NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Chevrolet Blazer Safety Ratings
The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 121 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer SUV AWD achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it firmly in the Strong safety band. The model year's safety record is bolstered by its limited recall history, with only a single campaign issued.
The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer SUV AWD received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer ranks 46 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 86 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 14.7% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 121 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 46 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer?
The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer AWD posts a Safety Index of 86 out of 100, a one-point gain over the 2020 model year's 85, while remaining in the Strong band throughout. That incremental movement is modest but directionally positive. The crash-protection sub-score is the engine of this rating: 66 out of a possible 70 points, anchored by a clean sweep of five-star frontal and side results from NHTSA. The rollover sub-rating of four stars, paired with a 15 percent rollover risk figure and a No Tip dynamic result, is the only place where the crash picture softens, and it holds the overall score just below a ceiling score. Where the 2021 year specifically gives pause is the avoidance-technology sub-score of 6 out of 10, reflecting that both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as optional rather than standard equipment. Buyers of this specific model year who did not select those packages are operating without them. The defect-record sub-score of 14 out of 20 reflects one recall campaign tied to seat belts and a complaint volume of 121, with the Electrical System and Engine categories each drawing more than 35 unverified reports. That complaint load is a data point worth monitoring even though the allegations remain unverified.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer AWD achieved a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its performance in crash protection was robust, earning five stars for both frontal and side impact tests. The rollover assessment was a four-star rating, with a 15 percent rollover risk calculated; the dynamic tip test indicated no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15346
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer have any recalls?
One recall campaign is on record for this model year. It concerns seat belts and was issued by General Motors, covering certain 2021 GMC Canyon, Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles alongside the Blazer. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is indicated in the available data for this campaign.
SEAT BELTS20V811000
Risk: If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.
Reported 2020-12-23
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer?
NHTSA has logged 121 unverified owner complaints against the 2021 Blazer. Alleged problem areas include the Electrical System (37 reports), Engine (36), Unknown or Other (20), Service Brakes (18), Power Train (17), and Steering (15). These are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
121 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer?
Anyone considering a used 2021 Blazer should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm whether the seat-belt recall remedy has been completed. An open recall on a used vehicle is the buyer's responsibility to resolve, and completion status varies by individual vehicle history.
- The 2021 model year carries one active recall campaign covering seat belts, issued by General Motors. Prospective buyers should verify remedy completion by VIN before purchase.
- Both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional on this specific model year, meaning many 2021 Blazers on the used market may lack these systems entirely.
- The Safety Index rose one point from the 2020 model year (85) to 86, driven primarily by a crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70 anchored by five-star frontal and side NHTSA results.
- NHTSA has received 121 unverified complaints against this model year, with the Electrical System (37 alleged reports) and Engine (36 alleged reports) representing the two most frequently cited categories.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer places
The 2021 Chevrolet Blazer qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Chevrolet Blazer safety questions
Was the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 14.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 121 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Blazer. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Blazer years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15346), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Blazer 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 46 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.