This vehicle has approximately 35,000 miles of driving time on the odometer. This car will not recognize that the shift lever has been place into the Park position. Doors will not lock when the car is turned off. If trying to seek refuge from an assailant, the car will only alarm but will not lock the doors for safety. Also, while storing items in the vehicle while at a metropolitan hospital…
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer powertrain problems
severe 35 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
35
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
1fire
What stands out
Owners have filed 35 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 9 model years of Chevrolet Trailblazer in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2021 Trailblazer has pervasive powertrain issues, most critically a shift-to-park recognition failure affecting dozens of owners that GM has not recalled despite knowing the problem. Transmission stalls, turbo failures, and stuck keys are also common; parts are routinely backordered and repairs cost $450–$650+ with no guarantee of fixing the problem.
The dominant complaint is the gear shifter's failure to recognize Park position, even when the lever is fully in Park. The dashboard displays a "Shift to Park" message and the engine won't shut off, doors won't lock, and the battery drains. This happens intermittently at first, then progressively more often as mileage climbs. Owners report having to jiggle the shifter repeatedly, sometimes shifting out of Park and back in multiple times, to get the system to register Park. Some have been stranded in parking lots unable to leave the car safely. One owner reported the vehicle would not park on an incline at all.
Transmission stalls are also widespread—the vehicle loses power while driving, engine shuts off without warning, or transmission fails to engage properly when shifting from Park to Drive. Turbocharger failures appear around 23,000 to 90,000 miles, with the "Engine Power Reduced" message appearing frequently according to owner forums.
A secondary issue involves the key stuck in the ignition, tied to the shift lock mechanism's failure. One owner had to restart the vehicle multiple times to remove the key.
Dealers and GM acknowledge these problems—some have issued Service Bulletin #23-NA-119 for transmission control replacement—but parts are consistently on backorder with no ETA. Repair estimates range $450 to $650-plus labor, and dealers explicitly cannot guarantee the fix will work. Multiple owners report existing recalls covered older model years for the same faults but not the 2021 model, despite this being a known, decade-old GM defect.
Same Chevrolet Trailblazer powertrain reports on nearby years: 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Shift to Park Recognition Failure
Gear shifter system fails to recognize when the vehicle is shifted into Park, despite the shifter being in the Park position. The vehicle displays a 'Shift to Park' or 'Vehicle Not in Park' message on the dashboard and prevents the engine from shutting off or doors from locking.
When: Between 16,600 and 79,000 miles; most common in first 50,000 miles. Failure begins intermittently then becomes more frequent.
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard displays 'Shift to Park' or 'Vehicle Not in Park' warning message when shifter is already in Park; Engine will not turn off despite multiple attempts; Vehicle doors will not lock when ignition is off; Vehicle remains in accessory mode; Requires jiggling or re-shifting the gear lever multiple times to get system to recognize Park; Persistent alarm or beeping when attempting to leave the vehicle; Battery drain from prolonged running or accessory mode
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers recommend transmission control module replacement (Service Bulletin #23-NA-119, part #13545091) or gear shifter assembly replacement. One owner reported shift lock mechanism failure. Parts frequently on backorder from GM. Repair costs cited at $450-$650 plus labor, with no guarantee of resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM has issued Service Bulletin #23-NA-119 for transmission control. Multiple owners report parts on extended backorder. GM has referred owners to NHTSA Hotline rather than issuing recall. Owners report GM is unwilling to cover repair costs absent existing warranty. No recall issued for 2021 model year despite being the same fault affecting older model years that did receive recalls and class action settlements.
Stuck Key in Ignition
Key becomes lodged or stuck in the ignition cylinder and cannot be removed. Related to shift lock mechanism failure to properly recognize Park position.
When: Approximately 20,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Key will not turn or remove from ignition; Key remains stuck in ignition cylinder when attempting to shut down vehicle; Requires multiple restarts or jiggling of key tumbler to release key
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer initially cleaned the ignition cylinder with spray; issue persisted. Diagnosis found shift lock mechanism failed to recognize Park position. Shifter assembly was replaced to resolve the stuck key issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer opened a case and referred owner to NHTSA Hotline.
Transmission Stall and Loss of Power
Vehicle suddenly loses engine power or stalls while driving, creating dangerous situations. Vehicle may not respond to accelerator input or experiences delayed response. Check engine warning illuminates. Associated with transmission control module or solenoid failure.
When: Between 20,000 and 83,000 miles; one case at 33,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power when accelerating; Vehicle stalls or shuts off while driving; Check engine or 'Engine Power Reduced' warning light illuminates; Vehicle does not respond properly to accelerator input or has significant delay; Vehicle fails to move as expected from stop or when shifting into Drive; Loss of communication with transmission control module, radio, and telematic control module
Codes mentioned: P2714, P0700
Repairs/costs cited: One owner at 83,000 miles was advised transmission requires full replacement. Another owner at 42,000 miles diagnosed with failed transmission control module, transmission control solenoid, and underboost condition. Transmission was repaired in one case but vehicle continued to stall afterward.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer advised contact to report to NHTSA Hotline.
Turbocharger Failure
Turbo system fails, causing reduced engine power and sluggish vehicle performance. 'Engine Power Reduced' message displays, indicating limp mode activation.
When: Between 23,000 and 90,000 miles; multiple reports around 33,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine check light illuminates; 'Engine Power Reduced' message displays on dashboard; Vehicle becomes sluggish and loses speed significantly; Reduced engine performance and power output; Loss of RPM response
Repairs/costs cited: Turbo unit needs replacement. One dealer confirmed turbo failure and stated part was on backorder. One owner cited purge pump was already replaced prior to turbo failure. Multiple owners report this is common on 2021 Trailblazer Facebook groups and forums.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite multiple reports and common complaints across owner forums.
Transmission Gear Shift Hesitation and Improper Engagement
Vehicle hesitates to shift into selected gear or fails to immediately recognize gear selection. Vehicle may unexpectedly shift into incorrect gear or roll backward when shifted to Drive.
When: Approximately 40,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle hesitates when shifting from Park to Drive and pressing gas; Vehicle requires turning off and repositioning shifter multiple times to achieve proper gear engagement; Vehicle rolls backward when shifted to Drive instead of moving forward; Vehicle fails to shift into gear properly or immediately recognize selected gear; Check engine light comes on intermittently then goes off
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers and independent mechanics unable to duplicate the problem or identify root cause. No resolution achieved in some cases despite multiple dealer and GMC shop visits.
Vibration, Binding, and Lurching During Driving
Vehicle vibrates, binds, lurches, and jumps when driving, reversing, or turning. Repair of rear end and transfer case revealed metal shavings but did not resolve issue.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle vibrates, binds, lurches, and jumps continuously when driving; Vehicle exhibits same problems when reversing and turning; Metal shavings found in rear end and transfer case; Issue occurs every time vehicle is driven; Vehicle does not sound or feel safe
Repairs/costs cited: Rear end and transfer case were replaced; both contained significant metal shavings. Issue persisted after repair. Dealer test drive confirmed problem still present but offered no explanation. Trailblazer manufacturer reportedly stated vibration is normal for these vehicles and safe to drive.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer reportedly told dealer this vibration behavior is normal for Trailblazer and safe to drive.
Transmission Failure Requiring Replacement
Transmission failure requiring complete transmission replacement. Reported by multiple owners, with one owner noting ongoing lawsuit against GM for Trailblazer transmissions.
When: 60,000+ miles; one case around 42,000 miles indicated need for replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission malfunction requiring full replacement
Repairs/costs cited: One owner past 60,000 miles requires transmission replacement but cannot afford repair. Multiple owners report this is ongoing litigation issue with Trailblazers.
Engine Failure Due to Timing Chain Breakage
Timing chain breaks, sending metal shards into engine, necessitating engine replacement.
When: Reported in July 2023
Symptoms owners cite: Timing chain failure causing metal debris in engine
Repairs/costs cited: Engine required replacement. After replacement, transmission issues developed and transmission now requires replacement.
Post-Accident Fuel/Electrical Fire
Vehicle caught fire after minor collision. Burning odor and smoke appeared from floor near seatbelt assembly shortly after accident. Fire occurred despite minor impact damage.
When: 20,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Burning odor from floor area; Smoke from front passenger side floor near seatbelt assembly after minor collision; Vehicle burst into flames shortly after occupants exited
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was destroyed by fire. Fire department extinguished fire.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was not notified.
Synthesized from 35 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Receiving "Shift to Park" alert when vehicle is already in Park.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer?
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 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer?
It's a meaningful issue. 35 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 20,000 and 40,000 miles, with the median around 33,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 20,000; a quarter make it past 40,000. 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/2021/Chevrolet/Trailblazer.
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.