Chevrolet Trailblazer 3rd generation (2019–2026)
Generation-specific owner insights from 160+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy one?
434
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2019–2026
8
recall campaigns
unknown or other
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owner sentiment for the 3rd-generation Trailblazer is mixed but leans positive on value, styling, and everyday drivability, with recurring frustration centered on infotainment/CarPlay reliability and a meaningful minority reporting serious transmission and turbo problems.
12 problems reported (2 very frequent, 3 recurrent, 7 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentInfotainment screen going black, freezing, or rebooting
- Very frequentApple CarPlay intermittently failing to connect or cutting out
Often tied to the in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot.
- RecurrentTransmission problems including failure at very low mileage
Valve body and clutch plate replacement, delayed or clunking reverse-to-drive engagement, and shuddering/shaking when parked on an incline.
+ 9 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentTurbo failure, sometimes with a seized wastegate and a related technical service bulletin
- RecurrentCheck engine light
Often traced to a purge pump failure or fuel management codes requiring an ECM recalibration.
- IsolatedAnti-theft system warnings causing the vehicle to lock out, refuse to start, or honk on exit
- Isolated" No remote detected" errors despite new key fobs
- IsolatedAuto stop/start causing the vehicle to shut down at a stop and fail to restart
- IsolatedPower steering warning preceding a transmission failure
- IsolatedBrakes squeaking or feeling overly sensitive at low mileage
- IsolatedRear cupholders missing on some trims and door cupholders at an awkward angle
- IsolatedBlown non-replaceable master fuse block after incorrect battery cable contact
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. Partial signal: owners speak positively of the 1.3L engine over the smaller base engine, and the AWD version is favored by owners in winter climates because it pairs with a 9-speed automatic rather than the CVT. The RS trim is widely described as an appearance package and is popular for its looks, while the Activ is mentioned by owners who want AWD and light towing.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Kia Seltos, Chevrolet Trax, Toyota RAV4, Volkswagen Tiguan and Mazda CX-30.
Is a 2019–2026 Trailblazer right for you?
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Overall sentiment
Owner sentiment for the 3rd-generation Trailblazer is mixed but leans positive on value, styling, and everyday drivability, with recurring frustration centered on infotainment/CarPlay reliability and a meaningful minority reporting serious transmission and turbo problems. Many owners describe it as a comfortable, efficient, well-equipped daily driver and a strong value in the subcompact SUV segment, while others criticize the small 1.3L three-cylinder as underpowered for passing and hills and note wind sensitivity and a bouncy ride. Early model years (2021-2023) draw the most transmission and CarPlay complaints, while later years (2024-2025) show continued CarPlay/infotainment connectivity frustration and at least one very-low-mileage transmission failure. A notable subset of owners report zero issues well past 45,000-80,000 miles, suggesting significant unit-to-unit variation.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners frequently place the Trailblazer a tier below the Tiguan and RAV4 in size and price, with several saying it belongs in the category below those vehicles. Against the RAV4, owners position the Trailblazer as cheaper and better-looking but less proven for long-term reliability, and some explicitly recommend ruling the Chevy out in favor of the Toyota. Against the Trax, owners see the Trax as a cheaper, roomier, more modern-looking alternative, with AWD availability being the main reason to choose the Trailblazer. Against the Seltos, owners weigh the Trailblazer's analog gauges, AWD option, and towing capability (around 1,000 lbs) against the Seltos's feature set and warranty. Against the Tiguan, owners generally concede the VW is roomier and nicer to drive but less reliable long-term. The Trailblazer is repeatedly praised for its boxy styling and value relative to these rivals.
Recommended configurations
Owners in cold-weather regions (Midwest, Wisconsin winters) consistently recommend the AWD version, which uses a 9-speed automatic instead of the CVT. Owners who want more power and better fuel efficiency recommend the available 1.3L engine over the base engine. Several owners advise test driving multiple examples and considering the Trax if AWD is not needed, since it offers more space at a lower price. One owner recommends the driver confidence package as inexpensive and worthwhile.
General recommendations
This generation suits buyers wanting a stylish, efficient, well-equipped subcompact crossover for city and suburban driving, especially those who need AWD for winter. Owners advise against it for buyers who regularly pass on hills, drive in strong wind, or want a sporty feel, since the three-cylinder is described as slow to accelerate and the chassis as wind-sensitive and bouncy. Buyers should test drive at least several examples, verify the CarPlay/infotainment and transmission behavior during the test drive, check for water in the spare tire compartment, confirm fluid levels, and avoid former rental vehicles. Owners strongly recommend using the factory warranty at a dealer for any transmission, turbo, or electrical symptoms, and getting a second dealer opinion if the first dismisses the issue. Model years within this generation are not clearly ranked by owners, though later years still show CarPlay complaints.
Remarks
A recurring theme is that the Trailblazer nameplate was applied to a subcompact crossover rather than a rugged SUV, which many owners of older Trailblazers dislike, though this is a naming complaint rather than an ownership problem. Several owners note the RS trim is primarily an appearance package. Remote start is reported not to function below a certain exterior temperature threshold. Regular (non-adaptive) cruise control does not brake to maintain speed downhill. Some owners report strong long-term reliability with no issues past 45,000-80,000 miles, while others report being in lemon law proceedings, indicating wide unit-to-unit variation. Analysis based on approximately 160 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 1 | unknown or other |
| 2025 | 22 | 1 | electrical system |
| 2024 | 33 | 1 | electrical system |
| 2023 | 68 | 0 | engine |
| 2022 | 110 | 1 | unknown or other |
| 2021 | 193 | 4 | unknown or other |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2026 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 26V539000
General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2024-2025 Buick Envista, 2024-2026 Buick Encore GX, Chevrolet Trailblazer, and 2025 Chevrolet Trax vehicles. The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.
2025 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 26V539000
General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2024-2025 Buick Envista, 2024-2026 Buick Encore GX, Chevrolet Trailblazer, and 2025 Chevrolet Trax vehicles. The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.
2024 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 26V539000
General Motors, LLC is recalling certain 2024-2025 Buick Envista, 2024-2026 Buick Encore GX, Chevrolet Trailblazer, and 2025 Chevrolet Trax vehicles. The rearview camera screen may display a distorted or blank image.
2022 · equipment:mechanical:accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift:standcampaign 21V440000
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.
2021 · seats:critical fastenerscampaign 20V537000
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.
2021 · tirescampaign 20V295000
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, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
2021 · service brakescampaign 20V588000
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 and the brake boost system.
2021 · equipment:mechanical:accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift:standcampaign 21V440000
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.
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.