2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 41about this part
- Share
- 21%of 198 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 32,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 41 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, 21% of the 198 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 32,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“At 44 K miles, my car started giving me a message Shift in to park after I stopped my car and turned off the motor. I was unable to essentially shut my engine off and leave my vehicle. I called the GMC shop, where they diagnosed it as faulty wiring. It is not under warranty, therefore I will encure the cost which is not a normal item to go out on a vehicle. Also, our 22 Trailblazer is also giving us this same message.”
NHTSA complaint #11659124, filed 2025-05“On 7/2023, my timing chain broke causing shards of metal to get in the engine. Engine replaced with new engine. When I received car back, started having issues with transmission. Now transmission needs replacing.”
NHTSA complaint #11589511, filed 2024-05“My 2021 Chevy Trailblazer has an error reading “shift to Park” that randomly appeared 2 weeks ago, now is doing it almost every time I stop my car, error has also cause my battery to die. When error is showing my car will not shut off. Took to a Chevy dealer and recommended changing the gear shift assembly, can’t guarantee it will fix the problem. They have ordered the part but $450 plus parts and labor for not a guarantee is concerning. I also travel for work and have been left stranded because of this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11612155, filed 2024-09“Odometer: 50,379 Purchased used on April, 1 2024 Odometer: 47,027 Brought to dealer on 8/28/2024 for service. About two weeks ago we had a Shift to Park message is displayed on the DIC after the vehicle was placed in Park and shut off. Started it again and then put it in drive then back to park. Message went away. Then over the course of the next week this happened many more times to the point where we were stuck in a shopping parking lot because we could not leave the car as it kept beeping to fix the issue. Made appointment with dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #11612205, filed 2024-09“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. While I was fortunate that I was not on a busy road, had the incident happened on the highway it could have been dangerous given my loss of speed. What's of greater concern, this appears to be a common problem on the Trailblazer message boards. The dealer confirmed it was the turbo and stated that the part was on back order. …”
NHTSA complaint #11598264, filed 2024-07Related service bulletins
- 11024331Sep 3, 2025This service bulletin provides service procedure information to correct a customer concern of Shift to Park Displayed on DIC When Vehicle is in- Park, No Start - DTC B000A Set.
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11016943Mar 11, 2025This service bulletin provides a repair procedure to correct a customer concern of start/stop inoperative, MIL illuminated w/DTC P2797.
- 11014630Feb 25, 2025This Preliminary information communicates information on what dealer technicians should due if they encounter a broken chain on a CVT transmission
- 11013399Jan 29, 2025This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician on possible sources of transmission fluid leaks from the transmission oil filter or cooler line seals .
- 11013244Jan 17, 2025This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of Poor Engine Performance in Extremely Cold Weather Conditions, Charge Air Cooler Icing…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011864Dec 11, 2024This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician on possible sources of transmission fluid leaks from the transmission oil filter or cooler line seals .
- 11011861Dec 10, 2024This Preliminary information communicates to Technicians how to repair a rattle noise coming from the shift cable assembly.
- 11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 8% |
| 2025 | 6 | 23% |
| 2024 | 8 | 22% |
| 2023 | 10 | 13% |
| 2022 | 35 | 31% |
| 2021 | 41 | 21% |
| 2009 | 1 | 4% |
| 2008 | 10 | 5% |
| 2007 | 15 | 2% |
| 2006 | 50 | 5% |
| 2005 | 51 | 3% |
| 2004 | 62 | 6% |
| 2003 | 103 | 11% |
| 2002 | 310 | 27% |
| 2001 | 5 | 25% |
| 2000 | 5 | 19% |
Other parts of the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer
59 complaintsElectrical system
41 complaintsEngine
39 complaintsBrakes
32 complaintsFuel system
18 complaintsForward collision avoidance
11 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology