2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
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What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, 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
- Electrical3918.2%
- Powertrain (other)3817.8%
- Engine3717.3%
- Brakes3114.5%
- Driver assistance198.9%
- Fuel system177.9%
- Body & structure83.7%
- Steering62.8%
- Other / unspecified62.8%
- Visibility41.9%
- Airbags31.4%
- Tires & wheels20.9%
- Seat belts10.5%
- Exterior lighting10.5%
- Suspension10.5%
- 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
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
"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.
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
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
My timing belt snapped prematurely, causing a total loss of engine power while driving on the highway, which is a severe safety hazard
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
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Dealership Linwood inspected vehicle and certified power and ground module has internal fault-faulty front camera module.
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.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer check engine code P1467
Vehicle Diagnostic Summary – Trouble Codes Explained 1. P0562 – System Voltage Low The vehicle’s electrical system is running at low voltage. This could be due to a weak battery, a failing alternator, or poor electrical connections. It may cause various electronic issues and unexpected shutdowns if not fixed. 2. P1005 – Fuel Level Sensor Control Module: Too Many Resets The fuel level sensor module has been reset too many times, likely due to electrical glitches. This may cause the fuel gauge to be inaccurate or unstable. 3. P14C0 / P14CD – Fuel Pump Driver Control Module Signal Error There is a configuration signal error from the fuel pump control module. This could lead to fuel delivery problems, starting issues, or engine stalling if it worsens. 4. U0151 – Lost Communication with Airbag Control Module (SRS) The system lost contact with the airbag diagnostic module. This may affect airbag deployment during a crash, making it a serious safety concern.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
I could turn off the engine after driving, but the key stays in the position between the engine being on and the car being off (for example when you can listen to music but your car isn’t running). The battery light came on after the issue started and so the car service place charged us to replace the battery, because they had to turn on and of the car a lot and the car had to continue to run. I took it to a car service place and they ran tests and called Chevy test support to run diagnosis tests. They can’t figure it out. They think it might be the body control module. Not sure what that is. The car only has 31,000 miles on it and this is a safety issue because what if this happens and the steering wheel locks or it becomes a rolling hazard. This would affect the driver and others. There were no lights or errors indicating a problem before this happened.
Found standing water in spare tire well. Back seat constantly wet, growing mold. The whole back area is moldy, mold under driver seat. My back passenger door seal has mold and water. Seat belts in back, MOLD. I had to wear a mask just to drive to the store. The mold turning black the day I took it to a shop for a water test. It's been two days and I still haven't heard anything about the water test.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Experiencing reduced speed, rattling noise, check engine light, power steering light on. Chevy app shows throttle control system and antilock break system error messages. Took to Chev dealership. Advised it was fuel injector (1 /4 was burned out). Had all 4 replaced ($3000). Picked up car on a Friday, vehicle was having the same issues next day Saturday. Took it back on Monday, it is now Wednesday and they’re saying it’s the turbo charger now (another $3000). Mechanic couldn’t figure out what the issue was so it took 3 days for him to now say it’s the turbo charger. I think it was the turbo charger from the get go! What’s the purpose of the diagnostics ($250)? Isn’t it to pinpointed the issue? 1st day, took him 4 hours to say it was the fuel injector. 2nd time around it took 3 days. I kept showing them and telling them it’s the throttle control system! They’re trying to rip me off! Mechanic is saying he’s been test driving it and no issues. I took a photo of my mileage before I handed them my car and it was 79,190. The mileage today says 79,191. How and where is he test driving it if it’s only been 1 mile? Reverse and forward ? They’re lying
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.
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
Model # CC398GYU, purchased in April of 2024 needs to be included in the foam head rest recall because the foam is accessible by my toddler. The foam presents a choking hazard. It is not secure and the foam is exposed.
Shortly after purchase, one of the factory tires had a side bulge. The dealer indicated in their opinion, was from a pot hole. However when they checked the rim, it was not damaged. I had tire replaced. Then at 39K miles, all the the other tires were already getting worn out. I've NEVER had tires wear about pre-40K miles in all my life. At local belle tire, they told me that the Hankook tires that come with new cars are not the same quality as those you would buy at tire store. But I submitted a replacement claim to Hankook, as the belle tire rep suggested, but they would not honor anything. Simply said need tire insurance. I notice when buying the car new, the dealers offer extra (cost) tire insurance. Must be because the are lousy, compared to buying at a local tire store. Now at 42K I'm replacing tires already. New cars should come with same quality tires as you buy at tire stores. And I will tell everyone about poor quality of Hankook brand.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
On 5 separate occasions the windshield wipers have stopped working while in use. The wipers returned to the home position and would not turn back on. Each time I had to get safely to the side of the road and stop shut the car off while travelling at highway speeds. After 10-15 minutes the wipers began working until the next incident. My safety as well as others on the road I was travelling were put at risk as I was not able to see out of the front windshield. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone other than me. This is the fifth time this condition has presented itself and there were no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to each occurrence.
Front wipers spray only on one side, the working side changes, sometimes it only squirts on one side, sometimes it sprays over top the roof of the car, sometimes it doesn't work at all. Reservoir is full, rear window spray nozzles always work properly. I'm unable to wash away debris, in winter with snowy roads it can leave salty/muddy windows. Sap from the trees & pollen create poor visibility. No warning lights are on, never have been. This happened without incident.
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
Vehicle Diagnostic Summary – Trouble Codes Explained 1. P0562 – System Voltage Low The vehicle’s electrical system is running at low voltage. This could be due to a weak battery, a failing alternator, or poor electrical connections. It may cause various electronic issues and unexpected shutdowns if not fixed. 2. P1005 – Fuel Level Sensor Control Module: Too Many Resets The fuel level sensor module has been reset too many times, likely due to electrical glitches. This may cause the fuel gauge to be inaccurate or unstable. 3. P14C0 / P14CD – Fuel Pump Driver Control Module Signal Error There is a configuration signal error from the fuel pump control module. This could lead to fuel delivery problems, starting issues, or engine stalling if it worsens. 4. U0151 – Lost Communication with Airbag Control Module (SRS) The system lost contact with the airbag diagnostic module. This may affect airbag deployment during a crash, making it a serious safety concern.
Someone pulled out in front of me going 45 mph and totaled my car when they smashed into the front drivers side of my vehicle. My airbags didn’t deploy and no warning notifications or emergency braking ever occurred. This is dangerous and was severe enough to total my vehicle. My airbags should have deployed. No warning lights or any other issues when it occurred. It was inspected by insurance and determined a total loss.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
225/60R17 99H Bought trailblazer brand new from dealer March 2021. I've owned many cars, street cars, etc. I've never had a tire with 10K miles develop a bulge in the side. I took back to dealer as warranty book showed covered to 12K, but they said 'upon inspecting, it appears from a pothole'. That was strange to me, as we never hit anything or the rim does not have a mark or bent or anything.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer equipped with Continental tires, Tire Line: Pro Contact, Tire Size: 225/60/R17, DOT Number: 16YOF98YW. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the tire pressure warning light was illuminated then the front passenger side tire had a blowout. The contact's son pulled over on the side of the road and contacted a tow truck company for assistance. The tow truck driver replaced the tire with the spare tire. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no defect with the tire. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 2,100.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
there are no tethering clips at the base of the rear seat to secure a child's car seat. The bottom of the rear seat shows they should be there but the dealer confirms they are not . This is an immediate and dangerous problem and puts any child in a car seat in a chevy trail blazer at risk. Not sure how I'm going to secure the granddaughter's car seat safely .
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
WHEN IT IS DARK OUTSIDE AND YOU PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE, THE LIGHTS NEXT TO THE BACK UP CAMERA CAUSES THE SCREEN INSIDE THE CAR TO SHOW BRIGHT WHITE. THERE IS NO WAY TO SHUT THE SCREEN OFF WHEN IN REVERSE. I HAVE TURNED THE BRIGHTNESS ALL THE WAY DOWN BUT IT IS STILL VERY BRIGHT MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE YOUR SURROUNDINGS SAFELY. I HAVE ALMOST HIT A TREE AND DROVE INTO A DITCH TRYING TO REVERSE AT DARK. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND NEEDS TO BE FIXED.
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
The rear shocks on the 2021 trailblazer are faulty and are blowing out causing the rear tires to bounce and eat away at the tread exposing cords becoming a safety hazard. The rear shocks blowing out is happening on several 2021 Trailblazers causing there to be a national back order leaving these vehicles and drivers to be at risk of serious accidents and injuries.
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
My issue is with the vehicle's car seat latches. The latches in the Chevy Trailblazer (Manufactured) are designed in a way that is unsafe and also hard to install a car seat for children who are 2 and under or under 40 pounds. Car seat safety is important for all children as it could lead to damages of the head, neck, and or spine. I have installed 4 car seats in my vehicle (Chevy Trailblazer) with it being difficult but overcoming the problem. However, the car seat detaches itself due to the location of the latch (Vertically Slanted). After using the car seat multiple times, it cannot withstand the tension due to the location of the latch which then releases itself from the latch, potentially allowing for more problems to occur and is concerning for the safety of a child. I have, as of now, not have to deal with this problem with other manufacturers like Toyota, Kia, Tesla, Volkswagen, and Honda, where the latch is horizontal. The latch on GMs Vehicles is Vertically Slanted and located left or right of the manufacturers noted car seat latch display/button on the seat. I have only seen the Chevy Trailblazer (My Vehicle) and the GMC Yukon with this problem. I am sure there are others.
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 .