2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 7, 2026ILElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Dear Chevy, I am reaching out to you again because I am desperately requesting immediate assistance with my vehicle, which has now become an extremely serious and dangerous safety concern. On Friday, [XXX], I had my vehicle towed to the dealership because of the ongoing mechanical issues I have been experiencing. I was advised that the repairs would cost $877, which included a battery replacement and new sensors. I paid for these repairs and picked up my vehicle on…

   NHTSA complaint #11762612 · source
2. Filed Sep 3, 2026MDEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   Original Owner of 2021 Chevy Trailblazer LT. Purchased new in April 2021. Vehicle has a history of major powertrain issues, starting with Check Engine light during its first year of ownership, culminating in a complete turbocharger replacement in December 2025. This only as a result of my research, after many visits to dealership trying to diagnose the issue. The check engine was consistently illuminated in the vehicle 2021-2025. 9 days ago while traveling the vehicle,…

   NHTSA complaint #11761820 · source
3. Filed Aug 3, 2026ILEngine

   My timing belt snapped prematurely, causing a total loss of engine power while driving on the highway, which is a severe safety hazard

   NHTSA complaint #11754543 · source
4. Filed Jul 23, 2026MOEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   My trailblazer will not shift properly into drive from park or reverse. GM calls this a "loss of forward motion" or "delayed forward engagement" in their service bulletin TSB-24-NA-009. It is a safety issue because you never know when or how long the vehicle will take to engage and allow forward movement. This causes issues when leaving a parking spot or a driveway, especially on busy roads. If the car will not move forward, my family is stuck in the road until it finally…

   NHTSA complaint #11752367 · source
5. Filed Jul 11, 2026OHEngine

   car was driving fine, went up a hill then check engine light came on with warning that stated "reduced engine power." drove it approx 8 min to home. parked in garage. Next morning, took to Firestone Complete Autocare as that was the first place available. Just got a call that the whole turbo assembly needs to be replace costing almost $2000 and will be without a car for about a week. 5 year warranty expired 3 months ago and there is less than 47,000 miles on it. It is…

   NHTSA complaint #11749711 · source
6. Filed Apr 17, 2026OHEngine

   2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS (123,000) - Coolant control Valve failure Cooling issues after 20-25 mins of driving. No Check engine lights initially just temperature gauge climbing. After 3 day of trying to drive to and from work. "Engine reduced" and P3075 code. Had it towed to dealership, in which they replaced the water pump. This DID NOT fix the issue. The next two drives (from work, and to work), I had to pull off the road several times to get the car cooled down, and…

   NHTSA complaint #11731922 · source
7. Filed Apr 16, 2026TNEngine

   While driving down the interstate my 2021 Chevy Trailblazer suddenly flashed "Battery Saver Mode" on the dash and shut off completely. I was able to coast to the side of the road and call for help. This was a MAJOR safety issue as my 4 year old son was riding with me and we could've caused or gotten into a serious accident. There were no previous warnings and no Check Engine Light came on prior to it shutting off--I had been having no issues. The car will not turn on and…

   NHTSA complaint #11731702 · source
8. Filed Mar 30, 2026KSEngine

   Coolant control valve replacement after 5 years of purchasing the vehicle. Put at risk of over heating while driving, fan stays on after vehicle is turned off. Problem confirmed by 2 dealerships. Check engine light on for a long time, fan over working, staying on after the vehicle is off. The only warnings were the engine light coming on to get inspected and fan over running. 1st came up in December 2025 and it is now almost April 2026 costing me $1600 in repairs!! There are…

   NHTSA complaint #11727889 · source
9. Filed Mar 26, 2026OHEngine

   Vehicle was taken to dealership feb 2026 for turbo/wastegate repair (p0299). March 22, 2026, vehicle stalled and screen said to shift to neutral and push to start again. Car would crank but not start (sounds like there is no compression). Had vehichle towed two miles to residence and connected to obdii scanner, which showed 6 new codes (p0006, p228c, p0089, p0340, p0365, p0299).

   NHTSA complaint #11727149 · source
10. Filed Mar 24, 2026RIBrakesElectrical SystemEngine

    When stopped at a red light & the light turns green & I accelerate, the vehicle does not move. It makes a loud noise and jumps. This happens way too many times. There’s also an issue with the brakes, when you press on them, you can hear something grinding, which should not be happening because I bought the car brand new. Also the brakes have always been super squeaky, which is very frustrating because they should not be with a brand new car once again. The engine light goes…

    NHTSA complaint #11726811 · source
11. Filed Mar 7, 2026PAEngine

    I was driving an hour away from home and suddenly my muffler and exhaust started dragging— 49,000 miles, 5 years old AND just passed inspection A WEEK AGO. Luckily, it didn’t become completely unattached because that could have caused an accident as there were cars behind me. Complete safety hazard

    NHTSA complaint #11722752 · source
12. Filed Feb 24, 2026GAEngineOther / Unknown

    This vehicle was sold as new when this vehicle had a defective Turbo Underboost issue from a ECM Issue previously prior to the 2022 Trailblazer being sold to us. This vehicle has a shift to park issue which sticks when you try to Park the vehicle. Next This vehicle has had 4 prior incidents of attempted repair of this Turbo Underboost and a failure to pass emissions which lead to the engine and transmission failure of this vehicle. I have waited since July 6, 2025 of this…

    NHTSA complaint #11720307 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology