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1997 Chevrolet Blazer

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Blazer years

Owner complaints for the 1997 Chevrolet Blazer are substantially higher than the model-year median of 32.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 171 of 768 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 144 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Visibility. Review the 129 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 110 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

60 crash reports26 fire reports44 injury reports

Engine And Engine Cooling complaints

93 reports
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130,000 miles · Aug 5, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingFire

FOR THREE YEARS IN THE SUMMERS I COULD NOT DRIVE FAR WITHOUT SMOKE TRICKLING UP BY THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD. NEVER HAPPENED IN THE WINTER. TOOK IT TO SEVERAL MECHANICS AND TRANSMISSION SHOPS, NO ONE COULD FIND THE PROBLEM. THIS YEAR IT CAUGHT ON FIRE AND I HAD TO JUNK THE VEHICLE. MY NEIGHBORS 2000 BLAZER IS DOING THE SAME …

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FOR THREE YEARS IN THE SUMMERS I COULD NOT DRIVE FAR WITHOUT SMOKE TRICKLING UP BY THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD. NEVER HAPPENED IN THE WINTER. TOOK IT TO SEVERAL MECHANICS AND TRANSMISSION SHOPS, NO ONE COULD FIND THE PROBLEM. THIS YEAR IT CAUGHT ON FIRE AND I HAD TO JUNK THE VEHICLE. MY NEIGHBORS 2000 BLAZER IS DOING THE SAME THING NOW. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10347533

Mileage unknown · Feb 21, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingSeat BeltsSuspension

I HAVE OCCURYING MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH MY 1997 CHEVY BLAZER WHICH INCLUDE THE BACK SEAT SEAT BELTS NOT WORKING CORRECTLY,SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM AND BUSHINGS, CORROSION OF INTAKE GASKETS DUE TO DEXCOOL REQUIRED COOLANT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10259550

60,000 miles · Nov 13, 2007
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET BLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. AFTER WAITING 5-10 MINUTES, THE VEHICLE RESTARTED. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED WHILE MAKING A TURN, DRIVING DOWNHILL AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, AND ANOTHER TIME WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. AFTER THE MOST RE…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET BLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS. AFTER WAITING 5-10 MINUTES, THE VEHICLE RESTARTED. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED WHILE MAKING A TURN, DRIVING DOWNHILL AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, AND ANOTHER TIME WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. AFTER THE MOST RECENT FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP THE NEXT DAY. THE MECAHNIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO WAIT UNTIL IT OCCURS AGAIN. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVEN FOR ALMOST A MONTH AND THE FAILURE HAS NOT RECURRED. THE FAILURES WERE INTERMITTENT AND NO WARNING INDICATORS WERE PRESENT. ONCE THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE KEY COULD NOT BE TURNED OR REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION AND EVERYTHING FAILED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 60,000. UPDATED 01/11/08. *LJ UPDATED *JB

NHTSA ODI #10208779

70,000 miles · Mar 8, 2006
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment

OWNING THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN A NIGHTMARE AND A FINANCIAL DRAIN. WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED WHEN THEY CHOSE, REPLACED WIPER MOTOR DUE TO DEFECTIVE PART. UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ALL HAD TO BE REPLACED. WHEEL BEARINGS HAD TO BE REPLACED. A/C STOPPED WORKING, HAD IT LOOKED AT AND RECHARGED AND IT STILL DOESN'T WORK. FUEL GAGE DIDN…

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OWNING THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN A NIGHTMARE AND A FINANCIAL DRAIN. WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED WHEN THEY CHOSE, REPLACED WIPER MOTOR DUE TO DEFECTIVE PART. UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS ALL HAD TO BE REPLACED. WHEEL BEARINGS HAD TO BE REPLACED. A/C STOPPED WORKING, HAD IT LOOKED AT AND RECHARGED AND IT STILL DOESN'T WORK. FUEL GAGE DIDN'T WORK, REPLACED FUEL SENSOR AND SENDING UNIT. REAR WIPER QUIT WORKING, REPLACED REAR WIPER MOTOR, A FEW DAYS LATER IT DOES NOT WORK AGAIN. REPLACED WATER PUMP, HAVE REPLACED ABS ONLY TO GET A RECALL AFTER THE FACT WITH NO REIMBURSEMENT. WEARS THROUGH BRAKE PADS ENTIRELY TOO FAST. REPLACED ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY TWICE. REAR HATCH DOES NOT UNLOCK WITH KEY. HEADLIGHTS ARE SO DIM THEY MIGHT AS WELL NOT EXIST. WATER LEAKS INTO INTERIOR ON DRIVERS SIDE DUE TO A BAD SEAL. IDLER ARM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. GAS PEDAL STICKS. NOW HEATER FAN WORKS SOMETIMES. READING THROUGH THE COMPLAINTS WE ARE ALL EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE ABOUT IT. RECALLS ISSUED ON SOME VEHICLES BUT NOT ALL? NOW I HEAR GM PUT A BAD INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET ON THESE AS WELL AS SEVERAL OTHER CARS (1997) AND DID NOT ISSUE A RECALL BECAUSE IT IS NOT A SAFETY MATTER! THIS CAUSES ANTIFREEZE TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE AND ULTIMATELY ENDS IN A REPAIR OF AT LEAST 1500.00. AFTER MY EXPERIENCE WITH THIS VEHICLE I WILL BE PURCHASING SOON AND IT MOST LIKELY WILL NOT BE GM. SAD SINCE MY DAD WORKED FOR THEM FOR 30 YEARS. THEY SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR PUTTING A BAD PRODUCT ON THE MARKET AND LEAVING US TO DRY. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10152223

80,334 miles · Oct 3, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingInjury

DRIVING SOUTH ON I-5. HEARD LOUD RATTLING NOISE WHICH BECAME LOUD BANGING NOISE, FOLLOWED BY BOOM AND WHITE SMOKE POURING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. CAR SPUN AROUND SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE I COULD GAIN CONTROL. ENGINE BLEW. THIS CAR HAS COST ME $4490 IN REPAIRS FROM 1/1/04 TO 9/26/05. CAR WELL MAINTAINED - I HAVE ALL RECEIPTS FOR WOR…

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DRIVING SOUTH ON I-5. HEARD LOUD RATTLING NOISE WHICH BECAME LOUD BANGING NOISE, FOLLOWED BY BOOM AND WHITE SMOKE POURING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. CAR SPUN AROUND SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE I COULD GAIN CONTROL. ENGINE BLEW. THIS CAR HAS COST ME $4490 IN REPAIRS FROM 1/1/04 TO 9/26/05. CAR WELL MAINTAINED - I HAVE ALL RECEIPTS FOR WORK. AAA AUTO SVCS TEAM CONDUCTING INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION AS TO CAUSE OF THIS INCIDENT. *NM UPDATED 12/12/05. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10138371

59,000 miles · Nov 12, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolineSuspension

BALL JOINT UPPER CONTROL ARM BROKE AS I WAS DRIVING TODAY. SINCE I PURCHASED THIS 1997 BLAZER I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS-THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL,THE WATER PUMP HAS BEEN REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP HAS ALSO BEEN REPLACED. THIS VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 60,000 MILES. I JUST FOUND OUT THAT MOST OF THESE PROBLEM HAVE BEEN RECALLED I…

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BALL JOINT UPPER CONTROL ARM BROKE AS I WAS DRIVING TODAY. SINCE I PURCHASED THIS 1997 BLAZER I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS-THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAIL,THE WATER PUMP HAS BEEN REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP HAS ALSO BEEN REPLACED. THIS VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 60,000 MILES. I JUST FOUND OUT THAT MOST OF THESE PROBLEM HAVE BEEN RECALLED I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED. I PURCHASE THE VEHICLE USED AT A LOCAL DEALERSHIP,WHOM BY THE WAY DID NOT TELL ME OF ANY OF THESE RECALLS. I HAVE HAD VERY SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10098740

Mileage unknown · Nov 8, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingFire

CHEVROLET BLAZER 4X4 1997, CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED WHILE DRIVING. *BF *JB

NHTSA ODI #10117145

85,000 miles · Jul 30, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY STALLED. THIS CAUSED A LOST OF STEERING AND BRAKES. AN INDEPENDENT SHOP AND DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE OR CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK *SC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10076157

83,878 miles · Jan 27, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

I HAVE HAD COOLANT LEAKAGE IN MY 1997 CHEVEROLET BLAZER AND HAVE TALKED TO PEOPLE AT DIFFERENT DEALERS TO NO AVAIL NO ONE RECOMMENDED THAT I HAVE A SYSTEMS CHECK NOW I FIND OUT THERE IS A TECHNICAL BULLETIN THAT I STUMBLED UPON AT JASPER ENGINES THAT SHOWS THAT THE 1992 THROUGH 1997 GM 4.3L VIN R&W ENGINES HAVE THE PROBLEM THAT …

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I HAVE HAD COOLANT LEAKAGE IN MY 1997 CHEVEROLET BLAZER AND HAVE TALKED TO PEOPLE AT DIFFERENT DEALERS TO NO AVAIL NO ONE RECOMMENDED THAT I HAVE A SYSTEMS CHECK NOW I FIND OUT THERE IS A TECHNICAL BULLETIN THAT I STUMBLED UPON AT JASPER ENGINES THAT SHOWS THAT THE 1992 THROUGH 1997 GM 4.3L VIN R&W ENGINES HAVE THE PROBLEM THAT COOLANT LOSS HAS BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH CRACKS THAT MAY DEVELOP IN THE LIFTER VALLEY AREA OF THE BLOCK. UNTIL I CAME UPON THIS NOBODY COULD GIVE ME A ANSWER IS THERE ANY THING THAT CAN BE DONE TO HELP ME RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10054970

Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling

IN NOVEMBER I TOOK MY CAR INTO THE CHEVY DEALER AND HAD THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET REPLACED. A MONTH LATER MY ENGINE (4.3L V6) WAS DEAD, AS A RESULT OF DEXI-COOL IN THE BLOCK. MY CHEVY DEALER'S SERVICE DEPT. WANTED $5000 FOR A NEW ENGINE. I DONATED THE CAR TO CHARITY.

NHTSA ODI #10069977

Official recalls

4

03V117000 · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly

Mar 31, 2003

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY THAT CONTAINS AN ENERGY-ABSORBING LOOP. SUSTAINED LOADS OF SUFFICIENT MAGNITUDE AND DURATION ON THE BELT IN SEVERE CRASHES COULD FULLY DEPLOY THE BUCKLE ENERGY-ABSORBING LOOP, INTRODUCING A TOTAL OF 10 ADDITIONAL INCHES OF WEBBING INTO THE SEAT BELT SYSTEM. THE FREE FALLING LATCH PLATE USED IN THIS SYSTEM MAY ALLOW WEBBING TO DYNAMICALLY DISTRIBUTE BETWEEN THE LAP AND SHOULDER BELT AS THE DRIVER'S POSITION CHANGES DURING A MULTIPLE ROLLOVER EVENT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE ENERGY-ABSORBING LOOP FULLY DEPLOYS IN A SEVERE MULTIPLE ROLLOVER CRASH, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT A BELTED DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE PARTIAL OR EVEN COMPLETE EJECTION FROM THE VEHICLE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENERGY-ABSORBING SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WITH ONE THAT DOES NOT HAVE THE ENERGY-ABSORBING LOOP. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON AUGUST 8, 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.

03V093000 · Visibility:rearview Mirrors/devices:exterior

Mar 7, 2003

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, MINI VANS, AND PICKUP TRUCKS MAY DEVELOP A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE ELECTRIC OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR SWITCH.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN, IT COULD RESULT IN AN INOPERATIVE SWITCH, HEAT DAMAGE TO THE DRIVER'S DOOR, AND/OR IGNITION OF COMPONENTS IN THE DRIVER'S DOOR AND A SUBSEQUENT VEHICLE FIRE WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED JUMPER HARNESS TO THE ELECTRIC OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 24, 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 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.

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.

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.

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

2

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.