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
Codydw25
61 - 80 of 101 Posts
2021 Blazer RS, 58k miles. In the shop now having the Thermostat replaced, for sticking. I also has similar issues that most everyone here has experienced, from the warning message, to the fan coming on, all in the same day. No issues with seeing a leak in my garage, however I did notice the fluid was below the line it needed to be, so I added. That was in December and the fluid has stayed at level. I have been on the internet researching everywhere how does this happen, what effects are from this and now I am here. I also spoke with a trusted mechanic to better understand this Thermostat issue. Thermostats are not known for going out, they seem outlast the car itself. When the thermostat is not properly working it adds extreme pressure, dangerous even. Makes sense why a radiator would have signs of leaks.
This is the 2nd major issue I have had. It makes me sad pour more money into fixes that are not the typical repairs. I'd pay for this kind of stuff if the car was paid off, but is still owe. The other major issue I had started 10/2023 with the Battery, which was what I thought when I couldn't start the car. Got a jump, took in to replace, drove home no issues. Later that night went out and warning message, C/S Battery Saver Active and Battery Charging system. Took in next morning. Turns out nuts were loose at battery junction block causing a fuse to melt due to poor connection. Results were, replacing Junction Block and Alternator. Don't which happen first the junction box or the battery replacement not connected correctly. Every since the changing of the of those three parts the Cluster board is out of whack. Millage would show, took it in, fixed. Gas light does turn on when low fuel, the gage worked, took it in, fixed. The RMP gage moves when the car starts but stops when driving, took it in, fixed. I really love the way this car looks and the drive. I hope this most recent issue is resolved in a recall.
This is the 2nd major issue I have had. It makes me sad pour more money into fixes that are not the typical repairs. I'd pay for this kind of stuff if the car was paid off, but is still owe. The other major issue I had started 10/2023 with the Battery, which was what I thought when I couldn't start the car. Got a jump, took in to replace, drove home no issues. Later that night went out and warning message, C/S Battery Saver Active and Battery Charging system. Took in next morning. Turns out nuts were loose at battery junction block causing a fuse to melt due to poor connection. Results were, replacing Junction Block and Alternator. Don't which happen first the junction box or the battery replacement not connected correctly. Every since the changing of the of those three parts the Cluster board is out of whack. Millage would show, took it in, fixed. Gas light does turn on when low fuel, the gage worked, took it in, fixed. The RMP gage moves when the car starts but stops when driving, took it in, fixed. I really love the way this car looks and the drive. I hope this most recent issue is resolved in a recall.
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5 Posts
Yes, replaced radiator. Leak gone and thermostat actuation again. Air can get caught in the tube causing the actuation of the thermostat to assume be faulty. I have not changed my thermostat, have not seen the code or steering be reduced. Its been 3 months
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5 Posts
Do the work yourself. Spend only the cost of trans fluid top off, coolant fill, and radiator. Saves tons of money
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5 Posts
Simple everyone, don't take to a dealer, do yourself and use aftermarket high quality and trust brands.
How do we go about complaining to GM?
We owe 4000.00 on our 2021 V6 Blazer 60,000 miles
Just replaced the radiator 2300.00 still having issues with steering assist reduced. Waiting for parts to replace thermostat and sensor quoted 1800.00.
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5 Posts
Have to sign a petition. But 1800 quoted price is outrageous. Are they doing both thermostats and both sensors? I wouldn't take it to gm and get gm parts. Do it yourself and get trusted aftermarket brands that'll last.
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29 Posts
The entire front end. I'm on my 5th and hopefully the last. I got smart and this time I had an aftermarket one put in.
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2 Posts
2021 Blazer here. Replaced radiator at 70,000 miles. I was told my radiator bracket failed which caused the leak. Now at 99,000 miles the radiator fan stuck on, coolant pegged cold but no current fluid leak. In the shop now to get thermometer replaced. Very frustrating
We need to band together and approach GM (General Motors) for a recall!
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2 Posts
Not sure how that works but happy to submit what I have spent for this issue.
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29 Posts
Need to find the right lawyer for class action law suit.
I know I have replace my radiator 2 times already at 10000and at 2100.recall recall that's what needed
They probably used another radiator from GM made in Mexico!
Not happy realizing my Blazer was assembled in Mexico,during Covid! I'm sure the radiator and other parts are all made in Mexico!
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29 Posts
Replace with an aftermarket one. Cheaper and mine came with a 10 year warranty as opposed to OEM with just a 1 year warranty and they are crap.
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4 Posts
Hello Gina,
Thank you for posting all of this helpful information
By any chance, are you able to provide more info on the aftermarket radiator? I've been shopping around but have had no luck finding a decent aftermarket radiator.
Thank you!
Check Rockauto.com
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29 Posts
I called the shop and the guy said he ordered it through Keystone Aftermarket and their part number is #RAD13613. Brand CSF Cooling. I typed in that # and it came up on Ebay. I hope this helps. View attachment Screenshot_20250325-164633.png
View attachment 2418
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4 Posts
Thank you so much! I have been stressing out for about 2 weeks after my mechanic said I needed to replace the radiator. Said he would replace with GM/Chevy parts.
I did some research and after reading everyone's posts, I realized aftermarket parts is the way to go.
I got my 21 Blazer w/62k back in 1/2024. Had no clue I would be stuck with a bad radiator.
Lastly, did you switch out your thermostat and/or coolant temperature sensor after getting work done on your radiator?
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29 Posts
No, just the radiator. But I was told that the transmission fluid was black and needed changing. Local GMC didn't want to change it so I drove an hour away to where I bought it and they changed it. Three thousand miles later I'm experiencing shuddering on acceleration. Not sure if transmission problem now or what. They say once you change the fluid you end up having problems. But, was it going to happen anyway and it must have been running hot to turn the fluid black. Could it be because I had to change out 4 faulty radiators, transmission not being cooled enough?
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