Chevrolet Trailblazers: Is Yours a Lemon?

Crossovers are among the most popular vehicles in the US. The storage, seating, and relatively compact size make them an excellent compromise between SUVs and sedans. That’s why Chevrolet rereleased its Trailblazer line in 2020 after ten years without a new model. 

The Trailblazer is intended to be Chevy’s convenient crossover option for people who need the utility of an SUV without the size. However, the model hasn’t been wowing the market so far, with sales lagging behind other brands’ similar offerings. Worse, Trailblazers have faced multiple recalls and repeated reports of manufacturing defects that make the vehicles dangerous or difficult to use. If you bought a Trailblazer, you might be stuck with a defective car: a lemon. 

If you’re concerned that your Chevy Trailblazer may be defective, the experts at Johnson & Buxton – The Lemon Law Guys are available to help. We have experience on both sides of lemon law claims, so we have the knowledge and skills to help you stand up to big manufacturers like General Motors and Chevy. If your Trailblazer spends more time in the shop than blazing trails, call us at 866-761-2317 to get your free consultation.

History of Chevy Trailblazer Recalls

While the Trailblazer was out of production for years, it has already faced multiple recalls since being rereleased. These recalls range from dangerous missing safety information and faulty emergency equipment to brake failures and structural problems. Below are the most critical recalls facing these cars:

Recalls for 2022 Trailblazers

2022 Trailblazers have barely been available for a year and have already been subject to a recall for faulty emergency equipment. Trailblazers come equipped with emergency jacks to lift the vehicle in case of a flat tire. These jacks must be durable enough to lift the car without putting the driver at risk.

Unfortunately, the jacks in affected cars do not stand up to use. If they are not positioned exactly as stated in the user manual, they may fracture while in use, potentially causing damage to the car and injuries to the driver if the tire change is in progress. As the user manual instructions may not be followable in certain conditions and mistakes are inevitable, these jack failures are considered worthy of a recall, affecting 135,400 vehicles, 2021 and 2022 Trailblazers included. 

Recalls for 2021 Trailblazers

2021 Trailblazers were the first year model released since 2008. As the first examples of essentially a brand new line, they have already demonstrated several manufacturing issues that put drivers in danger, leading to recalls such as:

• Contaminated Brake System Sensors (3,677 cars affected): The electronic brake boost system provides extra stopping power when using the brake pedal. The affected vehicles have contaminated sensors that may prevent this system from kicking in, requiring drivers to apply significant pressure to the pedal to stop the car, reducing their ability to stop quickly in an emergency. As a result, affected vehicles are more likely to cause crashes. 
• Loose Front Seats (105 cars affected): Affected vehicles may have been manufactured without critical attachment bolts securing one or both front seats. These bolts are responsible for securing the seats to the car’s frame to keep them stable in the event of an accident. Without them, the seat may move during crashes, putting occupants at significantly higher risk of injuries. 
• Unlabeled Tires (20 cars affected): Vehicles with 17-inch sport terrain tires equipped from the factory are being recalled for failure to label the vehicle with the necessary safety information. Failing to provide details such as cold tire pressure and tire size may cause safety and performance issues should consumers over- or under-inflate their tires. 

Most Common Complaints About Chevrolet Trailblazers

Problems can still affect the use or safety of your car, even if they haven’t yet led to recalls. Common 2021 and 2022 Trailblazer problems include issues such as:

• Brake problems: Owners report issues with the ABS and stability control systems failing and squeaking and squealing brakes even when the brake pads and calipers are brand new. 
• Engine issues: Multiple drivers report a “smell of gasoline” from the engine, implying a severe fuel leak. Several owners even report engine fires developing from these fuel leaks. 
• Electrical glitches: Some Trailblazers experience serious electronic failures, with all electrical console elements going dark, electric locks refusing to open or close, and even electrical fires. 
• Transmission defects: Drivers report faulty transmissions that cause the cars to accelerate for no reason. Owners state that the engine will suddenly rev to more than 4000 RPM, whether on the highway or in a parking lot trying to park, leading to accidents and crashes. 

What Makes a Chevy Trailblazer a Lemon

If any of the problems or recalls above sound familiar, you’re probably wondering, “Is my Chevy a lemon?” Under California law, it may be. California lemon laws define defective vehicles by the following criteria:

• The cars are under warranty
• They demonstrated manufacturing defects that affect their safety, utility, or value within 18 months or 18,000 miles of purchase or lease
• The manufacturer failed to fix dangerous problems within two attempts or functional problems within four attempts

A car that has been in the shop for more than 30 days for manufacturing defects while under warranty may also be considered a lemon. You can learn more about whether your Trailblazer is a lemon by exploring our guide on whether you qualify. 

Contact Our Ventura Lemon Law Attorneys About Your Car

Trailblazers appear to have many dangerous problems that have not yet led to recalls. If you own a Chevy Trailblazer that just doesn’t work or puts you in dangerous situations, you may have grounds to file a lemon claim against General Motors and Chevrolet. California lemon law claims allow you to pursue full compensation for the cost of your vehicle and the repairs you’ve made.

If you think your Chevy Trailblazer is a lemon, call Johnson & Buxton – The Lemon Law Guys today. We will listen to your story and help you decide the best path forward. Get your free lawyer consultation by calling 805-870-8732 or reaching out through this online form.