2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Problems

Severe Issues

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer has 175 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls across a single model year, with low confidence in the data. Based on 175 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Uncategorized Issues the most reported area.

200910 years2022

Before you buy

This 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer has 175 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Uncategorized Issues.

A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.

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175
Complaints
7
Crashes
3
Fires
5
Injuries
β€”
Fatalities
4
Recalls

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.

28
MPG City
26–29 range
31
MPG Hwy
30–33 range
29
MPG Combined
28–31 range
302
g COβ‚‚/mile
Regular Gasoline
πŸ’°Saves $500 vs. avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program4 variants tested β€” showing 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV FWD Later Release

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

5/5

18.5% rollover risk

Frontal Crash

5/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

4/5

18.5% probability

βœ“Stability Control: Standardβœ“Forward Collision Warning: Standardβœ“Lane Departure Warning: Standard

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER 2021 has 175 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls, with top issues in Uncategorized (47), Electrical (36), and Transmission/Drivetrain (35). Low confidence in data. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer β€” key reliability facts
Make
Chevrolet
Model
Trailblazer
Model year
2021
NHTSA owner complaints
175
Crash-related complaints
7
Safety recall campaigns
4
Top reported component
Uncategorized Issues
Reliability signal
Severe Issues
EPA MPG combined
29
EPA MPG city / highway
28 / 31
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
NHTSA overall safety rating
5/5 stars
NHTSA frontal crash rating
5/5 stars
NHTSA side crash rating
5/5 stars
NHTSA rollover rating
4/5 stars
Electronic stability control
Standard

Common problems

Most common 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
47
complaints

Uncategorized Issues

#2
36
complaints

Electrical Faults

Crash-related:1
Fires:1
#3
35
complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Crash-related:1
Fires:1

Complaint patterns center on Uncategorized Issues, Electrical Faults, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.

Buyer verdict

Should you buy a used 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer?

The 2021 Trailblazer has a high complaint volume for a single year, but low confidence means patterns are uncertain. Buyers should proceed with caution and prioritize a thorough inspection.

These complaint patterns suggest potential electrical and transmission issues that could affect reliability and safety. Pre-purchase inspection is critical.

May Suit

This year may suit budget-conscious buyers willing to accept higher risk and perform diligent pre-purchase checks.

May Want to Avoid

Buyers seeking maximum reliability and minimal service visits should consider other model years or vehicles.

Pre-purchase

What to check before buying a used 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Inspection Focus

  • Check for any unresolved electrical system issues.
  • Inspect transmission for slipping, hesitation, or leaks.
  • Test brake system for unusual noises or reduced performance.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Investigate Uncategorized Issues by requesting detailed service records.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for electrical, transmission, and brake systems.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.

Check the exact car

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.

AI verdict

What the complaint data suggests

Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer shows 175 complaints and 4 recalls, with top issues in Uncategorized (47), Electrical (36), and Transmission/Drivetrain (35). Crash-related complaints total 7. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.

Year context: Only one model year (2021) is analyzed, so no year-over-year comparison is available.

Recall context: With 4 recalls, buyers must verify all recall repairs are completed before purchase.

Key Findings
  • Uncategorized Issues account for 47 complaints, the highest count.
  • Electrical Faults total 36 complaints, the second most reported component.
  • Transmission/Drivetrain problems have 35 complaints, indicating a potential weak point.
Top Concerns
  • Uncategorized Issues (47 complaints) – vague but numerous.
  • Electrical Faults (36 complaints) – could affect multiple systems.
  • Transmission/Drivetrain (35 complaints) – may lead to costly repairs.
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. Low confidence level indicates the data may not be representative of the entire vehicle population.

Full breakdown

All 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer complaints by category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Uncategorized Issues47β€”β€”β€”
Electrical Faults3611β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain3511β€”
Engine Problems34β€”1β€”
Brake System3141β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System16β€”β€”β€”
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB1041β€”
Structural Problems8β€”β€”β€”
Steering Defects61β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration51β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper4β€”β€”β€”
Back Over Prevention3β€”β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions31β€”β€”
Wheel Issues3β€”β€”β€”
Hydraulic2β€”β€”β€”
Lane Departure21β€”β€”
Tire Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Equipment2β€”β€”β€”
Insert1β€”β€”β€”
Padding1β€”β€”β€”
Suspension Failures1β€”β€”β€”
Child Seat1β€”β€”β€”
Tether1β€”β€”β€”
Lower Anchor (On Car Seat Or Vehicle)1β€”β€”β€”
Fuel System1β€”β€”β€”
Gasoline1β€”β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

In their words

Real owner complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 175 most recent complaints

Uncategorized IssuesJun 7, 2026

Dealership Linwood inspected vehicle and certified power and ground module has internal fault-faulty front camera module.

Electrical FaultsJun 5, 2026

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 tractio…

Electrical FaultsJun 4, 2026

Amplifier lost connection, so speakers won’t work, collision warning won’t sound, and turn signal won’t sound.

Uncategorized IssuesMay 15, 2026

I needed to have my muffler welded in November to pass inspection. I was told I would likely need the entire thing replaced in a year. I now hear another exhaust leak, and I’m preparing for a hefty car travel and have to deal with trying to get it fixed in 10 days time. This is r…

Electrical FaultsMay 8, 2026

Intermittently I will receive a dashboard message reading β€œshift to park” after I park the vehicle and do shift to park. This is a known issue with this vehicle across several years identified as β€œa known issue caused by a faulty switch in the shifter assembly failing to detect w…

Transmission / DrivetrainApr 29, 2026

I am reporting a serious safety issue with my 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer related to transmission failure. The vehicle has approximately 83,000 miles. While driving, the vehicle experiences a sudden loss of power when attempting to accelerate. In some instances, the vehicle has st…

Brake SystemApr 29, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. During the failure, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle was jump-started. The Auto START/STOP function was disabled for the vehi…

Uncategorized IssuesApr 22, 2026

When I put my car in Park, my car fails to detect it is in Park, leading to a persistent error message that tells me β€œShift to Park”, inability to turn off the engine, and battery drain. I’ve had the car since Oct. 2020 and this car has been doing this since at least Oct. 2021.

Engine ProblemsApr 17, 2026

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS (123,000) - Coolant control Valve failure Cooling issues after 20-25 mins of driving. No Check engine lights initially just temperature gauge climbing. After 3 day of trying to drive to and from work. "Engine reduced" and P3075 code. Had i…

Engine ProblemsApr 16, 2026

While driving down the interstate my 2021 Chevy Trailblazer suddenly flashed "Battery Saver Mode" on the dash and shut off completely. I was able to coast to the side of the road and call for help. This was a MAJOR safety issue as my 4 year old son was riding with me and we could…

Uncategorized IssuesApr 14, 2026

While driving at highway speeds, my vehicle suddenly enters low power/limp mode, severely reducing acceleration and creating a dangerous situation in traffic. This occurred multiple times. The dealership diagnosed the issue as a faulty gas pedal (accelerator) sensor and stated th…

Uncategorized IssuesApr 14, 2026

When you put the vehicle in park, it does not register on the dash that the vehicle is in park so therefore you cannot turn the vehicle off. I’ve read this as well known in the 2021 trailblazers

Engine ProblemsMar 30, 2026

Coolant control valve replacement after 5 years of purchasing the vehicle. Put at risk of over heating while driving, fan stays on after vehicle is turned off. Problem confirmed by 2 dealerships. Check engine light on for a long time, fan over working, staying on after the vehicl…

Engine ProblemsMar 26, 2026

VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP FEB 2026 FOR TURBO/WASTEGATE REPAIR (P0299). MARCH 22, 2026, VEHICLE STALLED AND SCREEN SAID TO SHIFT TO NEUTRAL AND PUSH TO START AGAIN. CAR WOULD CRANK BUT NOT START (SOUNDS LIKE THERE IS NO COMPRESSION). HAD VEHICHLE TOWED TWO MILES TO RESIDEN…

Uncategorized IssuesMar 24, 2026

While driving on the highway, I heard a loud pop that made me flinch and swerve. After parking I noticed the glass in the sunroof had exploded upward like a volcano, leaving a large hole. Fortunately the shade was closed, or glass would have come into the car while I was drivin…

Electrical FaultsMar 24, 2026

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 hap…

Transmission / DrivetrainMar 10, 2026

My transmission is defective and past 60,000 miles but only a little. I had a diagnosis and it needs replacing like many of these trailblazers in the ongoing lawsuit. I cannot pay for it and it should not be broken!

Brake SystemMar 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the brakes became inoperative. The message "Brake Failure - Speed Reduced to 53 MPH – Service Required" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dea…

Engine ProblemsMar 7, 2026

I was driving an hour away from home and suddenly my muffler and exhaust started draggingβ€” 49,000 miles, 5 years old AND just passed inspection A WEEK AGO. Luckily, it didn’t become completely unattached because that could have caused an accident as there were cars behind me. Com…

Uncategorized IssuesFeb 24, 2026

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.

Page 1 of 9

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer.

Safety recalls

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer recalls

4 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. With 4 recalls, buyers must verify all recall repairs are completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

Safety recall

SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

#20V537000SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERSMar 9, 2020
Safety recall

TIRES

#20V295000TIRES21/05/2020
Safety recall

SERVICE BRAKES

#20V588000SERVICE BRAKES24/09/2020
Safety recall

EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT:STAND

#21V440000EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT:STANDOct 6, 2021

Across model years

Compare Chevrolet Trailblazer model years

Only one model year (2021) is analyzed, so no year-over-year comparison is available.

Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

Questions

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 175 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Trailblazer has a high complaint volume for a single year, but low confidence means patterns are uncertain. Buyers should proceed with caution and prioritize a thorough inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer?β–Ύ

#1: Uncategorized Issues (47 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (36 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (35 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, NHTSA complaints include 7 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 175 total complaints. 5 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. A major recall area is SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS. With 4 recalls, buyers must verify all recall repairs are completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.

Should I buy a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer?β–Ύ

The 2021 Trailblazer has a high complaint volume for a single year, but low confidence means patterns are uncertain. Buyers should proceed with caution and prioritize a thorough inspection. These complaint patterns suggest potential electrical and transmission issues that could affect reliability and safety. Pre-purchase inspection is critical. Pay extra attention to Uncategorized Issues during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.

Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Trailblazer reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Owner Reliability Rating

Rate the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer based on your ownership experience.

Add your rating:

Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.

Before you buy

Check the exact vehicle history before you buy

Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.