Problems · NHTSA complaints

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer problems

Owners filed 201 complaints about the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer with NHTSA between Sep 2020 and Nov 2026. The most-cited component is power train (42).

Complaints
201
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
7
Reported by owners
Fires
3
Reported by owners
Injuries
5
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Power train42
  2. Electrical system41
  3. Engine40
  4. Service brakes31
  5. Fuel/propulsion system17
  6. Forward collision avoidance11
  7. Structure8
  8. Steering7
  9. Vehicle speed control5
  10. Visibility/wiper4
  11. Back over prevention3
  12. Air bags3
  13. Wheels3
  14. Service brakes, hydraulic2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20206
202120
202217
202315
202446
202548
202649

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Power train

42 reports1 crash1 fire
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 31, 2026Power trainODI 11774900

Electrical system

41 reports1 crash1 fire
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 7, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11762612

Engine

40 reports1 fire
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 2, 2026Steering, EngineODI 11775064

Service brakes

31 reports4 crashes1 fire1 related recall
“I am filing this complaint regarding a serious and potentially life-threatening braking malfunction involving my 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS. While actively driving the vehicle, three separate warning messages suddenly appeared on the dashboard: Service Power Steering Service ESC Brake System Failure At approximately the same time, the brake pedal suddenly became extremely hard. I had to apply excessive physical force to the brake pedal in an attempt to slow and stop the vehicle. The vehicle did not respond as expected when braking. I nearly crashed because I could not stop the vehicle normally. This malfunction occurred unexpectedly while the vehicle was being driven. It was not an issue that occurred when starting the vehicle. The sudden loss of normal braking assistance created an immediate and extremely dangerous situation. A driver should never have to wonder whether their vehicle will be able to stop when the brake pedal is applied. 2. Previous Dealership Visit and GM Engineering Involvement I previously brought the vehicle to the dealership because of this same braking problem. GM engineers became involved and instructed the dealership to address a…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 2, 2026Service brakesODI 11775287

Fuel/propulsion system

17 reports
“Original Owner of 2021 Chevy Trailblazer LT. Purchased new in April 2021. Vehicle has a history of major powertrain issues, starting with Check Engine light during its first year of ownership, culminating in a complete turbocharger replacement in December 2025. This only as a result of my research, after many visits to dealership trying to diagnose the issue. The check engine was consistently illuminated in the vehicle 2021-2025. 9 days ago while traveling the vehicle, experienced sudden oil pressure loss, and stalling risks, displayed a hard warning “ENGINE OIL PRESSURE LOW. STOP ENGINE”. On Star provided me with a diagnostic code of P0521, pointing to an engine oil pressure sensor malfunction. Apparently another widely known issue with this engine, there are TSBs stating after repair the code will return and Software Update required. Extended warranty has expired, dealership as well as GM corporate unwilling to provide any assistance with cost of diag, repairs, etc, leaving myself and disabled dependent stranded. Vehicle since purchase has been exclusively serviced through the purchasing dealerships service center. Maintenance regularly maintained. Service…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 3, 2026Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11761820

Forward collision avoidance

11 reports4 crashes1 fire
“ABS brake system failed causing breaking to surge and not work correctly and not stop like it should resulting in having to have the ABS module and pump replaced at an extreme cost. With no clear cause and using the same parts this is likely to happen again. Had to be taken to the dealer because it required special software and bleeding procedure that a local shop wasn't able to do. The dealership stated that this should probably be covered soon in a recall that this was a known problem and they have had quite a few issues with this ABS pump assembly.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 3, 2026Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11768719
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.