IllustrationUPPER BALL JOINT BROKE AND WAS REPLACED IT. *YH
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 reportsWHILE TRAVELING STEERING WAS PULLING TO ONE SIDE. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED, AND TECHNICIAN REPLACED UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. PLEASE PROVIDE FURATHER INFORMATION.*AK
MEDFORD ENGINE GASKET BLEWOUT, AND COOLANT RAN FROM UNDERNEA VEHICLE.ALSO, THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM FRONT OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO BEARINGS BEING DEFECTIVE. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEMS. *AK
THE CAR HAD MADE A NASTY NOISE SINCE ABOUT 30K MILES. WE BROUGHT THIS TO THE DEALERS ATTENTION MORE THAN ONCE, BUT THEY FOUND NO PROBLEM. WE HAD THE CAR LUBED, ALIGNED, REPLACED TIRES, ETC. WE LIVED WITH THE NOISE, ASSURED THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. THEN LAST SUNDAY MY WIFE TURNED INTO OUR DRIVE, AND THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL DETACHE…
Read full complaint
THE CAR HAD MADE A NASTY NOISE SINCE ABOUT 30K MILES. WE BROUGHT THIS TO THE DEALERS ATTENTION MORE THAN ONCE, BUT THEY FOUND NO PROBLEM. WE HAD THE CAR LUBED, ALIGNED, REPLACED TIRES, ETC. WE LIVED WITH THE NOISE, ASSURED THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. THEN LAST SUNDAY MY WIFE TURNED INTO OUR DRIVE, AND THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL DETACHED AT THE LOWER BALL JOINT. HAD SHE BEEN GOING FASTER, THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC. CHEVROLET SAYS THERE IS NO PROBLEM, AND BALL JOINT FAILURE IS NOT UNUSUAL. I DISAGREE AND CONSIDER THIS A SERIOUS DEFECT, AS AT MODERATE SPEED THIS KIND OF FAILURE WOULD RESULT IN A ROLLOVER.*AK
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE, AND IT FELT AS IF THERE WAS A FLAT TIRE. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP, BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, AND THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL FELL OFF. DEALERSHIP EXAMINED VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT UPPER CONTROL ARM/ BALL JOINT SNAPPED. PLEASE PROVIDE AN…
Read full complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM FRONT OF VEHICLE, AND IT FELT AS IF THERE WAS A FLAT TIRE. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP, BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR, AND THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL FELL OFF. DEALERSHIP EXAMINED VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT UPPER CONTROL ARM/ BALL JOINT SNAPPED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK
FRONT LEFT CONTROL ARM, RUSTED AND CARRODED, CAUSING THE CONTROL ARM TO BREAK AND DAMAGE TO THE STEERING KNUCKEL, SHOCK, LEFT FRONT AXCLE, AXCLE BOOT AND AXCLE SEEL. THIS ACCURED WHILE BEGINNING TO BACK TO CAR OUT OF A DRIVE WAY (APPROX. 3MPH). THE CAR WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AFTER PURCHASE FOR A SNAPING AND POPPING IN TH…
Read full complaint
FRONT LEFT CONTROL ARM, RUSTED AND CARRODED, CAUSING THE CONTROL ARM TO BREAK AND DAMAGE TO THE STEERING KNUCKEL, SHOCK, LEFT FRONT AXCLE, AXCLE BOOT AND AXCLE SEEL. THIS ACCURED WHILE BEGINNING TO BACK TO CAR OUT OF A DRIVE WAY (APPROX. 3MPH). THE CAR WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AFTER PURCHASE FOR A SNAPING AND POPPING IN THE FRONT DRIVERSIDE WHEEL, BOTH TIMES WE WERE TOLD IT WAS A SQUEEKY SPRING AND NOTHING WAS WRONG. NOW WE KNOW WHAT THE NOISES WHERE, NOT A SPRING. THE CAR HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER FOR OVER 2 WEEKS. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD A COUPLE OF DIFFERENT STORIES ABOUT WHY THE CAR DID THIS AND HOW THIS IS SEEN ALL THE TIME( WHICH I KNOW IS NOT TRUE). THE FINAL CONCLUSION FROM THE DEALER IS LACK OF MAINTANCE, YET WE HAVE THIS CAR LUBED AND TAKEN CARE OF OFTEN. THIS IS A REAL CONCERN, IF THIS PART WOULD HAVE BROKE JUST MOMENTS BEFORE OR AFTER IT DID, ME AND MY CHILDREN WOULD HAVE BEEN SEVERLY INJURED OR KILLED. I AM VERY WORRIED THAT THE OTHER SIDE MAY DO THE SAME THING, SINCE I CAN NOT GET A GOOD ANSWER O. *AK
CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR A BRAKE SERVICE, AND ASKED FOR A ROTATION OF TIRES. DEALERSHIP INFORMED HIM THEY COULD NOT ROTATE TIRES OR PERFORM A FRONT END ALIGNMENT BECAUSE ALL OF FRONT BALL JOINTS WERE WORN OUT. A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP MENTIONED THAT THIS COULD BE THE RESULT OF A BAD DESIGN. *AK CONSUMER ALSO HAD FRONT BRA…
Read full complaint
CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR A BRAKE SERVICE, AND ASKED FOR A ROTATION OF TIRES. DEALERSHIP INFORMED HIM THEY COULD NOT ROTATE TIRES OR PERFORM A FRONT END ALIGNMENT BECAUSE ALL OF FRONT BALL JOINTS WERE WORN OUT. A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP MENTIONED THAT THIS COULD BE THE RESULT OF A BAD DESIGN. *AK CONSUMER ALSO HAD FRONT BRAKES REPLACED, CONSUMER ALSO HAD TO REPLACE ALL FOUR TIRES DUE TO BALL JOINTS.*JB
EA 99022,WHILE DRIVING BALL JOINTS IN FRONT END FAILED/CAME OUT AND CUT RIM DOWN CENTER, CAUSING FRONT WHEEL TO COLLAPSE AGAINT WALL. *AK
THE BALL JOINTS HAVE SIGNIFICANT PLAY IN THEM AND ARE IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT: THIS WAS NOTICED WHEN TIRES THAT WERE NEW IN NOVEMBER WERE FOUND TO BE BALD ON THE INNER EDGE WHEN I SAW THE STEEL BELT. I THOUGHT IT WAS PERHAPS THE ALLIGNMENT BUT IT TURNED OUT TO BE THE BALL JOINTS ALLOWING THE WHEELS TO TOE OUTWARD. THIS I HAVE SU…
Read full complaint
THE BALL JOINTS HAVE SIGNIFICANT PLAY IN THEM AND ARE IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT: THIS WAS NOTICED WHEN TIRES THAT WERE NEW IN NOVEMBER WERE FOUND TO BE BALD ON THE INNER EDGE WHEN I SAW THE STEEL BELT. I THOUGHT IT WAS PERHAPS THE ALLIGNMENT BUT IT TURNED OUT TO BE THE BALL JOINTS ALLOWING THE WHEELS TO TOE OUTWARD. THIS I HAVE SUBSEQUENTLY FOUND TO BE POOR PLANNING IN THE DESIGN OF THE FACTORY BALL JOINTS IN THAT THEY DO NOT ALLOW FOR LUBRICATION OR MAINTENANCE. ON ONE SIDE THE WHEEL HAS PLAY OF APPROXIMATELY 1/2 INCH THE OTHER SIDE HAS SIGNIFCANT PLAY AS WELL, BUT NOT AS MUCH. THE FAILURE WAS NOT CATASTROPHIC, I WAS ADVISED BY MY MECHANIC NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AS THE BALL JOINTS ARE DEGRADED TO A STATE THAT IS UNSAFE.*AK
WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH VEHICLE DROPPED DOWN, RIGHT FRONT UPPER CONTROL ARM HAD BROKEN. *AK THE UPPER ARM CAME OFF BALL JOINT DUE TO LACK PROPER GREEZING. *YH
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.