Chevrolet Trailblazer Best and Worst Years (2014–2025)
The 2021 and 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer are the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 100 and 80 and 4 and 1 recalls respectively. The 2025 model year is the best, with a complaint index of 20 and only 22 complaints.
- Model years
- 6
- 2014–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 427
- Recall campaigns
- 5
- Crashes reported
- 18
- Fires reported
- 5
- Top problem area
- Electrical System
Trailblazer Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Chevrolet Trailblazer problems and recalls by year
Trailblazer years to avoid: what went wrong
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Index 100 · 193 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2021 Trailblazer has the highest complaint index (100) of any model year, with 193 complaints, 7 crashes, 3 fires, and 5 injuries. Engine problems lead at 22% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 48,482, followed closely by electrical issues (22%, median 5,000 miles) and transmission/powertrain trouble (21%, median 32,000 miles). Owners describe unintended forward movement while parking, sudden smoke and fires from the engine area, and brake-related crashes. NHTSA recorded four recalls for this year, covering the emergency jack, electronic brake boost module, and front seat attachment bolts.
2021 engine problems →2021 electrical system problems →2021 transmission & powertrain problems →
2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer Index 80 · 110 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2022 Trailblazer ranks second-worst with a complaint index of 80 across 110 complaints, including 3 crashes and 3 injuries. Transmission and powertrain complaints top the list at 31% (median 43,000 miles), with electrical system issues close behind at 27% (median 44,000 miles). Owners report unintended acceleration where the vehicle failed to slow despite brake pedal pressure, engine overheating tied to a faulty thermostat, jerking during gear changes, and power steering warnings requiring extra force to turn. One recall was issued, for the emergency jack shared with the 2021 model year.
2022 transmission & powertrain problems →2022 electrical system problems →2022 engine problems →
Most common Chevrolet Trailblazer problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Other119 (28%)
- Electrical System112 (26%)
- Transmission & Powertrain98 (23%)
- Engine97 (23%)
- Brakes70 (16%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras35 (8%)
- Fuel System28 (7%)
- Steering16 (4%)
- Structure & Body15 (4%)
- Lane Departure9 (2%)
Frequently asked questions
- What years of the Chevrolet Trailblazer should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2021 and 2022 Trailblazer are the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 100 and 80. The 2021 model also carries four recall campaigns.
- Which Chevrolet Trailblazer year is best?
- The 2025 Trailblazer has the lowest complaint index (20) and only 22 total complaints, making it the best-rated year based on NHTSA data.
- Is the 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer reliable?
- NHTSA data shows the 2022 Trailblazer had 110 complaints and a complaint index of 80, with transmission and powertrain problems making up 31% of reports at a median mileage of 43,000.
- Does the Chevrolet Trailblazer have any recalls?
- Across all model years, NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns, including issues with the emergency jack, electronic brake boost module, and front seat attachment bolts, mainly affecting the 2021 and 2022 model years.
- What is the most common problem area for the Trailblazer?
- Across all years, electrical system issues account for 26% of the 427 total complaints, followed by transmission and powertrain at 23% and engine problems also at 23%.