Diagsheet

2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer · symptom sheet

Brakes grind, pulse or wear early

  • 31owner reports
  • 10,000median miles
  • 4involved a crash

Newest report Jun 5, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

31 of the 192 complaints on this car describe brake wear, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2021 Trailblazer.

Tick what matches of 31 reports

11
1
3
1
12
1

What got replaced

Few of these reports name the part that was replaced.

Recalls and investigations

One recall on the brakes covers the 2021 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

20V-588Sep 24, 2020
Service Brakes

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Corvette and Cadillac CT4, CT5 and XT4, 2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer, and 2020-2021 Buick Encore GX vehicles. Sensor connection contamination in the electronic brake boost system may cause an interruption of communication between the sensor and the brake boost system.

Risk and remedy
Risk: If communication with the sensor is interrupted, the electronic brake boost assist could be lost. Extra pedal force will be required to slow and stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the electronic brake boost module, free of charge. The recall began December 9, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, or Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM's number for this recall is A202307260.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 4,500 and 43,906 miles, from the 11 reports that gave a mileage.

220
821
422
423
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526

What owners wrote

“Shift to park. Vehicle will not shut off. Also trying to start vehicle having to repeatedly push brakes down hard and push to start before finally starting. I bought this vehicle with 0 miles this has been an on going on and off problem since around 20000 miles have been put on.”

Filed Feb 24, 2026 · 20,000 miles

“I have brought my car into the dealership over the last few years at least 6 times for the same issues. Currently there are two codes coming up as permanent on my car which is for the Evaporative Emission System Flow and Brake Booster Hydraulics performance. I drive my child of three every day and the number of times my check engine light comes on and goes into reduced engine power is not okay nor safe.”

Filed Dec 31, 2024

“The brake pedal goes to the floor and does not want to stop. There is a brake failure meesage on the dash.”

Filed Jul 5, 2024

“The car will all of a sudden make a loud popping noise through the radio. It is enough to scare someone while they are driving and have a wreck. The brakes are very touchy to the point of almost giving you whiplash”

Filed Sep 14, 2023

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 4 of 31 reports involved a crash and 3 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.