Chevrolet Blazer Common Problems & Reliability Guide
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Overview
The fifth-generation Chevrolet Blazer, introduced for the 2019 model year, is a front-wheel-drive-based mid-size crossover SUV built on GM's E2XX platform. Unrelated to the classic body-on-frame Blazer or S-10 Blazer, this model competes with the Ford Edge, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Hyundai Tucson. It is assembled in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, and offers turbocharged four-cylinder, naturally aspirated V6, and (from 2024) fully electric powertrains. Common owner complaints center on infotainment software stability, transmission hesitation, oil consumption on the 2.5L engine, and a high-profile recall campaign related to fuel pump and brake booster vacuum issues that prompted a temporary sales halt in late 2023.
Quick Summary
Most Serious Issues
- Excessive Oil Consumption on 2.5L LCV Engine($0 (warranty short-block replacement) to $4,500–$7,000 (out-of-warranty engine work))
- Fuel Pump Failure / Reduced Power Warning($0 (recall remedy free) to $600–$1,200 (out-of-warranty pump replacement))
- Blazer EV Software-Related Brake and Charging Issues (2024)($0 (recall software update performed by dealer at no charge))
5 recalls documented across all generations
By Generation
Available Engines
Common OBD2 Codes
| Code | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| P0171 | Very Common | System too lean (Bank 1). Common on 2.5L LCV engine, often linked to MAF sensor contamination, PCV system issues, or intake air leaks. Also reported on 2.0T under boost leak conditions. |
| P0300 | Common | Random/multiple cylinder misfire. Reported on 2.5L at higher mileage (60k+), often tied to carbon buildup on intake valves (direct injection engine). Also triggered by fouled spark plugs. |
| P0301 | Common | Cylinder 1 misfire. Associated with spark plug degradation on 2.5L and 2.0T engines. Inspect ignition coil and injector on cylinder 1. |
| P0302 | Common | Cylinder 2 misfire. Same root causes as P0301; often appears alongside P0300 on 2.5L with oil consumption issues causing fouled plugs. |
| P0420 | Common | Catalyst system efficiency below threshold (Bank 1). Seen on higher-mileage 3.6L V6 examples. Confirm with live O2 sensor data before replacing catalytic converter — can be triggered by oil contamination from consumption issues. |
| P0101 | Common | Mass airflow (MAF) sensor range/performance. Common on 2.5L and 2.0T after air filter service if filter is not seated properly or if aftermarket filter is used. Clean or replace MAF sensor. |
| P0700 | Common | Transmission control system malfunction (general flag). Accompanies more specific 9T50 transmission codes. Reflects the widely reported hesitation and shudder complaints on all engine variants. GM released multiple TCM software updates. |
| P0741 | Common | Torque converter clutch (TCC) circuit performance / stuck off. 9T50 transmission issue. TCC shudder is a common complaint; fluid exchange with updated Dexron HP fluid and TCM reflash often resolves it. |
| P0562 | Occasional | System voltage low. Reported on some early 2019–2020 examples with parasitic drain related to infotainment module not sleeping properly. Check battery condition and BCM software version. |
| U0100 | Common | Lost communication with ECM/PCM. Often accompanies infotainment and cluster glitches; typically cleared after module reset. Persistent occurrences suggest CAN bus wiring or ground integrity issues. |
| U0155 | Common | Lost communication with instrument panel cluster. Common companion to infotainment freezing/rebooting complaints. Usually resolved by IPC software update via dealer. |
| P0128 | Occasional | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature. Reported on 2.5L and 3.6L; thermostat replacement typically resolves. May affect fuel trims and heater output. |
Known Problems
The 9T50 nine-speed automatic transmission exhibits hesitation during low-speed acceleration, hard shifts between 1st and 2nd gear, and a torque-converter-clutch shudder felt most prominently at 40–55 mph. GM has issued multiple technical service bulletins (TSBs) addressing TCM software recalibration and recommending a transmission fluid exchange with updated Dexron HP fluid. Some owners require repeated dealer visits before the issue is adequately addressed. A small subset of severe cases requires valve body or torque converter replacement.
Typical mileage: Under 30,000 miles; often present from new
Shop parts for this repairThe Chevy Infotainment 3 system (8" and 10.2" screens) is prone to freezing, unresponsive touch inputs, and spontaneous reboots, sometimes while driving. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connections drop unexpectedly. The issue affects 2019–2022 models most heavily and is linked to infotainment module firmware. GM has released OTA and dealer-applied software updates; some units required module replacement. The Blazer EV (2024+) uses a different Ultium-era infotainment system that has its own separate software concerns.
Typical mileage: Any mileage; most common in first 2 years of ownership
Shop parts for this repairA significant number of owners report that the 2.5L four-cylinder engine consumes 1 quart of oil per 1,000–2,000 miles, which is well above acceptable norms. GM's official stance considers up to 1 quart per 2,000 miles acceptable, which many owners dispute. The root cause is believed to involve piston ring sealing and PCV system design. High oil consumption leads to spark plug fouling (triggering misfire codes), catalytic converter damage over time, and low oil level warnings. GM issued TSBs recommending engine oil consumption tests; some engines received short-block replacements under warranty.
Typical mileage: 10,000–60,000 miles
Shop parts for this repairReports of the low-pressure fuel pump failing or underperforming on 2019–2023 gasoline models, causing a 'Reduced Engine Power' warning, stalling, and hard starts. A related concern prompted GM to issue a recall (NHTSA 23V-695) on 2023 Blazers for a fuel pump inlet pipe that could crack, causing fuel to leak and creating a fire hazard. This recall was a primary factor in GM temporarily pausing Blazer sales in late 2023 alongside the Blazer EV software recall.
Typical mileage: 20,000–80,000 miles
Shop parts for this repairThe 2024 Blazer EV was subject to a high-profile recall (NHTSA 24V-026) due to a software defect that could cause loss of propulsion, unexpected shift to park while moving, and in some configurations a loss of rearview camera display. GM initiated a voluntary sales stop in January 2024 to develop and deploy a software fix before deliveries resumed. Separately, some Blazer EV owners reported Level 2 AC charging sessions terminating prematurely due to a charging management software bug.
Typical mileage: Any mileage (software defect, not wear-related)
Shop parts for this repairOn 2019–2022 models equipped with the 2.5L engine, owners report a noticeable whining or buzzing noise from the electric vacuum pump that assists brake booster function at engine start-up or low-speed maneuvers. In some cases the pump fails prematurely, resulting in increased brake pedal effort. GM issued TSB #21-NA-009 addressing pump noise; pump replacement resolves the issue. Brake feel complaints are more common in cold weather.
Typical mileage: 5,000–40,000 miles
Shop parts for this repairA subset of 2019–2021 Blazers experienced premature A/C compressor failure, resulting in no cooling, refrigerant leaks, and in some cases compressor debris contaminating the entire A/C system (requiring complete system flush and component replacement). The issue appears more prevalent on vehicles in high-ambient-temperature climates. GM covered many repairs under the bumper-to-bumper warranty but out-of-warranty repairs are costly.
Typical mileage: 20,000–50,000 miles
Shop parts for this repairRecalls
On approximately 2023 Chevrolet Blazer vehicles, the low-pressure fuel pump inlet pipe may crack due to a manufacturing defect. A cracked pipe can allow fuel to spray onto hot engine components, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire. Dealers inspect and replace the inlet pipe assembly at no cost. This recall was a key driver of GM's temporary Blazer sales halt in late 2023.
Certain 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV vehicles contain a software defect in the vehicle propulsion control module. The defect may cause unexpected loss of drive power, unintended shifting to park while the vehicle is moving, loss of the rearview camera image, or non-functional charge indicator lights. GM issued a stop-sale order and paused deliveries in January 2024 while a software remedy was developed. The fix is a dealer-applied software update.
On certain 2022 Chevrolet Blazer vehicles, a software error in the infotainment system may cause the rearview camera image to fail to display when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, reducing the driver's rearward visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers apply a software update to the infotainment module at no cost.
On certain 2019–2020 Chevrolet Blazer vehicles, the front passenger air bag inflator may produce too much internal pressure during deployment, potentially rupturing the inflator and sending metal fragments toward vehicle occupants. This recall is part of the broader Takata air bag recall campaign. Dealers replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator module at no cost.
On certain 2019–2021 Chevrolet Blazer vehicles, the electronic parking brake (EPB) actuator may not apply sufficient clamping force due to a software calibration error, potentially allowing the vehicle to roll on a slope. The issue is more pronounced in cold ambient temperatures. Dealers reprogram the EPB module software at no charge.