VehicleVerdict

2021 Chevrolet Blazer problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 191 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.7 times the median Blazer year — the 2021 model ranks #15 of 46 Blazer years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (40), engine (39), and other (20), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

191

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Blazer years?

Blazer NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted1,707 complaints1969: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 1 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 1 complaints1977: 2 complaints1978: 2 complaints1979: 1 complaints1980: 1 complaints1981: 1 complaints1982: 2 complaints1983: 8 complaints1984: 10 complaints1985: 35 complaints1986: 21 complaints1987: 38 complaints1988: 45 complaints1989: 47 complaints1990: 42 complaints1991: 267 complaints1992: 337 complaints1993: 616 complaints1994: 774 complaints1995: 1,707 complaints1996: 1,579 complaints1997: 1,098 complaints1998: 1,025 complaints1999: 612 complaints2000: 885 complaints2001: 464 complaints2002: 301 complaints2003: 103 complaints2004: 67 complaints2005: 18 complaints2006: 20 complaints2007: 11 complaints2008: 5 complaints2019: 287 complaints2020: 345 complaints2021: 191 complaints2022: 66 complaints2023: 58 complaints2024: 59 complaints2025: 39 complaints2026: 1 complaints
Blazer NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Blazer years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Chevrolet Blazer problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System4021%
Engine3920%
Other2010%
Brakes1910%
Transmission179%
Fuel System158%
Steering158%
Driver Assistance116%
Tires & Wheels53%
Suspension42%
Body & Structure21%
Airbags11%
Speed Control11%
Seats11%
Lighting11%

Does the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V811000Seat BeltsDecember 23, 2020 · 470 units

Defect

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.

Consequence

If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“HEADLIGHTS FLASH OR STAY ON EITHER LOW OR HI BEAM,HATCH OPENS ITSELF, AWD POPING, NOISE IN DASH, SHIFTING INTO AWD BY ITSELF, TRANSMISSION NOT SHIFTING CORRECTLY . THERE IS NO PATTERN AND IT THROWS NO CODES. MAJOR ELECTRIC PROBLEMS. THE KEYLESS ENTRY PAD DIDN'T WORK THE DAY I PURCHASED MY CAR. HAD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 1, 2021

“Once I turn the vehicle off, there is a loud sound coming from the engine area that sounds like a fan. Then the first incident of the fan ongoing after the vehicle was powered off, a battery light was on the internal driver dashboard and stayed on. The battery was recently replaced during 2026 so…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 11, 2026

“Power Liftgate randomly opens when driving or parked. Even when the power switch is turned to off the liftgate will unlock randomly either parked or driving. I have contacted the dealer and GM no recall currently exists. Dealer recommended replacing the latch mechanism which I have ordered to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 24, 2024

“The brakes are noisy (like metal to metal, worn out) and the brake pedal is soft. Took the vehicle into the dealer (only 1,000 miles on odometer) they say GM is aware of a problem. How many people will die before this problem is fixed? The problem isn’t corrected, and exists today. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 1, 2021

“Once I turn the vehicle off, there is a loud sound coming from the engine area that sounds like a fan. Then the first incident of the fan ongoing after the vehicle was powered off, a battery light was on the internal driver dashboard and stayed on. The battery was recently replaced during 2026 so…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 11, 2026

2021 Chevrolet Blazer — common questions

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 191 complaints put the 2021 model at #15 of 46 Blazer years. It is one of the Blazer years to avoid.

What are the most common 2021 Blazer problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (40 complaints), engine (39 complaints), other (20 complaints).

Does the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet Blazer years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Blazer years to avoid are 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 1994, 1993, 1999, 2001, 2020, 1992, 2002, 2019, 1991, 2021, 2003, 2004, 2022. The cleanest record among Blazer years belongs to 1975.

How safe is the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.