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Chevrolet Blazer transmission failure problems

104 of the 8,038 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Blazer describe complete transmission failure, most of them for the 2000 model year.

owner complaints
104
worst model year
2000
typical repair cost reported
$2,000
typical mileage
65,000
Is there a fix? There are 4 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

Won't shift 10Slipping 7Check engine light 6Jerking 5Grinding brakes 5Wipers 4Stalling 3

Trouble codes mentioned

P0785 2P1870 1

What owners say

Filed Oct 22, 2026 · Transmission · OH

Torque converters are going out and causing people to need new transmissions. I was told by dealership that evaluated mine this is a known problem! I’ve also encountered others who have same issue with their cars.

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 Jun 23, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · 107,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH and pulling into a parking lot, the sun gear and the drive shaft fractured. The vehicle became inoperable. The vehicle was pushed to a safe place. The check engine warning light illuminated after the failure. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V172000 (Power Train). The vehicle was towed on a flatbed to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer provided an estimate for the transmission replacement. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that there was no recall coverage on the VIN for the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

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 Apr 23, 2026 · Transmission · DC

The transmission (powertrain) developed a delay when shifting into reverse, followed by harsh engagement. The condition worsened over time and resulted in a complete loss of reverse. The vehicle will not move when shifted into reverse. This creates a safety risk when parking, backing out of spaces, or maneuvering in traffic, as the driver cannot safely control vehicle movement. The issue occurred at approximately 89,000 miles under normal driving conditions. No warning lights were present prior to failure. The problem was reported to a dealership and diagnosed as a transmission failure. The condition is reproducible and ongoing. I was also informed that multiple vehicles of the same model were experiencing similar transmission issues at the same time. The failure limits safe operation of the vehicle and increases risk in situations where reverse movement is required.

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 Nov 17, 2025 · Transmission · VA

On september 10, 2025 the transmission failed for the 3rd time without warning. This transmission only lasted about 5,500 miles. When it fails, it simply does so without warning. While driving it wll start shuddering and when you stop it just wont go after that. Gm knows there is an issue with these 9 speed transmissions because they are on backorder and my vehicle has been in the shop for over two months waiting on parts. Since this is the 3rd failed transmission under warranty, I created a complaintwith gm and requested a buy back but they refused.

Filed Oct 18, 2025 · Transmission · IN

Automatic transmission and radiator. Vehicle shifted hard and then would not go to a higher gear after pulling out into an intersection. Vehicle was pulled over to side of road and shut off. Restarted and tried to merge back onto main road and while trying to accelerate, the rpm’s went over 3500 quickly and wouldn’t shift once the vehicle hit 30mph. The engine light came on. There has been no previous engine lights or issues. Scheduled an appointment at a Chevrolet dealership and had the vehicle towed on a flatbed trailer to be looked at. I stated that there was a major problem/issue with the transmission and explained the problem. In their notes it states they took it for a test drive before even checking the transmission fluid for metal particles. I told them it was a severe failure and was barely drivable. It was able to drive up in the trailer to be towed, but never shifted out of 1st gear. We are a little over 64,000 miles and the warranty cut off is 60,000. The dealership states that the transmission needs replaced and the cooling system as well since metal particles made it into that system as well.

Filed Sep 24, 2025 · Transmission · IN

On July 31st 2025 my vehicle would not sift out of first gear. I had vehicle towed to Kelly Chevrolet in [XXX] . After a failed repair attempt on August 18 2025 have been waiting on back ordered valve body part number 24045659. No eta on this part even though a transmission replacement would resolve but dealer refuses to replace. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 transmission failure

Which Chevrolet Blazer years have complete transmission failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2000 (19 complaints), 1996 (15 complaints) and 1997 (15 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix complete transmission failure on the Chevrolet Blazer?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,000 (median of 11 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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