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The 2022 Chevrolet Trailblazer is a smaller crossover model designed to keep the budget in check. The automaker claims it is a “small SUV with big horizons,” but the only big thing some customers are seeing are malfunctions. They are dealing with faulty brakes, engine issues, and defective forward collision avoidance system. There are also complaints that the 2022 Trailblazer structure is cheaply made.
Click on other model year to view more problems: 2021
Contents
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NHTSA Complaints for the 2022 Chevy Trailblazer
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Service Brakes | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | |
| Engine | |
| Steering | |
| Structure:body | |
| Air Bags | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | |
| Power Train | |
| Vehicle Speed Control |
Most Common Problems with the 2022 Chevy Trailblazer
The most common problem owners of the 2022 Chevy Trailblazer are complaining to the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) about are brakes that squeak, fail to engage, and sometimes fail. Some of these are combined with complaints relating to engine problems.
Complaints about forward collision avoidance focus on malfunctions and error messages that are, themselves, erroneous!
Other problematic components and systems singled out by owners on the NHTSA complaints platform are the powertrain, steering, fuel/propulsion system, and vehicle speed control.
Of course, the NHTSA isn’t the only platform that vehicle owners use to voice their dissatisfaction. And a complaint on Edmunds alerts us to structure issues and accusations that the 2022 Chevy Trailblazer is cheaply-built.
Engine Problems
With any brand-new car, it’s expected that the engine is going to be functional and reliable. Yet, this Trailblazer model has an engine that deeply reflects bargain-basement pricing. Problems range from the engine light continually coming on to overheating.
Even the manufacturer, General Motors (GM) has started expressing concerns over the engine build. Service Bulletin #PIP5829 talks about how the DTC P0299 might present itself and a turbocharger replacement could become necessary. This is a major engine repair that should never be present on a new SUV, yet it is.
An NHTSA complaint from an owner in Wisconsin states that even when the Trailblazer’s engine fans are activated, the engine overheats.
“The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the engine thermostat as faulty. The thermostat was replaced, and the failure was remedied. Also, while driving the vehicle would jerk and hesitate while changing gears.” While the cause of the failure wasn’t initially determined, the owner was later informed by the dealer that the failure was a transmission issue.
This same owner also had brake problems.
Faulty Brakes
The complaint goes on to say: “Also, while driving 27 MPH, the service brake system failure” message suddenly displayed, and the brake pedal was hard while pressed. The parking brake was activated. Moments later the message ‘power steering failure’ displayed and the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the brake master cylinder was faulty and needed to be replaced. The brake master cylinder was replaced, and the braking and steering failures were remedied. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 3,051.”
This is one of 5 complaints filed with the NHTSA between January 24 and September 16, 2022. Another, which also mentions the engine, states that the “check engine light keeps coming on. Hard shifting.” And it “takes too long for the brake to engage.” The fuel injector was replaced, even though the car was only 3 months into service.
A complaint from an owner in Illinois states that while driving at 40 mph, “the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration. During the failure, the vehicle accelerated to speeds in excess of 100 mph. Additionally, during the failure the brake pedal was depressed however, the vehicle did not slow down or stop.” The driver has to shift to Park to stop the Trailblazer. It was then towed to the local dealer.
There are also several complaints about brakes making squealing noises. An owner from Missouri says the Trailblazer’s brakes sometimes squeal and when stopping at slow speeds, the “brake pedal goes soft. The SUV pulls to the left slightly and a metal-on-metal sound begins to emit from the driver’s side braking system. The sound changes to something I can only describe as from a video game or a raptor from The Jurassic Park movies.” Even though the owner says that “it feels like the car won’t stop on time when this happens,” the dealership isn’t able to reproduce the sound.
Forward Collision Avoidance Issues
An Owner from West Virginia has taken his 2022 Chevy Trailblazer back to the dealership three times because of forward collision avoidance and possibly powertrain issues. The problems started when there were only 500 miles on the clock. While driving at 70 mph, the cruise control activated, and “the Forward Collision Avoidance system activated erroneously.” There were no warning lights. The complaint also says that the vehicle occasionally accelerates independently.
A Michigan owner experienced several malfunctions when the vehicle was little more than a month old, with less than 2,000 miles on the clock. For example, when going at highway speed on an expressway, the adaptive cruise would apply hard brakes:
- when approaching an overhead bridge
- passing a vehicle in the adjacent lane
- changing lanes
While driving on a highway the instrument panel displayed a warning message, Service Side Detection System. A GM Dealer ran a diagnostic test that showed the following codes:
- B1325 Control Module Power Circuit Low Voltage
- B317A Passenger Window Switch Short to Ground
- U0151 Lost communication with inflatable Restraint Sensing and Diagnostic Module
- U 0155 Lost Communication with Instrument Cluster
- U0184 Lost Communication with Radio
- U0232 Lost Communication with Side Object Detection Control Module – Left
Advice from the dealer is “to bring (the) vehicle back if this message pops up again.” This is because, according to the dealer, “these are just notifications, and (they) may not be able to find anything.”
Structural Problems
No one is expecting the Trailblazer to be a Mercedes-Benz, but it’s fair to assume it won’t fall apart. Yet, that’s not true either.
One Edmunds review points out, “After driving this thing for the past 3 months however I’m extremely disappointed. While the economy is decent, the engineering and build quality are abysmal. Surface scratches & paint swirls from the beginning. Rubber & plastic trim pieces literally falling off vehicle. Wireless charging pad never worked from day one. Cruise control stopped working after the first month. Cheap plastic interior surfaces scratch and dull from even minimal normal usage. Rough idle at start up many days. Transmission often jerks forward when placed into drive.”
The review goes on to state: “Keep in mind, this is a 2022 vehicle with only 2600 miles on it. When I’ve taken my Trailblazer into the local Chevrolet dealership, they’ve been unresponsive to my concerns. Basically I’ve been told, you get what you pay for and I shouldn’t expect great quality on an entry level SUV. I can’t even imagine what I’m going to have to deal with being locked into a lease with this rapidly deteriorating vehicle for the next 3 years. I’ve lost what little confidence or trust I had left for American vehicles after owning this Trailblazer.”
Already, there’s a recall that reflects how poorly this vehicle has been built. NHTSA Campaign Number 21V440000 says that more than 135,000 vehicles could be equipped with an emergency jack that is prone to fracturing while in use. If this happens while someone is changing a tire, the SUV could collapse and cause serious injuries. Apparently, it’s difficult enough when a tire needs to be changed, Chevy had to make it even more dangerous.
What to do if your 2022 Trailblazer is a Lemon? Your Lemon Rights
With lemons dating back a decade, you may not be surprised if you buy one. But what do you do if you think that your 2022 Chevy Trailblazer is a lemon?
Don’t panic. Lemberg Law can help.
You don’t need to be stuck with your lemon. We will assess your case and do whatever we can to get you some sort of settlement. It may be a buy-back, a replacement vehicle, or a cash settlement. We will represent you for no out of pocket cost. The law states that GM will pay your bill!
Complaint Data
| Category | Service Brakes |
| Date | Mar 13, 2023 |
| State | ND |
| Description | The contact owns a 2022 chevrolet trailblazer. The contact stated while driving approximately 62 mph, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The brakes, abs, engine, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. Upon pulling over, the brake pedal was depressed but the brake pedal was firm, and the vehicle was slow to respond. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that an unknown software update was needed, and the brake control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 17,714. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control, Service Brakes |
| Date | Jan 30, 2023 |
| State | NV |
| Description | 2022 trailblazer with approximately 21,000 miles on it. Cruise control fails to engage unless you put your foot behind the break pedal and pull the break pedal forward. This causes safety issues because a person thinks the cruise is engaged but it doesn't actually engage and causes a person to slow on the freeway. Driver also gets distracted trying to troubleshoot the issue because cruise fails to engage without an obvious reason for failure. The fix also causes the driver to operate the vehicle in an unsafe manner because they have to remove their foot from the correct position and place it behind the break pedal to fix the problem. This issue is highly reproducible and was lived with for approximately a year until the solution of pulling the break pedal towards the driver was discovered just last month. Dealer said the issue is nonexistent. |
| Category | Structure:body |
| Date | Dec 20, 2022 |
| State | TX |
| Description | On this vehicle the manufacturer is using plastic exhaust brackets. This bracket broke while driving on interstate. This caused the entire exhaust system to drop. When this happens the pipes underneath the car can break and cause serious damage to underside of vehicle which can then cause sparking and explosion or vehicle crash. Looking at pics below you will see the defective plastic part is gm part# 42708943. |
| Category | Air Bags |
| Date | Dec 08, 2022 |
| State | OH |
| Description | The contact's daughter owns a 2022 chevrolet trailblazer. The contact stated that while her daughter's vehicle was idled at a stop, another vehicle crashed into the rear of the vehicle. As a result, the contact's daughter crashed into the rear of another vehicle in front of her. The air bags failed to deploy. Medical attention was required. The contact's daughter and the front passenger both sustained muscle soreness. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer however, no diagnosis was determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was advised to call the nhtsa hotline. The failure mileage was unavailable. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Date | Oct 13, 2022 |
| State | MI |
| Description | Vehicle is little over one month old and has less than two thousand (2000) miles. Adaptive cruise has been acting erratically. At times going at highway speed on expressway adaptive cruise would apply hard brakes 1. When approaching a overhead bridge. 2. Passing a vehicle in the adjacent lane and 3. Changing lane. Yesterday (10/12/2022) on a higway the instrument panel displayed a warning message "service side detection system". Took it to gm dealer who ran a diagnostic which showed the following codes: 1. B1325 control module power circuit low voltage 2. B317a passenger window switch short to ground 3. U0151 lost communication with inflatable restraint sensing and diagnostic module 4. U 0155 lost communication with instrument cluster 5. U0184 lost communication with radio 6. U0232 lost communication with side object detection control module - left dealer said that these are just notification and may not be able to find anything. It advised to bring vehicle back if this message pops up again. |
| Category | Service Brakes |
| Date | Sep 16, 2022 |
| State | MA |
| Description | •what component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Brakes make a squeaking noise coming to a stop. Issue often occurs applying light pressure to the brake pedal. Noticeable after starting the car when it has not been running for a while. •has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Has not been reproduced by dealer. I have taken this vehicle to two gm dealers (cerrone chevrolet and mcgee chevrolet) and received the same response that this is not an issue and is normal. I have stated I wanted this inspected to avoid further issues but received the same response. •has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer or insurance, but the problem is noticeable by passengers. •were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Symptoms were noticeable around 9,000 miles |
| Category | Service Brakes |
| Date | Aug 22, 2022 |
| State | MO |
| Description | My brakes squeal on occasion. At slow speeds when stopping the brake pedal goes soft. The suv pulls to the left slightly and a metal on metal sound begins to emit from the drivers side braking system. The sound changes to something I can only describe as from a video game or a raptor from the jurassic park movies. I have videos of the sound, although they do it no justice. The dealership couldn't reproduce the sound. It happens when it wants. No warning lamps come on. It feels like the car won't stop on time when this happens. The vehicle is available for inspection. |
| Category | Engine, Fuel/propulsion System, Service Brakes |
| Date | Aug 09, 2022 |
| State | IN |
| Description | Check engine light keeps coming on. Hard shifting. Takes too long for brake to engage. Fuel injector replaced. This car is only 3 months into service. |
| Category | Forward Collision Avoidance, Power Train |
| Date | Aug 01, 2022 |
| State | WV |
| Description | The contact owns a 2022 chevrolet blazer. The contact stated while driving 70 mph with the cruise control activated, the forward collision avoidance system activated erroneously. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving to his destination. The contact also stated that the vehicle occasionally accelerated independently. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The contact stated that he had taken the vehicle to the local dealer three times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 500. The vin was not available. |
| Category | Steering |
| Date | Jan 30, 2022 |
| State | IN |
| Description | While I was driving the dash light for service power steering / service esc appeared and made it difficult to turn I had to use force. After I parked I shut it off and ran my errands I started the trailblazer up and the lights went away. After ten minutes they appeared and disappeared. I called the dealer ship and they said I need a steering column. After they inspected the issue. |
| Category | Engine, Service Brakes, Steering |
| Date | Jan 25, 2022 |
| State | WI |
| Description | The contact owns a 2022 chevrolet trailblazer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the engine fans were activated however, the engine overheated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the engine thermostat as faulty. The thermostat was replaced, and the failure was remedied. Also, while driving the vehicle would jerk and hesitate while changing gears. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact was informed by the dealer that the failure was a transmission issue. No further information was available. Also, while driving 27 mph, the service brake system failure" message suddenly displayed, and the brake pedal was hard while pressed. The parking brake was activated. Moments later the message "power steering failure" displayed and the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the brake master cylinder was faulty and needed to be replaced. The brake master cylinder was replaced, and the braking and steering failures were remedied. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 3,051. |
| Category | Service Brakes, Vehicle Speed Control |
| Date | Jan 24, 2022 |
| State | IL |
| Description | The contact owns a 2022 chevrolet trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration. During the failure, the vehicle accelerated to speeds in excess of 100 mph. Additionally, during the failure the brake pedal was depressed however, the vehicle did not slow down or stop. The vehicle was shifted to park to be stopped. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. No further information was available. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 2,876. |
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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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2022 trailblazer LT 25k miles. Shift to park light came on if you guys know what that means with Chevys. Went to dealer “supposedly“ fixed it. It just started doing it again!
Regret buying this car.
The lines on the backup camera don’t appear, the car won’t connect to the phone and the radio and electronic screen stays on for a significant length of time after turning off the engine and opening the driver door. It is like the entire electronics system is delayed at connecting and then delayed at shutting down. This doesn’t happen every time but is increasing in frequency. Car has 2100 miles.
I have a 2022 Trailblazer that I financed last year on July 2021. Within a month of having it I’ve noticed the break pad gets stuck. The shocks are making noise front and back. Everytime I passthrough a humo it’s looks like I’ve hit on something hard. The ailments were off. Check engine lights keep coming on and off and car jerks. I took to the maintenance and said nothing is wrong with it took it in a few weeks later same thing nothing is wrong with it took the third time a month later same problem. I just saw my car drive off of the lot 10 minutes later my car back and wasted my gas. Said nothing iswron with it. Now since 2022 this year I’m experiencing faulty sensors of engine light reduced power. P0011 shows up car turns off it jerks. There a lot of codes that FIXD diagnosted. The fan stays on when you turn it off. I’ve reached out to lemon law it’s been 6 months and trying to get a settlement. I waste too much gas because of the sensors $100 a week. This is my only vehicle. Don’t have family to help drive me around.
I have a 2022 trailblazer and the light came on to service the power steering after three months and still comes on and off plus the cruise control also works and not work occasionally and now the engine jerks whe. It shifts from first gear showing these cars have transmission issue as well and I have only had the car since March of this year I feel I have a lemon car and dealership not helpful
So I am reading these comments and I just purchased a new 2022 Trailblazer LT on July 14th. I have 2,916 miles and so far no issues. In fact it has been a great driving experience.
I am having problems with the Emissions System. I took it to the dealership and they charged me $150 for the diagnostic fee and wanted me to pay for parts and labor not covered under warranty. However, I researched the Chevrolet website and found that the parts, labor, and diagnostic fees are covered under warranty. I took my car back to have repairs completed about 3 weeks later and the parts and labor were covered and I will be receiving a refund of my $150 in the next week. I had my care for 4 days and the check engine light is on again and it refers to the Emissions System needing to be diagnosed, again, this is so ridiculous after being reassured all was fixed!! So, I will be taking my car in for the 3rd time, on August 6th to be diagnosed for emission system problems. It takes a lot of time and money on my part, to be having problems with my 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer.
The headlights are terrible. On low beam there’s a dark shadow looks like a bat.couldnt see 100 yards and the high beam doesn’t help to see further ahead only brighten the sides. Had the dealership adjust the light up helped very little. I bought this car for my daughter first car .iam afraid she might hit a deer or worse a pedestrian.