I started getting notifications stating "Service-Front Camera not available" and sure enough, I no longer had a front camera, which then means I no longer have front collision alerts. Then I started getting the random notifications to drive carefully because drivers assistance has been reduced, and now my vehicle's fan will randomly run for up to 30 minutes after it has been shut off and even after a less than 2 mile drive to gas station and back home, it does this. Last item is the vehicle pulls to the right, and I have not hit anything nor has it ever been in an accident prior to my purchase, and my brakes squeal horribly, which shouldn't be happening condidering I haven't even driven the vehicle 5,000 miles in the year since I bought it !
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
My 2021 Chevrolet Blazer has experienced repeated problems involving the cooling system and is now exhibiting recurring symptoms that concern me about the vehicle’s reliability and safety. In 2023, the vehicle required a radiator/cooling-system repair. In 2024, it again required radiator/cooling-system repair, which was performed under warranty. The vehicle is now experiencing an abnormal humming/clicking noise from under the hood. The problem initially occurred primarily after rain but has become increasingly frequent. When the noise occurs, the air-conditioning system stops cooling properly and blows warm air. The check-engine light has also illuminated intermittently. The exact component currently malfunctioning is unknown. The vehicle remains available for inspection. Because the symptoms involve the engine compartment and follow multiple previous cooling-system repairs, I am concerned about the possibility of overheating, loss of proper cooling-system operation, an unexpected breakdown while driving, or another mechanical failure that could place the occupants or other motorists at risk. Authorized Chevrolet dealerships previously inspected and repaired the vehicle’s cooling system in 2023 and again in 2024. Despite those repairs, significant symptoms have returned. The current problem has not yet been definitively diagnosed, so I cannot state that the present failure is the same component previously repaired. The warning symptoms include the abnormal under-hood humming/clicking, loss of cold air from the air-conditioning system when the condition occurs, and an intermittent check-engine light. The symptoms have become more frequent over time. I am reporting this because of the recurring nature of the problem and the vehicle’s history of multiple cooling-system repairs. I request that NHTSA document and evaluate this complaint together with any similar complaints involving this model and model year.
Vehicle is available upon request. 5/28/23 tires needed replaced, not even 30,000 miles on car. Customer was charged. 6/13/23 struts and mounts replaced at dealership 3/29/24-Revs high when barely touching pedal. Turned car off and it started back up on its own. Happens at least once a week. Dealership was unable to recreate. 4/1/24- wheel bearing replaced, customer was charged. April 2024 black metal showing through white paint. Paint was thin and fading. Dealership repainted the 2 doors that had paint issues. 12/20/24- Antifreeze level was at bottom of reservoir. Sloshing noise when driving. Was told air in hoses and will work it's way out. Was back at dealership 1/15/25, 1/24/25 & 2/5/25. Radiator fluid still dropping but even with dye test they can't figure out where it's going. Terrified it's going to effect the water pump and engine.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle struck a deer, causing severe damage to the vehicle's front end. The contact stated that smoke was coming from the center of the steering wheel; however, the vehicle's air bags had not deployed. The contact was transported to the local hospital and treated for chest injuries. The vehicle was towed to a local collision center. No further information was available. A Police report was filed at the scene. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 52,661.
The contact owned a 2021 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, a 2012 Mazda CX-7, allegedly going at 70 MPH traveled through an intersection and crashed into her vehicle. The Mazda later crashed into another unknown vehicle. All the air bags deployed; however, the driver's side air bag exploded in her face. The air bag dust was in the vehicle. The contact was rendered unconscious due to the incident. All the warning lights illuminated after the crash. OnStar was activated and disabled the vehicle. There were unknown fluids leaking from the vehicle. There was no reported fire. A police report was filed. The contact sustained a severe brain injury, and medical attention was provided at the hospital. The vehicle was towed to her residence. The insurance company later towed the vehicle on a flatbed to a tow lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance agency. The failure mileage was approximately 36,463.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
To whom it may concern, I own a 2021 chevrolet blazer I have been noticing a very large amount of water on the front floor boards since this discovery the windows being moist in the mornings make sence l. The windshield has been replaced several times with no obvious leaks at this location. There is no visible leaks during heavy rain or car washing, the biggest concern i have it if there's moisture I am more likely to develop electrical problems not to mention the moldy smell in the vehicle. I have done extensive research and found this to be a problem with most Chevrolet Blazer's my question is does Chevrolet have a solution to the problem that has found its way to many customers. I would believe with the number of complaints the Chevrolet engineers are working on a solution or a reason for this problem. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My car caught on fire for no apparent reason. Front of car totally destroyed.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
HEADLIGHTS FLASH OR STAY ON EITHER LOW OR HI BEAM,HATCH OPENS ITSELF, AWD POPING, NOISE IN DASH, SHIFTING INTO AWD BY ITSELF, TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFTING CORRECTLY . THERE IS NO PATTERN AND IT THROWS NO CODES. MAJOR ELECTRIC PROBLEMS. THE KEYLESS ENTRY PAD DIDN'T WORK THE DAY I PURCHASED MY CAR. HAD A NEW ONE INSTALLED 3 PROGRAMS AND NOW ALL THIS STARTED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
HEADLIGHTS FLASH OR STAY ON EITHER LOW OR HI BEAM,HATCH OPENS ITSELF, AWD POPING, NOISE IN DASH, SHIFTING INTO AWD BY ITSELF, TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFTING CORRECTLY . THERE IS NO PATTERN AND IT THROWS NO CODES. MAJOR ELECTRIC PROBLEMS. THE KEYLESS ENTRY PAD DIDN'T WORK THE DAY I PURCHASED MY CAR. HAD A NEW ONE INSTALLED 3 PROGRAMS AND NOW ALL THIS STARTED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .