Chevrolet

Trailblazer (2nd)

2021-2025 · Midsize SUV · 2 engines
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (2.3)
352 NHTSA Complaints
4 Recalls
4 Fire Reports
17 Crash Reports
View all 2 generations of the Chevrolet Trailblazer → 📋 Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

L3T - L3, SIDI, VVT, ALUM

1.3L 3-cyl Turbo
⚠️ Caution (2.3)
284 complaints 56.6 per year Gasoline
2 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
73
transmission
59
brakes
57
other
52
engine
50

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (73 complaints)
Transmission Issues (59 complaints)
Typical onset: 32,275–46,326 mi
Brakes Issues (57 complaints)

LIH - E0-15, DI, L3, VVT, ALUM, CSS PRIME

1.2L 3-cyl Turbo
Avoid (1.8)
64 complaints 15.5 per year Gasoline
2 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
20
transmission
20
fuel system
10
electrical
10
other
9

Known Issues

Engine Issues (20 complaints)
Transmission Issues (20 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (10 complaints)

Same engine used in

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Chevrolet Trailblazer regardless of engine variant.

Electrical System Issues (83 complaints)
electrical critical
Transmission Issues (79 complaints)
transmission critical
Engine Issues (70 complaints)
engine critical
Brakes Issues (57 complaints)
brakes critical
Safety Systems Issues (34 complaints)
safety_systems critical

Recalls (4)

21V440000Oct 5, 2021serious
Equipment

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.

20V588000Sep 23, 2020serious
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.

20V295000May 20, 2020serious
Tires

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."

20V537000Mar 8, 2020serious
Seats

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.

Alternatives in Midsize SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2021-2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer problems?

The 2021-2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer has accumulated 352 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Transmission, Engine. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Chevrolet Trailblazer engine is most reliable?

The 2021-2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer was offered with 2 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 1.3L 3-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2021-2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer a good used car?

The 2021-2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 352 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021-2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer have?

The 2021-2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer has 352 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2021-2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer?

There are 4 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2021-2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Chevrolet Trailblazer?

Before buying a used Chevrolet Trailblazer, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Transmission, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the Trailblazer have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2021-2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 352 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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