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2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer: common problems and reliability
· 3rd generationAn average Trailblazer year.
193 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 Trailblazer?The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer has 193 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and power train. Owners most often flag infotainment screen going black, freezing, or rebooting.
Safety record for the 2021 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Trailblazer years only. How we score it
Is 2021 a good year for the Trailblazer?
Across the 16 Trailblazer model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2014) to 3,437 (2005). With 193 complaints, the 2021 Trailblazer sits about the same as the model's median of 193.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2021 Trailblazer
seats:critical fasteners
Campaign 20V537000General 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.
tires
Campaign 20V295000General 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."
service brakes
Campaign 20V588000General 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.
equipment:mechanical:accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift:stand
Campaign 21V440000General 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.
What owners report on the 3rd generation Trailblazer
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Owner insights for the 3rd generation Trailblazer. Read the full 3rd generation owner report.
Typical used price
Used Trailblazer listings typically run $18,397–$21,784.
Other Trailblazer model years
Compare every Trailblazer year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Trailblazer against its rivals
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