The Blazer is one name that Chevrolet resurrected with a brand new midsize SUV back in 2019 after leaving it in hibernation for almost 15 years. Bringing up an SUV from the ground is no easy task, and being relatively new, the Chevrolet Blazer has its own list of setbacks. The 2021 Chevy Blazer recalls total to just one and 27 user complaints under its name with the NHTSA are not much for a SUV of its class. Even it's five-star safety rating is pretty good. Most of the 2021 Chevy Blazer problems are mostly related to engine, electrical system, and service brakes.
The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer received an overall score of 85/100 in the J.D. Power Consumer Rating which is very good. With a reliability score of 85/100 as well, the 2021 Chevy Blazer reliability quotient is much appreciated in the longer run. The starting price for the Chevrolet Blazer this year is around $28,800, and the main competitors it goes against are the immensely popular Toyota RAV4, the Ford Escape, and the Hyundai Santa Fe.
2021 Chevrolet Blazer Issues and User Complaints
Mechanical Complaints
- Engine- Owners reported the Chevrolet Blazer shutting off while on the move while flashing the low fuel warning message. The vehicle did start after a couple of tries but it was diagnosed with a faulty fuel pump. Random stalls and jerky acceleration are also precursors to this issue as stated by owners.
- Service brakes- Brake issues are pretty widespread on the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer. Owners complain about the loss of brake feel coupled with grinding/ squealing noises on the application of brakes. Dealers are aware of these issues and replacement of brake pads/rotors is said to be the only fix. Owners are left waiting given the huge backorder on spares. The average mileage on vehicles spotted with this failure is approximately 1,000-miles.
Electric System complaints
- Infotainment- Not an issue officially recognized, but multiple owners have been complaining about Apple Carplay connectivity issues on the Chevrolet Blazer. Some steering functions and the volume control are not said to work properly when paired with an iPhone. Though Chevy is aware of this issue, no software updates have been released.
- Instrument cluster- The central circular digital display on the instrument panel is said to go blank on the Chevrolet Blazer while driving as per the NHTSA. Several drivers have pointed out this issue and an update of firmware that runs the instrument console display is said to be the only remedy to fix this issue.
- Parking Brake- The electronic parking brake on the Chevrolet Blazer is said to malfunction intermittently. Some owners complain about seeing the brakes not engaged when they get back in their SUV. While others complain about the system engaging unnecessarily when the vehicle is brought to a halt. When informed to the dealer, the owners were told that it was how the system is intended to work.
- Sound notifications- The radio and oter sound notifications such as turn signals, emergency flashers, crash avoidance, cross traffic, lane departure, and the use of the emergency OnStar system do not work. However, GM does not associate it as a safety hazard.
2021 Chevrolet Blazer Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
23rd December 2020 |
20V811000 |
Incorrect bolt used to attach seat belt. |
Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle, which may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. |
Dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began after February 6, 2021. |
Should you buy a used Chevrolet Blazer?
The Chevrolet Blazer is a great option for those looking for a decently sized, good-looking, and well-equipped city-going mid-size SUV. Being a completely new product, the initial batches are expected to come with slight niggles like any other brand-new ground-up vehicle. That said, Chevrolet has been quick on its toes and has been keeping things in check with every succeeding model year.
Even though the 2021 model year has seen a slight spike in complaints from last year, we have to acknowledge that this number is a significant drop compared to what it held with the 2019 model year. Also, there are zero investigations against the 2021 Blazer. Given this decent track record, we would not shy away from recommending a Chevrolet Blazer from 2021 as a decent used car, more so if it has a clean record backing it up.
So, which Chevy Blazer years to avoid?
Considering the J.D. Power Consumer Ratings, number of recalls, complaints, and investigations of the model years 2019–2024 Chevrolet Blazer, we would recommend avoiding the 2019 and 2020 model years. However, none of the model years are strictly a no from us, owing to their fewer recalls, complaints, and consumer ratings.
