2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Trailblazer years
Typical for this model
50/100 1.0× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.0× that of a typical Chevrolet Trailblazer year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 49 of its 75 complaints were filed by the end of 2025.
- Most reported problem: 'Shift to Park' message and key release (17 complaints, median 44,962 mi).
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 75filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 42,481miles, 16 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 31 mpgcombined, 1.3L 3-cyl FWD · 29 city / 33 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer most often describe brake noise (squealing or grinding at low speeds), infotainment and electrical glitches such as a black screen or lost Apple CarPlay, and reduced-engine-power events traced to the turbocharger. Many complaints were filed on vehicles under 50,000 miles, and several owners say dealers told them the noise or behavior was a known characteristic with no repair yet available.
- Brakes
Brake squeal/grinding at low speeds
- 13 complaints (17%)
- typically at 1.0 yrs old
- filed 2023–2026
Owners describe a loud squeal, screech or metal-on-metal grind when braking, most noticeable at low speeds such as parking lots, drive-thrus and stop-and-go traffic. Some say they first noticed it within the first few thousand miles. According to complaints, dealers resurfaced rotors, replaced pads or greased components, and in several cases told owners the noise came from the brake pad material and that no further repair was available at the time. Some owners report the noise returning after a few months. Often reported within the first several thousand miles to around 30,000 miles, and some describe it becoming louder over time.
What to check: Drive the vehicle slowly with the windows down and listen for squealing or grinding while braking. Ask whether rotors or pads were replaced and whether the noise returned afterward.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The brakes on my 2023 Chevy Trailblazer LT. At slow speeds the brakes sound like they are metal on metal and make horrible noise. I have only had this vehicle for 6 months. I did notify the dealer they said they can grease them and they would do it again. And that the only recall fix was for 2021 and 2022 trailblazer having this issue not the 2023 yet”
NHTSA complaint #11542244, filed 2023-09“The brakes have been making a loud squeeling when I slow down. This has occurred since I bought the vehicle. The dealership has reviewed it multiple times and state they do not know what is causing it or how to fix it. The last time the tech stated there is nothing they can do. Now the brakes aren't performing as well as they did and it is concerning.”
NHTSA complaint #11627033, filed 2024-11 - Electrical system
Radio screen black, CarPlay and camera faults
- 12 complaints (16%)
- median 48,068 mi at 2.9 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2023–2026
Owners describe the infotainment screen going black or freezing, losing radio audio, and Apple CarPlay failing to connect; some say the backup camera image stays on after shifting out of reverse. Complaints mention repeated resets that only work briefly, and dealers who could not duplicate or identify the cause. Some owners report the screen staying on or the vehicle stalling when the display cuts out. Reported across a wide mileage range, from near-new vehicles to around 50,000 miles, with no clear seasonal pattern.
What to check: Test the screen, radio, Bluetooth and backup camera on a test drive, and ask whether any radio reset or software update procedures have already been performed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When I start my car my car play will not connect. When I start my car and put my car in reverse to use the back up camera and then put in drive the back up camera will remain on. The speakers are static sometimes. The screen will not work and it will be slow or shut off completely. I have pulled over and shut off my car and opened my door to shut off screen and it remains on for a couple mins playing music even when I shut it off.”
NHTSA complaint #11510822, filed 2023-03“1/ while at the stop site, the car suddenly stopped and went black. Stereo turn off and screen went black. 2/ sometime I can’t unlock the car from inside. The lock works but not the unlock button. While backing or stopping there is a high noise that seems like I have a bad brake , took it to the dealership and they said the brake is good but they can’t figure out where the noise coming from. I took the car to the dealership 3 times in 1 month since the problem started and they still can not fix it.”
NHTSA complaint #11697409, filed 2025-11 - Electrical system
'Shift to Park' message and key release
- 17 complaints (23%)
- median 44,962 mi at 3.0 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2023–2026
Owners report a 'Shift to Park' warning appearing even though the shifter is in park, sometimes after the vehicle is shut off, with beeping and battery drain; some say the ignition key will not release. Complaints describe cycling the ignition repeatedly until the system recognizes park, and dealers replacing the shifter assembly or switch, sometimes after a back order. In a few cases the vehicle stalled while driving with the message displayed. Mostly reported between about 40,000 and 62,000 miles, though some owners describe it earlier.
What to check: With the engine off, shift into park and confirm the warning clears and the key or ignition releases; ask whether the shifter assembly has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The shift assembly is going bad and causing a Shift to Park error that GM is aware of. They have issued a Technical Service Bulletin about this exact part. The error code will cause the battery to run down leaving me stranded. The dealer has inspected the vehichle and ordered the necessary part to replace it. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others but is available to have an inspection done. …”
NHTSA complaint #11757922, filed 2026-08“While in Park, Ignition Key will not release. Couldn't Drive anywhere without leaving Key in the Ignition. Dealership aware of Issue with TrailBlazers 2021 to 2024. No Warning Lights Appeared. Had to get Repaired. Shift to Park TSB 23-NA-119”
NHTSA complaint #11771944, filed 2026-10 - Engine
Turbo failure with 'Engine Power Reduced'
- 9 complaints (12%)
- median 38,981 mi at 3.2 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2024–2026
Owners report a dashboard message indicating engine power is reduced, sometimes with the check engine light, after which the vehicle cannot accelerate normally and may be limited to low speeds. Complaints describe dealers diagnosing a turbocharger or wastegate actuator fault and replacing parts, with some owners saying the message returned after repair. One owner reported smoke and a fire in the engine bay shortly after turbo and spark plug work. Reported from roughly 23,000 to 60,000 miles, and in one case around 103,000 miles; several occurred during highway driving.
What to check: Ask for service records showing whether the turbocharger or wastegate actuator has been replaced, and scan for stored codes such as P0299 during a pre-purchase inspection.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The turbo went out on the car for absolutely no reason. Message popped up on dash board saying Engine power reduced . I have seen this happen to many many many other card across the country. It does not many how many miles are on the car. some Ive seen 25k and some ive seen at 60k. Shouldn't Chevy be recalling and fixing the part? Seems unfair to me as a consumer. Who has thousands of dollars to get that repaired?”
NHTSA complaint #11669095, filed 2025-06“at around 42,000 miles my Trailblazer displayed a message that engine power had been reduced and the check engine light came on. I took it to my dealer who diagnosed as a problem with the engine turbo fixed it and returned the car to me. I drove for 2 weeks and the same thing happened. I traded it in on an Equinox after the service manager said the turbo was a know issued. I did not want to be driving on the interstate with reduced power. Also I took a financial hit on the trade.”
NHTSA complaint #11683446, filed 2025-08 - Engine
Exhaust mounting bolts rust and break
- 6 complaints (8%)
- median 18,787 mi at 4.0 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- filed 2025–2026
Owners describe the exhaust pipe separating from the catalytic converter because the mounting bolts rusted through, leaving the exhaust dragging or hanging under the vehicle. Complaints say this happened during normal driving, in some cases on vehicles near 96,000 to 97,000 miles, and that a dealer described it as a common issue on this model. Repairs involved cutting out the broken bolt heads and replacing the exhaust section. Reported mostly on higher-mileage vehicles, around 90,000 miles and above, with owners describing corrosion at the joint.
What to check: Have the exhaust inspected underneath at the converter-to-pipe joint for rust and loose or broken bolts, especially on higher-mileage examples.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The bolts holding the exhaust to the catalytic converter broke while I was driving my car. The car could have flipped, the exhaust could have busted through the vehicle, or I could have caused an accident and died. This comes on the heels of the EXACT SAME THING happening to my wife's Chevy Trailblazer with nearly the same mileage as mine. I have 97K miles and she 96K. This is a KNOWN ISSUE to them and it is NOT THE FIRST time this has occurred. …”
NHTSA complaint #11724711, filed 2026-03“While driving to work last Thursday morning suddenly my 2023 Trailblazer let out a sorta growl and then a dragging noise thankfully I was able to get over and stop on the shoulder only to discover that my tail pipe was dragging from just after the catalytic converter as the bolts apparently sheared off leaving only the head of the bolts intact. Lucky for me I there wasn’t major damage. I did however have to get my vehicle towed and have the bolt heads cut off in order to have the exhaust fixed”
NHTSA complaint #11760189, filed 2026-08
Buying note. Check brake noise on a slow test drive, verify the infotainment and camera work, and look for turbo or shifter repair history in the service records. A pre-purchase inspection that includes scanning for stored codes and checking the exhaust mounts is worthwhile on this model year.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 75 consumer complaints for the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer. 16 of the complaints include a mileage, and 63% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 42,481 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 485 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 4 Chevrolet Trailblazer model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 50 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes17 23%
- Electrical system17 23%
- Engine17 23%
- Other or unknown15 20%
- Air bags5 6.7%
- Engine cooling4 5.3%
- Fuel system3 4.0%
Also reported: Lane departure (2), Seat belts (2), Steering (2), Exterior lighting (1), Vehicle speed control (1), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “The breaks on this car squeal and grid awful. The dealership said they put metal brake pads on the car and that it's supposed to grind and make noise and told me there is nothing they can do about it. I know this was an issue with their 2020-2022 Trailblazers. I can't believe that it's normal for a $30,000 dollar car.”
NHTSA complaint #11525687, filed 2023-06Electrical system: “The Onstar module has went out on my car and while researching the issue I found out that it is a very common problem with Chevrolet/GM vehicles years 2021-2025 and although Chevrolet and GM are wwll aware that there's an issue and that the onstar modules are faulty there's been no recall. Mind you the module doesn't just affect onstar features it also is connected to bluetooth microphone and remote start and now none of them work at all.”
NHTSA complaint #11724012, filed 2026-03Engine: “While driving 65-70 MPH cruise control will continuously bog down and act like it is wanting to cut off the whole vehicle. transmission is starting to act like it is slipping to the point where I am going all the way to the steering wheel before it catches again. Vehicle is under 36,000 miles and should not be having transmission issues. Radio has been replaced once before but is now doing the same thing where it is not recognizing my phone, directions given to it by touch on screen, and will even completely turn off while in the middle of driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #11575852, filed 2024-03Other or unknown: “Onstar module that is supposed to working in case of a crash or another emergency stopped working back in November 2024. It also is attached to other operations such as the vehicles microphone. I took it to the dealership Chevrolet said they would pay half of the replacement. My vehicle is not the only one. There is a forum online and other GM vehicles are having the same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11683947, filed 2025-08Mileage when problems were reported
63% of the 16 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 25,000 and 59,050 miles.
Complaints by year filed
This model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trailblazer · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 17.9% risk |
| Trailblazer · SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 18.5% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2023 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking standard.
Neighbouring years: 2022: same overall rating; 2024: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trailblazer AWD | 1.3L 3-cyl | 9-speed automatic | 26 | 30 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Trailblazer FWD | 1.2L 3-cyl | CVT | 29 | 31 | 30 | $2,250 |
| Trailblazer FWD | 1.3L 3-cyl | CVT | 29 | 33 | 31 | $2,150 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 485 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11038592Oct 16, 2026Other or unknown. PI created to guide technicians through radio restriction process
- 11038460Oct 7, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates an issue with the SES MIL and DTC P062B and engineering is currently investigating.
- 11038136Sep 28, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information is for technicians that may see DTCs that are history and should not perform any part replacements. They should follow the notes mentioned prior to anything being…
- 11038132Sep 28, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates to dealers a procedure to reset the radio.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11037252Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information provides the dealer information of the location of the rear seat child anchors.
- 11036693Aug 28, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information provides a diagnostic tip for diagnosing an issue with Cruise Control, Adaptive Cruise and Lane Keep Assist Turns Off or Inoperative.
- 11036392Aug 20, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates to dealer to perform a MEC reset for wireless projection issues
- 11035696Jul 31, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates to the techicians a diagnostic tip if a customer has a complaint of a whistle/wind noise at highway speeds.
Other model years of the Chevrolet Trailblazer
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 12 | 12,000 | 1 | 5 | 31 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 26 | 18,750 | 1 | 5 | 31 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 36 | 10,000 | 1 | 5 | 31 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 75 | 42,481 | 0 | 5 | 31 | 50 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 112 | 37,750 | 1 | 5 | 31 | 69 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 198 | 20,000 | 4 | 4–5 | 31 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2009 | 27 | 83,000 | 0 | — | 16 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2008 | 193 | 73,000 | 0 | — | 16 | 49 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 732 | 71,100 | 5 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 1,108 | 68,000 | 8 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 1,466 | 70,000 | 2 | — | 15 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 1,081 | 67,075 | 2 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 901 | 75,000 | 8 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 1,149 | 65,000 | 12 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 20 | 76,531 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2000 | 26 | 70,500 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Chevrolet Trailblazer model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer?
Owners of the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer most often describe brake noise (squealing or grinding at low speeds), infotainment and electrical glitches such as a black screen or lost Apple CarPlay, and reduced-engine-power events traced to the turbocharger. The issues reported most often: Brake squeal/grinding at low speeds; Radio screen black, CarPlay and camera faults; 'Shift to Park' message and key release.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer have?
NHTSA recorded 75 consumer complaints for the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 17 complaints (23% of the total), followed by electrical system with 17.
Has the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer 5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer get?
The EPA rates the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer (Trailblazer FWD, 1.3L 3-cyl) at 31 mpg combined, 29 city and 33 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,150 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer reported?
Among the 16 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 42,481 miles and the middle half falls between 25,000 and 59,050 miles; 63% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.