2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer has a complaint index of 70, ranking 4th worst of 11 model years, with a Caution verdict. NHTSA logged 193 complaints, 4 recalls, 7 crashes, 3 fires and 5 injuries, with engine problems the top complaint area.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 70/100
- #4 of 11 Trailblazer years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 193
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 7
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 3
- Injuries
- 5
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 29
- 28 city / 31 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 0
Top 2021 Chevy Trailblazer problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Other59 (31%)
- Engine43 (22%)
- Electrical System42 (22%)
- Transmission & Powertrain40 (21%)
- Brakes31 (16%)
- Fuel System18 (9%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras13 (7%)
- Structure & Body8 (4%)
- Steering6 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires6 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report sudden unintended forward movement at low parking speeds, resulting in collisions.
- Some describe smoke or fire starting from the front end or floor of the vehicle without warning lights or gauge changes.
- Brake pedals are reported to feel unresponsive or need to be pushed to the floor, with the vehicle veering right while braking.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in a moderate-speed side-impact crash despite significant damage.
- Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking systems are described as not activating during braking events.
- The backup camera display is reported to wash out with bright white light at night, obscuring the view when reversing.
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 21V440000Jun 10, 2021Other135,400 vehicles
Equipment:mechanical:accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift:stand
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 20V588000Sep 24, 2020Brakes3,677 vehicles
Service brakes
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 20V537000Sep 3, 2020Structure & Body105 vehicles
Seats:critical fasteners
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.
Risk: 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.
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 28 MPG
- Highway
- 31 MPG
- Combined
- 29 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,250
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other Trailblazer years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer reliable?
- NHTSA data shows a complaint index of 70 for the 2021 Trailblazer, ranking 4th worst among 11 model years and earning a Caution verdict. Engine, electrical, transmission, and brake complaints are the most common reported problem areas.
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer?
- Engine complaints account for 22% of reports, followed by electrical system issues at 22%, transmission and powertrain problems at 21%, and brakes at 16%. The median mileage at failure for engine complaints was 48,482 miles.
- Does the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2021 Trailblazer, covering an emergency jack that can fracture, a brake boost module sensor issue, front seat attachment bolts, and incorrect tire certification labels. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2021 Trailblazer compare to other model years?
- The 2021 model ranks 4th worst of 11 years with a complaint index of 70, worse than 2022 (50, Caution), 2023 (40, Good), 2024 (30, Good) and 2025 (20, Best), but better than 2005-2008 model years which carry Avoid or Caution verdicts.
- How many crashes, fires, and injuries are linked to the 2021 Trailblazer?
- NHTSA data lists 7 crashes, 3 fires, 5 injuries, and 0 deaths tied to complaints about the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer.