Chevrolet Blazer harsh shifting problems

Filed Sep 30, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · MI

I am reporting a severe powertrain safety hazard involving my 2022 Chevrolet Blazer at approximately 69,000 miles. The vehicle's 9-speed transmission is experiencing a critical internal hydraulic failure that causes unpredictable and violent lurching. Specifically, there is a severe delayed engagement when shifting into Reverse. The engine revs without moving until the hydraulic pressure suddenly spikes, causing the vehicle to violently slam backwards and catch the gear. Furthermore, the transmission exhibits harsh and slipping shifts while driving forward, specifically violently jerking during the 2nd-to-3rd gear upshift. ​These exact symptoms align with widely documented hydraulic control and valve body defects in the GM 9T50/9T65 transmissions, which are known to cause harsh shifts, delayed engagement, and flaring between gears. Concurrent with these transmission failures, the ABS warning light illuminated. An independent shop misdiagnosed the severe drivability issue as a standard ABS fault, while a local Chevrolet dealership denied Goodwill assistance despite this being a premature internal transmission failure. ​This creates a severe safety hazard. The unpredictable lurching in Reverse endangers pedestrians and other vehicles in parking lots. Additionally, the violent shifting at speed creates a high risk of sudden internal component failure and a complete loss of propulsion while driving in active traffic.

Filed Jul 12, 2026 · Brakes, Transmission · MI

Last year I was heading to heading to [XXX] in XXX when I pushed on the brakes on my 2020 Chevy blazer my brakes were working but the steering wheel was shaking weird like I was hard on the brakes but I was tapping them slowly earlier this year right before I had transmission flush at fox Chevy in Caledonia I noticed before two weeks of bringing it in I was near a traffic light slowing down it went hard shift down and when I was not moving in notice it jerked forward when at idle and the light like it was rear ended I feel like this is a safety concern of that happening after the transmission flush for two months after doing the acceleration is slipping I feel like there should be a recall for torque and transmission recalls for the 2020 Chevy blazers I really love this blazer owned for 4 years now I feel like it would be a safety for the public and nationwide INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 17, 2026 · Transmission · AL

I am submitting this complaint regarding the transmission in my 2020 Chevrolet Blazer. My vehicle has fewer than 100,000 miles and has experienced significant transmission failure symptoms, including hard shifting, jerking during acceleration, RPM fluctuations, slipping, loss of normal power, and inability to safely reach highway speeds. The vehicle struggles to accelerate properly and at times will not shift correctly into higher gears. Diagnostic trouble codes related to transmission operation have been present, including pressure control solenoid and transmission control faults. Repairs have already been attempted, including replacement of transmission-related components, but the transmission continues to malfunction. Through online owner groups, forums, and discussions with other Chevrolet Blazer owners, I have found numerous reports from owners experiencing similar transmission problems in 2019-2022 Chevrolet Blazers. Many owners report transmission slipping, harsh shifting, torque converter issues, valve body failures, pressure control solenoid failures, and complete transmission replacement at relatively low mileage. These failures create a serious safety concern because the vehicle may hesitate, lose power, fail to accelerate properly when entering traffic, or be unable to maintain safe highway speeds. Drivers and passengers are placed at risk when a vehicle cannot respond normally during merging, passing, or other traffic situations. Owners are frequently being quoted between $7,000 and $12,000 for transmission replacement or repair despite the vehicles being relatively new and often having less than 100,000 miles. Many consumers believe these failures indicate a widespread defect rather than normal wear and tear. I request that the federal safety agency investigate transmission failures in the 2020 Chevrolet Blazer and related model years to determine whether a manufacturing or design defect exists and whether a recall or other corrective action is warranted.

Filed May 1, 2026 · Fuel system · FL

I am reaching out regarding an ongoing issue with my 2021 Chevrolet Blazer. The vehicle is experiencing a noticeable stutter or hesitation when shifting between second and third gear. In addition, there are instances where the vehicle accelerates unexpectedly or more aggressively than intended. This behavior is particularly concerning, as it presents a potential safety issue during normal driving conditions. These concerns have become increasingly noticeable, and I am concerned they may indicate a transmission or related mechanical problem that requires prompt inspection and resolution. Please advise if there are any known service bulletins, recalls, or warranty coverage related to these issues. For reference, the vehicle has been properly maintained and this behavior is not consistent with normal operation. Given that this is now the third major issue I’ve experienced with this vehicle, I am hoping this matter can be addressed without additional out-of-pocket expense. After additional research, I have learned that other owners have experienced the same issue. Others have stated the following: 1. Hesitation, stuttering, or jerking between gears Owners of 2020–2021 Blazers report hesitation and jerking during acceleration, sometimes described as gears “shifting in and out rapidly.” Forum users mention sluggish shifting or slipping feelings, especially at certain speeds. Others report hard or delayed shifts at low speeds (like 15–25 mph). 2. Shuddering / vibration (often tied to torque converter) There are repeated mentions of “shudder,” “surge,” or vibration during acceleration. Some cases were linked to: Contaminated transmission fluid Torque converter clutch (TCC) issues One owner said the problem felt like a bad torque converter and required service attention. 3. Unexpected acceleration / lunging Drivers across GM vehicles (including similar transmissions) report: “Jerking,” “bucking,” or “lunging” during acceleration Some describe needing to

Filed Apr 18, 2026 · Steering · CA

My vehicle makes a clunk noise when the vehicle is in motion and i press on the accelerator it also makes a little jerk. This mainly happens @ low speeds and on a incline hill. There some type of oil or grease stains where the cv axle goes into transmission. ive felt my vehicle with less power and pulls to the left. Took the vehicle to chevrolet and they said they couldnt duplicate the issue or the oil leak.

Filed Sep 22, 2025 · Transmission · MI

The transmission in my 2024 Chevrolet Blazer is very noisy often making whining and grinding sounds and I experience rough shifting and transmission hesitation during acceleration or gear changes.

Filed Dec 20, 2012 · Brakes, Fuel system · 186,000 miles · MD

After refueling our 2002 chevrolet blazer, there was a strong smell of gasoline. After taking it into the shop for repairs, the diagnosis was that the fuel tank and lines were rusting away and need to be replaced. Shop called us back and advised that parking break drums are falling apart. Every time we have an issue with this vehicle it has always been a major repair. Never a simple fix. With all the complaints on this vehicle I don't understand why the government doesn't force gm into a recall. This vehicle even qualified under the cash for clunkers program.

Filed Aug 31, 2006 · Electrical, Fuel system · 144,056 miles · CO

My wife and I bought our '01 chevy blazer used in 04/05. From the start we had a hard time getting it to engage/disengage 4wd. This last winter my wife, the primary driver, complained that the vehicle had no power while coming home one night and the weeknights following for a week. I checked in the mornings it was fine. Pretty soon we both started noticing the gas gauge bouncing around like it was dancing. My wife thinking she was running out of gas would pull into the first gas station. She would fill up and leave the station only to have it happen again after pulling away from the pump. One month later, her and our 3 small children got stranded when they went in to convenience store. A minute later the blazer had died and the key in the on position. Replaced the fuel filter and then the fuel pump ($350 just for the pump!!!) the heating element in the pump had fried it. 04/06 the ABS failed and she almost hit a pedestrian. 2 weeks later we start hearing this popping noise when slowing/stopping and accelerating. 05/06 the battery died on her with no warning. Tried jumping it and it wouldn't hold a charge. Got that replaced. Then in 08/06 we didn't drive it because the plates had expired and we couldn't afford to replace them yet. Finally I drove it on 08/13/06 for 1 mle to the store and on my way back while stopping at the stop sign 2 blks from my house, I heard this loud clunk noise and then the vehicle started whinning. Now the thing won't move. It starts and whines, but won't move. Transmission is shot and is going to cost $1600 to replace with me doing the work. And so now, like 90% of the country, I am making a very high car payment except mine is on a car that I can not drive. This and other web sites about vehicle recalls prove that there are some serious issues with these vehicles and nothing is being done about it. What needs to happen is for some one to die b/c of these defects and then u will be scrambling to correct the problems. This is ridiculous.

Filed Aug 27, 2006 · Transmission · 75,000 miles · LA

Normal driving , hard shifting, eventual transmission burn up. If caught in time simple repair for about 300 if you can find shop that will do it. I left alone. Transmission will burn up and depending on vehicle, 1500 to 2700. Hundreds of thousands vehicles are affected.

Filed Dec 2, 2004 · Transmission · 55,000 miles · IN

We purchased our blazer new. At 23,000 miles we heard a clunk noise in the transmission when we put it in reverse, but the vehicle appeared to be fine. Since the vehicle was still under warranty I took the blazer to the dealership and had them look to ensure there were no problems. They couldn't find anything and said it was still under warranty, if something were to cracked and break it would still be covered. The transmission broke at 55000 miles, 2nd, 4th & reverse didn't work. The dealership wasn't interested in fixing it under warranty because it was beyond the 3/36 warranty coverage. I spoke with several local independent garages getting estimates and everyone said chevrolet has had all kinds of problems due to a broken internal gear. I paid $2,000 to get it fixed. Since doing so I've talked to countless blazer owners and the majority have had the same problem. One other problem we recently experienced was the front right wheel bearing going bad. My investiagtions have concluded that is another known defect gm has and are unwilling to fix. Is there someone at gm who is willing to assist in compensation for my costly transmission fix? Everyone I've contacted are not interested in helping the consumer with a problem that happens without warning and left my wife in the middle of the road. Working in the automitive industry and a supplier to both gm and ford, I understand the liability automakers have in addressing known problems, especially problems like this that could happen without warning and result in death. I encourage assistance on this matter from gm or the federal safety agency.