2022 Chevrolet Blazer Steering Problems

"Steering Assist is Reduced, Drive With Care" showed up on the dashboard. The temperature gauge dropped to dead cold. Once the car was parked and cut off, the fan still kept running for 5 minutes. From my research it seems these are the signs of a thermostat being stuck open. It also seems this is a very common problem with this car, according to the internet. This vehicle has around 70K miles. There were no other issues prior to this failure.

NHTSA ID

11761253

Incident

Aug 18, 2026

Intermittent electrical defects are beginning to occur that impact the power steering or power brakes. After starting the vehicle, there are times either the power steering or the power brakes do not function. When the braking defect occurs, the engine warning lamp is displayed and indicates brake system control module. Sudden switch to manual steering or manual braking are a safety hazard. A couple ignition recycles eventually corrects the electrical defect and restores the vehicle to normal operations. Vehicle has been dropped off at dealership for warranty repair.

NHTSA ID

11755877

Incident

Jun 22, 2026

My engine coolant temperature sensor failed. Replaced it and still not fixing the issue. This takes my steering assist away as they are all interlinked? I have seen on forms this is a common issue. This has the potential to blow up my engine, I’m not sure how this is not a recall with so many 2020-2026 blazer owners having the same issue.

NHTSA ID

11732623

Incident

Apr 17, 2026

Car is displaying a “Steering assist is reduced drive with caution” engine light is on and fan continues to run for 5-8 minutes after car is turned off. Was told by a mechanic it is a P0128 code, coolant thermostat. This is the third time it has happened in the last year. Other two times the codes cleared.

NHTSA ID

11697118

Incident

Nov 2, 2025

While driving, the vehicle displayed a “Service Power Steering” warning message, and shortly after, the steering became noticeably heavier and less responsive. The issue occurs intermittently but has worsened over time, creating a serious safety concern because loss of steering assist could occur at any speed. The dealer diagnosed the problem as a failure of the electronic power steering module and rack-and-pinion assembly, quoting an estimated repair cost of approximately $2,500. The vehicle has only around 56,000 miles and has been maintained as recommended. The dealer confirmed the issue but stated that General Motors would not cover the repair under warranty or goodwill assistance. This defect poses a significant safety risk, as a sudden loss of power steering assist can make the vehicle difficult to control, especially during turns or emergency maneuvers. There were no accidents or injuries, but the potential for loss of control is high. The warning message and loss of assist can be reproduced and have been verified by the dealership. The vehicle has not been repaired yet, and the defective parts are available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ID

11693646

Incident

Sep 25, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that upon stopping at a red traffic light, the vehicle's auto start/stop system activated and turned the engine off. The warning message "Brake System Failure - ESC- Steering Assistance Reduced". The driver was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway and turn the vehicle off. Upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure recurred. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 121,000.

NHTSA ID

11679141

Incident

Jul 27, 2025

Mileage

121,000 mi

Intermittent dash warning: "Action Required. Steering Assist is Reduced. Drive with Care." Power steering is sluggish when this happens. Having this happen while driving could be dangerous. Only stays on for a few minutes then goes away. This started with only 10k miles and has been continuing for 2+ years. Based on what I've read online, this is a known issue with the thermostat and/or coolant temp sensor. Dealership refuses to fix it unless it's throwing a code while in the dealership. Of course, it never throws the code while at the dealership.

NHTSA ID

11667536

Incident

Jun 17, 2025

We were sold a new vehicle with known computer problems. The dealership knew of the defects but sold it to us anyway. They consider it a warranty issue. Chevrolet doesn’t seem to care.

NHTSA ID

11466209

Incident

Mar 22, 2022