VehicleVerdict

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 259 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median Trailblazer year — the 2021 model ranks #8 of 18 Trailblazer years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across other (52), electrical system (37), and transmission (35), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

259

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

17

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Trailblazer years?

Trailblazer NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted1,904 complaints1999: 7 complaints2000: 32 complaints2001: 29 complaints2002: 1,573 complaints2003: 1,160 complaints2004: 1,302 complaints2005: 1,904 complaints2006: 1,440 complaints2007: 965 complaints2008: 263 complaints2009: 37 complaints2014: 2 complaints2021: 259 complaints2022: 159 complaints2023: 86 complaints2024: 50 complaints2025: 31 complaints2026: 6 complaints
Trailblazer NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Trailblazer years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other5220%
Electrical System3714%
Transmission3514%
Engine3413%
Brakes3112%
Driver Assistance197%
Fuel System177%
Body & Structure83%
Steering62%
Tires & Wheels52%
Speed Control52%
Visibility & Wipers42%
Airbags31%
Suspension10%
Lighting10%
Child Seat10%

Does the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V440000OtherJune 10, 2021 · 135,400 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A fractured jack can cause the vehicle to collapse, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the jack, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owner of the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 26, 2021. A second notice will be mailed once remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A212335470.

20V588000BrakesSeptember 24, 2020 · 3,677 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If communication with the sensor is interrupted, the electronic brake boost assist could be lost. Extra pedal force will be required to slow and stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electronic brake boost module, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is A202307260.

20V537000SeatsSeptember 3, 2020 · 105 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If an occupied front seat is missing the rear attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing risk of injury to the occupant.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect seat attachments for both front seats and install attachment bolts as needed, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is A202304380.

20V295000OtherMay 21, 2020 · 20 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles factory-equipped with optional 17-inch sport terrain tires. The certification label on these vehicles does not provide the tire size and cold tire pressure information for front and rear tires, as required. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence

If drivers are uninformed and overinflate or underinflate their tires, this may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and will mail corrected labels for customers to apply, free of charge. The recall began July 1, 2020. Owners may call Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A202304070.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“Shift to park error. I put the car in park but it tell I get a notice to shift the car in park when it’s already in park. Beeps and continues to tell me to shift my car in park when it’s in park. Turn off the car get out and close the door and the notice and beeping continues while the car is…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 1, 2025

“Was in the middle of a 3 car collision. After about 5 min engine started smoking and a fire started. Fire slowly escalated and fully engulfed the entire car.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 26, 2021 · crash · fire

“The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH the contact struck a deer on the front passenger side causing minor damages to the vehicle. No one was injured. The contact was able to stop on the side of the road. The contact smelled a burning odor and noticed…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 6, 2023 · crash · fire

“Driving vehicle and noticed smoke coming from front end. Pulled over and entire vehicle caught fire. No check engine light, no temp gauge changes. Just smoke and then fire.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 15, 2022 · fire

“Was in the middle of a 3 car collision. After about 5 min engine started smoking and a fire started. Fire slowly escalated and fully engulfed the entire car.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 26, 2021 · crash · fire

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer — common questions

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 259 complaints put the 2021 model at #8 of 18 Trailblazer years. It is one of the Trailblazer years to avoid.

What are the most common 2021 Trailblazer problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (52 complaints), electrical system (37 complaints), transmission (35 complaints).

Does the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet Trailblazer years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Trailblazer years to avoid are 2005, 2002, 2006, 2004, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2021. The cleanest record among Trailblazer years belongs to 2014.

How safe is the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer 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.