CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER · model year

2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER

227 NHTSA complaints, 17 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

5 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2021CHEVROLETTRAILBLAZER carries 227 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 17 crashes, 5 fires, 11 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2021 TRAILBLAZER is unknown or other with 38 filings, followed by power train (33) and electrical system (30). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 4 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 2 investigation files overlapping the 2021 TRAILBLAZER. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

227
Complaints
17
Crashes
5
Fires
11
Injuries
0
Deaths
2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. Overall composite: 5.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 5.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 5.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 5.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

227 filings

Crashes Reported

17 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 5/5 — Top NCAP rating · Front: 5/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
UNKNOWN OR OTHER38
POWER TRAIN33
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM30
SERVICE BRAKES26
ENGINE25
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM16
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING7
STRUCTURE:BODY6
STEERING6
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL5
VISIBILITY/WIPER4
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS4
AIR BAGS3
WHEELS3
EQUIPMENT2

Recalls (4)

20V58800024/09/2020

SERVICE BRAKES

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

20V29500021/05/2020

TIRES

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, t

21V44000010/06/2021

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

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.

20V53700003/09/2020

SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

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.

Recent Complaints

20260202BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

Shift to park message coming on, not allowing vehicle shutoff. No inspection yet, in looking up issue, was prompted to report.

20260202UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Shift to park message coming on, not allowing vehicle shutoff. No inspection yet, in looking up issue, was prompted to report.

20260102POWER TRAIN

My 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer has a defect in the gear shifter system that intermittently fails to recognize when the vehicle has been shifted into “Park.” When this occurs, the vehicle displays a persistent “Shift to Park” warning message and prevents the engine from being turned off or the vehicle from being locked. This malfunction creates a safety and consumer concern, as I am unable to exit and secure the vehicle and am forced to remain inside or leave the vehicle running and unattended. The issue interferes with normal vehicle operation and poses potential safety risks, particularly in situations where I need to quickly power down, exit, or secure the vehicle. After a quick internet search, this issue appears to be affecting multiple others with the same vehicle (2021-2023). A prior lawsuit against GM also resulted in a settlement and recall for older model Trailblazers, but unfortunately did not include the newer models that are experiencing the same known issue. • Ge

20251231UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The rear hatch interior trim that seals the hatch from exterior elements and sounds continuously comes off, even after having dealership to repair/replace. The trim will not remain in place and is a distraction while driving and hearing out of vechile noise. And the winter weather causes car not to maintain a constant heat temp

20251221ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

20251221UNKNOWN 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.

20251120ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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,

20251120ENGINE

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,

20251111FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer check engine code P1467

20251030POWER 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.

Mileage: 40,000

20251027SERVICE 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.

20251027ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

20251021UNKNOWN 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.

20251016POWER TRAIN

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.

Mileage: 42,000

20251016ENGINE

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.

Mileage: 42,000

20251007UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

20251001ENGINE

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 mileag

20251001VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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 mileag

20251001STEERING

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 mileag

20250929UNKNOWN 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.

Compare 2021CHEVROLETTRAILBLAZER to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER have?
The 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER has 227 NHTSA complaints, 17 crashes, 5 fires, 11 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER?
The 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 5/5, front crash rating of 5/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER?
Yes, the 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER has 4 recall(s). The most common affected component is SERVICE BRAKES. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER?
The most-complained component for the 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER is UNKNOWN OR OTHER with 38 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include POWER TRAIN and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER has an NHTSA safety rating of 5/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.