Chevrolet Trailblazer loss of power problems

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Engine, Steering · MI

I am filing this complaint regarding a serious engine failure in my 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer LS that occurred while I was driving. While driving, the vehicle displayed the warning message “Engine Power Reduced” and I experienced a loss of power steering. Approximately 30 seconds after these warnings and symptoms appeared, the engine failed and I was stranded. The vehicle became inoperable. The sudden loss of engine power and power steering while the vehicle was in motion created an extremely dangerous situation. The vehicle could no longer be safely operated, and I was left stranded after an abrupt failure while driving. This vehicle has experienced recurring engine-related problems since approximately 30,000 miles. Despite previous repair attempts and ongoing concerns, it has now suffered a severe engine failure. The dealership’s diagnostic report states that the engine died and would not crank or start. The technician diagnosed a shredded or failed timing belt that caused the engine to jump timing. The report further documents internal engine damage, including piston-to-valve contact and exhaust-side rocker arms displaced from the valves/lifters. The dealership recommends replacement of the complete engine assembly. The estimated cost to replace the engine is approximately $6,200. I contacted General Motors regarding this failure. GM has offered to contribute only 10% toward the repair cost, leaving me responsible for the overwhelming majority of the expense despite the vehicle’s history of recurring problems. I am concerned that this failure may represent a serious safety defect. Other owners of the same vehicle have reported similar engine-related problems.

Filed Oct 20, 2026 · OH

While driving on the interstate on October 17, 2026, my 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer (1.2L turbo) suddenly lost engine power and would not accelerate, with the check engine light on. I had to coast to the shoulder and have the vehicle towed. The dealer diagnosed a failed turbocharger and a failed timing belt at 110,904 miles — far below GM's own 150,000-mile replacement interval for this belt. A timing belt that fails early can cause sudden, total loss of power at highway speed with no warning. This is a serious safety hazard. An Ohio state trooper had to assist with getting myself and my minor son off the interstate and to a safe location.

Filed Oct 6, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · NC

purchased brand new December 2022. 7000 miles had issues with brake noise. dealership resurfaced rotors. 28000 miles turbo had to be replaced due to "reduced engine power". Was told a seal was the problem in the original design. 45000 miles a/c would stop blowing and produce extensive condensation on middle vents and "shift to park" became a problem. dealership cannot "reproduce" issues and therefore states nothing is wrong, although research shows problems exists and there is a back order on switch/shift assembly. Hopefully these problems "show" themselves to the technicians before extended warranty runs out, better yet a recall be issued.

Filed Sep 7, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · IL

Dear Chevy, I am reaching out to you again because I am desperately requesting immediate assistance with my vehicle, which has now become an extremely serious and dangerous safety concern. On Friday, [XXX], I had my vehicle towed to the dealership because of the ongoing mechanical issues I have been experiencing. I was advised that the repairs would cost $877, which included a battery replacement and new sensors. I paid for these repairs and picked up my vehicle on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, believing that the issues had finally been addressed. Unfortunately, within approximately one hour of leaving the dealership, my check engine light came back on. When I arrived home, the key became stuck in the ignition. I immediately contacted the dealership and requested to speak with a Service Manager. I made this request approximately five separate times, yet I was unable to speak with a Service Manager until Friday, September 4, 2026, when I finally spoke with Matt. The situation has now escalated into an extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening safety issue. On Sunday, [XXX], while driving on the [XXX] in Chicago, my vehicle completely shut off twice while I was actively driving. There were no warning sounds, no dashboard warning codes, and no indication that the vehicle was about to shut off. My vehicle suddenly lost power while I was on a busy expressway, creating an extremely dangerous situation and nearly causing a major accident/pileup. I genuinely feared for my life. A vehicle that unexpectedly shuts off while traveling at highway speeds is not something I can safely continue driving. After this occurred, I had the vehicle towed to my home. I later attempted to start it, and the vehicle did start; however, the key became stuck in the ignition again. This problem has been ongoing for over a year, and I have repeatedly and desperately asked for these issues to be properly diagnosed and repaired. I have already INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 5

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · MO

About a year ago I brought my car to the dealership because my computer blacked out which resulted in losing power steering and braking ability. I was told they hooked it up to the computer and found nothing and sent me on my way. Last week this same thing happened 5x in one day and I lost all computer function for 24 hours. The computer has since glitched and blacked out multiple times but have not lost steering or braking.

Filed Aug 3, 2026 · Engine · IL

My timing belt snapped prematurely, causing a total loss of engine power while driving on the highway, which is a severe safety hazard

Filed Jul 18, 2026 · Engine · CA

Reduced engine powers caused by turbo charger underboost, at 91200 miles.

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 Jul 11, 2026 · Engine · OH

car was driving fine, went up a hill then check engine light came on with warning that stated "reduced engine power." drove it approx 8 min to home. parked in garage. Next morning, took to Firestone Complete Autocare as that was the first place available. Just got a call that the whole turbo assembly needs to be replace costing almost $2000 and will be without a car for about a week. 5 year warranty expired 3 months ago and there is less than 47,000 miles on it. It is currently at the shop so I don't have a bill yet, but they told us how much when they told us what was wrong with it. This is unacceptable! Reading about and hearing about this complaint all over the internet!!!

Filed Jun 24, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · CA

Vehicle stalled and shut off while driving in moving traffic on multiple occasions, resulting in sudden loss of power steering and brake assist — a significant safety hazard. Battery failed at 32,860 miles (September 2025) with all low voltage codes. Battery replaced by dealer. Vehicle continued to exhibit stalling, no-start, and Battery Saver Active warnings. Dealer has been unable to resolve the recurring issue across three visits (RO 510659, RO 518708, RO 523715) at Chevrolet of Culver City, Culver City CA. Dealer is now attributing the fault to contaminated fuel without providing lab evidence. Active GM Customer Care case 1-02414837. Powertrain warranty active