CHEVROLET Complaints

2020 Chevy Blazer RS 3.6L V6: having intermittent issues with ‘check engine’ light activating and giving code P0128 - indicating “Coolant Thermostat (Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature)”. Symptoms include: - Temp gauge drops to reading “C” (cold), - AC blows warm/hot air, - Dash displays message, “Steering Assist is Reduced, Drive with Care”, - Radiator (electric) fans run full speed. It seems that the computer is interpreting the engine coolant temperature sensor drop as a ‘stuck open’ thermostat, thus the indicated code. However, at the same time it also appears to assume a bad coolant temp sensor, and failsafes to disable the AC and set the radiator fans to max to avoid potential overheating. The problem with this is that this can occur after driving for some period that the engine is suitably warm, then I can pull off the road, disconnect the battery for a few minutes, and everything goes back to normal operation. A broken thermostat would not behave this way. * This happened in Mar 2025 - after disconnecting the battery about 5-6 times over about a 1wk period the code cleared and we were able to pass inspection. The issue did not reoccur until about the same time this year. It has been recurring periodically since. * After reading numerous postings on this issue, with numerous different vehicles that have this engine and computer, I have no faith that the dealership will provide a solution other than charging me to replace the thermostat, and ending up with the same problem a few weeks later.

Loud ticking sound from engine corresponding with engine speed (faster as the rpms increased). Took in to dealership out of concern and the rod bearings were spun necessitating a full engine replacement. This was only 4 months after it passed the inspection for Recall - L87 Engine Loss of Propulsion (Related field action: See Special Coverage N252494003).

These are two separate incidents. The first one is the seat moves to the left or to the right given the direction of the vehicle. The other incident was when I was reversing into a parking spot. The gear shifted out of reverse and just was in a floating stage. I then had to put it back into reverse to continue it did it twice

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the message “Service Stabilizer” was displayed and the power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle lost its power steering function, and the vehicle was difficult to steer. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,805.

On 4 seperate occasions, my vehicle has completely shut off in the middle of the road. 3 times this has happened while traveling on the interstate. Every time with my 6 year old son in the car. The steering wheel locks up when it happens and you have to use all of your strength to get out of the road as soon as possible to avoid being smashed by oncoming traffic. On 8 seperate occasions, my vehicle randomly loses the majority of it's power, and takes over 6,000 rpms just to continue at 50mph. The issue fixes itself by the time I try to take it to the dealership and they tell me there is nothing they can do about any of these issues because it "isn't doing it now" - refusing to even look at it. If I don't take no for an answer, they said just a diagnostic will take 48 hours and they do not offer any sort of loaner vehicle. Both of these events happen without warning, at completely random times. Chevrolet service members each give me different advice and non of it is helpful. My car is a death trap. I bought it brand new with 5 miles on it. I had to order it and wait for it to be shipped to me. This has happened throughout the entire life of the vehicle.

On 04/16/2026, while driving, vehicle received and completed a software/firmware OTA update. A second update completion prompt was received while still in motion. Shortly after, while stopped at a traffic light, the auto-start/stop system re-engaged and the vehicle appeared to restart normally. Upon stopping to refuel, remote key fob auto-start failed to respond. Vehicle was started manually and driven to the next location. On arrival, remote key fob auto-start failed again. Used interior push-to-start — vehicle started but displayed an active Check Engine Light. Connected vehicle app diagnostic scan of the Engine and Transmission System returned two WARNING flags requiring service: - Transmission System — Schedule Service Now - Engine Electrical System including Charging and Starting System — Schedule Service Now All other scanned systems (Air Induction, Fuel Management, Engine Cooling, Throttle Control, Ignition, Variable Valve Timing, 4WD, Displacement on Demand) returned OK. Both faults appeared immediately following the OTA update. Remote start failure at two consecutive locations and the Check Engine Light activation are directly correlated in timing with the update applied on 04/16/2026. No fault codes have been pulled yet — dealership service appointment pending. This is not the first instance of an issue after updates are applied, between the infotainment system blacking out, rear camera or ADAS not functioning as well as sporadic crackling sound almost like electricity arcing in the engine compartment near the steering column

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message "Reduced Engine Power" was displayed. The accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond and lost automotive power. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road, and the vehicle was towed to the residence on several occasions. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with turbocharger failure. The vehicle was not repaired because the mechanic lacked confidence in performing the required repair. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for the repair. Several dealers were contacted and informed that the vehicle was not under warranty or recall coverage. The contact stated that the turbocharger was previously replaced by a dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,000.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Yes How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The car stalls and/or shuts down while in use Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? Yes Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem before the failure, and when did they first appear? Use Purchase date 3/31/2026. First sign of issues 4/3/2026

6.2l engine was losing power in Oct 2025. Took to dealership to address L87 recall. Oil change was completed and recall was closed. In March 2026, vehicle lost full power while driving on highway with other traffic. Vehicle was towed to dealership. Battery replaced. April 2026, vehicle lost power again on highway with traffic. Vehicle towed back to dealership. Both incidents inbolved children in the car and the vehicle was unresponsive and two crashed were narrowly avoided. GM notified. Case No.XXX This is related to NHTSA Recall Query XXX. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced several electrical failures, including the door locks erroneously unlocking and locking while driving, and occasionally, the ignition key could not immediately be removed from the ignition switch after turning off the vehicle, causing the battery to drain. Recently, the vehicle failed to immediately start after inserting and turning the key inside the ignition switch. The cause of the failures was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failures, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.