Chevrolet Trailblazer Complaints (2021)

198 consumer complaints on file.

#11773763October 26, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle suddenly shut off. The message "Reduce Engine Power" was displayed before the instrument panel went blank. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was towed to several mechanics and the dealer, and the vehicle was diagnosed with timing chain failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 48,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11773350October 24, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have been having issues shifting into park. My Trailblazer will sit there and tell me to shift into park multiple times before it will recognize park. I’ve had to hit the gear shift a couple times before it will recognize park.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772321October 20, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving on the interstate on October 17, 2026, my 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer (1.2L turbo) suddenly lost engine power and would not accelerate, with the check engine light on. I had to coast to the shoulder and have the vehicle towed. The dealer diagnosed a failed turbocharger and a failed timing belt at 110,904 miles — far below GM's own 150,000-mile replacement interval for this belt. A timing belt that fails early can cause sudden, total loss of power at highway speed with no warning. This is a serious safety hazard. An Ohio state trooper had to assist with getting myself and my minor son off the interstate and to a safe location.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769082October 5, 2026
POWER TRAIN
My 2021 Trailblazer does not shift into drive properly from park or reverse. When shifting into drive, the engine revs but does not move forward. In some cases, the vehicle also shakes and jolts for several seconds. It is also slow to shift into higher gears at high speeds on the freeway. In cases of quick acceleration, the check engine light comes on and the message "Engine Power Reduced" shows. This has caused potentially dangerous situations where I am not able to accelerate to match the flow of traffic, especially when merging onto the freeway. I have taken the car to both a Chevy dealership and an independent shop, who have both confirmed that there is a "loss of forward gear" and pulled codes P2714 and P0700. I have been told that I most likely need a transmission replacement at only 34,000 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768719October 3, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764456September 15, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2021 Chevy Trailblazer has a shift to park sensor issue. Car is in park and the sensor does not recognize that it is in park and displays a safety message to place car in park and continues to beep. Takes numerous attempts of taking car out of park and back into park to get it to recognize that the shifter is now in park. Has taken up to 15 minutes. Dealership has diagnosed as a known issue with this year and make with a service bulletin issued by GM of 23-NA-119. Has been happening over the last 2 weeks.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762612September 7, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
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 while I was actively driving. There were no warning sounds, no dashboard warning codes, and no indication that the vehicle was about to shut off. My vehicle suddenly lost power while I was on a busy expressway, creating an extremely dangerous situation and nearly causing a major accident/pileup. I genuinely feared for my life. A vehicle that unexpectedly shuts off while traveling at highway speeds is not something I can safely continue driving. After this occurred, I had the vehicle towed to my home. I later attempted to start it, and the vehicle did start; however, the key became stuck in the ignition again. This problem has been ongoing for over a year, and I have repeatedly and desperately asked for these issues to be properly diagnosed and repaired. I have already INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 5
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761820September 3, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
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 management has admitted knowledge of this issue with this engine, still reluctant to provide any additional assistance, informed me I’m on a waitlist for a possible loaner vehicle 4-6 weeks from now. There are several TSBs on this engine surrounding this issue. Apparently there is a known defect with the engine oil pump, cam shaft, evap purge pump. Strong possibility could be a result of the Turbo replacement, debris from that failing turbo could have blocked the oil system, causing starvation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757775August 18, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Shifter
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754543August 3, 2026
ENGINE
My timing belt snapped prematurely, causing a total loss of engine power while driving on the highway, which is a severe safety hazard
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11754013July 31, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am submitting this report regarding my 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer because it has been experiencing the "Shift to Park" issue described in the GM bulletin 19-NA-206. Even when the vehicle is shifted into Park, it intermittently displays a "Shift to Park" message and does not recognize that the transmission is in Park. This issue has been ongoing and has not resolved despite normal use of the vehicle. It is frustrating to deal with on a regular basis, and it appears to be the same condition addressed by GM in Technical Service Bulletin 19-NA-206 that is available to view on the NHTSA website. I believe the NHTSA should push General Motors to issue a recall for this problem rather than relying on a Technical Service Bulletin. The issue appears to affect many GM vehicles, and owners should not have to bear the burden of repeated repairs or diagnosis for a known defect. I respectfully request that the NHTSA investigate this issue further and require GM to provide a permanent remedy through a recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753767July 30, 2026
POWER TRAIN
"shift to park" issue on a 21 traiblazer causing your car to not being able to shutdown entirely meanwhile the shift is perfectly on Park.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752759July 25, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle displays Shift to Park when vehicle is in park & you push the ignition button & audible chime occurs. Apparently this is a known issue for Chevrolet Trailblazers & Buick Encore GX vehicles model year 2021 & newer. You have to either wiggle the gear shifter several times & depress/wiggle the shift lever button in order to turn off the vehicle. Sometimes it takes 5 minutes to get it to work.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752367July 23, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
My trailblazer will not shift properly into drive from park or reverse. GM calls this a "loss of forward motion" or "delayed forward engagement" in their service bulletin TSB-24-NA-009. It is a safety issue because you never know when or how long the vehicle will take to engage and allow forward movement. This causes issues when leaving a parking spot or a driveway, especially on busy roads. If the car will not move forward, my family is stuck in the road until it finally engages into gear and allows forward movement. When this occurs, the vehicle engine will shutter and not allow any forward movement. I usually have to move the drive selector back to park and back to drive again. This creates an immediate and unreasonable safety risk because the vehicle will not move for several seconds while I am sitting in traffic. This generates a P2714 code. I had the car looked at by a GM dealer as well as an independent transmission repair shop and both indicate it will likely need a new transmission. GM is fully aware of the defect and has issued a service bulletin, TSB-24-NA-009 to instruct dealers how to diagnose and repair the problem. The bulletin proves a widespread engineering or manufacturing flaw exists. However, GM is treating this as a maintenance issue rather than the severe safety hazard that it is. It is my understanding, GM has since abandoned this transmission on the newer models, further indicating that GM knew these transmissions were not designed well. I am requesting the NHTSA office cross-reference my complaint with GM TSB-24-NA-009 and upgrade the component defect to a mandatory, manufacturer-funded safety recall before it causes a collision or fatal injury. Thank You
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11751316July 18, 2026
ENGINE
Reduced engine powers caused by turbo charger underboost, at 91200 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11750836July 16, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle has 67,000 miles and suffered a catastrophic CVT transmission failure, documented by dealership diagnostic code P2714. The transmission severely slips and exhibits a dangerous 15-second delay to engage forward gear after shifting into Drive. More critically, the vehicle suffers from unpredictable engine stalling. The car completely shut down and stalled in traffic while trying to accelerate into a driving lane after shifting. The vehicle did not trigger any dashboard safety warnings, limp mode, or "Reduced Engine Power" messages prior to shutting down, causing an un-warned loss of motive power on a public road. This creates an immediate, severe risk of a high-speed rear-end collision. General Motors has acknowledged internal CVT chain slippage and hydraulic failure points in Technical Service Bulletins 24-NA-009 and PIP6033 but has not issued a safety recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11750520July 15, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When putting the vehicle in park an error displays, SHIFT TO PARK, and the vehicle does not turn off completely and will ding although you’ve put it in PARK. This has been happening for well over a year and the dealership says it’s a known issue but not a recall. There are times it’s taken up to 25 mins that I’ve had to sit in the vehicle to get the vehicle to turn off by wiggling the shifter or just putting it in drive and back into park, hitting the shifter button, etc. I’ve had to let the battery die in the very beginning because I panicked when it happened and had to get into work. My son has been late to class when he uses the vehicle to drive to school. It’s been such an inconvenience and a safety issue because the vehicle doesn’t turn off and won’t lock and who knows if it’s really securely engaged in the park position or not.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11749755July 11, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The infotainment system which controls the radio,backup camera, onstart,and other safety components stopped working i took it to a gm certified dealership and it has just been all bad from there. gm has horrible customer service and so does the gm certified shop in michigan city i took my truck in that I only had for 11 months because the infotainment center went of paid for two diagnostic tests they still couldn't] find the issue and now they they're changing me 1,037.76 for a radio which they dont even know if it's going to fix the problem which if it doesn't then I have to pay more money for another diagnostic test and more parts and because I got mad and said I'm paying for a guessing game the dealership told gm that because I had some aftermarket equipment in my vehicle that that caused the issue bullshit the stuff never got plugged into anything at that point the day of my appointment with the audio shop the screen went black with no sound they're all full of shit and didn't want to take responsibility for the widely known issue with the telemedic system
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11749711July 11, 2026
ENGINE
car was driving fine, went up a hill then check engine light came on with warning that stated "reduced engine power." drove it approx 8 min to home. parked in garage. Next morning, took to Firestone Complete Autocare as that was the first place available. Just got a call that the whole turbo assembly needs to be replace costing almost $2000 and will be without a car for about a week. 5 year warranty expired 3 months ago and there is less than 47,000 miles on it. It is currently at the shop so I don't have a bill yet, but they told us how much when they told us what was wrong with it. This is unacceptable! Reading about and hearing about this complaint all over the internet!!!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11749121July 8, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The shift to park is defective on mine and many other GM vehicles. I had it previously repaired under manufacturer warranty and then again in just over 16,000 miles driven which fell outside of the manufacturer warranty. I had to pay out of pocket for the repairs and GM refused to reimburse me for the repairs. GM has a service bulletin recognizing the defective part and still refused reimbursement. The shift to park causes the vehicle to not recognize the vehicle is in park preventing it from shutting off. This causes the battery to drain and need replacement as well. I have now had the shift to park and battery replaced twice in under 45,000 miles. The service advisor for Seminole Chevrolet advised this part should last minimum of 100,000 miles and it is a known issue. This causes a major safety concern as the vehicle doesn't shut off and could cause someone to be stranded anywhere. It is concerning that a major vehicle manufacturer is continuing to manufacture and use known defective parts. My vehicle has been inspected and repaired both times at Seminole Chevrolet in Sanford, FL. I have also contacted the Executive Resolution team at GM with no resolution. The shift to park and low battery illuminates on the dashboard before the vehicle completely shuts down due to the battery failing caused by the shift to park defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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