2021 CHEVROLET BLAZER Steering Problems
14 complaints about Steering
High Severity Issue
This component has been associated with crashes, fires, or deaths.
This Problem Across All Years
All Steering Complaints (14)
In September 2023, when getting my vehicle serviced for a routine oil change, I was told there was a leak in my radiator. They replaced the entire thing under warranty. On November 15th, 2025, while driving on the highway heading home from out of town with my children, an error flashed up saying “steering assist is reduced – drive with care” Upon arriving home, the fan on my car was running on high for a solid 10 minutes after turning the car off. No recall but Special Coverage N252508350 covers the thermostat replacement. Upon inspection by a mechanic, I was informed that the radiator is also leaking again in the exact same spot as it was previously. It should be noted I have never seen leaking fluid in my garage/driveway. I’ve driven less than 10,000 miles since the radiator was replaced previously. If there is a known problem with the coolant system which can cause overheating and steering assist issues, why isn't the faulty radiator and thermostat recalled. The radiator is cased in plastic to aluminum. Plastic can easily catch fire if a car overheats. The casing also prevents an owner from even knowing if there is a leak since the plastic is catching leaks - the mechanic informed me that's why I didn't know about both times it leaked. This is a 4yr old car with 46k miles, twice replaced radiator and thermostat. A recall should be issued since both problems could potentially cause a fire from an overheated engine & loss of steering assist while driving. A google search quickly showed me thousands of other Chevy Blazers from 2019-2021 with reoccurring thermostat and radiator issues. I feel unsafe driving in my vehicle but still owe too much to even trade it in for something else. I've owned dozens of vehicles in my lifetime, used and new and keep them 8-10yrs and have never had to replace a thermostat and radiator. This vehicle is dangerous due to GM/Chevy's cheap radiator model and thermostat which could overheat and catch fire
Request for Recall Review – 2021 Chevrolet Blazer Steering Assist and Cooling Fan Issue Hello, I am writing to report a recurring issue with my 2021 Chevrolet Blazer and to request that this concern be reviewed for possible recall or warranty coverage. The vehicle frequently displays an “Action Required: Steering Assist is Reduced. Drive with Care” message while driving. Additionally, after shutting off the vehicle, the engine cooling fan continues to run for up to 20 minutes, as if the vehicle is overheating. This issue has occurred multiple times and raises concerns about potential problems with the steering assist system, cooling system, or electrical sensors. I’ve noticed that other Blazer owners have reported similar experiences online, which suggests this could be a broader issue. Could you please confirm whether there are any existing recalls, technical service bulletins (TSBs), or warranty programs addressing this condition? I would also appreciate guidance on the next steps for inspection or documentation. Vehicle Information: Year/Model: 2021 Chevrolet Blazer
2021 Blazer Message steering assist reduced ESC needs attention 15,000 miles shoukd no way need rack n pinion . Steering reduced and is a hazard to drive
Midway home I got a message on my dashboard “steering assist reduced - drive with care”, but my power steering was still functional. I parked my car in the driveway, shut it off, and the cooling fans started blowing excessively. This continued for 5-ish minutes before shutting off on its own. Then I noticed that the engine temp gauge wasn’t working. Unsure if this is a problem with the thermometer or the sensor currently.
The thermostat and the sensor for the thermostat continues to go bad
Steering Assist is Reduced came on dashboard. Check engine late came on shortly after. AC wasn't working and the temperature gauge on the dash wouldn't move. I took it into a shop where they said it was a temperature gauge that was causing all the issues and would need to be replaced. P
Driver steering assist reduce message in display. Upon scanning codes, error code P0128 triggered. Temperature gauge does not register on dial between C-H.
This is re: dash warning that came on saying "Action Required, Steering Assist is Reduced, Drive with Care" on 2021 Chevy Blazer, 28.800 miles. First happened 1/15/25 & each time car is started it is on now, plus the Check Engine light is on now. The fan of the motor runs for 5-10 minutes once car is shut off also. I have read of the power steering locking totally up on other Blazers that this has happened on, making this a very big danger and risky. I am not sure if it is power steering, electrical, or engine issue, but believe with so many reports out there and it causing a danger to people driving, GM/Chevrolet should put a recall on this and look at these before people are killed (if not already due to this). I am taking mine to Chevy dealer to have it looked at, but many people may not have that option.
While driving previous year 2024 the steering wheel became stiff and hard to turn. I was going around 60MPH and the Reduce Steering Drive with caution appear. Took it to the nearest Autzone no codes. We removed battery for 30 min and the steering wheel worked. Again changed my battery and the steering wheel will not turn. Had to disconnect for a day and the steering wheel worked. Fast forward 2025 Jan 14th driving down highway 360 going 60MPH my steering wheel message reappear. Called a dealer service they say they don't know. We had to tow it back to the house after work my OBD reader did not have any codes. Is a dangerous issue that needs to be recalled. I could of cause and accident.
I have a 2021 Chevy Blazer that has 31,0000 miles and my steering locked up. I was driving and barley got into a parking lot. Told by a certified dealer it is the power steering gear and possible the power steering module. No parts available and no ETA. This does not make sense that the steering with such low miles has gone out. I have read on the GM forum that multiple people have had this issue. I could have been killed. Why has there not been a recall on this very expensive repair?
P0128, AC not working, Steering Assist Reduced, and Temp Gauge not working. Problem caused by faulty ECT wiring. First the problem is the ECT is a two wire (signal + and -) 26 gauge wire running through the ignition coil wire harness. Ignition coil signals are very high voltage and fairly fast frequency which causes a lot of EMI which is easily picked up on a 2 wire voltage based wire set. The ECT wiring should have been a twisted shielded pair if running next to Coil wiring or they could have used a single wire resistance thermistor, but they should have just routed the signal a different way to begin with. This is a design issue and it should be a recall...maybe a class action lawsuit is needed to force them to fix it correctly. The FSB (field service bulletin) fix blames loose connector terminals and it patches the computer software to not include ECT wire failures in the Steering, AC, and temp gauge inhibit logic (overtemp readings will still fail off these functions). Also the P0128 code can come back occasionally.
Steering assist reduced message comes on and temperature guage goes down to cold not working and after you shut car off fan runs full force for 10 minutes. Shows no check engine light or no codes.
The failing component is the ESC/power steering. It is available for inspection. It is currently at Bayway Chevrolet in Pearland, Texas. My safety and the safety of others is at risk when the power steering fails not allowing me to turn out of the way from road hazards or even make legal turns. This could result in an auto accident causing bodily injury or death to me or other drivers. Yes, a service shop in Alvin was able to see/reproduce the errors. No, however the vehicle is currently in the shop being looked at by service techs. There were no warning lights, messages, or other indications prior to [XXX] around 2pm EST, when this happened. The vehicle was driven home from work that evening. The vehicle was not driven all day [XXX]. Today, [XXX], I drove the vehicle to the service shop in Alvin, Texas to replace the battery. Around 10:45am EST, the errors/messages came on. I drove back to the battery shop in Alvin and they ran the codes. This is where they were able to feel the steering tighten up. I drove the vehicle to Bayway Chevrolet for repairs. Once I receive an estimate or repair invoice, I would be happy to send that over. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owned a 2021 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated while driving 69-70 MPH, the steering wheel strongly pulled to the left side and into the roadway median. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle hit the median and bounced, facing incoming traffic. The contact slammed on the brakes and shifted into park (P). The air bags deployed. The contact was able to exit the vehicle with the assistance of bystanders. Emergency services arrived at the scene but the contact was not transported to the hospital at the time. The contact later received medical assistance and was informed she had sustained soreness on the neck, shoulders and bruises all over the body. Additionally, the contact was advised she had sustained post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.
Mileage: 24,000