Chevrolet Trailblazer won't start 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 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

Filed Dec 27, 2024 · Electrical · ME

I have had this vehicle at the garage for the 4th time in 2 months for the same issues. It would not start. the fuse box keeps blowing. The starter was replaced and the Alternator was replaced and the fuse box 3 times so far. It is in the auto repair shop now for the same issues. the mechanic has done an inspection and diagnostics and cant find what is wrong. There were no warning lights to warn me of anything. I have spent 4500+ so far in repairs and more to come.

Filed Sep 19, 2024 · Engine · WA

While in traffic, brand new 2024 Chevy Trailblazer vehicle has stalled on us a few times now and doesn't start right back up. It appears to happen when the vehicle is going from the fuel saving "start-stop mode" and we've found ourselves in a precarious situtations in traffic. I can foresee this happening at a very dangerous time causing a bad wreck. We just dropped the vehicle off with the dealer as we've had other issues with safety deterrent system going off for no reason and other pop ups on the instrument panel. However, the stalling in the middle of traffic is my worst concern.

Filed Mar 29, 2023 · GA

I was waiting at the traffic light and the car just shut off without any warning and it wouldn't start back up. After a few minutes a warning came on that said "battery low-start vehicle." When I tried to start the vehicle it still wouldn't start. Then all of the warnings lights were flashing on the dashboard the wipers were moving back and forth but the vehicle still wouldn't start then the car just shut down and and nothing would come on. This happened in the lane of traffic at the red light. With the hazard lights not working it was a dangerous situation. The police were called to be there with me until the tow truck came so no one would run into the vehicle. I feel that the fact that no warning light flashed before the car just shut off was very dangerous especially after it wouldn't start back up. I had just purchased this vehicle (used) December 2022. I am very frustrated because now I don't have a vehicle to get to work. I only purchased this vehicle because my KIA was stolen and totaled October 2022 and I needed transportation to get to work. The car is at a Chevy Dealership now so they can try to figure what's wrong with the vehicle.

Filed Jun 17, 2022 · Fuel system · IL

MY 15 YR OLD DRIVER IN TRAINING,, was leaving town with myself and her father the engine just stopped running causing us to lose all movement of car had to coast to the side of highway { busy with semis} had to call tow truck to come get it ,, it wouldn't start after trying a few times . and also the seat belts lock tight and will not give when pulled on them leaving you strapped tight in the seat you have to unhook them to release them .. very uncomfortable when you traveling

Filed May 19, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · CA

Driving vehicle turn it off turn back on drive somewhere and turn it off and go swimming for an hour came back go to go start it and would not start I believe it's the anti-theft system as we replaced the ignition switch and the ignition cylinder but my illumination selector for my gear selector nor my tachometer works nor do my front two windows or locks

Filed Aug 16, 2019 · Electrical · 70,000 miles · IL

Can turn over but doesnt start have to keep playing with key untill it starts and will once in awhile just lose power while driving sometimes can put in neutral and will start back up but sometimes have to pull over to wait and restart cant drive on free way afraid it will die out in traffic

Filed Jul 29, 2019 · Electrical · 196,000 miles · GA · 1 injury

When driving our vehicle from myrtle beach this week we noticed a smell about half way home that reeked of rotten eggs. The smell was so bad that I because nauseous and develooed a severe headache. After we reached our house and shut off the vehicle the next day I tried to crank the vehicle and it would not crank so after researching the smell and possible causes we bought a new battery for the vehicle and changed the battery ourselves which caused my husband to develop a severe cough and upper respitory problems due to the boiling that was occuring inside the battery. Hence the smell of rotten eggs.

Filed Aug 13, 2018 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 112,000 miles · WA

Our vehicle died at a turn signal light in a dangerous intersection. No warning from the vehicle as it was running normal. It would turn over but no start. Police force a tow out of the busy intersection right away. It starts up at the mechanics. They tested fuel filter and other stuff. We get on the highway in traffic and get 6 miles out and no warning we die and had to push the car to the shoulder on in dangerous conditions. Sit for 2 hours and it fires up. So we found shade and waited for cool down. 2 hours away from home and it took us 9 hours to get home. We drove it to the store and when we were done shopping it fired up. Went around the corner to other store and shopped 2 hours and came out and it would turn and no start. Tried starting every 30 minutes to hour from 9:30pm to 1:40am and then it fired right up then drove 30 minutes to home. After researching and finding quite a few with same year make and model having the same issue we found that it is the pwr/trn relay plug in area in the fuse relay center. When we broke the plastic off the relay and wrapped a rubber band around it so it's constant contact and plug it in, it will fire up every time. I can drive it all day like that with no issues. I have to turn the key from running to accessory mode then remove the rubber band and then power off the car. Don't want to fry com. The relays are good and problem is the fuse relay center. Chevrolet said themselves that this model is notorious for fuse relay center problems and usually require replacement. It's a known defect. There are two pictures attached from one of the other people with same vehicle same problem and in order to make his fuse relay center work properly he had to wire/reroute his pwr/trn relay as seen in the picture. This needs to be investigated as this is a well known issue with chevrolet and the trailblazer.