Last updated: 2026-10-10

Chevrolet Trailblazer

Chevrolet Trailblazer Years to Avoid

6 scored model years (2021–2026) · model average 73/100

Skip the 2021 model year. Owners report a shifter that does not register Park, plus turbo power loss and electrical faults, and federal records show four recalls and three fire reports. The 2024 is the year to buy.

Verdict

Avoid
2021 63/100
Buy
2024 78/100
Model average
73/100
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

Complaints run highest on this first model year. The shifter often fails to register Park, the engine keeps running, and the doors will not lock. Others describe stalling, slow engagement into Drive, and reduced power traced to the turbo. Federal records list four recalls and three fire reports.

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?

POWER TRAIN

84 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2023

2021: Most reports involve the shifter not registering Park.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

77 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2023

2021: The "Shift to Park" fault shows up here too.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

73 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2023

2021: The car often fails to recognize that it is in Park.

SERVICE BRAKES

42 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2023, 2022

2021: Loud squealing at low speed and in reverse is the most frequent complaint, and it often starts within days of delivery.

ENGINE

39 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2023, 2022

2021: The most common complaint is a check engine light with a "reduced engine power" warning that limits acceleration on the highway.

STEERING

13 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2023

2021: A "Service Power Steering" warning tends to appear together with brake failure or ABS alerts, after which the brakes need much more pedal force.

Best Chevrolet Trailblazer Year to Buy Instead

78
GoodReliability score: 78 out of 100, rated Good

2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The 2024 draws far fewer complaints per car sold than 2021 or 2022, and federal recall records show none, against four for 2021. Its leading complaint is electrical, mainly screens going dark, not the 2021 stuck-in-Park shifter. It has also been on the road long enough for that record to mean something.

Score: 78/100 (Good)0 recalls32 complaints
View full 2024reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer has 0 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Chevrolet Trailblazer Years by Generation

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Chevrolet Trailblazer years should I avoid?
Avoid the 2021. Site analysis puts it well below the model's own average. It has four recalls, three fire reports, and the heaviest complaint load, led by the shifter not registering Park, plus electrical and turbo-related power problems.
Which Chevrolet Trailblazer years have transmission problems?
The 2021 has the clearest case. Owners describe slow engagement into Drive, sudden loss of power, and stalling in traffic. The 2024 has a few reports of lurching from park to drive and harsh reverse, but only five power train complaints.
Is the 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer a good used buy?
It is acceptable but weaker than later years. The 2022 is among the two lowest-rated years, with one recall and a high complaint rate, led by power train issues. It is not flagged to avoid, but the 2024 is the safer choice.
Is the 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer better than the 2021?
Yes. The 2024 has no recalls, against four for the 2021, and a far lower complaint rate. Its main complaints are screens going dark and occasional stalling, which are less severe than the 2021 shifter and fire reports.
Are the 2025 and 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer safe to buy?
Their records look clean, with no recalls, but they are too new to judge. The 2025 has 19 complaints and the 2026 has 3, mostly because they have had little time on the road. The 2024 has the longer track record.

How we score every Chevrolet Trailblazer model year

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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