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Chevrolet Blazer jerking problems

66 of the 8,035 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Blazer describe jerking or lurching, most of them for the 1997 model year.

owner complaints
66
worst model year
1997
typical mileage
71,000
Is there a fix? There are 4 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Oct 12, 2026 · Engine · MI

the car jumped/jerked like it was trying to change gears while accelerating and two times when at a complete stop at a light. The car was taken to dealership on Sep 2, 2025 and needed a full transmission replacement. The parts were on back order and the vehicle was not complete until November 20th of 2025

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 Jan 1, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · FL

Car is cutting off while driving , I’m driving on a busy road , engine jerks and stall out leaving me with no power to accelerate. Brakes work but gas pedal not so much . I have to cut off the car hoping it turns on , cause it don’t want to turn over once I decide to turn it off

Filed Dec 17, 2025 · Engine, Steering · MO

Where do I start. Spring of 2024 I believe, less than 55,000 miles, my transmission went out. No warning. I just went out to my vehicle to go to work and when I put it into reverse, my vehicle make a awful noise, jerked forward almost going into my garage door, then wouldn't move.. I put it back in park, tried to put into reverse again and it wouldn't go. It was stuck in park. Had to get it towed to the dealership where they advised me the transmission went out. It was covered under the drivetrain warranty, but the GM warranty doesn't cover rental. It took almost 4 weeks for GM to approve for a new transmission due to parts being on back order to rebuild my transmission. Several months later, I was driving down the road when the ESC light and then it said "shift to neutral & press start" and I lost power. I coasted into a parking lot, got it fired up, but had no air conditioning (of course it was summer). Took it to the dealer and they said my radiator and A/C Compressor had to be replaced. Luckily my extended warranty covered the $5000 repair. Now 4 months later I got "steering assist reduced, drive with care" with codes. Took to shop and the codes basically was the temp was to low, but the shop couldn't find anything wrong. Cleared the codes and so far so good, but now my ESC light pops on once a week again. I don't even have 60,000 miles on my vehicle.

Filed Dec 11, 2025 · Transmission · 157,236 miles · MS

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.

Filed Nov 20, 2025 · Driver assistance · 20,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with no vehicles or objects nearby, the Forward Collision Avoidance system activated, and the Automatic Emergency Braking System engaged and brought the vehicle to a complete stop. Upon driving off, the vehicle then jerked and jolted. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the vehicle functioned as intended during the time in the Service Center. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,000. The VIN was not available.

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmissionReported March 16, 2023 · 8,744 vehicles affected
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: driveshaftReported February 2, 2023 · 10 vehicles affected
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 transmissionReported October 29, 2020 · 194,105 vehicles affected
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 transmissionReported May 16, 1994 · 72,664 vehicles affected
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 jerking

Which Chevrolet Blazer years have jerking or lurching problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1997 (10 complaints), 1995 (6 complaints) and 1998 (6 complaints).

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