IllustrationRIGHT FRONT SUSPENSION COLLAPSED CAUSING THE WHEEL AND TIRE TO EXPLODE. NLM
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 TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT THE UPPER BALL JOINT ON THE DRIVER SIDE BROKE CAUSING TIRE TO COME OFF THE VEHICLE, THE CONSUMER HAD ALL FOUR BALL JOINTS REPLACED. NLM
WHILE CHANGING LANES VEHICLE SWERVED. DRIVER STOPPED VEHICLE, AND UPON VISUAL INSPECTION NOTICED THAT BALL JOINT BROKE OFF. *AK
STEERING STARTED GETTING TIGHT, HAD TO JERK IT TO STEER. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER, AND THEY SAID THAT LOWER BALL JOINTS AND IDLER ARM WERE BAD. CONSUMER REPLACED BALL JOINTS, AND THEY ONLY LASTED FOR 38000 MILES. THEY SHOULD HAVE LASTED LONGER THAN THAT.*AK
FRONT TIRES WERE GETTING QUITE WORN OUT AND ROTATING WAS NOT HELPING. WAS FORCED INTO REPLACING ALL FOUR AT 49559 MILES - WELL BEFORE THE 60000 MILES WARRANTY ON THE THE TIRES. THE TIRE SHOP SAID THAT I NEED TWO FRONT LOWER BALL JOINTS AND AN IDLER ARM. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT I NEEDED TWO FRONT UPPER BALL JOINTS ALSO. THE …
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FRONT TIRES WERE GETTING QUITE WORN OUT AND ROTATING WAS NOT HELPING. WAS FORCED INTO REPLACING ALL FOUR AT 49559 MILES - WELL BEFORE THE 60000 MILES WARRANTY ON THE THE TIRES. THE TIRE SHOP SAID THAT I NEED TWO FRONT LOWER BALL JOINTS AND AN IDLER ARM. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT I NEEDED TWO FRONT UPPER BALL JOINTS ALSO. THE DEALERSHIP ADDED THAT THE JOINTS SHOULD LAST A LIFETIME IF PROPERLY LUBRICATED - WHICH I HAD TAKEN CARE OF. ASKED THE CHEVROLET CUSTOMER SERVICE ABOUT A REPLACEMENT SCHEDULE FOR THE BALL JOINTS AND WAS TOLD TO ASK THE DEALERSHIP. BOTTOMLINE - DID NOT GET A REPLACEMENT SCHEDULE FROM EITHER PLACE. THE DEALERSHIP WARNED THAT THE JOINTS COULD BREAK WHILE DRIVING AND READING SOME OF THE OTHER COMPLAINTS TO NHTSA SCARED THE HECK OUT OF ME. ENDED UP GETTING THE LOWER AND UPPER BALL JOINTS ON EITHER SIDE ALONG WITH THE IDLER ARM REPLACED AT A COST OF $800. THE CHEVROLET CUSTOMER SERVICE GAVE A BUNCH OF PLATITUDE ABOUT HOW SORRY THEY WERE THAT THE WARRANY HAD EXPIRED AND THAT THEY COULD NOT HELP ME.*AK
THIS BLAZER HAS OFFERED NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. WE HAVE REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR, BRAKE PADS THREE TIMES, THE BATTERY THREE TIMES, THE AIR CONDITIONER WENT OUT IN JULY, 1999, AND EVEN AFTER HAVING IT REPAIRED TWICE, IT STILL DOESN'T WORK. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR BECAUSE OF A "GURGLING" NOISE, BUT THEY COULDN'T FIND …
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THIS BLAZER HAS OFFERED NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS. WE HAVE REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR, BRAKE PADS THREE TIMES, THE BATTERY THREE TIMES, THE AIR CONDITIONER WENT OUT IN JULY, 1999, AND EVEN AFTER HAVING IT REPAIRED TWICE, IT STILL DOESN'T WORK. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR BECAUSE OF A "GURGLING" NOISE, BUT THEY COULDN'T FIND WHAT WAS CAUSING IT, (IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AT THAT TIME). NOW GAS FUMES FLOOD INTO THE VEHICLE AT VARIOUS TIMES, AFTER FILLING UP, AND EVEN WHILE DRIVING. THEY CLAIM THAT A $1,000.00 VALVE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, BUT I SURE WISH THEY HAD KNOWN THAT WHILE THE WARRANTY WAS STILL GOOD! THE WIPERS WORK SOMETIMES, THE BRAKES ALLOW ME TO SLIDE TO A STOP ANY TIME THERE IS MOISTURE, THE LEFT RADIO SPEAKERS ONLY WORK SOMETIMES, DOME LIGHT COVER FALLS OFF, HOOD WON'T OPEN WITHOUT FORCE, PWR. WINDOWS ONLY WORK WHEN THEY WANT TO, LOCKS STOPPED WORKING BEFORE WARRANTY EXPIRED, AND THEY "FIXED" THEM, BUT THEY STILL DIDN'T WORK. IS THERE ANY WAY THEY WILL TAKE THIS LOUSY EXCUSE FOR A VEHICLE BACK? I CAN'T AFFORD TO DRIVE MY CHILDREN AROUND IN SOMETHING THAT OFFERS THE POSSIBILITY OF EXPLOSION DUE TO GAS LEAKAGE, NOT TO MENTION THAT THE SMELL AND FUMES MAKE US ALL NAUTIOUS. I WONDER HOW MANY MORE PROBLEMS WE WILL HAVE WITH IT, THE TRANSMISSION NOW SEEMS TO BE SLIPPING. PLEASE HELP!!*AK
WHEN COMING TO A STOP SIGN VEHICLE WILL NOT STOP, IT GOES RIGHT THROUGH THE STOP SIGN. IT DOES NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME.*AK
WHILE DRIVING, W/O WARNING RIGHT FRONT END COLLAPSED. APPEARS TO BE FAILED UPPER BALL JOINT. HAD REGULARLY LUBED EVERY 3K MILES. ALSO DAMAGED FRONT RIM BY TEARING AWAY METAL. VERY LUCKY MY WIFE AND DAUGHTER WERE NOT AT FULL SPEED.*AK
WHILE TRAVELING 45 MPH DURING RUSH HOUR, THE FRONT LEFT TOP BALL JOINT FAILED CAUSING THE TIRE TO COLLAPSE INWARD AND LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. $1000 TO REPAIR. I BELIEVE THIS IS ANOTHER CASE FOR INVESTIGATION EA99022.
PREMATURE BALL JOINT FAILURE. TWO CHEVROLET DEALERS REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE OR FIX BALL JOINT PROBLEM-VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. LOWER BALL JOINTS REPLACED AT OUR EXPENSE; UPPER WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED SHORTLY. SEVERAL MECHANICS STATED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR CHEVY BLAZERS/TRUCKS, BUT CHEVROLET WON'T ACKNOWLE…
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PREMATURE BALL JOINT FAILURE. TWO CHEVROLET DEALERS REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE OR FIX BALL JOINT PROBLEM-VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. LOWER BALL JOINTS REPLACED AT OUR EXPENSE; UPPER WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED SHORTLY. SEVERAL MECHANICS STATED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR CHEVY BLAZERS/TRUCKS, BUT CHEVROLET WON'T ACKNOWLEDGE THE DEFECT. WHY IS THAT?
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.