2023 Chevrolet Blazer Safety Report

2023 Chevrolet Blazer: Excellent crash ratings, but significant powertrain and safety system complaints, two recalls for half-shaft issues.

31Complaints
2Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
55/100Reliability Score
3Crash Reports
2Injuries
Most reported components: Power Train (6)Engine (3)Forward Collision Avoidance (3)Exterior Lighting (3)Service Brakes (2)Electrical System (1)Electrical System,Exterior Lighting (1)Steering,Power Train,Electrical System (1)Electrical System,Engine (1)Power Train,Engine (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test performance with 5-star overall, frontal, and side ratings from NHTSA, and a 4-star rollover rating, its complaint data reveals significant powertrain and safety system issues. With 31 total complaints, 3 crashes, and 2 injuries reported, there are clear areas of concern. A notable pattern involves the powertrain, accounting for 6 complaints, with specific mentions of transmission failures, half-shaft disengagement, and loss of drive power. The vehicle has also been subject to two recalls directly addressing these powertrain issues, indicating a known manufacturing defect. Beyond the powertrain, forward collision avoidance systems have generated 3 complaints, including instances of unexpected automatic emergency braking, which can pose a hazard. Exterior lighting also has 3 complaints, with issues like bright lights not dimming and poor headlight illumination. These complaints, coupled with reports of the vehicle turning off while driving and brake pedal issues, suggest potential electronic and mechanical vulnerabilities that could compromise safety despite strong crash test results. The two recalls are critical: one for incorrect transmission build leading to half-shaft disengagement and potential loss of drive power or rollaway, and another for missing retaining rings on half-shaft assemblies with similar consequences. These recalls directly correlate with the high number of powertrain complaints and reported incidents of loss of drive power and rollaway. The presence of these recalls and the nature of the complaints indicate that while the Blazer performs well in controlled crash scenarios, its operational reliability and the proper functioning of its critical systems are areas of concern for owners.

Reliability Score

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Transmission Failure/Malfunction
Multiple reports of transmission failure, difficulty shifting, shuddering, and complete loss of drive power, some occurring at low mileage. Directly linked to recall 23V172000.		 High Common unknown miles
Half-Shaft Disengagement/Missing Retaining Ring
Half-shaft disengaging from transmission or missing retaining ring, leading to loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway. Addressed by recalls 23V172000 and 23V173000.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Unexpected Automatic Emergency Braking (Aeb)
Forward Collision Avoidance system activating and engaging AEB without obstacles, causing sudden stops and potential rear-end collision risk.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Exterior Lighting Malfunctions
Issues with bright lights not dimming for oncoming traffic, poor headlight illumination, and dark shadows/circles on headlights.		 Medium Occasional unknown miles
Vehicle Stalling/Turning Off While Driving
Vehicle unexpectedly turning off or stalling while driving, endangering occupants.		 High Occasional unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer:

Power Train 19% of complaints

The most frequent complaint category, with 6 reports, primarily concerning transmission failures, half-shaft issues, and loss of drive power, directly related to two recalls.

Engine 10% of complaints

3 complaints related to engine issues, including the vehicle turning off while driving, radiator leaks, and oil leaks from the camshaft carrier seal.

Forward Collision Avoidance 10% of complaints

3 complaints regarding the AEB system activating unexpectedly, causing the vehicle to stop abruptly without a clear hazard.

Exterior Lighting 10% of complaints

3 complaints about headlight performance, including bright lights not dimming and poor illumination.

Service Brakes 6% of complaints

2 complaints, including brake pedal traveling to the floorboard and ABS system issues in wet conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer

Is the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer safe?

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer received excellent NHTSA crash test ratings (5-star overall, frontal, side; 4-star rollover), indicating strong performance in collision scenarios. However, it has 31 total complaints, 3 crashes, and 2 injuries reported to NHTSA, with significant issues related to the powertrain and forward collision avoidance systems. Two recalls address critical half-shaft and transmission issues that can lead to loss of drive power or rollaway. While it performs well in crash tests, operational reliability and potential system malfunctions are concerns.

What are common problems with the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer?

The most reported issues for the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer are related to the POWER TRAIN (6 complaints), including transmission failures, half-shaft disengagement, and loss of drive power. Other common problems include ENGINE issues (3 complaints) like stalling and leaks, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE system malfunctions (3 complaints) causing unexpected braking, and EXTERIOR LIGHTING problems (3 complaints) such as headlights not dimming or poor illumination.

Are there any recalls for the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer?

Yes, the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer has two recalls. NHTSA Campaign Number 23V172000 addresses an incorrect transmission build that can cause a half-shaft to disengage, leading to a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway. NHTSA Campaign Number 23V173000 is for missing retaining rings on the left-side half-shaft assemblies, which can also result in half-shaft inner joint separation, loss of drive power, or vehicle rollaway.

How does the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer perform in crash tests?

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer received high marks in NHTSA crash tests, achieving a 5-star Overall Safety Rating. It earned 5 stars for Frontal Crash and Side Crash tests, and 4 stars for the Rollover resistance test.

Should I be concerned about the transmission in the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer?

Yes, based on NHTSA data, there is significant concern regarding the transmission in the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer. The POWER TRAIN is the most complained-about component with 6 reports, detailing issues like transmission failure, shuddering, and difficulty shifting. Both recalls (23V172000 and 23V173000) are directly related to powertrain components (transmission and half-shafts) that can lead to a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, indicating a known and critical defect.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of significant powertrain and safety system issues, including two recalls for critical half-shaft defects; ensure all recall repairs have been completed and consider an extended warranty for powertrain components.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2023 Chevrolet Blazer

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer. The data includes 31 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 2 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2023 Chevrolet Blazer an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.