Last updated: 2026-07-17

Chevrolet Trailblazer

1 Chevrolet Trailblazer Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Chevrolet Trailblazer average of 73/100

The Chevrolet Trailblazer years to avoid are 2021 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2021 with a reliability score of 63/100. The best Chevrolet Trailblazer year to buy is 2024 78/100.

Verdict

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer scores significantly below the model average of 73/100. The weakest year is 2021 with a score of 63/100 due to unknown or other (36) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2023 76/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Chevrolet Trailblazer Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Chevrolet Trailblazer average of 73/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202163/100Good4182Unknown Or Other (36)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

63
GoodReliability score: 63 out of 100, rated Good

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 182 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Severity signals include 7 crash-related complaints and 3 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (36), Power Train (35), Electrical System (32).

4 recalls182 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Unknown Or Other (36), Power Train (35), Electrical System (32), Engine (20), Service Brakes (16), Structure (7)

View full 2021reliability report →

What Are Common Chevrolet Trailblazer Problems?

Top reported issues across all Chevrolet Trailblazer model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

POWER TRAIN

84 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

77 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2023

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

73 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2023

SERVICE BRAKES

42 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2023

ENGINE

39 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2023

STEERING

13 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2023

Best Chevrolet Trailblazer Year to Buy Instead

76
GoodReliability score: 76 out of 100, rated Good

2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer has good reliability. There are 0 recalls and 62 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (13), Service Brakes (11), Engine (10).

Score: 76/100 (Good)0 recalls62 complaints
View full 2023reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Chevrolet Trailblazer year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Chevrolet Trailblazer Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Our data covers 2021–2026 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Chevrolet Trailblazer years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Chevrolet Trailblazer years: 2021 (score: 63/100). These model years score significantly below the Chevrolet Trailblazer average of 73/100.
What is the best year for the Chevrolet Trailblazer?
The best year for the Chevrolet Trailblazer is 2024, with a reliability score of 78/100 ("Good"). It has 0 recalls and 32 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Chevrolet Trailblazer have?
Across all years in our database, the Chevrolet Trailblazer has a total of 5 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Chevrolet Trailblazer worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2024 model year, which scores 78/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 73/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Chevrolet Trailblazer problems?
The most common Chevrolet Trailblazer problems are power train (84 complaints), electrical system (77 complaints), unknown or other (73 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Chevrolet Trailblazer reliable long-term?
The Chevrolet Trailblazer has an average reliability score of 73/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
How much does it cost to maintain a Chevrolet Trailblazer?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Chevrolet Trailblazer is $784 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer a good used buy?
Yes, the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 78/100 ("Good"). It has 0 recalls and 32 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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