2019 Chevrolet Blazer

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was a strong odor coming from the vehicle, and no warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that a "Shift to Park" warning message displayed while the vehicle was already in Park, requiring multiple shifting attempts to clear the message. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the radiator had failed and needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was informed that the radiator issue was a known failure that could recur. Additionally, an inspection revealed that the rear tow hook had failed and needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired. Regarding the shifter failure, the contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.

Electronically controlled thermostat and sensor fail or get stuck at a much lower coolant temperature causing the dash to display the “steering assist is reduced drive with care.” It isn’t just a message, the steering is much harder to use potentially causing an accident. The ac completely doesn’t work causing potential for sensitive, elderly, or young children and pets to overheat inside, it’s significant risk of injury or death from the hot summer temperatures. The engine coolant temperature gauge is all the way down on C position which isn’t registering how hot/cold the engine gets potentially causing damage to the vehicle and a total loss of the vehicle entirely due to damage from the engine overheating. GM sent out letters to 2021 blazer owners which included a special coverage number N252508350 applying to people with this year having this problem and they have until 2036 or 150,009 mi to get the repairs made free of charge, they just bring the document with the special repair codes to the dealer and they fix it free of charge. After doing research online, this problem is affecting all years of the 2019+ blazers with the 3.6L V6 engine AND other known problems with other models and years of their other lineup of cars, it’s very widespread across their platforms. So what are people supposed to do when it isn’t the 2021 year? Pay an $800+ repair bill to GM when they KNOW it’s more widespread than just this year/make? This is a scam. I can’t even do the repair myself because I’m having trouble finding the correct parts online and not only that the repair is extensive, the whole top half of the engine needs to be taken apart just to get to the thermostat, we’re talking the airbox and intake manifold, all the plastic parts and shrouds and sensors covering engine, the fuel rail and injectors, pipes and clamps, engine coolant needs drained and refilled. It’s a major fix. I’m reporting this complaint to raise awareness and hopefully GM will do the right thing.

The transmission or torque converter has slippage and shuddering that has caused one or both to go bad. My safety was at risk due to this item beginning to fail to cause the inability to accelerate to maintain my position in traffic. The problem was recreated for the service technician. There was no warning or indication before this became an issue.