The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light intermittently illuminated, and the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. Additionally, while operating the vehicle, the engine temperature rose to HOT. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the thermostat was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 119,000.
Chevrolet Blazer hesitation problems
33 of the 8,038 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Blazer describe hesitation when accelerating, most of them for the 1995 model year.
- owner complaints
- 33
- worst model year
- 1995
- typical mileage
- 49,026
Is there a fix? There are 4 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Stalling 5Jerking 4Transmission failure 3Slipping 3Misfire 3Harsh shifting 3Grinding brakes 3Fuel smell 2
Trouble codes mentioned
P0024 1
What owners say
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions to be repaired; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure or determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the dealer performed a transmission fluid flush; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
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.
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
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated with a grinding sound coming from the vehicle, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was jerking while driving and while accelerating from a stop. In addition, the contact noticed fuel leaking from the front end of the vehicle while the vehicle was parked at the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the START/STOP accumulator end cap had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 157,236.
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.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Multiple components in the engine timing and transmission system have failed. These include: Camshaft actuator solenoid valve failed twice (at ~30,000 and ~60,000 miles), each time with different DTC codes. Camshaft positioning sensor failed, triggering P0024 (“timing advanced and bouncing around”). Timing chain tensioner spring failed, requiring re-timing. Camshaft carrier case gasket experienced a major oil leak at 59,000 miles. Thermostat failed. Battery was replaced, but no diagnostic testing was performed—only code clearing. At 82,000 miles: Torque converter has failed, transmission fluid is tarnished, and the radiator is leaking internally. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection upon request and has been registered as non-operational. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle exhibited repeated hesitation, delays when accelerating, and revving while braking. In stop-and-go traffic, it now sputters as if it may stall. These behaviors create unsafe driving conditions, especially at intersections and in congested areas, putting both myself and other drivers at risk. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The torque converter failure and transmission issues were confirmed by National Transmission in Long Beach, CA. Prior component failures were confirmed by Martin Chevrolet, who performed both camshaft actuator solenoid valve replacements under warranty. Multiple DTC codes were recorded and cleared, but no electrical testing was performed. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has been serviced by authorized GM dealerships, but GM did not escalate the issue to their TAC (Technical Assistance Center) or assign a field engineer, in violation of GM's internal escalation policy. No inspections
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the vehicle hesitated. The contact stated that while attempting to turn off the vehicle, the vehicle independently shifted out of gear. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer determined that the failure was a power train failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified on the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 49,000.
Hesitates between 1 and second gear. Also makes an electrical humming sound
When I am accelerating it seems like my car hesitates to get up to speed, at times feels like it is slipping to get traction. I put my car in AWD and didn't seem to notice the issue, when put back into 2WD, the issue happens, it is not an every time thing, but enough that my husband, who doesn't drive my car a lot noticed it and a coworker who has the same year as mine also has the issue. Of course when I took it into the dealership to have it looked at the car didn't do it, so as far as they are concerned there is nothing wrong with it, which is NOT the case. My husband has a 2020 Blazer and it doesn't have this issue. I understand that it is a different year, but if it has the same engine and transmission I would think there shouldn't be much of a difference in how they both drive. It's very frustrating to spend this much on a vehicle that I leased in May of 2020 and it has been in twice for this issue and the parking break issue (which GM's reasoning as to why this turns on by itself and does not turn off is BS, there is still an issue with this as well) and when serviced there is never anything wrong with it. So could it be an issue with the transmission, traction control or possibly the engine?
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT6, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Blazer, Traverse, and 2022-2023 Cadillac XT5 vehicles. The transmission may have been built with an incorrect sun gear, which can result in the driver-side half-shaft disengaging from the transmission.
- Risk
- A half-shaft disengaging from the transmission can result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the sun gears, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2023. The remedy is expected to become available August 31, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GMC's number for this recall is N222389310.
Recall number 23V172000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: driveshaft
- What is wrong
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Blazer and Traverse vehicles. The left-side half-shaft assemblies may be missing a retaining ring.
- Risk
- A missing retaining ring on the half-shaft can cause half-shaft inner joint separation, resulting in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the left-side half-shaft assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 23, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is N222390180.
Recall number 23V042000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
- Risk
- Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267, Buick Customer service at 1‑866‑608‑8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
Recall number 20V668000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Significant wear can develop on the low and reverse clutch preventing the park pawl from engaging. This can prevent a "no park" condition to occur while the engine is running, causing unintentional movement of the vehicle without operator action. (the "no park" condition will not occur while the engine is off.)
- Risk
- Unintentional vehicle movement could result in a vehicle accident and injury to persons in the path of the vehicle.
- Remedy
- Dealers will check the transmission fluid for contamination which will indicate if the low or reverse clutch is worn. If the transmission fluid shows contamination, the transmission will be replaced.
Recall number 94V093000 · Recall details
Questions about the Chevrolet Blazer hesitation
Which Chevrolet Blazer years have hesitation when accelerating problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1995 (5 complaints), 2020 (5 complaints) and 1994 (3 complaints).
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