2021 CHEVROLET BLAZER Engine Problems

This submission is an additional report related to NHTSA complaint #11714381. At approximately 55,000 miles, my 2021 Chevrolet Blazer experienced a sudden throttle body failure while driving. The vehicle entered reduced engine power/limp mode without warning and acceleration was significantly limited. This created a safety concern while driving in traffic, particularly when merging and crossing intersections. Diagnostic code P2101 (Throttle Actuator Position Performance) was present. A Chevrolet dealer confirmed an internal throttle body failure and replaced the throttle body assembly. Although the repair was completed, this failure occurred at relatively low mileage for a critical engine control component. A sudden loss of acceleration can pose a safety risk depending on traffic conditions. Since filing my original complaint, I have identified multiple similar reports online and in owner forums describing premature throttle body failures in GM vehicles with similar symptoms (reduced power/limp mode and limited acceleration). This suggests the possibility of...

The 2021 GMC Blazer (and related Chevy Blazer models) is experiencing recurring radiator failures, often requiring multiple replacements within short timeframes. The radiator was replaced in March 2024 and in early 2025 I went for an oil change and complained of smelling coolant and asked if it could be checked and was told nothing was wrong. I was told again in November 2025 that it has a leak and went to have an oil change in February 7, 2026 and was reminded that the coolant was low and the radiator needs replacing when I was first told I did not believe it to be true as it has been replaced before and I asked that it be checked and was told nothing was wrong.

Around 55,000 miles, my 2021 Chevrolet Blazer experienced a throttle body failure. The check engine light illuminated and the vehicle entered a reduced power/limp mode condition. Throttle response was significantly limited, and the vehicle could not accelerate normally. While the vehicle remained drivable, it took substantially longer to reach speed, which could pose a safety risk when merging into traffic or crossing intersections. Diagnostic trouble code P2101 (Throttle Actuator Position Performance) was present. A Chevrolet dealer confirmed an internal throttle body failure and replaced the throttle body assembly. This component is a critical engine control system, and failure could affect acceleration and vehicle control, posing a potential safety risk. The failure occurred well before expected service life and required a costly repair. The component has been replaced and is available for inspection upon request. I believe this may represent a premature defect and should be investigated for similar failures in...

Radiator failure caused power steering assist to not function properly and insufficient vehicle heat function. Engine electric fan would run continuously after vehicle shutdown.

For about a week and a half my car had made a high pitched wheezing/hubbing sound when started cold. This occurred at all temperatures cold and warm. Yesterday December 13th I went to run some errands and about a mile into my drive my 2021 3lt 3.6 V6 Chevrolet Blazer lost the ability to power itself. There was no electrical problem however the power train lost power all gears drive and reverse. I was able to get off the roadway without incident. I scan my check engine light and had several check engine lights including a P 0796.

My 2021 Chevrolet Blazer experienced a radiator failure at approximately 42,000 miles. The radiator and cooling system malfunctioned, causing coolant loss and triggering a warning light on the instrument panel. The failed radiator is available for inspection upon request. This defect put my safety and the safety of others at risk because a compromised radiator can lead to engine overheating, sudden loss of power, or even steering assist reduction while driving. These conditions increase the likelihood of an accident, particularly at highway speeds. The problem was confirmed by my Chevrolet dealer, who diagnosed the radiator as needing replacement. They initially quoted $1,800, later reducing the cost to $915.90 after acknowledging that approximately 20 customers per month at their dealership alone are experiencing the same issue. This indicates the defect is widespread, at least regionally, and may be systemic across the model. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealer service...

In September 2023, when getting my vehicle serviced for a routine oil change, I was told there was a leak in my radiator. They replaced the entire thing under warranty. On November 15th, 2025, while driving on the highway heading home from out of town with my children, an error flashed up saying “steering assist is reduced – drive with care” Upon arriving home, the fan on my car was running on high for a solid 10 minutes after turning the car off. No recall but Special Coverage N252508350 covers the thermostat replacement. Upon inspection by a mechanic, I was informed that the radiator is also leaking again in the exact same spot as it was previously. It should be noted I have never seen leaking fluid in my garage/driveway. I’ve driven less than 10,000 miles since the radiator was replaced previously. If there is a known problem with the...

Car was running fine yesterday, today does not want to start. Thought it was the battery, bought anew battery. Still wouldn't start. Rest of cat is getting great power. Code reader is reading its a fuel pump control moduler which just so happens to be in an open recall for my exact year of vehicle yet my vin number does not pop up on the GMC website under active recall. I have a 2021 chevy blazer .

Action Required "Steering Assist Warning" drive with caution, Temp gage reads cold, A/C stops working, engine cooling fan runs on high speed (even after the engine is shut off), pending P2018 code, with no Check Engine Light (CEL). Replaced Engine coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor, problem did not go away. Several reviews suggest to replace the thermostat, check fuses for proper insertion, reroute ECT wiring, and possibly replace radiator. Most of these repairs can be very expensive. Chevy Blazer Forum states that the issue is a out of range detection of ECT sensor reading. GM needs to determine a true solution and stop guessing at owner expense/frustration.

Radiator leak, leaking antifreeze

Was informed at today's oil change that my radiator is leaking and it's something that they are seeing a bunch.

At routine oil change dealer noticed radiator was leaking. 60,840 miles Took it to an independent repair shop who confirmed radiator needed to be replaced. Has also seen same on other 2021 Blazers. No visible signs of leaking (fluid on garage floor) or warning indicators. No recall issued on this, however, seems to be a common problem on 2021 Blazer based on Chevy forums. Due to safety issues, vehicle is currently in shop for the needed replacement repair.

The first incident started on 08/16/2024, 2 days after buying the vehicle used from Dealership. I started getting notifications stating "Service-Front Camera not available" and sure enough, I no longer had a front camera, which then means I no longer have front collision alerts. Then I started getting the random notifications to drive carefully because drivers assistance has been reduced, and now my vehicle's fan will randomly run for up to 30 minutes after it has been shut off and even after a less than 2 mile drive to gas station and back home, it does this. Last item is the vehicle pulls to the right, and I have not hit anything nor has it ever been in an accident prior to my purchase, and my brakes squeal horribly, which shouldn't be happening condidering I haven't even driven the vehicle 5,000 miles in the year since I bought it !

I am reporting a serious safety concern involving my 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, which experienced brake failure while driving, without any warning lights or diagnostic alerts from the vehicle’s onboard system. This created a highly dangerous situation for myself and others on the road. Prior to this incident, I brought the vehicle to the dealership after consistently hearing squealing or screeching noises when braking. The issue was dismissed and attributed to a change in federal regulations limiting the use of copper in brake pads—without any further inspection. This resulted in a missed opportunity to diagnose what appears to be a deeper mechanical failure. After the brake failure, service technicians discovered that the vacuum pump had failed, which impacted braking performance and also caused engine damage. While I’ve since learned that GM has acknowledged vacuum pump failures in several vehicles manufactured between 2014–2018 (via formal recalls), the 2021 Chevy Blazer is not...

On the way to work my car said “driver assist is stopping drive with care” about 2-3 times. Upon getting out of my car it sounded like my car was still running. I turned it off and on a few times and it still sounded that way. I had to go inside or I would be late so about 20 minutes later I was able to come back and check on it and the noise stopped. It was coming from the hood. Upon googling I figured it was something to do with a faulty temperature gauge which correlated with the signal from the car as well as the sounds. It seemed like this is a very common occurrence for these cars. I called the dealership and they said they fix these everyday and the man knew exactly what was wrong before I could even finish describing it. Unfortunately I don’t...

"Driver Assisted Reduced Use Drive With Care Message" comes on when it is over 70 degrees outside. The temperature gage reads zero, A/C does not work, when the car is turned off the fan runs on high for an extended period of time. Showing code P0128 Used car purchase, came on 3 days after receiving vehicle from the dealership. Reset the code came on again 2.5 weeks later (5/3/2025) when the outside temperature was in the 70's

The steering assist stopped working. The defrost stopped working because the ac stopped working. The temp gauge stopped working. Error code P0128. I have since found out all this is caused by a faulty temp sensor.

Took 2021 Chevy Blazer to a Chevy dealer for small leak. 25000 miles and dealer said I have a leak in the radiator and needs to be replaced. If I didn't notice the small leak the engine could overheat, and possibly start a fire.

This is re: dash warning that came on saying "Action Required, Steering Assist is Reduced, Drive with Care" on 2021 Chevy Blazer, 28.800 miles. First happened 1/15/25 & each time car is started it is on now, plus the Check Engine light is on now. The fan of the motor runs for 5-10 minutes once car is shut off also. I have read of the power steering locking totally up on other Blazers that this has happened on, making this a very big danger and risky. I am not sure if it is power steering, electrical, or engine issue, but believe with so many reports out there and it causing a danger to people driving, GM/Chevrolet should put a recall on this and look at these before people are killed (if not already due to this). I am taking mine to Chevy dealer to have it looked at, but many...

On [XXX], I was driving my Blazer up to our local Museum to grab some information. The Museum is about a mile and a half from my house. When I had left my house, the car was driving like normal. I pulled into a parking spot at the Museum, and I went to shut the vehicle off, and I thought maybe the check engine light had come on but wasn't completely paying attention to the dash. About 10 minutes later I went to restart the vehicle to leave and I noticed the check engine light on. Since the vehicle seemed to be driving okay I thought I could make it home and check the car's computer to see what the issue was. As I was leaving the parking lot I stopped at the end of the parking lot to look before pulling out onto the road and the Blazer said...

The Radiator has a crack in the upper left front of the core causing the fluid to leak and lose pressure causing the engine to overheat. This is a manufacture defect that has not been addressed as of 10/16/2024. The leak was discovered by a certified GM mechanic at a dealership when doing routine maintenance and inspection. The vehicle has never had any indication or advisory light that would alert the operator. As the engine overheats it can cause many of the other components of the vehicle to disable, including but not limited to the ADAS systems as well as power steering and/or collision safety components. This is a manufactures defect with the aluminum radiator that needs to be addressed immediately. Given the information from multiple GM dealerships the amount of newer low mileage Blazers that have been confronted with this problem is unprecedented. This not only creates a danger...

Leaking coolant from bad radiator “just out of warranty”. Roughly $2000 repair estimate

I have a 2021 Chevy Blazer which has had to have two radiators replaced with less than 50,000 miles on the vehicle. The first time was in March of 2023. I took my vehicle in for an oil change and the technician told me the radiator was cracked and all of the coolant was drained from the vehicle. It must have just run out because I regularly check my fluids and the vehicle was not overheating prior to the appointment. The vehicle had about 32k miles on it, so the radiator was covered under warranty. Now in April of 2024 with 49k miles, I take my vehicle in for another oil change and the radiator is cracked, again, with coolant leaking. The technician told me two things that are concerning about this. 1.) This is a known issue on the Blazers that they’ve done multiple repairs on. 2.) There is...

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was unable to use the electrical features in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the purge pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 36,000.

Receiving 3 different errors on dash display. 1) Action Required- No Remote Detected 2) Action Required- No Remote Detected Press Brake to Restart 3) No Remote Key Wa Detected Place Key In Transmitter Pocket Then Start Your Vehicle. All of these errors are intermittent and have appeared with using 2 different Remotes. Batteries have been replaced also. This in itself is not so much a safety hazard (annoying), but what is intermittently happening is the car shuts down while in drive and in reverse. So far it has not shut down on the freeway but has shut down while on City streets. We have taken it to 2 different GM Dealers a total of 7 times in the last 3 months(currently at the dealer now). Each time the dealer is saying they cannot duplicate the errors. We get it back and within 1 (usually the same day)day it is right...

My car caught on fire for no apparent reason. Front of car totally destroyed.

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH and attempting to make a left turn, the vehicle stalled. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal aggressively several times to get the vehicle to start moving again. The failure reoccurred while the contact’s daughter was driving and attempting to make a left turn at a green light when the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the failure persisted while driving and attempting to turn to the left. The failure occurred intermittently. The contact stated that only the rear tires would move. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who was unable to find the cause of the failure. The dealer was not able to duplicate the failure. The failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 28,000.

I went out to start my car and the light said that it was not reading the key fob because of low battery. I went and got the other key fob which had never been used and had the same result. The car was towed by Chevrolet to the dealer and it has been there for over 3 weeks. They found that it wasn't a faulty key fob but it was the receiver that gets the signal and allows the door locks to open and the engine to start. I tried moving the shift lever, stepping on the brakes, trying the remote start on the key fob and nothing would start the car nor would it lock/unlock the doors. It just kept giving me the notice that it couldn't read the key fob. I called ONSTAR and tried the actions they told me but that did not work either and...

I had just purchased my vehicle around December 9 2021. On around Decmeber 16, 2021 around 8 am I was driving on the highway 65 miles an hour. & the vehicle came to a complete stop. It kepts saying my fuel tank was empty. I quickly turned off the vehicle & tried turning it on & it did. I dropped it off at the dealership & it came back it was fuel pump. It was supposibly fixed. Comes January 26 vehicle did the same thing gettinf out of work. I got the vehicle back February 17. & today February 19, 2022 the truck did the same thing.