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2021 Chevrolet Blazer

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Blazer years

Owner complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer are substantially higher than the model-year median of 32.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 25 of 132 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

6 crash reports1 fire reports5 injury reports

What owners actually said

132 reports
Mileage unknown · Jul 9, 2026
Fuel/propulsion System

XXX the car had gas, turned over, but would not start. I had it towed to a repair center who towed, did diagnostics and came up with the codes for a bad fuel pump control module. It was replaced and the car starts. There was no warning. Problem was confirmed by an independent service center. All documentation is available. …

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XXX the car had gas, turned over, but would not start. I had it towed to a repair center who towed, did diagnostics and came up with the codes for a bad fuel pump control module. It was replaced and the car starts. There was no warning. Problem was confirmed by an independent service center. All documentation is available. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11749347

Mileage unknown · Jun 23, 2026
EnginePower Train

The thermostat malfunctioned causing an error message regarding “steering assist is reduced”. When I parked and turned off, the engine fan continued to run. When car was restarted, the temp gauge inside was stuck at C. Took to dealership and they assessed. They repaired the thermostat under power train warranty, however ther…

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The thermostat malfunctioned causing an error message regarding “steering assist is reduced”. When I parked and turned off, the engine fan continued to run. When car was restarted, the temp gauge inside was stuck at C. Took to dealership and they assessed. They repaired the thermostat under power train warranty, however there was a crack in the radiator (top) resulting in the need for a new radiator. This vehicle had 35,000 miles on it. Upon research online, it seems there are MANY people who have had this same issue and worse. It appears cars produced during COVID era are most affected. Chevy refused to warranty the issue. The dealership offered a small cost reduction (due to our loyalty). The thermostat and the radiator issues seem to be well known by Chevy, they just refuse to accept responsibility. Now we are out thousands of dollars on a basically “new” vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11745926

Mileage unknown · Jun 22, 2026
Electrical SystemEngineLane Departure

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 …

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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

NHTSA ODI #11745573

Mileage unknown · Jun 6, 2026
Electrical System

Lost coolant temp so replaced sensor with one from auto zone and worked for one then pegged to cold again fan runs 100% so went and bought another coolant temp sensor from Chevrolet installed that worked two pegged back to cold again fan 100% now going to pay $700.00 dollars to remove the two sensor wires for the harness all the…

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Lost coolant temp so replaced sensor with one from auto zone and worked for one then pegged to cold again fan runs 100% so went and bought another coolant temp sensor from Chevrolet installed that worked two pegged back to cold again fan 100% now going to pay $700.00 dollars to remove the two sensor wires for the harness all the two the Ecm heard with it being wrapped in the coil wires it gets electromagnetic static due to degradation of wires. Also Radiator started leaking after couple years but they want $3100.00 dollars for that.Was told extended warranty ran out three days before they discovered radiator leak.

NHTSA ODI #11742425

Mileage unknown · May 19, 2026
Steering

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 replac…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11738765

Mileage unknown · May 12, 2026
SuspensionCrashInjury

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.

NHTSA ODI #11737304

Mileage unknown · May 1, 2026
Fuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

I am reaching out regarding an ongoing issue with my 2021 Chevrolet Blazer. The vehicle is experiencing a noticeable stutter or hesitation when shifting between second and third gear. In addition, there are instances where the vehicle accelerates unexpectedly or more aggressively than intended. This behavior is particularly con…

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I am reaching out regarding an ongoing issue with my 2021 Chevrolet Blazer. The vehicle is experiencing a noticeable stutter or hesitation when shifting between second and third gear. In addition, there are instances where the vehicle accelerates unexpectedly or more aggressively than intended. This behavior is particularly concerning, as it presents a potential safety issue during normal driving conditions. These concerns have become increasingly noticeable, and I am concerned they may indicate a transmission or related mechanical problem that requires prompt inspection and resolution. Please advise if there are any known service bulletins, recalls, or warranty coverage related to these issues. For reference, the vehicle has been properly maintained and this behavior is not consistent with normal operation. Given that this is now the third major issue I’ve experienced with this vehicle, I am hoping this matter can be addressed without additional out-of-pocket expense. After additional research, I have learned that other owners have experienced the same issue. Others have stated the following: 1. Hesitation, stuttering, or jerking between gears Owners of 2020–2021 Blazers report hesitation and jerking during acceleration, sometimes described as gears “shifting in and out rapidly.” Forum users mention sluggish shifting or slipping feelings, especially at certain speeds. Others report hard or delayed shifts at low speeds (like 15–25 mph). 2. Shuddering / vibration (often tied to torque converter) There are repeated mentions of “shudder,” “surge,” or vibration during acceleration. Some cases were linked to: Contaminated transmission fluid Torque converter clutch (TCC) issues One owner said the problem felt like a bad torque converter and required service attention. 3. Unexpected acceleration / lunging Drivers across GM vehicles (including similar transmissions) report: “Jerking,” “bucking,” or “lunging” during acceleration Some describe needing to

NHTSA ODI #11735127

Mileage unknown · Apr 29, 2026
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemService Brakes

Went to park car in a park to drop daughter off and it sputtered out and stalled out of nowhere with no warning. I had received a lamp warning very sporadically prior to this and on occasion that stated 'reduced steering assist drive with care' this resulted in heavy steering for that drive until car was shut off and then it wou…

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Went to park car in a park to drop daughter off and it sputtered out and stalled out of nowhere with no warning. I had received a lamp warning very sporadically prior to this and on occasion that stated 'reduced steering assist drive with care' this resulted in heavy steering for that drive until car was shut off and then it would go away and be fine again, fixed the car through Knudtsen Chevy due to a recall about a month before on the issue with the engine being turned off and it thinking it was still hot and still running the fan (even though the car was not running). Knudtsen fixed that issue. Low battery voltage light did not come on however battery was older so had battery installed at park to ensure the issue was not due to the battery. The oil was fresh and showed no issues, changed 2 weeks before fresh oil no issues found during service. When tried to restart the car it would think it would try to start and then sputter out and not stay in idle. Les Schwab left and called a mobile mechanic to bring the computer. Computer was hooked up and it would try to start, however, it would not know it was already running and try to start again on it's own...the codes that came up were the PO101 code came up for Mass Air Flow issue...and then the codes would go in a wild sequence of fail.....mechanic checked for loose connections around air filter, took air filter out and it was clean no issues, checked pipe no visible issues. We walked away and walked around the park to give it some time to sit and then we tried it again and it tried and sputtered out and died again would not stay idling. Then all of a sudden we heard it try to start itself without us trying to start it and it clanked. We hauled it to Knudtsen for a diagnosis. They stated "the motor will not turn this way or that way and it is seized or locked up". This is a 2021 with only 89,000 miles it should have a longer life than this. Please investigate and is there anything we can do to fix it?

NHTSA ODI #11734510

Mileage unknown · Apr 28, 2026
Engine

Both camshaft carriers failed due to a manufacturing defect. According to NHTSA bulletins 21-NA-240 and PIP5755, the oil leak from the cam carrier is caused by improper sealant application during manufacturing. Although the dealer addressed the issue, it was clearly not a problem that arose from normal use. The leak had the pote…

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Both camshaft carriers failed due to a manufacturing defect. According to NHTSA bulletins 21-NA-240 and PIP5755, the oil leak from the cam carrier is caused by improper sealant application during manufacturing. Although the dealer addressed the issue, it was clearly not a problem that arose from normal use. The leak had the potential to worsen and lead to a fire hazard. Chevy of Montebello confirmed the issue and repaired the vehicle for over $7,500. There were no warning signs, as the leak was difficult to detect on the driveway. The low-oil warning light came on the day before we took the vehicle to the dealer.

NHTSA ODI #11734437

Mileage unknown · Apr 23, 2026
Power Train

The transmission (powertrain) developed a delay when shifting into reverse, followed by harsh engagement. The condition worsened over time and resulted in a complete loss of reverse. The vehicle will not move when shifted into reverse. This creates a safety risk when parking, backing out of spaces, or maneuvering in traffic, as …

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The transmission (powertrain) developed a delay when shifting into reverse, followed by harsh engagement. The condition worsened over time and resulted in a complete loss of reverse. The vehicle will not move when shifted into reverse. This creates a safety risk when parking, backing out of spaces, or maneuvering in traffic, as the driver cannot safely control vehicle movement. The issue occurred at approximately 89,000 miles under normal driving conditions. No warning lights were present prior to failure. The problem was reported to a dealership and diagnosed as a transmission failure. The condition is reproducible and ongoing. I was also informed that multiple vehicles of the same model were experiencing similar transmission issues at the same time. The failure limits safe operation of the vehicle and increases risk in situations where reverse movement is required.

NHTSA ODI #11733441

Official recalls

1

20V811000 · Seat Belts; Seat Belts:critical Fasteners

Dec 23, 2020

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Seat Belts:critical Fasteners

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.

Consequence: If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.

Seat Belts

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.

Consequence: If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.