NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 201 owner complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Most complaints involve power train (42) and electrical system (41). The EPA rates it 28–31 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4–5 stars overall.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Trailblazer model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 1,277 |
| 2003 | 1,266 |
| 2004 | 1,368 |
| 2005 | 1,734 |
| 2006 | 1,347 |
| 2007 | 782 |
| 2008 | 195 |
| 2009 | 28 |
| 2021 | 201 |
| 2022 | 113 |
| 2023 | 75 |
| 2024 | 36 |
| 2025 | 27 |
| 2026 | 12 |
“As I was driving down the road the check engine light lit on and vehicle went into limp mode which didn’t let me accelerate over 20 miles an hour. This happened in a busy intersection after safely and cautiously moving to the right to avoid any traffic collisions we got it towed. The codes that came up were P0700 and P0796 Transmission failure due to a stuck solenoid. Chevy has Internal bulletin 20-NA-120 regarding these breakdowns. It’s a known problem and one that is dangerous to the public because these incidents can happen anywhere even on busy highways or freeways.”
“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…”
“I am filing this complaint regarding a serious engine failure in my 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS that occurred while I was driving. While driving, the vehicle displayed the warning message “Engine Power Reduced” and I experienced a loss of power steering. Approximately 30 seconds after these warnings and symptoms appeared, the engine failed and I was stranded. The vehicle became inoperable. The sudden loss of engine power and power steering while the vehicle was in motion created an extremely dangerous situation. The vehicle could no longer be safely operated, and I was left stranded after an abrupt failure while driving. This vehicle has experienced recurring engine-related problems since approximately 30,000 miles. Despite previous repair attempts and ongoing concerns, it has now suffered a severe engine failure. The dealership’s diagnostic report states that the engine died and would not crank or start. The technician diagnosed a shredded or failed timing belt that caused the engine to jump timing. The report further documents internal engine damage, including piston-to-valve contact and exhaust-side rocker arms displaced from the valves/lifters. The…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trailblazer FWD Auto (variable gear ratios), 3 cyl, 1.3 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 29 | 33 | 31 | $2,000 | 288 |
| Trailblazer FWD Auto (variable gear ratios), 3 cyl, 1.2 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 31 | 29 | $2,150 | 302 |
| Trailblazer AWD Auto 9-spd, 3 cyl, 1.3 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 26 | 30 | 28 | $2,200 | 314 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
4 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 201 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (42), electrical system (41), engine (40). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer at 28–31 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4–5 out of 5 stars overall.