IllustrationEA99022, PASSENGER SIDE BALL JOINT BROKE WHILE DRIVING CAUSING A CRASH. DEALER HAD TO REPLACE THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE BALL JOINTS. COMMON PROBLEM. *AK *SLC CONSUMER WAS INJURED IN ACCIDENT. *SLC
1996 Chevrolet Blazer
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Blazer years
Owner complaints for the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer are substantially higher than the model-year median of 32.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Blazer years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 105 of 1,153 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 420 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Visibility. Review the 182 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 149 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
156 crash reports31 fire reports77 injury reports
Suspension complaints
149 reportsWAS LEAVING ON VACATION, TOWING 2000LB BOAT - AS WE WERE PULLING IN TO A LOCAL GAS STATION TO CHECK THE AIR IN THE TRAILER TIRES, THE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY IN THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL FAILED CAUSING THE UPPER HALF OF THE WHEEL TO TURN IN AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE. HAD IT OCCURRED WHILE TOWING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, WE WOULD HAVE MADE THE EVEN…
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WAS LEAVING ON VACATION, TOWING 2000LB BOAT - AS WE WERE PULLING IN TO A LOCAL GAS STATION TO CHECK THE AIR IN THE TRAILER TIRES, THE BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY IN THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL FAILED CAUSING THE UPPER HALF OF THE WHEEL TO TURN IN AT A 45 DEGREE ANGLE. HAD IT OCCURRED WHILE TOWING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, WE WOULD HAVE MADE THE EVENING NEWS.
THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A FATAL ACCIDENT IF IT OCCURRED ON A HIGHWAY AT A GREATER RATE OF SPEED AS THE SUV WOULD HAVE ROLLED-OVER. *AK
WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH ON THE EXPRESSWAY THE LEFT BALL JOINT FAILED, CAUSING THE DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL TO BUCKLE, CUTTING THE TIRE,RIM,AND CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER INDICATED THE RIGHT BALL JOINT WAS BROKEN ALSO. THE BOTTOM LINE IS "THIS SHOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED." THE BALL JOINTS ARE DEFECTIVE AND MY FAMILY…
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WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH ON THE EXPRESSWAY THE LEFT BALL JOINT FAILED, CAUSING THE DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL TO BUCKLE, CUTTING THE TIRE,RIM,AND CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER INDICATED THE RIGHT BALL JOINT WAS BROKEN ALSO. THE BOTTOM LINE IS "THIS SHOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED." THE BALL JOINTS ARE DEFECTIVE AND MY FAMILY AND I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. *AK
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE BALL JOINT FAILED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO DRAG. *MJS
THE FRONT TOP & BOTTOM BALL JOINTS WENT BAD WHILE DRIVING. DRIVER'S SIDE/FRONT WHEELS CAVED INWARD. UNABLE TO DRIVE VEHICLE. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. MECHANIC GAVE NO INDICATION OF CAUSE OF PROBLEM. *AK
BOTH O2 SENSORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED (AT SEPERATE TIME IN PAST 4 MONTHS). UPPER/LOWER BALL JOINTS ARE IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT. ACCORDING TO DEALERSHIP (DESANTIS CHEVROLET) SHOULD HAVE NEVER PASSED INSPECTION IN APRIL. HAVE HAD PROBLEM WITH ABS SINCE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE. FIRST RECALL DID NOTHING TO FIX PROBLEM. ABS CAN'T TELL DI…
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BOTH O2 SENSORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED (AT SEPERATE TIME IN PAST 4 MONTHS). UPPER/LOWER BALL JOINTS ARE IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT. ACCORDING TO DEALERSHIP (DESANTIS CHEVROLET) SHOULD HAVE NEVER PASSED INSPECTION IN APRIL. HAVE HAD PROBLEM WITH ABS SINCE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE. FIRST RECALL DID NOTHING TO FIX PROBLEM. ABS CAN'T TELL DIFFERENCE FROM WET & DRY PAVEMENT. ABS WILL KICK IN WHEN SLOWING DOWN ON GRAVEL AT 20MPH, BUT NOT AT FASTER SPEEDS ON WET PAVEMENT.
LEFT UPPER BALL JOINT BROKE, THE WHEEL BUCKLED CAUSING ~$1.5K IN DAMAGE. DEALER POINTS TO LACK OF MAINTENANCE. HOWEVER, THE SUSPENSION WAS LUBED EVERY 3000 MILES - RECORDS AVAILABLE. PHOTOS OF DAMAGED PARTS AVAILABLE. DAMAGED PARTS REMOVED FROM VEHICLE AND ARE AVAILABLE FOR NHTSA INSPECTION. THIS TYPE OF FAILURE SEEMS TO POINT T…
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LEFT UPPER BALL JOINT BROKE, THE WHEEL BUCKLED CAUSING ~$1.5K IN DAMAGE. DEALER POINTS TO LACK OF MAINTENANCE. HOWEVER, THE SUSPENSION WAS LUBED EVERY 3000 MILES - RECORDS AVAILABLE. PHOTOS OF DAMAGED PARTS AVAILABLE. DAMAGED PARTS REMOVED FROM VEHICLE AND ARE AVAILABLE FOR NHTSA INSPECTION. THIS TYPE OF FAILURE SEEMS TO POINT TO DESIGN PROBLEMS COMPROMISING SAFETY OF THIS VEHICLE. *AK
CONSUMER WILL COMPLETE FORM. *AK
ALL FRONT END BALL JOINTS FAILING FROM APPROX.. 38,000 MILES AND UP. (6) TOTAL TO DATE. HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH LIFTIME BALL JOINTS. THESE ONES ALSO FAIL. THIS HAS CAUSED US TO PURCHASE TIRES ON A REGULAR BASIS BECAUSE FOR THE FRONT BECAUSE OF WEAR ALONG SIDE OF TIRES. ACCORDING TO VARIOUS AUTO DEALERS AND AUTO PARTS STORES, THI…
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ALL FRONT END BALL JOINTS FAILING FROM APPROX.. 38,000 MILES AND UP. (6) TOTAL TO DATE. HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH LIFTIME BALL JOINTS. THESE ONES ALSO FAIL. THIS HAS CAUSED US TO PURCHASE TIRES ON A REGULAR BASIS BECAUSE FOR THE FRONT BECAUSE OF WEAR ALONG SIDE OF TIRES. ACCORDING TO VARIOUS AUTO DEALERS AND AUTO PARTS STORES, THIS IS CONTINUAL PROBLEM WITH S-10 BLAZERS. I HAVE CHECKED THE RECALL LIST FOR CHEVROLETS AND COULD NOT FIND THIS PROBLEM LISTED.*AK
Official recalls
603V159000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer
Apr 28, 2003
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITH CERTAIN MODEL-ENGINE COMBINATIONS, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DUE TO CRACKED SOLDER JOINTS ON THE CONTROLLER CIRCUIT BOARD. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR DURING BAD WEATHER, DRIVER VISIBILITY WOULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
01V200000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Ball Joint
Jun 28, 2001
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN, AND IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. FAILURE OF AN UPPER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY COULD OCCUR DUE TO CORROSION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CAN RESULT IN IMPAIRED STEERING OR STEERING LOSS, OR A PARTIAL OR COMPLETE COLLAPSE OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 4, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
99V193000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip
Jul 19, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 4-WHEEL DRIVE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ABS (ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM) MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1989 THROUGH AUGUST 1996. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS THE SWITCH WHICH SIGNALS THE ABS SYSTEM WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS IN 2-WHEEL OR 4-WHEEL DRIVE CAN MALFUNCTION CAUSING INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES DURING ABS STOPS WHILE IN THE TWO-WHEEL DRIVE MODE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS OCCURRED AT A TIME WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE WAS REQUIRED, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE OR REPAIR THE 4-WHEEL/2-WHEEL DRIVE SWITCH.
98V150001 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer
Jul 1, 1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, 2 AND 4-WHEEL DRIVE. SOLDER JOINTS NEAR THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR CAN CRACK CAUSING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INOPERATIVE WIPERS, REDUCING A DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER.
97V096001 · Seat Belts
Jun 12, 1997
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: EXTENDED CAB PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 60/40 FRONT BENCH SEATS AND EXTENDED CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND 2-DOOR UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL LOCKING RECLINER BUCKET SEATS. THE OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT WEBBING ON THE DRIVER'S AND/OR PASSENGER'S SEAT CAN SEPARATE DURING A FRONTAL IMPACT.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF A SEPARATION OCCURRED AND THERE WERE SECONDARY CRASH EVENTS OR VEHICLE ROLLOVER, THERE WOULD BE NO BELT RESTRAINT OF THE OCCUPANT AND INCREASED INJURIES COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER OVER THE RECLINER MECHANISM.
96V234000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
Nov 14, 1996
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 4-DOOR, 4-WHEEL DRIVE AND ALL-WHEEL DRIVE MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING DEVELOPMENT TESTING, THE PROP SHAFT CONTACTED THE INBOARD SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK ALLOWING FUEL LEAKAGE. THIS LEAKAGE WAS IN EXCESS OF THE AMOUNT PERMITTED BY FMVSS 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT, AND THERE IS A FUEL LEAK, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL ADDITIONAL SHIELDING OF THE FUEL TANK. THIS WILL BE ADDED WITHOUT REMOVING OR DISASSEMBLING THE FUEL SYSTEM.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
7EA02006 · Windshield Wiper Failure
Opened May 31, 2002 · Closed Jul 23, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor
AS A RESULT OF THIS, AND THE PRECEDINGINVESTIGATION, RQ99-003, GM HAS EXPANDED THE POPULATION OF SAFETY RECALL 98V-150 (REPLACEMENT OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL MODULE) TO INCLUDE AN ADDITIONAL 1.77 MILLION VEHICLES.INCLUDED ARE VARIOUS 1994-1997 MY M/L VANS, S/T TRUCKS AND SUVS, & C/K TRUCKS AND SUVS.SEE ATTACHED TECHNICAL REPORT FOR DETAILS.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor
AS A RESULT OF THIS, AND THE PRECEDINGINVESTIGATION, RQ99-003, GM HAS EXPANDED THE POPULATION OF SAFETY RECALL 98V-150 (REPLACEMENT OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL MODULE) TO INCLUDE AN ADDITIONAL 1.77 MILLION VEHICLES.INCLUDED ARE VARIOUS 1994-1997 MY M/L VANS, S/T TRUCKS AND SUVS, & C/K TRUCKS AND SUVS.SEE ATTACHED TECHNICAL REPORT FOR DETAILS.
Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor
AS A RESULT OF THIS, AND THE PRECEDINGINVESTIGATION, RQ99-003, GM HAS EXPANDED THE POPULATION OF SAFETY RECALL 98V-150 (REPLACEMENT OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL MODULE) TO INCLUDE AN ADDITIONAL 1.77 MILLION VEHICLES.INCLUDED ARE VARIOUS 1994-1997 MY M/L VANS, S/T TRUCKS AND SUVS, & C/K TRUCKS AND SUVS.SEE ATTACHED TECHNICAL REPORT FOR DETAILS.
EA99022 · Upper And Lower Control Arm Ball Joint
Opened Jul 30, 1999 · Closed Aug 28, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension
There is no summary currently available
Additional source detail variants (2)
Suspension
There is no summary currently available
Suspension
There is no summary currently available
RQ99015 · Front Seat Recliner Bolt Failure
Opened Jul 14, 1999 · Closed Dec 28, 2001
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats:front Assembly:recliner
No summary supplied.
PE99021 · Upper Control Arm Ball Joint Breakage
Opened Mar 5, 1999 · Closed Jul 30, 1999
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train
AN UPPER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT FAILS, RESULTING IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION COLLAPSING ON THE FAILED SIDE.
EA97007 · Steering Shaft Separations
Opened Apr 17, 1997 · Closed Mar 12, 1998
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering
COUPLING BOLTS, JOINING THE STEERING SHAFT, MAY SEPARATE.IN SOME CASES, TOTAL UNFORESEEN, LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL MAY RESULT.
EA97004 · Seat Belt Webbing Separation
Opened Feb 28, 1997 · Closed Aug 5, 1997
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seat Belts:front:webbing
NHTSA'S NEW CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (NCAP) TESTED A 1997 CHEVROLET S-10 EXTENDED CAB PICKUP EQUIPPED WITH A DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG.THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT WAS COMPLETELY CUT DURING THE TEST.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seat Belts:front:webbing
NHTSA'S NEW CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (NCAP) TESTED A 1997 CHEVROLET S-10 EXTENDED CAB PICKUP EQUIPPED WITH A DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG.THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT WAS COMPLETELY CUT DURING THE TEST.
Seat Belts:front:webbing
NHTSA'S NEW CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (NCAP) TESTED A 1997 CHEVROLET S-10 EXTENDED CAB PICKUP EQUIPPED WITH A DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG.THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT WAS COMPLETELY CUT DURING THE TEST.
EA94038 · Abs Braking System
Opened Oct 31, 1994 · Closed Feb 28, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
THIS INVESTIGATION RESULTED IN A SAFETY RECALL, 99V-193, AND A SERVICE CAMPAIGN, 99I-006.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
THIS INVESTIGATION RESULTED IN A SAFETY RECALL, 99V-193, AND A SERVICE CAMPAIGN, 99I-006.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
THIS INVESTIGATION RESULTED IN A SAFETY RECALL, 99V-193, AND A SERVICE CAMPAIGN, 99I-006.