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2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering critical fasteners and tires. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Shift-to-park warning preventing engine shutoff.” Chevrolet vehicles use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — a percentage-based monitor that calculates oil life from driving conditions, not fixed mileage. When the OLS drops to 0%, oil and filter are due. The schedule below reflects GM's Normal Use intervals for everything else.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Campaign #20V537000 · Mar 9, 2020

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

TIRES

Campaign #20V295000 · May 21, 2020

Issue: 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."

Risk: If drivers are uninformed and overinflate or underinflate their tires, this may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

SERVICE BRAKES

Campaign #20V588000 · Sep 24, 2020

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT:STAND

Campaign #21V440000 · Oct 6, 2021

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer.

Reported to NHTSA

Shift-to-park warning preventing engine shutoff

POWER TRAIN

52 NHTSA complaints · 2022-09 → 2026-07

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11696558
“The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while the gear shifter was in the park(P), the message “Shift to Park” was displayed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11624902
“This vehicle has approximately 35,000 miles of driving time on the odometer. This car will not recognize that the shift lever has been place into the Park position. Doors will not lock when the car is turned off”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11627293

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Reduced engine power from turbocharger failure

ENGINE

16 NHTSA complaints · 2024-03 → 2026-07

“Turbo failure resulted in loss of engine power. I was driving down the road and the engine light came on and I got a notification that the engine was in reduced power mode. The vehicle became very sluggish and lost speed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11598264
“On numerous occasions (typically when needing to accelerate into the flow of traffic), the Reduced Engine Power message and engine light came on, the car rapidly decelerated to 35 mph, and would not accelerate rapidly”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11640587
“Reduced engine powers caused by turbo charger underboost, at 91200 miles”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11751316

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake squeal and popping noise through speakers

SERVICE BRAKES

10 NHTSA complaints · 2020-11 → 2023-09

“We purchased this 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS new from the dealership and we noticed on the second day of owership that the brakes were "squealing". The dealership initially inspected the vehicle asap and without having to go through the service department”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11515304
“WHEN PARKING OR ABOUT TO MOVE AND YOU PUT FOOT ON BRAKE AND GET INTO A GEAR A LOUD AUDIBLE POPPING NOISE COMES THROUGH THE STEREO SYSTEM. IT IS VERY LOUD AND NOT BASED ON HOW LOW OR HIGH THE VOLUME OF THE STEREO IS SET”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11374603
“Brakes squeal when in drive. Any amount of pressure on the brakes the car shakes and a loud squeal begins. Bought the car new in May and this issue started in June”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11441763

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Infotainment and backup camera system failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

10 NHTSA complaints · 2020-09 → 2026-07

“The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle at night, while reversing the vehicle, the back-up camera image became extremely bright creating a visibility hazard for the driver”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11561456
“Shortly after purchasing my trailblazer in 2020 I noticed a glitch in the speakers where it would make a crackling noise (mainly when the car is off)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11490863
“THEIRS A DELAY ON BACKUP CAMERA.ALSO ON ANDROID PLAY IT SHUTS OF AND ON ON THE SCREEN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11384075

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

CVT delayed engagement and unexpected stall

POWER TRAIN, ENGINE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2023-03 → 2026-07

“Vehicle has 67,000 miles and suffered a catastrophic CVT transmission failure, documented by dealership diagnostic code P2714. The transmission severely slips and exhibits a dangerous 15-second delay to engage forward gear after shifting into Drive”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11750836
“I am reporting a serious safety issue with my 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer related to transmission failure. The vehicle has approximately 83,000 miles. While driving, the vehicle experiences a sudden loss of power when attempting to accelerate”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11734472
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11693768

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden loss of brake stopping power

SERVICE BRAKES

14 NHTSA complaints · 2020-09 → 2026-06

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11722954
“A loud popping noise heard through the radio when light pressure applied to brakes. Noise loud enough to scare the hell out of all the occupants in the car. Brakes squeaked when car was in reverse”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11643617
“The brake pedal goes to the floor and does not want to stop. There is a brake failure meesage on the dash”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11599338

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel rail leak with gasoline odor

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

6 NHTSA complaints · 2022-01 → 2024-08

“Took to mechanic due to strong fuel smell coming from engine area. Mechanic said not safe to drive - fuel rail leaking and must be replaced - vehicle could catch fire or explode!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11512267
“The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal fuel odor was coming from the vehicle, without warning”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11516298
“I had a smell of gasoline inside and under hood of 2021 Trailblazer LT 1.3l. Took to Chevrolet dealer.Confirmed gas odor. Gas was leaking from fuel rail.Sevice manager said it was pouring out”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11449335

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when the Oil Life System reaches 0% or every 12 months — whichever comes first. dexos1-approved synthetic oil required on all gas engines since 2011.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Silverado 4x4 and Tahoe owners benefit from earlier rotations to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at each tire rotation. Equinox and Malibu front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM specifies brake fluid replacement based on contamination testing. Test every 30,000 miles; replace if moisture content exceeds 3% or fluid appears dark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM long-life cellulose air filters are rated 45,000 miles. Direct-injection engines are sensitive to airflow restriction; inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (heavy towing, frequent stop-and-go, dusty conditions): replace every 45,000 miles. Normal service: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI on 6L80/8L90 transmissions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

Silverado 4WD and Tahoe 4WD: replace transfer case fluid every 45,000 miles, sooner if towing or off-roading. Use GM Auto-Trak II fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

GM iridium spark plugs are rated 100,000 miles on most LS and LT engines. The 5.3L V8 in Silverado 1500 commonly fouls plugs early under heavy idling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

GM Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles. Mixing with green coolant creates a sludge that destroys the cooling system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 50,000 mi

Silverado and Tahoe: replace rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip differentials require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Silverado and Tahoe owners in dusty climates should replace earlier.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

13 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

7

complaints mentioning a crash

3

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer reflects Chevrolet's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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