Chevy Blazer EV Parking Brake Recall: What California Owners Need to Know
California drivers of the electric Blazer EV rely on its advanced technology—and safety. But a recent major recall affecting over 40,000 Blazer EVs (2024–early 2025) has raised serious concerns: faulty rear parking brake wiring harnesses that could cause the brake to engage unexpectedly while driving, or fail to engage when parked. Here is what this means for you—and your legal rights under California’s Lemon Law.
What’s the Defect?
GM's analysis revealed that the wiring harness for the rear parking brake was routed incorrectly during assembly. This poor routing allows the wires to flex excessively during normal driving, leading to insulation wear, wire breakage, or corrosion
This defect can cause two dangerous scenarios:
Unexpected full braking while driving, risking a sudden slowdown or loss of control.
Parking brake failing to engage, posing a roll‑away danger if parked on an incline
Drivers may notice a “Service Parking Brake” warning or inability to shift out of Park
Recall Timeline & Scope
March 18, 2025: GM received the first internal complaint via its Speak Up for Safety program.
May 6, 2025: Official investigation launched.
Between Aug 15, 2023 and May 15, 2025: GM logged 97 related complaints, including two incidents of rear‑wheel lockup and one of missing parking brake function.
June 18, 2025: Safety Recall 25V‑433 officially approved
July 2025: Recall notifications began mailing to owners
Available Fix: Free & Thorough
Under Recall 25V‑433, Chevrolet dealerships will take the following actions at no cost:
Inspect the rear parking brake wiring harness.
If damaged: replace it.
If intact: reroute it and apply anti‑abrasion tape to prevent future wear.
In some cases, a software update may be applied
Vehicles built after January 31, 2025 already include a redesigned harness and are not affected
Why This Triggers Legal Rights
Even with the recall repairs:
If the parking brake warning returns.
If the brake misbehaves again (engaging unexpectedly or failing to hold).
Or if the vehicle remains unsafe after repeated recall attempts…
…you may qualify for remedies under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (California Lemon Law). This includes repurchase, refund, or replacement options—and potentially attorney fees.
What You Should Do Right Now
Check Your VIN via nhtsa.gov/recalls or contact GM Customer Assistance at 800‑222‑1020 (Recalls: N252503010 / 25V‑433)
Schedule and complete the recall repair at a Chevrolet dealer ASAP.
Document every service visit: work order, date, and the fix performed.
Track any repeat issues: warnings, irregular braking, inability to shift, etc. Take photos/videos when possible.
Return to the dealer immediately if the issue reappears.
Escalate unresolved problems: Contact GM directly, file with NHTSA, and consider speaking with a Lemon Law attorney, like Valero Law APC
Keep meticulous records: dates, times, symptoms, communications—this documentation is crucial.
Consider a Lemon Law claim if unsafe symptoms persist after multiple visits or days out-of-service.
Consider Lemon Law Action When…
The same issue returns after recall repair.
You've had multiple visits (typically four or more) for the same defect.
The vehicle was out of service for 30+ cumulative days.
Safety concerns remain unresolved (e.g., unexpected braking or park brake failure).
If you’re in California and recall fixes haven’t resolved the parking brake issue, you deserve relief. Options may include:
Full repurchase of your vehicle.
Replacement with a comparable new or used model.
Cash settlement in lieu of replacement.
Recovery of attorney fees, without added cost to you.
Final Take
The Blazer EV parking brake recall highlights a systemic safety defect with potentially serious consequences. Even after completing the recall repair, persistent or repeat malfunctions are grounds for pursuing a Lemon Law claim in California.
If your Blazer EV continues to show symptoms—warnings, erratic braking, or parking issues—don’t wait. Contact Valero Law or a trusted Lemon Law firm for a free consultation, and let us help you secure the safety and compensation you deserve.