2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer: engine stalls while driving

Filed Sep 3, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · MD

Original Owner of 2021 Chevy Trailblazer LT. Purchased new in April 2021. Vehicle has a history of major powertrain issues, starting with Check Engine light during its first year of ownership, culminating in a complete turbocharger replacement in December 2025. This only as a result of my research, after many visits to dealership trying to diagnose the issue. The check engine was consistently illuminated in the vehicle 2021-2025. 9 days ago while traveling the vehicle, experienced sudden oil pressure loss, and stalling risks, displayed a hard warning “ENGINE OIL PRESSURE LOW. STOP ENGINE”. On Star provided me with a diagnostic code of P0521, pointing to an engine oil pressure sensor malfunction. Apparently another widely known issue with this engine, there are TSBs stating after repair the code will return and Software Update required. Extended warranty has expired, dealership as well as GM corporate unwilling to provide any assistance with cost of diag, repairs, etc, leaving myself and disabled dependent stranded. Vehicle since purchase has been exclusively serviced through the purchasing dealerships service center. Maintenance regularly maintained. Service management has admitted knowledge of this issue with this engine, still reluctant to provide any additional assistance, informed me I’m on a waitlist for a possible loaner vehicle 4-6 weeks from now. There are several TSBs on this engine surrounding this issue. Apparently there is a known defect with the engine oil pump, cam shaft, evap purge pump. Strong possibility could be a result of the Turbo replacement, debris from that failing turbo could have blocked the oil system, causing starvation.

Filed Jul 16, 2026 · Transmission · NC

Vehicle has 67,000 miles and suffered a catastrophic CVT transmission failure, documented by dealership diagnostic code P2714. The transmission severely slips and exhibits a dangerous 15-second delay to engage forward gear after shifting into Drive. More critically, the vehicle suffers from unpredictable engine stalling. The car completely shut down and stalled in traffic while trying to accelerate into a driving lane after shifting. The vehicle did not trigger any dashboard safety warnings, limp mode, or "Reduced Engine Power" messages prior to shutting down, causing an un-warned loss of motive power on a public road. This creates an immediate, severe risk of a high-speed rear-end collision. General Motors has acknowledged internal CVT chain slippage and hydraulic failure points in Technical Service Bulletins 24-NA-009 and PIP6033 but has not issued a safety recall.

Filed Apr 29, 2026 · Transmission · NC

I am reporting a serious safety issue with my 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer related to transmission failure. The vehicle has approximately 83,000 miles. While driving, the vehicle experiences a sudden loss of power when attempting to accelerate. In some instances, the vehicle has stalled or shut off while I was actively driving, creating a dangerous situation, especially when merging into traffic or driving through intersections. The issue is intermittent but has become more frequent over time. The vehicle does not respond properly when the accelerator is pressed, and there is a noticeable delay or complete lack of power. At times, the vehicle will not move as expected, which poses a significant safety risk. Diagnostic codes associated with this issue include P2714 and P0700, which indicate a transmission-related malfunction. I have been advised that the vehicle requires a full transmission replacement. This failure occurred at relatively low mileage for a major powertrain component, and I am concerned this may indicate a broader defect. The stalling and loss of power create a hazardous driving condition that could result in an accident. I am submitting this complaint to report a potential safety defect and to request further investigation into this issue.

Filed Apr 29, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · 75,000 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. During the failure, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle was jump-started. The Auto START/STOP function was disabled for the vehicle to operate properly. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact replaced the battery, and the failure was almost resolved. Additionally, while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to stop as needed. The issue was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the RPM was abnormally elevated, and the vehicle jerked abnormally while shifting gears. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.

Filed Mar 26, 2026 · Engine · OH

Vehicle was taken to dealership feb 2026 for turbo/wastegate repair (p0299). March 22, 2026, vehicle stalled and screen said to shift to neutral and push to start again. Car would crank but not start (sounds like there is no compression). Had vehichle towed two miles to residence and connected to obdii scanner, which showed 6 new codes (p0006, p228c, p0089, p0340, p0365, p0299).

Filed Nov 20, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · MI

The issue is the yellow engine light lit up on the dash of my 2021 Trailblazer in late August of 2025. At the same time, the cluster displayed the message "Engine Power is Reduced". Over the next few weeks my car engine would randomly stall out while I was driving! As you can imagine, this is a very unsafe driving condition. My car stalls and I'm in traffic and have no ability at all to control the vehicle. This happened at least 4 times to me. When I checked the On Board Diagnostic codes on my vehicle the system reported back U060F (Mass Air Flow Sensor). I searched online for this condition with 2021 Trailblazers and found GM Service Bulletin number 22-NA-008, dated March of 2022. This Service Bulletin clearly shows that Chevrolet were well aware of a problem years before it occurred to my vehicle. So, in October I took my car to Bowman Auto Center, explained all of the above to them, and I mentioned the Service Bulletin that I found. Their investigation found that, indeed, the cause of my engine stalling was broken wires to the Mass Air Flow sensor (MAF sensor). Bowman repaired my car and billed me $364.44 as shown on the attached 2-page Repair Order. I tried to make the case with the Bowman Service Department that this should be a warranty repair, and paid by GM. Bowman responded that it was only a Service Bulletin from GM for the issue, and the customer is responsible for payment. I am astonished that repair of this product Design Failure, which results in an unsafe driving condition, would be paid for by the customer! The reason I call it a Design Failure is because NO wiring should break during the life of a vehicle. Engines rock and move, and the Trailblazer design should have compensated for this engine movement by having a sufficient slack loop designed into the wire harness leading to the Mass Air Flow sensor. I filed a case with Chevrolet, number 80982656, but they declined my request for reimbursement $$.

Filed Jul 24, 2025 · Airbags, Electrical · FL

Vehicle Diagnostic Summary – Trouble Codes Explained 1. P0562 – System Voltage Low The vehicle’s electrical system is running at low voltage. This could be due to a weak battery, a failing alternator, or poor electrical connections. It may cause various electronic issues and unexpected shutdowns if not fixed. 2. P1005 – Fuel Level Sensor Control Module: Too Many Resets The fuel level sensor module has been reset too many times, likely due to electrical glitches. This may cause the fuel gauge to be inaccurate or unstable. 3. P14C0 / P14CD – Fuel Pump Driver Control Module Signal Error There is a configuration signal error from the fuel pump control module. This could lead to fuel delivery problems, starting issues, or engine stalling if it worsens. 4. U0151 – Lost Communication with Airbag Control Module (SRS) The system lost contact with the airbag diagnostic module. This may affect airbag deployment during a crash, making it a serious safety concern.

Filed May 5, 2025 · KS

Upon starting vehicle it would idle for 30secs to 1 minute before shutting completely down, then would prompt to engage brake and push start/stop button to turn back on. Two different times while driving at 60+ mph the vehicle completely stalled losing power steering and brakes. Both times when the vehicle shut down it would say to push start/stop button and then place vehicle in park, engage brake to restart. When the vehicle stalled I was getting onto a highway and was about 2 seconds from being hit from behind by a semi while I was at almost a standstill while they were doing 70+. Have taken it back to the dealership both times and it died on them once but there is no solution to this issue as no codes come up.

Filed Oct 18, 2024 · Electrical · GA

After placing the vehicle in park I get the “shift to park error”. I can’t leave the vehicle, or lock it. It can take any where from 5 to thirty minutes for it to actually read the shift. My car is now not reading my key 80% percent of the time. The vehicle turns off while driving down the road. Saying no “remote detected”. The key has been locked in the Car twice. Which should be impossible. I’ve been stranded outside of my vehicle at night in Atlanta for long periods of time. Trying to get the vehicle to unlock because it is not reading the key.