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ProblemsByVin File / 2021-CHEVROLET-TRAILBLAZER NHTSA data synced 4 days ago
2021 · Chevrolet

Chevrolet Trailblazer problems

175 owner complaints and 3 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.0 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2021 Trailblazer?
Avoid — the powertrain

The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

powertrain
35 reports · fails ~33,760 mi · avg $2,500
severe
electrical
30 reports · fails ~3,287 mi · avg $850
severe
engine
21 reports · fails ~78,833 mi · avg $3,100
moderate
brakes
18 reports · fails ~37,918 mi · avg $450
severe
body
7 reports · fails ~23,520 mi · avg $1,500
severe
steering
6 reports · avg $700
severe
cruise control
3 reports · fails ~6,000 mi · avg $600
severe
visibility
3 reports · avg $350
moderate
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2021 Trailblazer's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2021 Trailblazer?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2021 Trailblazer · brakes
I have brought my car into the dealership over the last few years at least 6 times for the same issues. Currently there are two codes coming up as permanent on my car which is for the Evaporative Emission System Flow and Brake Booster Hydraulics performance. I drive my child of…
2021 Trailblazer · electrical
I have had this vehicle at the garage for the 4th time in 2 months for the same issues. It would not start. the fuse box keeps blowing. The starter was replaced and the Alternator was replaced and the fuse box 3 times so far. It is in the auto repair shop now for the same…
2021 Trailblazer · electrical
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.
2021 Trailblazer · body
I have had multiple issues with the car since I've purchased it. The brakes continuously make noise, and the automatic Emergency Braking DOES not work. The tire pressure sensors don't work, they have the wrong tire pressure for each tire, and the tires constantly over inflate.…
View all 175 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 3 of 3

severe NHTSA 20V588000 September 24, 2020

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

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.

Fix: 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.
severe NHTSA 20V295000 May 21, 2020

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles factory-equipped with optional 17-inch sport terrain tires

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

Fix: 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.
severe NHTSA 20V537000 September 3, 2020

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Encore GX and 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles

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

Fix: 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.

Common questions

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.0 out of 10 based on 175 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

Should you avoid the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer?

On the NHTSA data, the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: Powertrain: 35 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 20,000–40,000 mi; Electrical system: 30 complaints, classified severe; Reliability score 7.0/10 — around the segment average; 3 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What's the most common problem on the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 35 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 33,760 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 33,760 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Chevrolet Trailblazer has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 175 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Chevrolet/Trailblazer. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Chevrolet. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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