Owners have reported 7 crashes, 3 fires and 5 injuries to NHTSA for the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints36
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners report that the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer frequently experiences a "shift to park" error, where the vehicle fails to recognize it is in park, preventing the engine from shutting off and causing battery drain. This issue is often mentioned by owners as occurring after approximately 20,000 miles and can persist despite multiple repairs. Complaints also highlight difficulties with vehicle locking and potential unintended rollaway accidents. Additionally, some owners describe problems with the front camera module affecting ADAS functionality and issues with the accelerator sensor leading to unsafe driving conditions. These patterns suggest potential safety implications, such as being unable to shut off the vehicle or unexpected loss of power while driving.
Owner complaints35
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer frequently report issues with the transmission and gear shifter system. Common symptoms include the vehicle failing to recognize when it is in "Park," leading to persistent "Shift to Park" warnings, inability to turn off the engine, and problems with locking the vehicle. Transmission malfunctions are also noted, with some vehicles experiencing sudden power loss, stalling, or failure to accelerate, often around 40,000 to 83,000 miles. One complaint involves a crash, and another mentions a fire, highlighting potential safety risks. These patterns suggest that prospective buyers should be aware of possible powertrain and gear shifter concerns when considering a used model.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints32
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly concerning the infotainment system and the "shift to park" error. Common symptoms include the infotainment system failing to operate, leading to a loss of backup camera functionality, and persistent "shift to park" warnings preventing the vehicle from recognizing it is in park, which can drain the battery. These issues often occur within the first few years of ownership, with some reports indicating problems around 40,000 to 50,000 miles. Safety implications are present, as one owner reported a crash linked to electronic braking system failure, and another described electrical damage that led to a fire. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring issues and their impact on vehicle operation and safety.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints20
ENGINE
Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer frequently report issues related to the turbocharger and coolant control valve, with symptoms including reduced engine power, overheating, and warning lights such as "check engine" or "reduced engine power." These problems often arise around 47,000 to 80,000 miles, though some occur earlier or later. Additionally, several owners mention gasoline odors and leaks from the fuel rail, with one report involving a fire. Safety implications include vehicle stalling, sudden deceleration, and potential overheating, which could lead to hazardous situations on the road. These patterns suggest prospective buyers should be vigilant about these issues, especially in vehicles with similar mileage.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints18
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer frequently report issues with the vehicle's brakes, including squealing noises and a lack of braking effectiveness. Complaints often describe a squealing sound occurring during low-speed braking, with some owners noting that dealerships have acknowledged the noise but consider it normal. Additionally, several reports highlight instances where the brakes require excessive pressure to stop the vehicle, with two incidents involving crashes and three injuries. These issues are noted at varying mileages, from as low as 7,600 miles to over 135,000 miles. The combination of brake noise and performance problems, including instances of brake failure, suggests potential safety implications for prospective buyers.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 3 injury reports
Owner complaints7
STRUCTURE
Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer frequently report issues related to water intrusion and structural integrity. Multiple complaints describe water accumulating inside door panels and the spare tire well, leading to mold growth, particularly in the rear seating area. Some owners also report problems with the vehicle's power liftgate opening and closing independently, which has resulted in at least one injury. Paint defects and issues with bumper clips are noted, with some owners experiencing these problems shortly after purchase. These issues are reported at varying mileages, with some occurring as early as 5 miles, indicating potential early-life quality control concerns. Safety implications include the risk of injury from the liftgate malfunction and potential visibility issues from mold.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints6
STEERING
Owners report recurring issues with the power steering system in the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, with symptoms including the "Service Power Steering" warning light frequently activating and instances of steering unresponsiveness. Complaints frequently mention that these steering problems coincide with braking issues, requiring increased force to stop the vehicle and resulting in delayed braking response. One complaint involves a crash where steering failure led to loss of control, causing the vehicle to veer off the road. These issues are reported at varying mileages, with some occurring as early as 160 miles and others around 21,000 miles. Buyers should be aware of potential safety implications due to steering and braking malfunctions in this model.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints5
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer frequently report issues related to fuel leaks, specifically associated with the fuel rail system. Common symptoms include a strong gasoline smell both inside and outside the vehicle, often intensifying over time, and engine codes such as P1467 related to the Evap Purge Pump. These issues are often reported around or just after the warranty period, with mileage typically noted around 29,000 miles. Safety implications are a concern, as multiple complaints mention the risk of fire or explosion due to the fuel leak, leading some owners to avoid parking in enclosed spaces like garages. Buyers considering a used model should be aware of these potential issues and verify if repairs have been completed, especially in light of a known service bulletin addressing this problem.
Owner complaints3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer report issues related to unintended acceleration and vehicle speed control. Complaints frequently mention sudden surges in speed, with one owner describing the vehicle accelerating from 50 mph to 80 mph unexpectedly, requiring immediate braking and vehicle shutdown. Another report involves the vehicle accelerating independently while attempting to park at low speed, resulting in a crash and minor injury. These incidents occur at varying mileages, with one noted at approximately 6,000 miles. Safety implications include loss of control and a crash, underscoring potential risks for buyers considering this model.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints2
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer report issues with the airbag system, including non-deployment during a crash and unexpected deployment. One owner describes a severe frontal collision where the airbags failed to deploy, resulting in a total loss of the vehicle. Another owner reports all side airbags deploying unexpectedly at approximately 3,500 miles while driving on the interstate, linked to an unexplained wheel failure. These complaints highlight significant safety implications, such as crash severity and unexpected airbag activation, which could affect vehicle control and safety.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
