2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Safety Report
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (4) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (161) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 10 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Unknown Or Other | Compare unknown or other issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2026 | Compare against the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer with 1 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2022 | Check the 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer before buying across this generation. |
Chevrolet Trailblazer Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Chevrolet Trailblazer years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer | 87 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer | 55 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer | 31 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer | 13 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer | 1 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Unknown Or Other
24 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Chevrolet onlyPower Train
22 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Chevrolet onlyService Brakes
12 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Chevrolet onlyEngine
10 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Chevrolet onlyElectrical System
9 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Chevrolet onlyElectrical System,Unknown Or Other
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Unknown Or Other issues Chevrolet onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Reliability Score
The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer receives a reliability score of 7 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Transmission Defects Engine and transmission defects have been reported, often occurring around 30,000 to 60,000 miles. These issues can lead to sudden jerking or failure, posing a safety risk. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Service Brakes Failure Service brakes have been reported to fail, causing sudden jerking or complete loss of braking power. This issue is common around 30,000 to 60,000 miles. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Sunroof Glass Explosion Sunroof glass has exploded upward, causing potential injury. This issue is critical and has been reported around 50,000 to 60,000 miles. |
High | Common | 50k-60k miles |
| Gear Shifter System Failure The gear shifter system has intermittently failed to recognize when the vehicle has been shifted into ‘P’, causing the vehicle to fail to shut off properly. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer:
Issues with service brakes, including sudden jerking and failure, are the most common problems reported.
Engine and transmission defects are reported, often occurring around 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
Electrical system issues, such as sunroof glass explosions and gear shifter failures, are reported.
Sunroof glass has exploded upward, causing potential injury.
Recall Details for the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer
The following 4 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A fractured jack can cause the vehicle to collapse, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the jack, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owner of the safety risk are expected to be mailed July 26, 2021. A second notice will be mailed once remedy parts become available. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A212335470.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: If communication with the sensor is interrupted, the electronic brake boost assist could be lost. Extra pedal force will be required to slow and stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electronic brake boost module, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is A202307260.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: If an occupied front seat is missing the rear attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing risk of injury to the occupant.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect seat attachments for both front seats and install attachment bolts as needed, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is A202304380.
Summary: 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."
Consequence: If drivers are uninformed and overinflate or underinflate their tires, this may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and will mail corrected labels for customers to apply, free of charge. The recall began July 1, 2020. Owners may call Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A202304070.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
When stopped at a red light & the light turns green & I accelerate, the vehicle does not move. It makes a loud noise and jumps. This happens way too many times. There’s also an issue with the brakes, when you press on them, you can hear something grinding, which should not be happening because I bought the car brand new. Also the brakes have always been super squeaky, which is very frustrating bec...
While driving on the highway, I heard a loud pop that made me flinch and swerve. After parking I noticed the glass in the sunroof had exploded upward like a volcano, leaving a large hole. Fortunately the shade was closed, or glass would have come into the car while I was driving.
My transmission is defective and past 60,000 miles but only a little. I had a diagnosis and it needs replacing like many of these trailblazers in the ongoing lawsuit. I cannot pay for it and it should not be broken!
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the brakes became inoperative. The message "Brake Failure - Speed Reduced to 53 MPH – Service Required" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the dealer stated that the vehicle could not be diagnosed because diagnostic tests were available only by ...
I was driving an hour away from home and suddenly my muffler and exhaust started dragging— 49,000 miles, 5 years old AND just passed inspection A WEEK AGO. Luckily, it didn’t become completely unattached because that could have caused an accident as there were cars behind me. Complete safety hazard
This vehicle was sold as new when this vehicle had a defective Turbo Underboost issue from a ECM Issue previously prior to the 2022 Trailblazer being sold to us. This vehicle has a shift to park issue which sticks when you try to Park the vehicle. Next This vehicle has had 4 prior incidents of attempted repair of this Turbo Underboost and a failure to pass emissions which lead to the engine and tr...
Shift to park. Vehicle will not shut off. Also trying to start vehicle having to repeatedly push brakes down hard and push to start before finally starting. I bought this vehicle with 0 miles this has been an on going on and off problem since around 20000 miles have been put on.
Shift to park message coming on, not allowing vehicle shutoff. No inspection yet, in looking up issue, was prompted to report.
My 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer has a defect in the gear shifter system that intermittently fails to recognize when the vehicle has been shifted into “Park.” When this occurs, the vehicle displays a persistent “Shift to Park” warning message and prevents the engine from being turned off or the vehicle from being locked. This malfunction creates a safety and consumer concern, as I am unable to exit a...
The rear hatch interior trim that seals the hatch from exterior elements and sounds continuously comes off, even after having dealership to repair/replace. The trim will not remain in place and is a distraction while driving and hearing out of vechile noise. And the winter weather causes car not to maintain a constant heat temp
After trying to remove rhe key from ignition, it gets stuck and won't come out unless I turn the car on, shift it into drive, wiggle the steering wheel, and try it again. Sometimes it works. Alot of times it take 5-10 min to get it out.
The issue is the yellow engine light lit up on the dash of my 2021 Trailblazer in late August of 2025. At the same time, the cluster displayed the message "Engine Power is Reduced". Over the next few weeks my car engine would randomly stall out while I was driving! As you can imagine, this is a very unsafe driving condition. My car stalls and I'm in traffic and have no ability at all to contro...
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer check engine code P1467
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while attempting to park, the vehicle failed to shift into park properly, and the message “Vehicle Not in Park” was displayed. The contact stated that several attempts were needed before the transmission was able to be shifted into park. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the shifter...
There is a faulty sensor on this car that does not allow the car to be properly parked and gives the error message "Shift to park" on the dashboard. You have to turn the car back on and mess with the shifter multiple times to get it to register that it is park. This usually takes about 10 attempts every time you need to park the car. There are other reports regarding this exact issue on this car t...
THE LOCKING MECHANISM HAS WENT OUT IN ALL DOORS. UNABLE TO UNLOCK / LOCK AND ONCE THEY ARE LOCKED, UNABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR UNLESS IT IS OPENED FROM THE INSIDE. I REPLACED THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR AND MECHANIC STATED THEY ALL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that after reversing, the transmission was shifted to drive (D), but the vehicle failed to immediately recognize the selected gear. The check engine warning later illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the under boost, transmission control module, and transmission control solenoid had fail...
I have a shift to park message that is malfunctioning and I can't shut off my car.
Experiencing reduced speed, rattling noise, check engine light, power steering light on. Chevy app shows throttle control system and antilock break system error messages. Took to Chev dealership. Advised it was fuel injector (1 /4 was burned out). Had all 4 replaced ($3000). Picked up car on a Friday, vehicle was having the same issues next day Saturday. Took it back on Monday, it is now Wednesday...
Shift to park error. I put the car in park but it tell I get a notice to shift the car in park when it’s already in park. Beeps and continues to tell me to shift my car in park when it’s in park. Turn off the car get out and close the door and the notice and beeping continues while the car is off and in park. Been happening since I bought it.
Showing 20 of 161 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Has the 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER been recalled?
Yes, the 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER has 4 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER have?
The 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER has 161 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 7 involved crashes. 5 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER?
The 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER involve unknown or other (24 complaints), power train (22 complaints), service brakes (12 complaints). Other affected components include engine, electrical system, electrical system,unknown or other.
How many crash reports does the 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER have?
There are 7 crash reports associated with the 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER out of 161 total complaints (4.3% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER have?
There are 3 fire reports for the 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER out of 161 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER.
How many injuries are reported for the 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER?
5 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER is acceptable with caveats. It has 161 complaints, 4 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER?
The components with the most failures on the 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER are: 1. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (24 complaints), 2. POWER TRAIN (22 complaints), 3. SERVICE BRAKES (12 complaints), 4. ENGINE (10 complaints), 5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9 complaints). UNKNOWN OR OTHER is the single most-reported problem area with 24 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER?
Be cautious of service brakes and electrical system issues, especially around 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Regular inspections are recommended. The 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER has 161 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER?
The 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER receives a reliability score of 7/100, indicating below-average reliability. This is based on 161 owner complaints, 4 recalls, and 10 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine and Transmission Defects and Service Brakes Failure.
What are the known issues with the 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER?
Known issues with the 2021 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER include: Engine and Transmission Defects, Service Brakes Failure, Sunroof Glass Explosion, Gear Shifter System Failure. These are based on patterns found across 161 NHTSA complaints. 4 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common safety issues with the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer?
The most common safety issues are service brake failures and electrical system problems, including sunroof glass explosions.
How often do engine and transmission defects occur?
Engine and transmission defects are reported around 30,000 to 60,000 miles.
What should I do if I experience gear shifter system failure?
If you experience gear shifter system failure, have the vehicle inspected immediately to prevent potential accidents.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of service brakes and electrical system issues, especially around 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Regular inspections are recommended.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The data includes 161 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 7 reported crashes, 3 fire incidents, 5 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer 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.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-14