YearToAvoid

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 31 brake complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, 16% of all complaints for the year, with 4 crashes, 1 fire, and 3 injuries reported. Median mileage at failure is 4,500. A related recall (20V588000) covers electronic brake boost module sensor contamination.

Brakes complaints
31
16% of 193
Crashes reported
4
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
3
Median mileage
4,500 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical brake symptoms owners report

  • Brakes suddenly require much heavier pedal pressure to stop the vehicle, sometimes triggering a brake system failure alert.
  • Loud popping noise comes through the stereo/radio speakers when light pressure is applied to the brake pedal.
  • Brakes squeal or squeak loudly at low speed or in reverse, with dealers reportedly finding pads and rotors in normal condition.
  • Steering and stability control (Stabilitrak/ABS) warnings appear alongside reduced brake responsiveness, causing the vehicle to veer during braking.
  • Brake failure combined with a collision has been reported, including one case where a fire started after impact.

When 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer brake complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 28, 2020, latest Jun 5, 2026.

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer brakes complaints: complaints filed per month2Sep 2020May 2021May 2022Apr 2023Sep 2024Sep 2025Apr 2026
31 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2020 to Jun 2026; peak Feb 2021 (2).

Brakes recalls for the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer

  1. 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.

Brakes complaints by Trailblazer model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 200537 (3%)
  2. 200650 (5%)
  3. 200728 (4%)
  4. 200826 (13%)
  5. 20093 (11%)
  6. 20140 (0%)
  7. 202131 (16%)
  8. 202216 (15%)
  9. 202316 (24%)
  10. 20245 (15%)
  11. 20252 (9%)

Frequently asked questions

How many brake complaints does the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer have?
NHTSA lists 31 brake-related complaints for the 2021 Trailblazer, which is 16% of all 193 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer?
Yes. Recall 20V588000 covers sensor connection contamination in the electronic brake boost module; GM replaces the module free of charge.
At what mileage do brake problems typically show up on the 2021 Trailblazer?
The median mileage at failure in NHTSA complaints is 4,500 miles.
Were there any crashes or injuries linked to brake complaints?
NHTSA data shows 4 crashes, 1 fire, and 3 injuries associated with the 31 brake complaints for this year.
How does the 2021 brake complaint rate compare to other Trailblazer years?
The 2021 model's brake share is 16%, compared with 15% for 2022, 24% for 2023, 15% for 2024, and 9% for 2025, based on NHTSA data.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.