This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Chevrolet Blazer powertrain problems
moderate 54 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
54
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
1injury
What stands out
Owners have filed 54 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 6 model years of Chevrolet Blazer in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin advises the tech that the rotational Clicking Noise Heard After Engine Shut Down may be normal characteristics of the vehicle.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report three major categories of failure in their 2019 Chevrolet Blazers:
Shift-to-Park Recognition Failures. The most prevalent complaint: vehicle displays "Shift to Park" warning on the dashboard even when the shifter is physically in park, preventing the engine from turning off. Many describe wiggling or cycling the shifter multiple times to finally register park. This occurs as early as 18,500 miles and continues recurring throughout vehicle life. Owners find this a safety concern because they cannot confirm the vehicle is safely parked, risking unintended roll-away. Some report dealers replace the shift controller sensor, shifter cable, or entire shifter assembly—costs ranging from $550 to $2,500—yet failures return within weeks or months. Some VINs are reportedly excluded from recalls despite identical symptoms on identical models.
Transmission Shudder and Power Loss. Violent shaking or stuttering occurs during acceleration, particularly around 1,500 RPM and at highway speeds (50+ mph). The entire vehicle vibrates, affecting steering control. Owners describe transmission fluid flushes done multiple times with no lasting fix. Mechanics cite torque converter issues and gear-grinding creating metal shavings. One owner reported loss of motive power completely at highway speed with disconnected transmission coolant hose and missing clip.
Thermostat and Cooling System Faults. Check engine code P0128 appears without warning lights. Temperature gauge drops to cold or reads zero. Air conditioning stops. Radiator fans run continuously. Steering assist reduces. One HVAC technician owner identified unshielded low-voltage coolant temperature sensor wiring routed parallel with high-voltage coil wiring, causing electromagnetic interference per bulletin 17-NA-158. Owners note this occurs across numerous 2019+ Blazers, often before 30,000 miles.
Same Chevrolet Blazer powertrain reports on nearby years: 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Shift-to-Park Recognition Failure
Vehicle displays 'Shift to Park' warning on dashboard and refuses to turn off despite shifter being physically positioned in park. Engine stops but electrical systems remain active, draining battery and leaving vehicle in uncertain parked state.
When: 18,500–114,000 miles; many under 40,000
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard warning 'Shift to Park' appears despite shifter in park position; Engine will not turn off; electrical systems remain active; Horn honking and lights blinking; Doors unlock automatically despite park message; Shifter must be cycled multiple times to register park; Battery drains from repeated start/stop cycles; Failure is intermittent then becomes recurring
Codes mentioned: Shift to Park warning message
Repairs/costs cited: Shift controller sensor replacement ($~0–572); shifter cable replacement; entire shifter assembly replacement (up to $2,500). Multiple repairs on same vehicle, failures return within weeks. One owner replaced in-line harness jumper without success.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued Technical Service Bulletin but no recall for many VINs. Some vehicles reportedly excluded from recall 19-NA-206 despite identical symptoms. Dealers confirm widespread problem but cite 'no recall' as reason not to cover repair. One settlement postcard noted for legal action.
Transmission Shudder and Acceleration Issues
Violent shaking or stuttering during acceleration, starting at low speeds and progressing to higher speeds and highway conditions. Independent acceleration and deceleration occur without driver input or cruise control command.
When: Progressive onset; worsens over time and daily driving; 25,000–93,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Shudder at 25–30 mph during second-to-third gear shift; Violent shaking at highway speeds (50–70+ mph); Steering wheel and lane-centering function disoriented; Transmission refuses to shift properly; grinds or slips; Vehicle accelerates or decelerates independently; Difficult to stop at traffic lights; extended braking distance; Failed to accelerate on traffic light (three pedal pumps required); Transmission fluid flushing 4+ times provides only temporary relief
Repairs/costs cited: Chevrolet issued Service Bulletin PIP560C recommending transmission fluid drain and fill; per owner report, this made problem worse. Dealers recommend transmission fluid flush (repeated 4 times without lasting fix) or full transmission replacement. Mechanics cite torque converter and metal shavings from gear grinding as root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletin PIP560C exists but does not resolve issue. Dealers claim it is a 'design function' and refuse to document complaints. No recall.
Thermostat and Coolant Temperature Sensor Faults
Check engine code P0128 triggered by thermostat malfunction or coolant temperature sensor failure. Temperature gauge malfunctions, air conditioning stops, steering assist reduces, radiator fans run continuously. Root cause identified by one owner as unshielded low-voltage sensor wiring routed parallel to high-voltage coil wiring causing electromagnetic interference.
When: Early in vehicle life; 25,000–68,000 miles; occurs in multiple 2019+ Chevrolet Blazers
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine code P0128 (no check engine light visible initially); Dashboard message 'Steering Assist Reduced'; Temperature gauge reads zero or remains at cold; Air conditioning fails; Radiator fans run continuously at full blast; Auto stop function disabled; Remote start disabled; Codes return immediately after clearing
Repairs/costs cited: Thermostat replacement required. Parts and labor costs exceed $1,000 per some owners. One owner researched Service Bulletin 17-NA-158 confirming 2019 Blazers are affected by EMI from improperly routed wiring. Owner noted unwillingness to separate shielded wiring due to dealer cost and own mechanical limits.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin 17-NA-158 issued addressing EMI issue in low-voltage sensor wiring. No recall issued despite widespread complaints. Dealers are aware but charge premium fees for wire harness remediation.
Gear Shifter Cable or Linkage Looseness
Gear shifter becomes loose in console, moving in circular motion while vehicle is in park. Shifter cable faulty or wear causes repeated loosening.
When: Unknown mileage; multiple occurrences
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter moves in circular motion while in park; 'Shift to Park' message displays while in park; Requires striking back of shifter to correct failure
Repairs/costs cited: Shifter assembly replaced four times on one vehicle. First three replacements covered under warranty; most recent out of pocket. Failure returned after final repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer offered no assistance after first three warranty repairs.
Unintended Forward Acceleration at Parking
Vehicle lunges forward or accelerates independently when shifting into drive after startup or when placed in park. One incident resulted in collision with building.
When: 30,000–33,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle lunges forward when shifting into drive after startup; Vehicle lunges forward independently into building while parking; No warning lights illuminated; Failure intermittent
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle towed to collision center after impact with building. Airbags deployed; owner treated for minor scrapes and bruises. Police report filed. Dealer and manufacturer not notified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Transmission Coolant Hose Disconnection
Transmission coolant hose disconnects due to missing or failed retaining clip, causing loss of motive power during driving.
When: 93,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of motive power while driving; Engine idles but vehicle does not respond to accelerator; Check engine light illuminates after failure
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission coolant hose reconnected. Transmission replaced due to damage from disconnection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified.
Synthesized from 54 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
Shift to park message coming up on dash screen eventhough shifter was in park. Engine would not turn off. Had to shift several times for vehicle to recognize park . There was a recall on some 2019 Chevy blazers and a technical service bulletin issued, but my VIN number is not on the recall list. The current mileage is 37752. I bought the vehicle new. Dealership relaced shifter control at a…
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that the gear shifter had repeatedly become loosened, causing the gear shifter to move in a circular motion while in park(P). The contact stated that the "Shift to Park" message was displayed while the vehicle was in park(P). The contact repeatedly struck the back of the gear shifter while in park(P) to correct the failure. The gear…
When i put my car into park and go to shut the car off if starts saying put car in park even tho it is already in park. It will not allow me to fully shut car off when it says that. I usually have to put it back into drive and back into park again for it to register.
When placing the vehicle into park there is often a issue with the sensor recognizing that the vehicle stating that it is not when attempting to power off the vehicle. When stopping there are times that the vehicle is difficult to stop and there is not fault code as to what may be occurring.
I took my vehicle to the dealership for the recommended oil change on 09/15/2023. I am extremely good about keeping up on the routine maintenance. Upon arrival, the technician asked if I knew that my check engine light was on. I stated no, it was not on during my drive in and has not been on previously whatsoever. I scheduled a diagnostic for 09/20/2023 and brought it back to the dealership with…
My car has a shudder when it is cruising at 1500rpms. It is extremely annoying to drive when it feels like I am driving on rumble strips. I have had it in the dealer 4 times and they cannot or will not fix the issue. I have filed a lemon law claim and I am hoping to get it resolved that way.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2019 Chevrolet Blazer?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 54 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 19,563 and 65,000 miles, with the median around 40,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 19,563; a quarter make it past 65,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/Chevrolet/Blazer.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.