Had it checked out at the dealership, told it was leaking no pressure test confirmed. No visible leaks at home, have to add coolant every once in a while and I can smell it. Now we are getting the engine lights TC off, Steering assist reduced be careful message. It all started with a CEL and we had it looked at and was told we needed a new radiator but it would cost over $1200. The car has 48,000 miles on it and this started around 42,000. We bought this for a family as a brand new car and it’s unbelievable. We love the car but we are scared for the reliability and safety of owning it. Also the cost to repair issues that happen on there own that seem like a manufacture defect is a real concern.
2021 Chevy Blazer radiator leak and steering assist reduced message
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I work at a GM dealership and there have been several come in with radiator leaks, I'm told its a common problem, I believe with 20 and 21 years. You won't notice fluid at home because there is a cover under the motor that seems to catch it all. My co-worker's got caught by chance when it was in for an oil change. So far so good on mine but I have a 22, not sure if they fixed the issue or not on the newer ones. Wait and see I guess.
Thank you for the reply and insight. I’ll check for that and see if anything is there! I find it crazy that it isn’t a recall and after 36,000 miles isn’t covered…at least that’s what we were told. I figured it would be part of the power train warranty since it’s part of the operation of the motor. It’s the V6 btw.
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Yeah GM not recalling them but it is covered under the 3yr/36,000 mile warranty or if you purchased an extended warranty. Sometimes a dealer will do a courteous repair if you are a good customer. Might be worth talking with the service manager and see if there is any help they can do, even a discount maybe.
Nothing in front of the power train is covered by the power train warranty. It is just a powertrain warranty. As JW blazer mentioned, the 3/36 would normally handle the radiator, but you're unfortunately outside of that. As JW Blazer stated, maybe your Service Director could offer some goodwill at least. Goodwill is them offering some compensation while you still pay part.
They have worked with us in the past, so it’s worth a shot. Would the coolant leak cause the reduced steering assist message? We keep the coolant topped off and the leak is slow, however it occasionally causes a CEL. The reduced steering assist is new and just popped up a few days ago.
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Yes, '22s are starting to follow suit with the leaks. I follow a FB group and this is a rampant reoccurring problem. Some repaired 3 times . I'll ditch my '22 when it gets like that. I'm only at 4k so....its not an IF it's WHEN will it leak. I so regret this purchase even though I've not had any issues. But there are so many of the same problems it's stressing me out.
If your coolant level is low enough, the water pump may not be getting enough coolant to turn the pump properly. That in itself can be an issue because the belt that turns the pulleys to those components, the power steering pump included, can be affected. The power assist may have thrown a code because the water pump faulted due to a lack of fluid. Keep in mind, although you've added coolant off and on, the whole system operates in a pressure cooker, so any drop in pressure due to the slow coolant leak can cause the ECM to throw a code. The code may not mean a catastrophic event took place, but it does mean that something is happening and become aware.
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21 Posts
Since you work there I'm curious to what is causing these leaks like this. Poor design, materials, other factors like heat...etc.
Ahh, that makes sense. I really appreciate your input on this. It’s so unfortunate that you buy a new vehicle hoping to be problem free. We love our Blazer and has been a favorite car in years, but it’s really disappointing to be having issues like this that aren’t covered by the manufacturer. It appears to be a manufacturer defect but who knows 🤷.
These radiators today are made out of aluminum and plastic and have high failure rates. GM isn't alone in this. Ford had the highest number of recalls last year than anyone else. In today's car market, the grass is not greener on the other side. Roll the dice and pick your poison.
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My 2020 RS Blazer is currently in the shop having the radiator replaced after just having it replaced in April 2022. After contacting GM, they agreed to reimburse me half of the cost. The replacement is still under parts warranty and will not cost me anything. The radiator part number is now different so hopefully that means it has been improved.
Thought I'd join this concern since I seen a reply to coolant leaks
Im just over 27000 I'm on my 2nd radiator need a 3rd leaking from the same upper left seams, I found duralast and osc I believe is the name of the brand, they have radiators about 300 to 400 a piece, I'm thinking this would be a better choice than the gm brand that's been failing us. This has been the only issue with our Blazer
Im just over 27000 I'm on my 2nd radiator need a 3rd leaking from the same upper left seams, I found duralast and osc I believe is the name of the brand, they have radiators about 300 to 400 a piece, I'm thinking this would be a better choice than the gm brand that's been failing us. This has been the only issue with our Blazer
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I read on another forum regarding this...it was said that during the last few years(pandemic) the radiator seals were from a 3rd party vendor that was obviously making crap! This supposedly has been corrected now. That's why so many have needed repeated radiator repairs. Fingers crossed that I don't go thru this. I've got a '22 that had a December 21 build date. But I've seen 22 and 23's with leaks as well. I've got 4500 miles on mine so for (purchase date 4/20/22).
Anything for some change these days, I did see that on the gmparts website they mention part number replaced by etc etc check it out I recommend in case you get a wiff, I pray you don't, the 1st replacement on it they did a trash ass job, I'm praying this is the last time it's replaced, going to a different dealer though not the original place we got it at. I'm sure you'll be OK though you have low miles and im sure you drive Chill I drive highway most of the time she's always literally Blazing the pavement nothing but Premium and 3000 mile oil changes, love this vehicle weve invested to much now to give up on it because of a radiator. Dusty wind lately sorry
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We have a 2019 Blazer RS and ours is in now for a radiator leak. Having to replace the radiator. We love the Blazer, but between the tires that wear so quickly( on our third set) and now the radiator, I’m a bit disappointed.
Right! For being a higher trim and pricey as they are the Radiator shouldn't even be the last thing that gives out, I mean we cant expect perfect all the time but if your choosing a NEW vehicle theres not much of an excuse to use cheap quality material for long term parts,
I suggest Vogue Tyre and lowering the vehicle itself since it's an RS to have less roll and wear on turns, the Michelins we had are out Vogue will take you 60,000 with on point rotations every so miles plus theyll make your RS stand out look into the red strip
Vogue Tyre® - Custom Luxury Tires Since 1914
The Vogue Tyre and Rubber Company provides the best all-season tires on the market. An industry standard for high-end vehicles, Vogue has been designing classic Whitewalls, exclusive White/Gold, and White/Red Sidewall tires for over 109 years.
www.voguetyre.com
Wiff Getting Stronger 3rd Radiator soon...
And 2019. I just diagnosed my issue from this since I have had the same problem and steering notification uhhh and I sold myself this car! Lol
I’m so disappointed and I have the same problem and same exact blazer
GM doesn't manufacture tires, so the problem with your tires doesn't fall upon them. The radiator is a problem for GM.
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