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2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Trailblazer years

Owner complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer are substantially higher than the model-year median of 87.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 32 of 193 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.

  • Electrical System. Review the 41 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

7 crash reports3 fire reports4 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

41 reports
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Mileage unknown · Sep 7, 2026
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

Dear Chevy, I am reaching out to you again because I am desperately requesting immediate assistance with my vehicle, which has now become an extremely serious and dangerous safety concern. On Friday, [XXX], I had my vehicle towed to the dealership because of the ongoing mechanical issues I have been experiencing. I was advised…

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Dear Chevy, I am reaching out to you again because I am desperately requesting immediate assistance with my vehicle, which has now become an extremely serious and dangerous safety concern. On Friday, [XXX], I had my vehicle towed to the dealership because of the ongoing mechanical issues I have been experiencing. I was advised that the repairs would cost $877, which included a battery replacement and new sensors. I paid for these repairs and picked up my vehicle on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, believing that the issues had finally been addressed. Unfortunately, within approximately one hour of leaving the dealership, my check engine light came back on. When I arrived home, the key became stuck in the ignition. I immediately contacted the dealership and requested to speak with a Service Manager. I made this request approximately five separate times, yet I was unable to speak with a Service Manager until Friday, September 4, 2026, when I finally spoke with Matt. The situation has now escalated into an extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening safety issue. On Sunday, [XXX], while driving on the [XXX] in Chicago, my vehicle completely shut off twice while I was actively driving. There were no warning sounds, no dashboard warning codes, and no indication that the vehicle was about to shut off. My vehicle suddenly lost power while I was on a busy expressway, creating an extremely dangerous situation and nearly causing a major accident/pileup. I genuinely feared for my life. A vehicle that unexpectedly shuts off while traveling at highway speeds is not something I can safely continue driving. After this occurred, I had the vehicle towed to my home. I later attempted to start it, and the vehicle did start; however, the key became stuck in the ignition again. This problem has been ongoing for over a year, and I have repeatedly and desperately asked for these issues to be properly diagnosed and repaired. I have already INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 5

NHTSA ODI #11762612

Mileage unknown · Aug 18, 2026
Electrical System

Shifter

NHTSA ODI #11757775

Mileage unknown · Jul 31, 2026
Electrical System

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 iss…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11754013

Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2026
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

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 b…

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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

NHTSA ODI #11749755

Mileage unknown · Jun 18, 2026
Electrical System

My 2021 chevy trailblazer rs is experiencing issues with the infotainment system and the onstar module they have stopped working and I have no backup camera and this issue is a safety concern to me and anyone who rides with me i have contacted both gm and onstar and got nowhere with them after I had a diagnostic test done on 6/…

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My 2021 chevy trailblazer rs is experiencing issues with the infotainment system and the onstar module they have stopped working and I have no backup camera and this issue is a safety concern to me and anyone who rides with me i have contacted both gm and onstar and got nowhere with them after I had a diagnostic test done on 6/18/26 they recommended replacement of the whole system

NHTSA ODI #11745155

Mileage unknown · Jun 5, 2026
Electrical SystemForward Collision AvoidanceService Brakes

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 in…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11742380

Mileage unknown · Jun 4, 2026
Electrical System

Amplifier lost connection, so speakers won’t work, collision warning won’t sound, and turn signal won’t sound.

NHTSA ODI #11742150

Mileage unknown · May 8, 2026
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

Intermittently I will receive a dashboard message reading “shift to park” after I park the vehicle and do shift to park. This is a known issue with this vehicle across several years identified as “a known issue caused by a faulty switch in the shifter assembly failing to detect when the car is in Park”. GM has identified and fou…

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Intermittently I will receive a dashboard message reading “shift to park” after I park the vehicle and do shift to park. This is a known issue with this vehicle across several years identified as “a known issue caused by a faulty switch in the shifter assembly failing to detect when the car is in Park”. GM has identified and found a solution to this problem by replacing the entire shifter assembly at the owners own cost. This malfunction has the potential to cause great harm. Potentially the vehicle could roll if the engine/system does not identify that it is in park. This could cause very expensive damages or even take a life. The vehicle also remains in accessory mode which drains the battery and can become even more costly for the owner at no fault of their own.

NHTSA ODI #11736470

75,000 miles · Apr 29, 2026
Electrical SystemService Brakes, Hydraulic

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 inspecte…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11734601

Mileage unknown · Mar 24, 2026
Electrical SystemEngineService Brakes

When stopped at a red light & the light turns green & I accelerate, the vehicle does not move. It makes a loud noise and jumps. This happens way too many times. There’s also an issue with the brakes, when you press on them, you can hear something grinding, which should not be happening because I bought the car brand new. Also th…

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When stopped at a red light & the light turns green & I accelerate, the vehicle does not move. It makes a loud noise and jumps. This happens way too many times. There’s also an issue with the brakes, when you press on them, you can hear something grinding, which should not be happening because I bought the car brand new. Also the brakes have always been super squeaky, which is very frustrating because they should not be with a brand new car once again. The engine light goes on and off randomly and doesn’t say anything.

NHTSA ODI #11726811

Official recalls

4

21V440000 · Equipment:mechanical:accessory Scissor/screw/bottle Jack/lift:stand

Jun 10, 2021

General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Buick Encore GX and 2021-2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The emergency jack, if not positioned as directed in the vehicle owner's manual, can fracture while in use.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fractured jack can cause the vehicle to collapse, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the jack, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owner of the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 26, 2021. A second notice will be mailed once remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A212335470.

20V588000 · Service Brakes

Sep 24, 2020

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Corvette and Cadillac CT4, CT5 and XT4, 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, and 2020-2021 Buick Encore GX vehicles. Sensor connection contamination in the electronic brake boost system may cause an interruption of communication between the sensor and the brake boost system.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If communication with the sensor is interrupted, the electronic brake boost assist could be lost. Extra pedal force will be required to slow and stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electronic brake boost module, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is A202307260.

20V537000 · Seats; Seats:critical Fasteners

Sep 3, 2020

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Encore GX and 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The rear attachment bolts of one or both front seats may not have been installed.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If an occupied front seat is missing the rear attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing risk of injury to the occupant.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect seat attachments for both front seats and install attachment bolts as needed, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is A202304380.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Seats:critical Fasteners

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Encore GX and 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The rear attachment bolts of one or both front seats may not have been installed.

Consequence: If an occupied front seat is missing the rear attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing risk of injury to the occupant.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect seat attachments for both front seats and install attachment bolts as needed, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is A202304380.

Seats

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Encore GX and 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. The rear attachment bolts of one or both front seats may not have been installed.

Consequence: If an occupied front seat is missing the rear attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing risk of injury to the occupant.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect seat attachments for both front seats and install attachment bolts as needed, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is A202304380.

20V295000 · Equipment:other:labels; Tires

May 21, 2020

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles factory-equipped with optional 17-inch sport terrain tires. The certification label on these vehicles does not provide the tire size and cold tire pressure information for front and rear tires, as required. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If drivers are uninformed and overinflate or underinflate their tires, this may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and will mail corrected labels for customers to apply, free of charge. The recall began July 1, 2020. Owners may call Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A202304070.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Equipment:other:labels

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles factory-equipped with optional 17-inch sport terrain tires. The certification label on these vehicles does not provide the tire size and cold tire pressure information for front and rear tires, as required. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence: If drivers are uninformed and overinflate or underinflate their tires, this may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and will mail corrected labels for customers to apply, free of charge. The recall began July 1, 2020. Owners may call Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A202304070.

Tires

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles factory-equipped with optional 17-inch sport terrain tires. The certification label on these vehicles does not provide the tire size and cold tire pressure information for front and rear tires, as required. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence: If drivers are uninformed and overinflate or underinflate their tires, this may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and will mail corrected labels for customers to apply, free of charge. The recall began July 1, 2020. Owners may call Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A202304070.

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.