Chevrolet Blazer 2019 (2019–2026)
Generation-specific owner insights from 154+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy one?
719
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2019–2026
11
recall campaigns
electrical system
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owner sentiment for this generation is mixed but leans positive among long-term owners, with many praising the styling, ride comfort, highway manners, and the naturally aspirated V6 paired with the 9-speed transmission.
20 problems reported (5 recurrent, 15 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentThermostat failure
Sometimes with temperature gauge dropping to cold and cooling fan running after shutdown.
- RecurrentCoolant temperature sensor failure
- RecurrentTransmission shuddering
Delayed clunk into reverse, or complete transmission failure requiring replacement.
+ 17 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentRadiator leak
- RecurrentExcessive tire wear, particularly on 21-inch wheels
- IsolatedAuto start/stop not functioning or disabling itself
- IsolatedInfotainment or radio system not shutting off automatically, or asking for a password after update
- IsolatedBattery failure affecting starting and key fob recognition
- IsolatedPush-to-start ignition switch failure causing random shutdowns
- IsolatedBose speaker crackling
- IsolatedPlastic body moldings not properly sealed from the factory
- IsolatedTurbo four-cylinder oil consumption around one liter per 8,000 km
- IsolatedValvetrain noise, suspected rocker arm or lash adjuster issue
- IsolatedThrottle pedal sticking or failing to retract
- IsolatedVehicles shipped without chips for heated steering wheel
Heated and ventilated seats, and parking assist.
- IsolatedCamshaft position or VVT solenoid codes
- IsolatedExhaust flex pipe damage near the catalytic converter
- IsolatedPaint contamination described as rail dust causing orange spots
- IsolatedTurbo boost sensor code after road debris impact
- IsolatedEngine misfire from failing rocker arms
The version owners recommend
Owners most consistently praise the V6 with the 9-speed automatic, describing it as feeling great, driving nicely, and being a good low-maintenance vehicle. The RS trim is the most frequently discussed and positively received trim, with owners citing its styling and features. The 3LT is also mentioned favorably by newer owners. Several owners recommend all-wheel drive when choosing the V6 due to torque steer. Partial signal favors the naturally aspirated V6 over the turbo four-cylinder, though some owners of the turbo four-cylinder report satisfaction.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Ford Edge, Ford Bronco, Toyota 4Runner, Chevrolet Equinox and Chevrolet Traverse.
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Overall sentiment
Owner sentiment for this generation is mixed but leans positive among long-term owners, with many praising the styling, ride comfort, highway manners, and the naturally aspirated V6 paired with the 9-speed transmission. Recurring criticisms center on the crossover's departure from the historic Blazer nameplate, expensive 21-inch tires, and a cluster of mechanical complaints including thermostat and coolant sensor failures, transmission shuddering or failure, and electrical gremlins. Early model years (2019-2021) dominate the reliability complaints, while several 2023-2025 owners report being largely trouble-free, though some late-model owners also report transmission and valve body problems. A notable subset of owners report very high mileage with few issues, while others describe repeated dealer visits and lemon law proceedings.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners position the Blazer as a stylish, comfortable crossover that competes with the Ford Edge, and several cross-shopped it against the Chevrolet Traverse when Traverse inventory was low. Many owners express disappointment that it is a unibody front-wheel-drive-based crossover rather than a body-on-frame off-road SUV like the old Blazer, and some say they would have preferred it compete with the returning Ford Bronco and the Toyota 4Runner. Against the smaller Chevrolet Trailblazer, owners describe the Blazer as a much different and more substantial driving vehicle, and several describe the Trailblazer as horrendous by comparison. Some owners cross-shopped the Cadillac XT4 and describe the Blazer favorably against it, with one owner calling trading a Cadillac for the Blazer the best decision. The V6 with the 9-speed is repeatedly described as a good low-maintenance choice versus the turbo four-cylinder.
Recommended configurations
Owners recommend the V6 with all-wheel drive, with one owner explicitly advising to go for AWD if getting the V6 because torque steer is no joke. Multiple owners recommend the V6 with the 9-speed over the turbo four-cylinder, calling it a good low-maintenance vehicle. Owners advise changing oil with high-quality full synthetic before the oil life monitor reaches zero percent, noting the V6 lives and dies by clean oil. One owner recommends using the manual gear selection to disable auto start/stop and cylinder deactivation. Owners caution that 21-inch wheels ride noticeably harsher than 18-inch wheels, are useless in snow, and carry tires costing around $300 each, so smaller wheels are preferable.
General recommendations
This generation suits buyers wanting a stylish, comfortable, spacious crossover for commuting and family hauling, with good highway manners and cargo space with the rear seats down. Owners who want a traditional body-on-frame off-road SUV should look elsewhere. Buyers should prefer later model years where possible, as 2019-2021 examples account for most reported thermostat, coolant sensor, transmission, and electrical complaints, though late-model transmission issues are also reported. Buyers should verify remaining powertrain warranty coverage, as many repairs including transmission replacement, radiator leaks, and thermostat failures were covered under warranty. Inspection should focus on transmission behavior when shifting into reverse and under light acceleration, cooling system function including whether the temperature gauge reaches normal and whether the fan runs excessively after shutdown, battery condition given auto start/stop demands, and tire wear on 21-inch equipped models. Owners also advise checking for unsealed plastic body moldings and confirming that any chip-deleted features such as heated seats, heated steering wheel, and parking assist are present before purchase.
Remarks
A significant portion of owner discussion centers on the nameplate itself, with many long-time Blazer and S-10 Blazer owners expressing disappointment that the revived model is a unibody crossover rather than a body-on-frame SUV, though others defend it as a capable people mover. Several owners report very high mileage examples, including one with over 113,000 miles calling it a workhorse and a boom despite major issues beginning at 100,000 miles, and another reporting 115,000 miles with the coolant sensor issue as the first problem. Lemon law and buyback discussions appear in the discussions, with owners advising to keep making payments and to document everything. Owners repeatedly note that many repairs fall under powertrain and emissions warranty coverage, including the coolant temperature sensor and thermostat, and some received reimbursement letters for prior out-of-pocket repairs. Analysis based on approximately 154 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 0 | forward collision avoidance |
| 2025 | 31 | 1 | electrical system |
| 2024 | 50 | 1 | forward collision avoidance |
| 2023 | 43 | 2 | engine |
| 2022 | 51 | 1 | electrical system |
| 2021 | 136 | 1 | engine |
| 2020 | 221 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2019 | 186 | 2 | power train |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2025 · latches/locks/linkages:doors:latchcampaign 24V737000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025 Chevrolet Blazer, Blazer EV, and Equinox vehicles. The door strikers were not properly heat-treated, which can cause them to break.
2024 · structure:body:doorcampaign 23V869000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Blazer, Blazer EV, Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The door strikers may fracture, resulting in the door opening unexpectedly.
2023 · power train:driveline:driveshaftcampaign 23V042000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Blazer and Traverse vehicles. The left-side half-shaft assemblies may be missing a retaining ring.
2023 · power train:automatic transmissioncampaign 23V172000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT6, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Blazer, Traverse, and 2022-2023 Cadillac XT5 vehicles. The transmission may have been built with an incorrect sun gear, which can result in the driver-side half-shaft disengaging from the transmission.
2022 · seatscampaign 22V359000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Malibu, 2022 Chevrolet Equinox, Blazer and Cadillac XT4 vehicles. The driver's seat cushion frame may have an improper weld in the power tilt-adjustment mechanism.
2021 · seat beltscampaign 20V811000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
2020 · tirescampaign 21V115000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
2020 · air bags:side/window:curtain:inflatorcampaign 20V446000
General Motors, LLC. (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT5 and XT6, Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500 and Traverse and GMC Acadia and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The diffuser component of the Roof-Rail Air Bag (RRAB) inflator may not have been properly crimped to the inflator and could separate from the inflator during air bag deployment.
2020 · power train:automatic transmissioncampaign 20V668000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
2019 · tirescampaign 21V115000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
2019 · power train:automatic transmissioncampaign 20V668000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.