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
What owners actually said
1,153 reports
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…
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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
90,000 miles · May 29, 2003
Visibility
MY REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER STOPPED FUNCTIONING. THE DEALER INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS THE RESULT OF A BURNED OUT MOTOR.
NHTSA ODI #10020678
49,760 miles · May 27, 2003
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH ABS. ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE THE WHEELS LOCKED AND THE VEHICLE WENT INTO A SKID. THE SKID (SLID) IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE IT CAUSES A REDUCTION IN STEERING CONTROL WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10020586
87,734 miles · May 25, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingVisibility
DEALER REPLACED HEATER CORE DUE TO LEAK AND FOUND SLUDGE IN COOLING SYSTEM (DEX COOL). HEATER CORE REPLACED AND SYSTEM FLUSHED 4 TIMES. HEATER CORE REPLACED AGAIN ON 1/19/03, WATER PUMP REPLACED IN 2/03. RADIATOR HAS LARGE LEAK 5/22/03. SLUDGE VISIBLE IN RADIATOR AND OVERFLOW BOTTLE. DEALER/GM INDICATES PROBLEM WITH SLUDGE …
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DEALER REPLACED HEATER CORE DUE TO LEAK AND FOUND SLUDGE IN COOLING SYSTEM (DEX COOL). HEATER CORE REPLACED AND SYSTEM FLUSHED 4 TIMES. HEATER CORE REPLACED AGAIN ON 1/19/03, WATER PUMP REPLACED IN 2/03. RADIATOR HAS LARGE LEAK 5/22/03. SLUDGE VISIBLE IN RADIATOR AND OVERFLOW BOTTLE. DEALER/GM INDICATES PROBLEM WITH SLUDGE BUILD UP CAUSED BY OWNER NOT MAINTAINING SYSTEM. HEAD GASKET REPLACED IN 2001 AND WINDSHIELD WIPER CIRCUIT BOARD IN 2001 (BAD SOLDER JOINT) - GM INDICATED THE WINDSHIELD WIPER PROBLEM NOT ASSOCIATED WITH VIN NUMBER. ALL COSTS OUT OF POCKET. *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10019254
79,000 miles · May 24, 2003
Electrical SystemFire
MIRROR CONTROL SWITCH FIRE ON A 1996 CHEVROLET BLAZER. *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10019232
59,000 miles · May 12, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, Hydraulic
I OWN A 1996 CHEVROLET BLAZER WHICH I PURCHASED NEW IN 1996. IT NOW HAS 59,000 MILES ON IT. WE HAVE REGULARLY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE DONE ON THE CAR, ALONG WITH SCHEDULED OIL CHANGES, CHECKING BELTS, HOSES, ETC. WE ARE CONSTANTLY HAVING OUR BRAKES REPAIRED/REPLACED. LAST YEAR WE NEEDED TO HAVE A BRAKE BOOSTER REPLACED WHICH CO…
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I OWN A 1996 CHEVROLET BLAZER WHICH I PURCHASED NEW IN 1996. IT NOW HAS 59,000 MILES ON IT. WE HAVE REGULARLY SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE DONE ON THE CAR, ALONG WITH SCHEDULED OIL CHANGES, CHECKING BELTS, HOSES, ETC. WE ARE CONSTANTLY HAVING OUR BRAKES REPAIRED/REPLACED. LAST YEAR WE NEEDED TO HAVE A BRAKE BOOSTER REPLACED WHICH COST US OVER $700 AND TODAY WE WERE TOLD THAT OUR "ENTIRE" COOLING SYSTEM IS CORRODED...$1,900. AT 59,000 MILES I CERTAINLY DON'T THINK THIS SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED. *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10018551
78,000 miles · May 6, 2003
Power TrainVisibility
TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKING, CAUSING TO LEAK ON EXHAUST AND CAUSE IT TO SMOKE. OILY SUBSTANCE SMEARED ON BACK WINDSHIELD. HAD THAT FIXED AND IT IS STILL HAPPENING. *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10017098
Mileage unknown · May 5, 2003
Visibility
WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. (ESPECIALLY IN THE RAIN) *NLM *SCC
NHTSA ODI #10018200
Mileage unknown · May 5, 2003
Fuel System, Gasoline
MOSES LAKE FIRE DEPARTMENT INCIDENT REPORT 2003-1096. POSSIBLE PROBLEM WITH FUEL PUMPS INSTALLED ON 1996 CHEVROLET BLAZERS, CAUSING FUEL TO BE RELEASED FROM THE FILL TUBE WHILE FUELING IS BEING ACCOMPLISHED. VEHICLE TURNED OFF AT TIME OF INCIDENT. OWNER REPORTS THIS AS THE SECOND INCIDENT INVOLVING A FUEL SPILL DURING FUELING…
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MOSES LAKE FIRE DEPARTMENT INCIDENT REPORT 2003-1096. POSSIBLE PROBLEM WITH FUEL PUMPS INSTALLED ON 1996 CHEVROLET BLAZERS, CAUSING FUEL TO BE RELEASED FROM THE FILL TUBE WHILE FUELING IS BEING ACCOMPLISHED. VEHICLE TURNED OFF AT TIME OF INCIDENT. OWNER REPORTS THIS AS THE SECOND INCIDENT INVOLVING A FUEL SPILL DURING FUELING--MECHANICAL INVESTIGATION INDICATED A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL PUMP ON THE FIRST INCIDENT AND PUMP WAS REPLACED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10017036
70,000 miles · May 4, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
ALL OXYGEN SENSOR FAILED TRANSMISSION SLIPPING. 13 SENSORS FAIL. *JB
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
7
EA02006 · 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.
1996 Chevrolet Blazer Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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