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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

What owners actually said

193 reports
Mileage unknown · Jun 20, 2023
Forward Collision AvoidanceService BrakesCrashInjury

Brakes failed and myself and others were in harms way. To my knowledge the car was totaled as the air bags did deploy.

NHTSA ODI #11527819

20,000 miles · Jun 9, 2023
Power TrainCrashFire

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH the contact struck a deer on the front passenger side causing minor damages to the vehicle. No one was injured. The contact was able to stop on the side of the road. The contact smelled a burning odor and noticed that smoke was coming from the…

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The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH the contact struck a deer on the front passenger side causing minor damages to the vehicle. No one was injured. The contact was able to stop on the side of the road. The contact smelled a burning odor and noticed that smoke was coming from the floor of the vehicle on the front passenger side near the seat belt assembly. The contact and the passenger were able to exit the vehicle, but after exiting the vehicle burst out in flames. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,000.

NHTSA ODI #11526195

Mileage unknown · Apr 12, 2023
Visibility/wiper

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 sal…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11516628

Mileage unknown · Apr 11, 2023
Visibility/wiper

Wiper system failed. No function of front wipers. Issue occurred on freeway, in heavy rain conditions, with fast moving traffic surrounding. Visibility with the inability to clear the windshield was at a minimum or not possible. Required pulling over, could have easily caused collision with no forward vision. Vehicle is current…

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Wiper system failed. No function of front wipers. Issue occurred on freeway, in heavy rain conditions, with fast moving traffic surrounding. Visibility with the inability to clear the windshield was at a minimum or not possible. Required pulling over, could have easily caused collision with no forward vision. Vehicle is currently at a dealership for evaluation. Previously brought into dealership, “no problem found” reported by the dealership mechanics. Three separate occurrences of this issue. No other warnings or lights associated.

NHTSA ODI #11516507

21,000 miles · Apr 10, 2023
Fuel System, Gasoline

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal fuel odor was coming from the vehicle, without warning. While in traffic, the contact started feeling dizzy and pulled over. The contact’s son who was following her vehicle, also stated that he could smell fuel upo…

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The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal fuel odor was coming from the vehicle, without warning. While in traffic, the contact started feeling dizzy and pulled over. The contact’s son who was following her vehicle, also stated that he could smell fuel upon approaching the vehicle. The following day, the vehicle was taken to a dealer where the mechanic discovered a crack in the fuel rail. Upon investigation, the contact discovered Service Bulletin: PIP5765, which she linked to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.

NHTSA ODI #11516298

Mileage unknown · Apr 3, 2023
Service Brakes

We purchased this 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS new from the dealership and we noticed on the second day of owership that the brakes were "squealing". The dealership initially inspected the vehicle asap and without having to go through the service department. However, the problem not only continued, it persists to this day. Add…

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We purchased this 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS new from the dealership and we noticed on the second day of owership that the brakes were "squealing". The dealership initially inspected the vehicle asap and without having to go through the service department. However, the problem not only continued, it persists to this day. Additionally, we just purchased a used 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS (with under 10,000 miles) and are experiencing the identical issues with the brakes squealing.

NHTSA ODI #11515304

Mileage unknown · Mar 29, 2023
Unknown Or Other

I was waiting at the traffic light and the car just shut off without any warning and it wouldn't start back up. After a few minutes a warning came on that said "battery low-start vehicle." When I tried to start the vehicle it still wouldn't start. Then all of the warnings lights were flashing on the dashboard the wipers were mov…

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I was waiting at the traffic light and the car just shut off without any warning and it wouldn't start back up. After a few minutes a warning came on that said "battery low-start vehicle." When I tried to start the vehicle it still wouldn't start. Then all of the warnings lights were flashing on the dashboard the wipers were moving back and forth but the vehicle still wouldn't start then the car just shut down and and nothing would come on. This happened in the lane of traffic at the red light. With the hazard lights not working it was a dangerous situation. The police were called to be there with me until the tow truck came so no one would run into the vehicle. I feel that the fact that no warning light flashed before the car just shut off was very dangerous especially after it wouldn't start back up. I had just purchased this vehicle (used) December 2022. I am very frustrated because now I don't have a vehicle to get to work. I only purchased this vehicle because my KIA was stolen and totaled October 2022 and I needed transportation to get to work. The car is at a Chevy Dealership now so they can try to figure what's wrong with the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11514468

Mileage unknown · Mar 21, 2023
Power TrainUnknown Or Other

When I shift the gear from PARK to DRIVE & step on the GAS, the vehicle hesitates to DRIVE. I have to turn off my vehicle, play with the gear shift, then shift again to get it to move. The other day I put my vehicle in DRIVE and it rolled back and REVERSED. Nobody can figure out what’s wrong with my vehicle. The check engine lig…

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When I shift the gear from PARK to DRIVE & step on the GAS, the vehicle hesitates to DRIVE. I have to turn off my vehicle, play with the gear shift, then shift again to get it to move. The other day I put my vehicle in DRIVE and it rolled back and REVERSED. Nobody can figure out what’s wrong with my vehicle. The check engine light comes on then goes off. Nobody can get the problem to duplicate. A ticket to GMC was submitted and from them, my vehicle seems fine on paper. This is a safety hazard. I’ve taken my vehicle to a Chevy dealer and also to a GMC dealer multiple times.

NHTSA ODI #11513067

Mileage unknown · Mar 16, 2023
Fuel/propulsion System

Took to mechanic due to strong fuel smell coming from engine area. Mechanic said not safe to drive - fuel rail leaking and must be replaced - vehicle could catch fire or explode! I drive grandchildren in this vehicle and was shook up! Vehicle towed to GM dealer who said I was 3400 miles passed my warranty but they would start …

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Took to mechanic due to strong fuel smell coming from engine area. Mechanic said not safe to drive - fuel rail leaking and must be replaced - vehicle could catch fire or explode! I drive grandchildren in this vehicle and was shook up! Vehicle towed to GM dealer who said I was 3400 miles passed my warranty but they would start work on my $3k repair. I’m outraged that GM cares so little about this known issue from the GM bulletin PIP 5765 which was published 11/18/20. All this time they have known about faulty and dangerous part but only send recalls for minor issues like possible faulty tire jack.

NHTSA ODI #11512267

Mileage unknown · Jan 5, 2023
Lane DepartureService BrakesSteeringCrash

While traveling down the road at approximatly 35-40 mph with my two minor children, the steering was not responding properly and the car kept attempting to veer to the right. I let off the gas to slow down since the brakes were also not seeming to respond well. Upon attempting to brake and execute a left hand turn, the car wou…

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While traveling down the road at approximatly 35-40 mph with my two minor children, the steering was not responding properly and the car kept attempting to veer to the right. I let off the gas to slow down since the brakes were also not seeming to respond well. Upon attempting to brake and execute a left hand turn, the car would not turn at all despite the steering wheel being as turned as far to the left as possible, the lights began flashing on the dashboard for "PowerSteering" ESC warning. We ended up going through the intersection without stopping and narrowly missed another car in intersection and went completely off the road into a snowbank. Fortunately we were not injured. We drove the vehicle back home (approximately one mile) by overpowering the steering and manually forcing the car to stay on the road. Throughout the lane assist kept attempting to autocorrect and drive us off the road. The car was damaged by the impact and the mechanic said that the tie rod is bent and has no idea what could have caused this to happen. I am somehow now responsible for the situation. I have asked what caused the power steering to fail, and Chevy claims that they have no record of any power steering issues (which research has shown to be untrue) and in order to determine IF it failed and/or why, they need to make the repair and then run additional tests to re-create the issue. This car only has 21,000 miles on it, and has never been in an accident before this.

NHTSA ODI #11500332

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.