There are 34 owner-reported powertrain & transmission complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazerin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
My transmission is defective and past 60,000 miles but only a little. I had a diagnosis and it needs replacing like many of these trailblazers in the ongoing lawsuit. I cannot pay for it and it should not be broken!
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while attempting to park, the vehicle failed to shift into park properly, and the message “Vehicle Not in Park” was displayed. The contact stated that several attempts were needed before the transmission was able to be shifted into park. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the shifter gear assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that after reversing, the transmission was shifted to drive (D), but the vehicle failed to immediately recognize the selected gear. The check engine warning later illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the under boost, transmission control module, and transmission control solenoid had failed, and there was a loss of communication with the radio and loss of communication with the telematic control module. The mechanic advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While the contact's wife was attempting to park the vehicle, the shift to park warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact was informed of an undisclosed recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
My vehicle displayed a Shift to Park message even though I was already in Park. I could not turn off the engine, I could not lock my car. I had to go back into Drive and then Park mode and wiggle the shifter multiple times to get it to recognize Park and turn off the car. This is now happening almost every time I drive the car. I did an internet search to see how to rectify the problem only to find that this exact issue has plagued GM vehicles for a decade and they still have not chosen to rectify the faulty part. There have been multiple recalls and class action lawsuits for the SHIFT TO PARK fault but not for my vehicle year YET! There are many Trailblazer owners who are experiencing this exact issue (on online forums) and GM so far is refusing to take responsibility and issue a recall to fix the issue for owners and also to stop using this faulty system in their cars. I have reached out to GM about this multiple times the past few weeks and requested they pay for diagnostic and fix the problem because it is a common and known problem with GM vehicles but they want me to pay for it myself and the repair and then they may decide to help out - unacceptable in my opinion. To be honest there needs to be a recall NOW and GM needs to be forced to change the components in all new models to stop this happening in future models going forward. This problem can cause the car battery to drain, it can cause the vehicle to roll away if it’s not recognizing it’s in Park. Thankfully that hasn’t happened to me but others have had this happen. Not being able to shut the engine off or lock my car is a problem. This is a safety issue that needs addressing. I have lots of messages and communication from General Motors which I have attempted to attach the screenshots with the photo below but get an error message on the upload page.
I am unsure which component maybe failing, Vehicle has not been in altered in any way ,inspected yet, nor has any warning indicators. This 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer uses a traditional key for ignition. On several occasions now, the key is becoming lodged/stuck in the ignition when attempting to shut down or turn off the engine and remove the key. Have made sure foot is on the brake, front steering tires are straight, Shifter is properly engaged in the park position, and even jiggled the key tumbler assembly. Have had to leave the stuck key in the ignition while grocery shopping, until returning home to ask my fiance for his help and assistance. When this problem happens it is not only an inconvenience, but leaving a key in the ignition to an unattended car, obviously is not good, and leaves opportunity for many not good possibilites to occur.
My 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer has a defect in the gear shifter system that intermittently fails to recognize when the vehicle has been shifted into “Park.” When this occurs, the vehicle displays a persistent “Shift to Park” warning message and prevents the engine from being turned off or the vehicle from being locked. This malfunction creates a safety and consumer concern, as I am unable to exit and secure the vehicle and am forced to remain inside or leave the vehicle running and unattended. The issue interferes with normal vehicle operation and poses potential safety risks, particularly in situations where I need to quickly power down, exit, or secure the vehicle. After a quick internet search, this issue appears to be affecting multiple others with the same vehicle (2021-2023). A prior lawsuit against GM also resulted in a settlement and recall for older model Trailblazers, but unfortunately did not include the newer models that are experiencing the same known issue. • Gear shifter system is malfunctioned, specific reason and/or part is unknown. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. • Safety risks noted above. • Problem has been confirmed over the phone and via text by local Chevrolet dealership. Only solution offered was to pay over $650+ for a fix that is not guaranteed to fully resolve the error. • Vehicle or component has not been physically inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance reps, or others. • No warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms occurred prior.
The vehicle keeps vibrating binding lurching jumping when driving going in reverse and turning the car in a circle I took it in they replaces they rear end and transfer case on it there was a lot of metal shavings in both no clue or explanation why got the vehicle back over a month later to the same problems as before took it back in they went for a test drive with us and verified its still happening and that day they shrugged shoulders they dont know why or what's happing they supposedly got ahold of trailblazer and they said this is normal for these vehicles and safe to drive .the vehicle dont sound or feel very safe at all I am reaching out for help with this the vehicle does this every time you drive it
wont go into park
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the contact noticed that the gear shifter was inoperable, and the vehicle would not shift into gear properly. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the gear shifter had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
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.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated while parking the vehicle, the gear shifter was shifted into park, however the shift to park warning light illuminated. In addition, the vehicle failed to turn off. The contact made several attempts to shift to park, and the gear shifter failed to function as intended. The contact stated that after several attempts, the shift to park warning light turned off and the contact was able to park and turn off the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was scheduled for a diagnostic testing within the next several days. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.
Engine power reduced came on after I was driving from a patient’s home. My car started driving very rough. I had to pull over because I was in danger of being hit from behind. I took my car to a mechanic and was diagnosed with the code DTC P2714. I looked online and there are a lot of people having this issue and being put in dangerous situations when we drive. Chevy knows about the issue and has not issued any recalls. Unfortunately for me my vehicle is past the limited warranty so now I have to save up money to get my transmission serviced. I’m never buying American again. I could’ve been really hurt when my engine cut off.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while attempting to remove the key from the ignition, the key remained stuck in the ignition cylinder. The contact had to turn off and restart the vehicle several times to be able to remove the key. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who sprayed the ignition cylinder to clean the cylinder; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was returned to the dealer who diagnosed that the shift lock mechanism failed to recognize that the vehicle was in park(P). The shifter assembly was replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
This vehicle has approximately 35,000 miles of driving time on the odometer. This car will not recognize that the shift lever has been place into the Park position. Doors will not lock when the car is turned off. If trying to seek refuge from an assailant, the car will only alarm but will not lock the doors for safety. Also, while storing items in the vehicle while at a metropolitan hospital (where I work) or a metropolitan grocery/fuel station, the vehicle will only alarm but will not lock under any circumstance. The car is responding as if the car is still in a movement gear position and will not recognize the shift position of Park. I have heard of many similar documented cases regarding this particular shift issue in relation to the 2021 Chevrolet Trail Blazer yet there has been no related recall related to this ever more prevalent repair need. some reports (not ours...) report the automobile transmission converting to park while in movement and while in a selected movement shift position. I do not want this to happen to me. My car (VIN # [XXX] ) is at the dealership for repair. The dealership informs us that the needed part(s) are currently under manufacture at a supplier and that there is no estimated date for the part(s) arrival or date to complete this repair. The car cannot be driven safely in a metropolitan area because in cannot be locked with the ignition off and the car just continues to alarm if walked away from. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trail Blazer. The contact stated that after shifting to the park position the message "Shift to Park" was erroneously displayed and the vehicle would not shut off. The contact had to shift multiple times before the transmission switched to the park position and the engine was able to be shut off. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the shifter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and confirmed that the part was on backorder. The failure mileage was 16,600.
Receiving "Shift to Park" alert when vehicle is already in Park.
When attempting to park the car I am able to shift into park, however, I get a message on the dashboard to “shift to park”. Dashboard also shows a “p” to reflect car is in park creating a contradiction on the dashboard of displayed items. When this occurs the car will not shut off. Dealer service has indicated this is not producing an error code, they have had many complaints, and the issue is not covered by power train warranty and part is back ordered. I am very concerned about the safety of my vehicle given the indicated failures of the shifting mechanism and Chevrolets inability to remedy the issue due to unavailable parts.
On [XXX] I shifted my 2021 Chevy Trailblazer to park and and was unable to shut off the vehicle. When I shifted it to park it kept displaying an error "Shift to Park" on the dashboard, but the shifter knob was correctly in park. I attempted to press the power button to turn off the car and it wouldnt do anything but beep. I tried multiple times to shift to park to get the car to recognize it was actually in park and turn off the vehicle but I was unable to do so. I was frantic and panicked to find I could not turn off my vehicle as I park on a apartment complex lot. That day I took the car to Henna Chevrolet in Austin Tx for repair. They said the part was on backorder from GM with no ETA. It is now November 1st and there is still no ETA on when I will get the part for my car from GM. This has been going on for 3 weeks now with no end. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - The shift lever/gear control malfunctions when trying to put the vehicle in park. The vehicle once the lever is in park on the dashboard it will say !Place vehicle in park. When it is in park you can't open the doors or turn off the vehicle. You can try to jiggle the shift lever but it doesn't move out of park. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - Unable to get out of the vehicle, the system locks the doors. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - It has occurred at the beginning of the year. No it hasn't been confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - Once you put the shift lever in park and try to turn off the car the warning lamp comes on and says Place in park. But the shift lever is in park. You are unable to move the shift lever. I don't know the exact date it first started happening but I believe it was at the beginning of the year.
Showing 1–20 of 34 complaints
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 25, 2026