Chevrolet Trailblazer 2nd generation (2012–2020)
Generation-specific owner insights from 147+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy one?
1
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2012–2020
0
recall campaigns
power train
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owner discussion of the 2012-2020 Trailblazer is dominated by disappointment and frustration rather than ownership praise.
15 problems reported (2 recurrent, 13 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentTurbo failure triggering code P0299, sometimes covered under a special coverage program
- RecurrentFuseable link in the battery fuse block blowing after battery replacement, causing no-start and shifter problems
- IsolatedEngine failure requiring replacement due to a piston failure at under 10,000 miles
+ 12 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedCheck engine light with no stored code found by the dealer
- IsolatedBattery drain requiring replacement, with a replacement battery dying within two months
- IsolatedBroken strut mount on a certified used example shortly after purchase
- IsolatedTicking sound at operating temperature that disappears above idle
- IsolatedTransmission shifting irregularity noticed around 25-45 mph
- IsolatedReduced fuel economy compared to earlier ownership
- IsolatedInability to connect Android phones to the infotainment system
Sometimes requiring clearing previously paired devices.
- IsolatedRemote start not functioning below a certain exterior temperature threshold
- IsolatedEngine start producing a quick ticking or rattling noise described as normal for the model
- IsolatedOEM speakers failing
- IsolatedRear valence not compatible with RS parts for exhaust options
- IsolatedP1467/P146B codes with only decreased MPG as a symptom
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. The strongest partial signal favors the 1.3L engine over the 1.2L, based on the 1.3 having a timing chain versus the 1.2's oil-bathed timing belt, and on general preference for the larger engine. The LT AWD with the turbo is specifically recommended by one owner. The RS trim is described as one of the top trims alongside the ACTIV, and one owner recommends spending extra for a V6 Blazer instead of this generation.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Toyota RAV4, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Tucson, Subaru Forester and Subaru Outback.
Is a 2012–2020 Trailblazer right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
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Overall sentiment
Owner discussion of the 2012-2020 Trailblazer is dominated by disappointment and frustration rather than ownership praise. The most common complaint is that the nameplate was applied to a small, three-cylinder crossover that owners feel abandoned the rugged character of the original Trailblazer, with many calling it bland, underpowered, and indistinguishable from other crossovers. A smaller but notable group of actual owners report genuinely liking the vehicle, praising its size, comfort, value, and interior design, though several of those same owners also report serious mechanical failures. The tone differs sharply by model year: early discussion (2019-2020) is mostly criticism of the vehicle's concept and positioning, while later discussion (2024-2026) shifts toward real ownership problems such as engine failure, turbo codes, and battery drain.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners repeatedly cross-shop this generation against the Toyota RAV4, and the consensus in those discussions favors the RAV4 on reliability grounds, with the Trailblazer described as less durable and its engine design called absurd. Against the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Tucson, owners see the Korean offerings as better value with stronger warranties, and one owner states outright that Kia and Hyundai are much better quality than Chevrolet. The Buick Encore GX is treated as a near-equivalent alternative rather than a step up. Within Chevrolet's own lineup, owners position the Trailblazer as sitting between the Trax and the Equinox, and several argue it competes with the Trax and Equinox rather than offering anything distinct. Some owners note the Trailblazer is built in Korea, which they raise when comparing it to domestic-built alternatives.
Recommended configurations
Owners advise opting for the 1.3L engine because it uses a timing chain, while the 1.2L uses a timing belt in an oil bath that is difficult to replace; owners say not to trust the manual's 15-year/150,000-mile belt interval. One owner specifically recommends the LT AWD turbo. Owners also advise keeping up on regular oil changes. One owner notes the manual liftgate has no interior release button and that the button only comes with the power liftgate option package.
General recommendations
This generation suits buyers who want a small, comfortable, easy-to-maneuver SUV with good interior design and features, and who do not need towing capability or strong acceleration. Owners warn that highway merging and acceleration are weak points, and that the vehicle cannot tow. Buyers on a tight budget who cannot absorb surprise repair costs are steered away by owners toward Toyota alternatives. Owners strongly advise a pre-purchase inspection and warn against buying used vehicles with very short warranty periods; one owner notes a certified example that failed a 172-point inspection within three days of purchase. Owners also advise verifying turbo special coverage by VIN before purchase, and caution that the 1.2L timing belt is a long-term concern. One owner recommends buying an extended warranty given the complexity of modern vehicles.
Remarks
A significant portion of the discussion about this generation is not ownership experience at all but criticism of the nameplate's direction, with owners of older Trailblazers expressing that the new vehicle threw out what made the original great. Several owners note the vehicle is produced and shipped from Korea. One owner reports a year-long wait for a backordered engine and ultimately traded the vehicle in, receiving close to what they paid due to leverage from rental car costs the dealer was absorbing. Another owner reports the same engine wait issue with only a month of waiting. Owners report that custom orders for this generation were canceled at points during the ordering period and that only dealer-allocated vehicles were available. One owner notes the vehicle shares its CVT with the Malibu. Analysis based on approximately 147 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 1 | 0 | power train |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
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.