2020 Chevy Blazer Problems and Top Complaints – Is Your Car A Lemon?

Service brakes, electrical system, and powertrain issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

The 2020 Chevy Blazer is considered an iconic SUV with its stylish good looks. Even the automaker claims this model provides “style, with plenty of substance.” However, customers are finding it comes with much more than what they bargained from, from the defective service brakes to the faulty electrical system and malfunctioning powertrain.

Click on other model year to view more problems: 2019

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NHTSA Complaints for the 2020 Chevy Blazer

Complaint CategoryNumber of Complaints
Electrical System
8
Power Train
7
Engine
4
Steering
3
Service Brakes
3
Vehicle Speed Control
2
Unknown Or Other
2
Tires
2
Wheels
2
Suspension
1

Problems with the Service Brakes

No one wants the service brakes in a vehicle to fail. If they do, an accident is imminent. Yet, customers driving the 2020 Chevy Blazer are regularly facing some serious concerns.

One NHTSA complaint states, “I was driving about 35 mph going straight when my Chevy Blazer acted as if it hit a brick wall and came to a complete stop. I got out and noticed my right front wheel was completely smashed into my car. Something had come loose internally and locked up my wheel. It damaged my car so bad where my suspension was damaged. It had to be towed. It was non-drivable. My vehicle only had 1300 miles on it. I decided at last minute to not get on highway.”

It turns out this Chevy has massive recalls that are also causing some big problems. NHTSA Campaign Number 21V115000 says that some of the tires were cured too long, which can result in sudden air loss or belt edge separation and a sudden loss of control. If this happens, everyone hopes the air bags are working, but NHTSA Campaign Number 20V446000 states otherwise. This recall points out that the Roof-Rail air bag might not be crimped properly, causing a separation, which prevents the air bag from deploying. At this point, it would be fair to say the Blazer is suffering from “a lack of substance.”

Problems with the Electrical System

Vehicles must have properly working electrical systems to keep occupants safe and create an enjoyable ride, but this Blazer fails miserably.

Another NHTSA complaint states, “Twice while I have been driving, the instrument panel went black. In motion.”

It’s very hard to drive with no access to the speed of the vehicle, how much gas is in the car and the other valuable data found on this gauge. However, this isn’t the only issue the Blazer is facing. A class action lawsuit in Florida claims that 2020 Chevy Blazer models have a defect that causes the sound volume of the stereo to max out with no input from anyone in the cabin. This sudden and loud noise can cause an on-road safety hazard, leading to possible accidents. Apparently, Chevy wants to make sure everyone hears loud and clear that it makes a stylish SUV.

Problems with the Powertrain

Finally, a look at the Blazer powertrain reveals some alarming issues. What’s even worse is this isn’t a cheap car that’s being discussed, but it would appear to be built like one.

An Edmunds user stated, “”The wimpy 1500 lb towing capacity means that the transmission might give up and quit soon after the warranty period is up. The top models feature a 4500 lb towing capacity which means better cooling apparatus on the transmission so it should last much longer. By contrast the entry level Nissan Pathfinder can tow 6000 lbs with its CVT transmission. It’s not just about pulling boats or campers. It’s about investing in a vehicle that could last for 500k miles and get handed down to your kids. But make sure you always take any Nissan only to the dealer for transmission service. CVT transmissions require special fluid and many shops end up adding regular transmission fluid resulting in premature failure after a few days of driving. If you mainly lease your vehicles for shorter periods of time and are getting into the Chevy Blazer mostly for its drop dead GORGEOUS looks, then the life of its tranny might be of lower concern. However if you do opt for the entry level model with long term ownership in mind, beyond 100k miles: consider your extended warranty options. Transmission replacements cost thousands.”

It turns out there have been recalls for the powertrain too. NHTSA Campaign Number 20V668000 affects nearly 200,000 vehicles and states that the start/stop accumulator endcap might be lacking some necessary bolts that should have been installed at the factory. These missing bolts could lead to a transmission fluid leak and a loss of propulsion, increasing the chance of a crash. What’s worse is that anytime fluid is leaking, there’s an elevated chance of a car fire. Sadly, most owners probably wish that their Blazer would go up in a blaze of glory right about now.

Your Lemon Law Legal Rights

Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Chevy pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.

Complaint Data

CategoryElectrical System, Engine, Steering
DateJan 10, 2023
StateGA
Description
Value stem gasket covers need replacing oil spilling out everywhere it's a 2020 should not be happening oil leak hot and cold temperature not working properly a warning flashing for the power steering being deceased and not use that car get moved every hour just about always in jt working or just taking a break the auto shut of makes transmission slip or sounds like it is
CategoryPower Train
DateJan 09, 2023
StateMI
Description
Shifter will not fully engage park. Vehicle can be shut off while not in park.
CategoryPower Train, Vehicle Speed Control
DateDec 08, 2022
StateOH
Description
The vehicle drops to low gear without warning (check engine light comes on). Causing speed to drop to less than 20mph max.
CategoryPower Train
DateNov 23, 2022
StateMI
Description
I pulled in my driveway which is on a slight incline. I turned the vehicle off but the transmission was still in drive. Not realizing this I stepped out of the vehicle and the vehicle started rolling back down my driveway across the sidewalk and into the street. Had there been anyone walking on the sidewalk the vehicle would have hit them or there could have been an accident in the street. I called the dealership where I got the car and and all they could offer was that you're not supposed to turn off the car in drive. I know you're not supposed to turn the vehicle off in drive but it happens and has happened several times to me and I'm sure to others also. I think this is a major design flaw as I have seen that on ford vehicles when you turn the vehicle off in drive the transmission automatically goes into park.
CategoryElectrical System, Power Train
DateOct 24, 2022
StateSC
Description
My vehicle idiot lights were flashing and the car felt as if it was going to stall on the road. Dealer said it was a faulty p6. Now when driving the car the entertainment unit locked up. Radio could not be changed, volume lowered. Pedals on steering column don't work. Even when car was shut off the radio still played and would cut off. Called my dealership. The earliest my chevy dealer can look at it is next week.
CategoryUnknown Or Other
DateSep 04, 2022
StateTX
Description
On tuesday august 9, 2022 at 0800, I dropped off my 2020 blazer. I informed the staff that the seat base was not cooling as well as when I bought it, something is wrong with the transmission, and the screen keeps freezing. I was informed at that time by amanda carroll that it may take up to 72 hours to perform a diagnostic on the blazer due to only one diagnostic tech at this time. The diagnostic had not been performed. We then told her that I had to return to work on monday august 15th, can we get a loaner vehicle. We were told that due to the shortage in microchips, they did not have any vehicles available. “I am sorry”. We had not heard anything from anyone in regards to the status of the blazer, so we went in person to the service department on saturday august 13, 2022 at 1130. My husband then asked about the status of the blazer, was a diagnostic performed? She informed us, that a diagnostic was not performed. The only diagnostic tech called out, but he did come in on his day off to help. They know something is wrong with the blazer, but were not able to perform the diagnostic. I then informed her that it has been over 96 hours since I dropped off the blazer, and nothing had been done. I have to make a choice of driving a possibly dangerous vehicle or lose my job. But since a diagnostic was not performed, who knows what is wrong with the blazer. I was informed from the bbb to contact sean jordan at all american chevrolet of killeen to discuss this matter. I contacted mr. Jordan and we made arrangements to have the blazer brought in on september 3rd at 0800. I took the blazer into chevrolet at 0800 and was informed by the employee, that I only had 45 miles until my warrantee was out. I told the staff employee, when I turned in the blazer last month, I still had a warrantee and that mr. Jordan would have to take care of that issue. Nothing was done and we left. I am out of characters to finish the complaint.
CategoryElectrical System, Power Train
DateAug 08, 2022
StateFL
Description
Shift to park displays despite being in park. I cannot turn off the car or lock the doors.
CategoryPower Train
DateJun 21, 2022
StateFL
Description
The contact owns a 2020 chevrolet blazer. The contact stated that after driving into the garage, the engine was turned off but the transmission was left in the drive position. The contact mentioned that the brake was intended to engage in order for the vehicle not to move forward or backward. After exiting the vehicle moments later the vehicle began to roll backward out of the garage. The contact immediately attempted to stop the vehicle from rolling into the neighbor's home by grabbing the driver's side mirror. The contact was able to prevent the crash from occurring but in the process had sustained injuries to the left shoulder, neck, and back and both the left and right hip and knees which required medical treatment. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was notified of the incident but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 4,400
CategoryTires
DateJun 19, 2022
StateOH
Description
The tread-wear has been described by the service department as unusual and they have never seen a tire wear like this before. My safety and others safety is put at risk due to loss of tread causing traction to be lost on damp or wet roadways. The problem has been confirmed by the dealership service department. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer, but the tire company has been contacted. No warnings to the problem. 235/65r18 106h
CategoryUnknown Or Other
DateJun 14, 2022
StateTX
Description
My retractable sunroof suddenly explosively broke. I was approaching a red stop light at low speed. I heard what I thought was a gunshot or vehicle backfiring. As I drove on, I heard wind whistling. I thought my passenger side window wasn't closed. I lowered then jraised it. At that point, I heard my sunroof disintegrate. Luckily, the headliner kept the glass from raining down on me. If this had happened at highway speed, it could've been a real problem.
CategoryElectrical System, Service Brakes, Vehicle Speed Control
DateFeb 22, 2022
StateFL
Description
The service advisor at the chevrolet dealership denied a repair to my abs control module because it was a “known issue”. He told my wife and I our car is unsafe to drive and still wants to give it back to us. Other gm vehicles have recalls open for the same issue one needs to be open for this. Abs lights and multiple others no brakes or random braking.
CategoryTires
DateDec 06, 2021
StateNY
Description
New 2020 chevy blazer awd premier with oem continental crosscontact lx sport tires in size 265/45r21. Car has 18,000 miles on it and tires have been rotated and inflated correctly. All 4 tires have tread depth near 2/32 and need to be replaced per tire shop. Come to find out this continental brand of tires has no treadlife warranty at all so they don't even believe in their product. How can chevy and continental be allowed to put this tire on new cars to rip off the consumer. I'm going to have to buy 4 new tires on a car that has 18,000 miles on it. This should not be happening. It's also a safety concern for others on the road that aren't aware they need to check their tire tread depth so soon with these tires.
CategoryEngine
DateAug 12, 2021
StateMI
Description
The contact owns a 2020 chevrolet blazer. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 mph, there was an abnormal noise coming from the vehicle. In addition, the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle failed to operate. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 15,000.
CategoryElectrical System, Service Brakes, Steering
DateMay 03, 2021
StatePA
Description
Rearview camera and back up camera constantly not functioning and going black while and motion or backing up. Car acts like there is something in front of it (like a wall) on certain roads and does not want to accelerate to turn/pull out from a stopped position. I have had this vehicle for 2 months. I have had a car prior to this that did this before and stopped and left me stranded on a busy road and caused an accident. I can't believe this car is acting like this!
CategoryElectrical System, Engine
DateMar 30, 2021
StateIN
Description
Tl* the contact owns a 2020 chevrolet blazer. The contact stated while driving 20 mph, the vehicle started overheating. The contact then drove the vehicle to the side of the road and noticed that the vehicle was leaking oil. The vehicle was then towed to an unknown dealer. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to chevrolet of columbus (2825 merchant mile, columbus, in 47201) where it was diagnosed with rodent damage to the wiring harness. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that the expenses would not be covered even though the vehicle was under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 300.
CategoryEngine, Steering
DateMar 30, 2021
StateTX
Description
In 2 occasions my vehicle came to a complete stop and turned off on me. I was thinking it was a safety feature but after the 2nd time I was concerned. Took it to dealership and they found nothing wrong with it. On another occasion I was leaving my house when my steering wheel got super hard and made it very difficult for me to turn the wheel. Took it to dealership and they found nothing wrong, according to them truck was perfectly fine.
CategoryElectrical System, Wheels
DateMar 25, 2021
StateGA
Description
After driving the vehicle for random periods of time and at random speeds, all the tpms sensors will give alarms and then register as dashes on the dashboard. It gives alarms for each tire as each tire goes out until all of them go out. They will reset after a random period of time and start to show the pressure again.
CategoryElectrical System
DateJan 26, 2021
StateMI
Description
Twice while I have been driving the instrument panel went blank. In motion.
CategoryService Brakes, Suspension, Wheels
DateNov 04, 2020
StateMO
Description
I was driving about 35mph going straight when my chevy blazer acted as if it 'hit a brick wall' and came to a complete stop. I got out and noticed my right, front wheel was completely smashed into my car. Something had come loose internally and locked up my wheel. It damaged my car so bad where my suspension was damaged. It had to be towed. It was non drivable. My vehicle only had 1300 miles on it. I decided at last minute to not get on highway.
CategoryPower Train
DateAug 07, 2020
StateDC
Description
With approximately 1500 miles on the vehicle, the blazer's automatic transmission failed while driving. I was stopped at a red light. When the light turned green, I proceeded slowly through the intersection in a left turn. As soon as I left the intersection, just as the vehicle would typically up-shift, the rpm spiked, the vehicle jolted forward, and the check engine light came on. After the initial jolt, the vehicle would not shift out of first gear. I found a safe place to park and stopped the engine. Upon restarting, the engine light remained on and, though I could put the car in drive, the vehicle would not shift out of first gear. Moreover, when I tried to engage reverse, the car remained in neutral. I had it towed to a chevrolet dealership which informed me gm has a bulletin on the transmission requiring technicians not to attempt to repair it, but to install a new transmission.

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Brian Jones

About the Author:

Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.

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2 COMMENTS
  • Sandy

    Our 2020 Chevy Blazer keeps saying shift to park even when it is in park. The auto stop at stops signs and traffic lights does not work.

  • Sonia

    My 2020 Chevy blazer cuts off . I’ll be stopped at a stop light and the car cuts off. I hold the brake ,press the start button and it took 2 minutes before my car restarted

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