GM Recalls Over 40,000 Chevy Blazer EVs for Parking Brake Problem

1%, or approximately 402, of the 40,233 recalled vehicles are expected to actually exhibit a parking brake problem, according to General Motors.

The recall affects Chevrolet Blazer EVs from the 2024 and early 2025 model years due to a flaw in the rear parking brake wiring harness.

This defect can lead to two serious risks: the parking brake may engage unexpectedly while driving, or it may fail to engage when the vehicle is parked.

Either scenario increases the likelihood of a crash or rollaway. All GM owners within the recall range are advised to have their vehicle inspected and repaired as needed.

What’s Wrong with the Chevy Blazer EV’s Parking Brake?

The Chevy Blazer EV has been recalled due to a safety issue involving its rear parking brake wiring harness.

During production, the harness was improperly routed, allowing it to flex too much during normal driving.

This repeated flexing can wear away wire insulation, cause the wires to break, or expose them to corrosion.

When the wiring becomes damaged, it can trigger two main risks: the parking brake may engage unexpectedly while driving, which increases the likelihood of a crash, or the parking brake may fail to activate when the vehicle is parked, raising the risk of a rollaway.

Some drivers may notice a “Service Parking Brake” warning message or find themselves unable to shift the vehicle out of park.

The underlying cause of this problem is the way the wiring harness was originally designed and positioned.

The harness’s routing does not provide enough protection against flexing and strain, especially in certain sharp bends where the wires are most vulnerable.

Over time, this can lead to insulation damage, broken wires, and corrosion that affects the parking brake’s performance.

The risks tied to this defect are serious. Drivers could experience rear wheel lock-up if the parking brake engages while the vehicle is in motion, or they may find the parking brake doesn’t function properly when the vehicle is stationary.

Some may see dashboard warnings or encounter difficulty shifting out of park due to wiring damage interfering with the vehicle’s systems.

The recall affects around 40,233 Chevy Blazer EVs from the 2024 and early 2025 model years. Vehicles built after January 31, 2025, already include a redesigned wiring harness and are not part of the recall.

This problem first came to GM’s attention on March 18, 2025, when a brand quality manager submitted a report through the company’s Speak Up for Safety program after reviewing four customer complaints about parking brake warnings or the inability to shift out of park.

GM opened a formal product investigation on May 6, 2025. As part of the investigation, GM reviewed dealer photos that showed damage to the parking brake wiring, particularly at sharp bends in the harness where wires are subjected to repeated flexing.

Some wires were found severed completely, while others had insulation worn away, leaving them susceptible to corrosion.

By May 21, 2025, GM identified 97 complaints potentially linked to this issue, received between August 15, 2023, and May 15, 2025.

Among those, two complaints involved rear wheel lock-up while driving, and one involved loss of parking brake function.

GM’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority approved a safety recall on June 18, 2025. At the time of the recall decision, GM had not received any reports of accidents or injuries related to the defect.

The Dangers of a Damaged Parking Brake Wiring Harness

A damaged parking brake wiring harness creates serious safety concerns, particularly in electric vehicles such as the Chevy Blazer EV.

When the wiring is compromised through shorting or breakage, one risk is the unintended engagement of the parking brake while driving.

If this occurs, it can result in sudden deceleration and a loss of vehicle control, increasing the chances of a rear-end collision. This type of malfunction may catch drivers off guard and create dangerous situations on the road.

Another hazard involves the parking brake failing to engage when the vehicle is parked. If the brake does not activate as expected, especially on an incline, the vehicle may roll away while unattended. This could lead to property damage or injury if the vehicle moves unexpectedly.

A damaged wiring harness can also interfere with the vehicle’s warning systems. Drivers might see false alerts or fail to receive warnings when real issues occur.

Messages such as “Service Parking Brake” or “Brake System Fault” may appear or be missed, leading drivers to ignore critical safety concerns or misinterpret the vehicle’s condition.

Additionally, damaged wiring can place stress on the electrical system as a whole. Short circuits may not only affect the parking brake but also disrupt other essential EV functions, including battery management, regenerative braking, and overall drive system performance.

In a vehicle like the Blazer EV, these systems are closely interconnected, making one electrical fault capable of triggering wider issues.

Ignoring a damaged parking brake wiring harness can also lead to costly repairs down the line. Continued use without addressing the issue increases the likelihood of corrosion spreading through exposed wires and can damage more expensive components such as the electronic control unit (ECU).

What begins as a wiring issue could escalate into more extensive and expensive repairs if left unresolved.

GM’s Fix and What Owners Should Expect

General Motors is addressing the Chevy Blazer EV parking brake wiring harness defect through a formal recall process.

For owners of affected vehicles, the process involves several key steps. First, GM dealers will inspect the rear parking brake wiring harness, checking for any signs of wear, damage, or incorrect routing.

If the harness appears intact, it will be carefully rerouted to reduce flexing and help prevent future issues.

To further protect the harness, dealers will apply anti-abrasion tape designed to shield the wires from friction and wear over time.

If the inspection reveals that the harness is already damaged, it will be replaced entirely.

In some cases, vehicles may also receive a software update to enhance brake system diagnostics or alert functions. All of these repairs will be performed at no cost to the vehicle owner.

Owners of affected Chevy Blazer EVs can expect to receive a notification letter from GM. Mail notifications began rolling out in July 2025.

Once notified, owners should schedule a service appointment with a Chevrolet dealership. Depending on whether the harness needs rerouting, protection, or full replacement, the service could take a few hours.

What to Do if You Experience Repeat Problems

1. Keep Records of Every Repair: Document all service visits thoroughly. Save repair orders, dealer notes, and note dates and times when the issue occurs. If warning lights appear or the problem is visible, take photos or videos as proof.

2. Return to the Dealership: Go back to the same dealership that performed the recall repair. Explain that the problem has returned and provide your documentation. Request a reinspection and additional repairs under the recall.

3. Contact GM Customer Assistance: If the dealership doesn’t resolve the issue, call GM Customer Assistance at 1-800-222-1020. Ask for a case number and request escalation to a regional case manager if necessary.

4. Report to NHTSA: If the issue affects safety and remains unresolved, file a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at nhtsa.gov. This helps regulators monitor potential ongoing defects.

5. Explore Lemon Law Options: If your Blazer EV has been in the shop repeatedly for the same problem, you may qualify for a refund or replacement under your state’s lemon law. Contact a lemon law attorney or your state’s consumer protection office for advice.

When to Consider Calling the Lemon Law Experts

If your Chevy Blazer EV continues to experience parking brake problems, warning alerts, or related safety issues even after the recall repair, you might qualify for a Lemon Law claim.

Often, if your claim is successful, the manufacturer will cover your legal fees.

Since 2009, the Lemon Law Experts have helped vehicle owners hold manufacturers accountable when their cars fail to meet safety or performance standards.

If your Blazer EV still faces parking brake malfunctions or warning messages despite having recall repairs performed, contact our experienced team for a free consultation.

We’re here to help you understand your rights and pursue the resolution you deserve; contact our team today.