2021 CHEVROLET Trailblazer

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
⚠️Elevated Concerns

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer exhibits notable reliability concerns, primarily related to critical components such as seats and brakes. With an average failure mileage of 44,288 miles, potential buyers should be cautious and thoroughly evaluate service history for any sign of these issues.

Key Factor:Multiple critical recalls

📋Why This Matters

The presence of four recalls related to critical components like the service brakes and seat fasteners raises significant concerns about safety and reliability in the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Issues with brake sensor contamination could impede braking performance, posing serious risks not only to vehicle occupants but also to other road users. Additionally, improperly installed seat fasteners could lead to dangerous situations during a collision, emphasizing the urgency for thorough inspections on affected vehicles.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
📊

Expert Analysis

In terms of safety trends, the 2021 model year for the Chevrolet Trailblazer reflects a concerning trajectory when compared to its peers. The number and severity of recalls suggest that buyers may face higher risks than expected from a modern crossover vehicle.

Safety & Reliability Score

58/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-32
Complaint Impact-5
Investigation Impact-5

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 CHEVROLET Trailblazer

Model Year2021
MakeCHEVROLET
ModelTrailblazer
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Scroll for more →
Mar20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Oct21
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Jun23
ISSUEFirst Report

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

22 complaints (22% of total)
➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 100 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
4(4%)
🟡Medium
12(12%)
🟢Low
84(84%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

⚙️Engineering Insight

Given the peak failure range between 20k-40k miles, current owners should be vigilant as they approach this mileage interval. It’s imperative for them to monitor any symptoms of brake failure or seat stability issues closely before they escalate into more serious problems.

📊 Mileage data extracted from 29 of 100 complaints (29% coverage)
0-20k
2 reports (7%)
20k-40k
14 reports (48%)
40k-60k
7 reports (24%)
60k-80k
2 reports (7%)
80k-100k
3 reports (10%)
100k+
1 reports (3%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

SEATSTIRESSERVICE BRAKESEQUIPMENT

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Service Brakes

Issue: Sensor connection contamination may disrupt brake function, impairing safe stopping ability.

Conduct thorough brake system evaluations at trusted service centers immediately.

🔍

Request detailed service records that confirm any brake-related repairs or inspections have been completed.

Campaign:21V812000
2

Seats

Issue: Potential improper installation of front seat bolts could compromise safety in an accident.

Check seat fastening integrity at your next service appointment without delay.

🔍

Verify if repairs related to seat fastener recalls have been performed before purchase.

Campaign:21V760000
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your CHEVROLET dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (4)

Campaign: 20V537000

SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Summary

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: General Motors LLC

Campaign: 20V295000

TIRES

Summary

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: General Motors LLC

Campaign: 20V588000

SERVICE BRAKES

Summary

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: General Motors LLC

Campaign: 21V440000

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

Summary

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC

NHTSA Investigations

1 investigation

Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 Trailblazer.

INV-2021-1000🟢 Closed

NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Trailblazer performance issues.

Opened: Affected Units: 36,587

Consumer Complaints

100 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 Trailblazer.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning22%
Display12%
Check Engine Light10%
Stuck8%
Battery8%
Acceleration Issues5%
Smell5%
Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

After trying to remove rhe key from ignition, it gets stuck and won't come out unless I turn the car on, shift it into drive, wiggle the steering wheel, and try it again. Sometimes it works. Alot of times it take 5-10 min to get it out.

Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

The issue is the yellow engine light lit up on the dash of my 2021 Trailblazer in late August of 2025. At the same time, the cluster displayed the message "Engine Power is Reduced". Over the next few weeks my car engine would randomly stall out while I was driving! As you can imagine, this is a very unsafe driving condition. My car stalls and I'm in traffic and have no ability at all to control the vehicle. This happened at least 4 times to me. When I checked the On Board Diagnostic codes on my vehicle the system reported back U060F (Mass Air Flow Sensor). I searched online for this condition with 2021 Trailblazers and found GM Service Bulletin number 22-NA-008, dated March of 2022. This Service Bulletin clearly shows that Chevrolet were well aware of a problem years before it occurred to my vehicle. So, in October I took my car to Bowman Auto Center, explained all of the above to them, and I mentioned the Service Bulletin that I found. Their investigation found that, indeed, the cause of my engine stalling was broken wires to the Mass Air Flow sensor (MAF sensor). Bowman repaired my car and billed me 364.44 as shown on the attached 2-page Repair Order. I tried to make the case with the Bowman Service Department that this should be a warranty repair, and paid by GM. Bowman responded that it was only a Service Bulletin from GM for the issue, and the customer is responsible for payment. I am astonished that repair of this product Design Failure, which results in an unsafe driving condition, would be paid for by the customer! The reason I call it a Design Failure is because NO wiring should break during the life of a vehicle. Engines rock and move, and the Trailblazer design should have compensated for this engine movement by having a sufficient slack loop designed into the wire harness leading to the Mass Air Flow sensor. I filed a case with Chevrolet, number 80982656, but they declined my request for reimbursement .

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer check engine code P1467

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while attempting to park, the vehicle failed to shift into park properly, and the message “Vehicle Not in Park” was displayed. The contact stated that several attempts were needed before the transmission was able to be shifted into park. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the shifter gear assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES

There is a faulty sensor on this car that does not allow the car to be properly parked and gives the error message "Shift to park" on the dashboard. You have to turn the car back on and mess with the shifter multiple times to get it to register that it is park. This usually takes about 10 attempts every time you need to park the car. There are other reports regarding this exact issue on this car that further validates that this issue is relevant and needs to be addressed through a recall.

Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE LOCKING MECHANISM HAS WENT OUT IN ALL DOORS. UNABLE TO UNLOCK / LOCK AND ONCE THEY ARE LOCKED, UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR UNLESS IT IS OPENED FROM THE INSIDE. I REPLACED THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR AND MECHANIC STATED THEY ALL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that after reversing, the transmission was shifted to drive (D), but the vehicle failed to immediately recognize the selected gear. The check engine warning later illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the under boost, transmission control module, and transmission control solenoid had failed, and there was a loss of communication with the radio and loss of communication with the telematic control module. The mechanic advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I have a shift to park message that is malfunctioning and I can't shut off my car.

Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

Experiencing reduced speed, rattling noise, check engine light, power steering light on. Chevy app shows throttle control system and antilock break system error messages. Took to Chev dealership. Advised it was fuel injector (1 /4 was burned out). Had all 4 replaced ($3000). Picked up car on a Friday, vehicle was having the same issues next day Saturday. Took it back on Monday, it is now Wednesday and they’re saying it’s the turbo charger now (another $3000). Mechanic couldn’t figure out what the issue was so it took 3 days for him to now say it’s the turbo charger. I think it was the turbo charger from the get go! What’s the purpose of the diagnostics ($250)? Isn’t it to pinpointed the issue? 1st day, took him 4 hours to say it was the fuel injector. 2nd time around it took 3 days. I kept showing them and telling them it’s the throttle control system! They’re trying to rip me off! Mechanic is saying he’s been test driving it and no issues. I took a photo of my mileage before I handed them my car and it was 79,190. The mileage today says 79,191. How and where is he test driving it if it’s only been 1 mile? Reverse and forward ? They’re lying

Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 off and in park. Been happening since I bought it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common issues with the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer?

Common issues with the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer include concerns over seat fasteners not being properly installed, possible contamination in the braking system affecting performance, and deficiencies in tire labeling that may confuse owners regarding proper tire maintenance. Prospective buyers should be aware of these issues when considering this model.

How do I check if my 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer is affected by recalls?

'To check if your vehicle is affected by any recalls, you can visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website and enter your VIN. This will provide you with information about any active recalls or safety campaigns associated with your vehicle. Additionally, it’s prudent to consult with authorized dealerships for comprehensive recall checks.'

🧭What This Means for You

Families with young passengers, pregnant drivers, or those with frequent highway commutes should prioritize this information.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

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If You Own This Vehicle

  • Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified CHEVROLET service center—repairs are performed at no cost to you.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in CHEVROLET's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
🛒

If You're Buying Used

  • Obtain proof of recall completion for all 4 campaigns before purchase.
  • Account for potential service downtime when calculating your initial ownership budget.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.