Is the 2021 Chevrolet TRAILBLAZER reliable?

The 2021 Chevrolet TRAILBLAZER has 258 complaints filed with NHTSA (3.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: OTHER problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet TRAILBLAZER?

Top problems: OTHER (52 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (37 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (35 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Chevrolet TRAILBLAZER?

Yes, there are 4 recall(s): SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS, TIRES, SERVICE BRAKES, EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL:ACCESSORY SCISSOR/SCREW/BOTTLE JACK/LIFT:STAND. Contact any Chevrolet dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Chevrolet TRAILBLAZER?

The 2021 Chevrolet TRAILBLAZER gets 28 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1714. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Chevrolet TRAILBLAZER?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Chevrolet TRAILBLAZER is approximately $1,735/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2021 Chevrolet TRAILBLAZER

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2021 Chevrolet TRAILBLAZER has 258 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 3.0x the segment average of 86. The most common issue is other problems (20% of all complaints), specifically: theirs a delay on backup camera.also on android play it shuts of and on on the screen.. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 5 fire reports filed.

5 fire reports 13 crash reports 9 injuries

258

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

3.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

OTHER

52 complaints

20%

• THEIRS A DELAY ON BACKUP CAMERA.ALSO ON ANDROID PLAY IT SHUTS OF AND ON ON THE SCREEN.
• TWO TIMES I HAVE HEARD A LOUD POP NOISE COMING THROUGH MY STEREO SPEAKERS. I NOTICED IT WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. I WENT ON A TRAILBLAZER FORUM AND A FEW OTHERS HAD REPORTED THE SAME THING. I HEARD THE POP TODAY WHEN I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT AND APPLYING THE BRAKES.
• Cutter Chevrolet in Honolulu had a recall on my vehicle for a jack unable to support the vehicle. I had the appointment to address the recall. Their solution was to remove the jack without a replacement. Now I no longer have a jack. It will now cost me to have someone else to change a wheel that I c

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“THEIRS A DELAY ON BACKUP CAMERA.ALSO ON ANDROID PLAY IT SHUTS OF AND ON ON THE SCREEN.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2021 Chevrolet TRAILBLAZER

Based on 40 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 20K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 5K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

Later than typicalmedian 32K mi · 10 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

Later than typicalmedian 58K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (4)

SEATS:CRITICAL FASTENERS03/09/2020

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Chevrolet TRAILBLAZER

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,715

Per month

$143

Per mile

14.3¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$1,847/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,600/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Chevrolet TRAILBLAZER

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,735

Full coverage / month

$145

Liability only / year

$600

vs US avg

+4%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1735

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Chevrolet TRAILBLAZER Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

45K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

23K mi

Engine air filter

45K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

45K mi

GM Oil Life System dynamically calculates oil change interval. DEXOS-approved oil required.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Chevrolet New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

6 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Chevrolet. If you're buying a used 2021 TRAILBLAZER, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Chevrolet dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 258 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
OTHER: THEIRS A DELAY ON BACKUP CAMERA.ALSO ON ANDROID PLAY IT SHUTS OF AND ON ON THE SCREEN.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: Within 3 months of owning the vehicle I started to hear a crackling sound coming from the passenger speaker in the door. At first it was loud and I thought someone hit me. It did it several times and then stopped. It has happened about a dozen times since I have owned the vehicle. When I took it
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: The vehicle began to give the error Shift to Park when the vehicle was in park and after the power was shut off. Because of this I cannot safely turn off the vehicle because it cannot recognize it's in park and will run the battery down whenever I use the vehicle. This problem has been previously pr
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the AUTO-STOP was not functioning properly. Additionally, the doors would not unlock on two separate occasions. Additionally, the keyless ignition button would not turn off the vehicle until
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Chevrolet dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)