NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Suspension complaints
149 reportsClear category filter62,189 miles · Oct 14, 2003
Suspension
WHILE DRIVING AT 30MPH ON A WELL PAVED ROAD, HEARD A LOUD BANG. TWO SECONDS LATER, ANOTHER LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD, AND THE BLAZER TILTED TO THE LEFT LIKE HAVE A BLOWN TIRE. LUCKILY, WE WERE GOING AT SLOW SPEED AND MANAGED TO PULL THE BLAZER TO THE CURB. AFTER TOLD TO THE NEARBY SERVICE STATION, THE MECHANIC SAID THE UPPER BALL …
Read full complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT 30MPH ON A WELL PAVED ROAD, HEARD A LOUD BANG. TWO SECONDS LATER, ANOTHER LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD, AND THE BLAZER TILTED TO THE LEFT LIKE HAVE A BLOWN TIRE. LUCKILY, WE WERE GOING AT SLOW SPEED AND MANAGED TO PULL THE BLAZER TO THE CURB. AFTER TOLD TO THE NEARBY SERVICE STATION, THE MECHANIC SAID THE UPPER BALL JOINT ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WAS PULLED OFF THE SOCKET. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE WHEEL RIM WAS CUT AND TIRE WAS BLOWN. AFTER LEARNING THAT THERE WAS A RECALL OF THIS KIND ON 1996 BLAZER, I CALLED GM AND GAVE THE VIN. THE CUSTOMER SERVICE SAID MY VEHICLE IS NOT IN THE RECALL LIST AND THERE IS NOTHING HE CAN DO. THE CAR IS WELL MAINTAINED, OILED AND LUBRICATED EVERY 3000 MILES. I CANNOT IMAGINE IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON THE FREE WAY. THIS IS A DANGEROUS DEFECT THAT ALL BLAZER OWNER SHALL KNOW. *LA
NHTSA ODI #10041774
55,000 miles · Oct 1, 2003
Suspension
IN JULY OF 2002 THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WORE OUT AND WERE REPLACED UNDER A FACTORY RECALL ORDER. JUST OVER ONE YEAR, THE UPPER BALL JOINTS WORE OUT AGAIN. DEALER/ MANUFACTURER WOULD RESOLVE THE PROBLEM FREE OF CHARGE. *AK *SCC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10037949
50,000 miles · Sep 17, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingSuspension
I HAVE A 96 CHEVY BLAZER WITH COOLING PROBLEMS. I HAVE REPLACED THE WATER PUMP 2 TIMES IN THE LAST YR. THE RADIATOR NEEDS TO BE FLUSHED AND CLEAN ABOUT EVERY 2 MONTHS DUE TO SLUGGED AND RUST BUILD UP. I HAVE ALSO HAD THE UPPER BALL JOINTS BREAK ON ME. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10039038
86,000 miles · Sep 3, 2003
Suspension
WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS SNAPPED, WHICH RESULTED IN VEHICLE SPINNING AROUND AND ALMOST IMPACTING A TREE. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE UPPER BALL JOINTS, BUT NOT FOR THE LOWER.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10038089
Mileage unknown · Aug 15, 2003
SteeringSuspension
LOWER BALL JOINT FAILURE/ RIGHT & LEFT SIDE IDLER. ALSO IDLER ARM & PITMAN ARM LOOSE. *MR *SCC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10034170
72,500 miles · Jun 10, 2003
SteeringSuspension
MY 1996 CHEVROLET BLAZER DID NOT PASS A STATE INSPECTION DUE TO CORROSION OF THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS AND AS WELL THAT THE IDLER ARM,. THE FRONT STEERING AND SUSPENSION MUST BE REPLACED. UPON SEARCHING THE INTERNET, I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THIS HAS BEEN A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH 1996 BLAZER'S AND A RECALL WAS ISSUED. I DID CO…
Read full complaint
MY 1996 CHEVROLET BLAZER DID NOT PASS A STATE INSPECTION DUE TO CORROSION OF THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS AND AS WELL THAT THE IDLER ARM,. THE FRONT STEERING AND SUSPENSION MUST BE REPLACED. UPON SEARCHING THE INTERNET, I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THIS HAS BEEN A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH 1996 BLAZER'S AND A RECALL WAS ISSUED. I DID CONTACT CHEVROLET AND SPEAK WITH A REPRESENTATIVE ABOUT THE RECALL,HOWEVER, AFTER PROVIDING MY VEHICLE'S VIN NUMBER, I WAS TOLD THAT MY BLAZER DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL. I FEEL THAT THIS IS INAPPROPRIATE. IF MY VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM DISCRIBED IN THE RECALL, THEN IT SHOULD QUALIFY FOR THE REMEDY. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10021348
99,000 miles · Apr 19, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentPower Train
WINDSHIELD WIPERS FRONT & REAR FAILED, WATER PUMP QUIT, DRIVE SHAFT BROKE, BALL JOINTS RIGHT FRONT BROKE, HEATER QUIT, AIR CONDITIONER QUIT. DRIVERS SIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR FELL OFF, STEERING PROBLEMS, BRAKE PROBLEMS, UNIVERSAL JOINTS WORN OUT, CRACKED FRONT ROTORS,ETC. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10016198
Mileage unknown · Apr 9, 2003
Suspension
BOTH UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS FAILED. HOWEVER, CONSUMER WAS NOT COVERED UNDER GMC SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN 011-49 OR RECALL 01048 FOR THE LOWER BALL JOINTS, BECAUSE IT ONLY REFERRED TO THE UPPER BALL JOINTS. *AK. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE LOWER BALL JOINTS FAILED, DUE TO LACK OF LUBRICATION. *JB
NHTSA ODI #786321
40,000 miles · Mar 4, 2003
Suspension
STEERING PROBLEMS SINCE VEHICLE ACQUIRED. REPORTED TO DEALER IN 2001, RESPONSE "UNABLE TO REPLICATE CUSTOMER CONCERN." WENT TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP WHEN PROBLEM PERSISTED (2002). UPPER BALL JOINT REPLACED UNDER RECALL. RETURNED TO DEALER BECAUSE ALIGNMENT NOT COMPLETED, ADVISED THAT LOWER BALL JOINT ALSO BAD AND NOT COVERED B…
Read full complaint
STEERING PROBLEMS SINCE VEHICLE ACQUIRED. REPORTED TO DEALER IN 2001, RESPONSE "UNABLE TO REPLICATE CUSTOMER CONCERN." WENT TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP WHEN PROBLEM PERSISTED (2002). UPPER BALL JOINT REPLACED UNDER RECALL. RETURNED TO DEALER BECAUSE ALIGNMENT NOT COMPLETED, ADVISED THAT LOWER BALL JOINT ALSO BAD AND NOT COVERED BY RECALL BUT WAS IN SIMILAR CONDITION AS UPPER. DID NOT ALIGN AT THAT TIME EITHER. ATTEMPTED CONTACT WITH GM, THEY DECLINED TO REPLACE, REPAIR OR FURTHER INVESTIGATE (REF# 1-78000118). *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10008368
Mileage unknown · Feb 12, 2003
Suspension
THE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS FAILED. *DT *JB
NHTSA ODI #10006550
Official recalls
6Apr 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Illustration