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
Mileage unknown · Aug 8, 2000
Power Train
WE HAVE EXPERIENCED TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS STARTING IN 12/98. AT THIS TIME, OUR TRUCK WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, AND WE MENTIONED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING WHEN OUR TRUCK WAS SERVICED AT WILTON MOTORS. THE MECHANICS INSISTED IT WAS FINE. IN FACT, WE ARE NOT EVEN SURE IF THEY CHECKED SINCE OUR SERVICE INVOICE INDICATES …
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WE HAVE EXPERIENCED TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS STARTING IN 12/98. AT THIS TIME, OUR TRUCK WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, AND WE MENTIONED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING WHEN OUR TRUCK WAS SERVICED AT WILTON MOTORS. THE MECHANICS INSISTED IT WAS FINE. IN FACT, WE ARE NOT EVEN SURE IF THEY CHECKED SINCE OUR SERVICE INVOICE INDICATES THAT CHECKING THE TRANSMISSION WAS A "DELETED OPERATION". ON 2/25/00, THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. IT WAS CONSTANTLY SLIPPING AND COULD NOT HANDLE HIGHWAY SPEEDS (THE TRUCK WAS HAVING TROUBLE SHIFTING GEARS AND MADE A GRINDING NOISE). WE BROUGHT THE TRUCK INTO AN INDEPENDENT SPECIALIST ON 3/2/00. THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REBUILT AND SEVERAL BANDS WERE REPLACED. THE ENTIRE REPAIR COST $1,800. WE WERE NOT SATISFIED WITH THE SERVICE AT THE GM DEALERSHIP, AND WERE CONCERNED THAT THEY WOULD NOW FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION AND CHARGE AN EVEN HIGHER AMOUNT THAN AN INDEPENDENT SPECIALIST. AT THIS POINT, OUR TRUCK WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. HOWEVER, WE FELT THE PROBLEM HAD DEVELOPED WHILE THE TRUCK WAS STILL COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, AND THE GM MECHANICS FAILED TO FIND THE PROBLEM. WE HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH GENERAL MOTORS ON 4/12, A COMPLAINT WITH THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU ON 6/12, AND ARE NOW FILING A COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA. WE HAVE SPOKEN WITH OTHER OWNERS OF 1995 AND 1996 BLAZERS, AND MANY HAVE COMPLAINED OF TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. WE ARE HOPING THAT GM REALIZES THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS PART AND WILL INVESTIGATE OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THE TRANSMISSION. WE HAVE ALREADY HAD 5 RECALLS FOR OUR 1996 BLAZER, AND WE ARE HOPING THERE WILL BE A RECALL FOR THE TRANSMISSION. *AK
NHTSA ODI #727013
Mileage unknown · Aug 8, 2000
Suspension
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?
NHTSA ODI #726957
Mileage unknown · Aug 4, 2000
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
AFTER MAKING A TURN, CONSUMER TRIED TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY STOP, AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. VEHICLE KEPT ROLLING, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES.*AK
NHTSA ODI #866804
Mileage unknown · Aug 3, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
IT IS A PROBLEM WITH PINK COOLAND IN 9 MONTHS IT HAPPENED AGAIN. *AK
NHTSA ODI #726574
Mileage unknown · Aug 3, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
ENGINE OVERHEATED,OIL PRESSURE INCREASED, I BROUGHT IT SALISBURY CHEVROLET. THEY ADVISED ME THAT ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WERE NOT ANY WARNING SIGNS PRIOR TO INCIDENT. DEALER ADVISES THAT ENGINE SHOULD NOT BE DISASSEMBLED DUE TO COST OF JOB AND"STRAIN ON BEARINGS".
NHTSA ODI #726555
Mileage unknown · Aug 1, 2000
Power Train
THIS WAS REPORTED PREVIOUSLY AS ENGINE COOLANT PROBLEM.THIS ONE'S CORRECT
NHTSA ODI #726387
Mileage unknown · Aug 1, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling
2ND TIME THIS HAPPEND.AT 30000MILES .NOW AT 67000. NO SAFETY DEFEC TLISTED WITHIN SUMMARY. *AK
NHTSA ODI #726371
Mileage unknown · Jul 26, 2000
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
TRAFFIC WAS STOPPED FOR ROAD CONSTRUCTION. TRAFFIC BEGAN TO MOVE. VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME STARTED AND SLAMMED ON BRAKES WHEN ANOTHER PULLED IN FRONT OF HER. I HAD TO BRAKE QUICKLY - I HEARD A NOISE AND MY VEHICLE CONTINUED INTO HERS WITHOUT EVEN SLOWING DOWN. A RECALL HAD BEEN SERVICED ON 1/04/00. I FEEL THAT THE ABS BRAKE S…
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TRAFFIC WAS STOPPED FOR ROAD CONSTRUCTION. TRAFFIC BEGAN TO MOVE. VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME STARTED AND SLAMMED ON BRAKES WHEN ANOTHER PULLED IN FRONT OF HER. I HAD TO BRAKE QUICKLY - I HEARD A NOISE AND MY VEHICLE CONTINUED INTO HERS WITHOUT EVEN SLOWING DOWN. A RECALL HAD BEEN SERVICED ON 1/04/00. I FEEL THAT THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM IS A FAILURE. I HAVE HAD MANY SUCH INSTANCES BUT LUCKILY THIS WAS THE FIRST ACCIDENT AS A RESULT OF THE BRAKE FAILURE. *AK
NHTSA ODI #726073
Mileage unknown · Jul 25, 2000
Air BagsCrashInjury
CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND WAS HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE HEAD-ON FRONT PASSENEGER'S SIDE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO GO THROUGH A BRICK WALL. UPON IMPACT, DUAL AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, CAUSING SERIOUS INJURIES. CONSUMER HAD TO BE AIR LIFTED TO HOSPITAL INTO A TRAUMA UNIT. SEATBELTS WERE WORN AT THE TIME.*AK
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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