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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

Service Brakes complaints

29 reports
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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 · 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

Mileage unknown · Feb 24, 2026
Service BrakesUnknown Or Other

Shift to park. Vehicle will not shut off. Also trying to start vehicle having to repeatedly push brakes down hard and push to start before finally starting. I bought this vehicle with 0 miles this has been an on going on and off problem since around 20000 miles have been put on.

NHTSA ODI #11720155

Mileage unknown · Oct 27, 2025
Electrical SystemService Brakes

There is a faulty sensor on this car that does not allow the car to be properly parked and gives the error message "Shift to park" on the dashboard. You have to turn the car back on and mess with the shifter multiple times to get it to register that it is park. This usually takes about 10 attempts every time you need to park the…

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There is a faulty sensor on this car that does not allow the car to be properly parked and gives the error message "Shift to park" on the dashboard. You have to turn the car back on and mess with the shifter multiple times to get it to register that it is park. This usually takes about 10 attempts every time you need to park the car. There are other reports regarding this exact issue on this car that further validates that this issue is relevant and needs to be addressed through a recall.

NHTSA ODI #11695946

Mileage unknown · Sep 5, 2025
Electrical SystemService BrakesSteering

While driving, a service warning came on that reads "Service Power Steering" - when that came on, the brakes ceased to work properly and required significant force, causing a big delay in braking. It is not safe to drive due to the limited braking. This mirrors the recall situation for other 2021 Trailblazer models with the inte…

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While driving, a service warning came on that reads "Service Power Steering" - when that came on, the brakes ceased to work properly and required significant force, causing a big delay in braking. It is not safe to drive due to the limited braking. This mirrors the recall situation for other 2021 Trailblazer models with the interrupted brake sensor.

NHTSA ODI #11685359

Mileage unknown · May 3, 2025
Service Brakes

Getting error message for shift to park not found when vehicle is in park. Chevy already has a recall for this but my vin is not one showing it is affected. Vehicle is at the dealer now for diagnosis and repair.

NHTSA ODI #11658663

Mileage unknown · Feb 19, 2025
Forward Collision AvoidanceService BrakesCrashInjury

A loud popping noise heard through the radio when light pressure applied to brakes. Noise loud enough to scare the hell out of all the occupants in the car. Brakes squeaked when car was in reverse. Tried to slow down on wet pavement. Car started to veer to the right. Forward collision warning nor automatic emergency braking w…

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A loud popping noise heard through the radio when light pressure applied to brakes. Noise loud enough to scare the hell out of all the occupants in the car. Brakes squeaked when car was in reverse. Tried to slow down on wet pavement. Car started to veer to the right. Forward collision warning nor automatic emergency braking worked. Pushed brake all the way to the floor and the car did not slow. Rear ended another car. No airbags deployed. My passenger was okay. I got diagnosed with a concussion. Do not know if the occupants in the other car were injured.

NHTSA ODI #11643617

Mileage unknown · Dec 31, 2024
Fuel/propulsion SystemService Brakes

I have brought my car into the dealership over the last few years at least 6 times for the same issues. Currently there are two codes coming up as permanent on my car which is for the Evaporative Emission System Flow and Brake Booster Hydraulics performance. I drive my child of three every day and the number of times my check en…

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I have brought my car into the dealership over the last few years at least 6 times for the same issues. Currently there are two codes coming up as permanent on my car which is for the Evaporative Emission System Flow and Brake Booster Hydraulics performance. I drive my child of three every day and the number of times my check engine light comes on and goes into reduced engine power is not okay nor safe.

NHTSA ODI #11633315

Mileage unknown · Sep 19, 2024
Power TrainService Brakes

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - The shift lever/gear control malfunctions when trying to put the vehicle in park. The vehicle once the lever is in park on the dashboard it will say !Place vehicle in park. When it is in park you can't open the doors or turn off …

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What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - The shift lever/gear control malfunctions when trying to put the vehicle in park. The vehicle once the lever is in park on the dashboard it will say !Place vehicle in park. When it is in park you can't open the doors or turn off the vehicle. You can try to jiggle the shift lever but it doesn't move out of park. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - Unable to get out of the vehicle, the system locks the doors. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - It has occurred at the beginning of the year. No it hasn't been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - Once you put the shift lever in park and try to turn off the car the warning lamp comes on and says Place in park. But the shift lever is in park. You are unable to move the shift lever. I don't know the exact date it first started happening but I believe it was at the beginning of the year.

NHTSA ODI #11615442

Mileage unknown · Sep 11, 2024
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemService Brakes

05/29/24 I took this vehicle to Cronic Chevrolet in Griffin, Ga due to check engine light being on. Code detected purge pump it was still under warranty at that time only had 43,906 miles on had to get the purge pump replaced. Several weeks after getting it back I kept getting a shift to park message come up when trying to put i…

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05/29/24 I took this vehicle to Cronic Chevrolet in Griffin, Ga due to check engine light being on. Code detected purge pump it was still under warranty at that time only had 43,906 miles on had to get the purge pump replaced. Several weeks after getting it back I kept getting a shift to park message come up when trying to put it in park then started having trouble getting it to go into drive. I have had so many close calls from people almost bashing into me because my car will not go into drive and you constantly have to switch in and out of gears for it to finally go in. Its sucking the had right out due to it not shifting gears properly. The code reader detected transmission control module which I find to be faulty and understand there are serval recalls on this specific vehicle , when it started this issue it didn’t even have 50,000 miles on it!

NHTSA ODI #11613947

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.