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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

Fuel System, Gasoline complaints

56 reports
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Mileage unknown · Apr 3, 2000
Electrical SystemEquipmentFuel System, Gasoline

THE TRANSMISSION HAD RAIN WATER RUN DOWN THE TUBE FROM THE GRATES IN THE HOOD BEN MYNETT CHEVROLET DRAINED THE FLUID AND CHANGED THE FILTERS AND REPLACED THE DIP STICK AND TUBE THY SAID THIS WOULD DO ENOUGH BUT NOW THERE IS RUST PARTICLES IN THE TRANSMISSION AND IT WAS TAKEN BACK FOR THAT THEY SAID IT WAS NOTHING .THE AIR CONDIT…

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THE TRANSMISSION HAD RAIN WATER RUN DOWN THE TUBE FROM THE GRATES IN THE HOOD BEN MYNETT CHEVROLET DRAINED THE FLUID AND CHANGED THE FILTERS AND REPLACED THE DIP STICK AND TUBE THY SAID THIS WOULD DO ENOUGH BUT NOW THERE IS RUST PARTICLES IN THE TRANSMISSION AND IT WAS TAKEN BACK FOR THAT THEY SAID IT WAS NOTHING .THE AIR CONDITIONER HAS WENT OUT TWICE THEY SAID IT WAS JUST A HOSE CLOGGED TWO TIMES IN JUST A FEW MONTHS .THE HEATER CORE WAS REPLACED TWICE IN A 2 WEEK TIME PERIOD THE DEX COOL COOLANT HAS HAD A REPUTATION OF CLOGGING UP THE HEATER CORE IN ALL GM CARS .THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE HAS WENT OUT TWICE THIS WAS FROM A VACUUM HOSE AROUND THE TRANSMISSION .THE WINDSHEILD WIPERS HAVE WENT OUT ONCE .TBATTERY WAS REPLACED 3 TIMES IN A 2 MONTH TIME PERIOD THIS HAD US STRANDED IN 95 DEGREE HEAT .TURNED OUT IT WAS A BAD ALTERNATOR.THE FACTORY UNIROYAL 50000 MILE TIRES ONLY LASTED 30000 MILES AND THEY WOULD NOT STAND BEHIND THERE PRODUCT .THE VEHICLE CUT OFF ONE DAY LIKE IT WAS OUT OF GAS WHILE MOVING AT 45 MPH MY WIFE BARELY GOT THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD .THE FUEL TANK HAD TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE COMPUTER IN THE TANK .( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P205-75-15 )

NHTSA ODI #720942

Mileage unknown · Mar 9, 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE JUST CUTS OFF WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER IS NOT ABLE TO LOCATE THE EXACT PROBLEM, BUT FUEL PUMP HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE, AND WILL BE REPLACED A THIRD TIME. THIS WILL BE THREE TIMES IN ONE MONTH THAT FUEL PUMP HAS BEEN CHANGED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK

NHTSA ODI #858226

Mileage unknown · Nov 19, 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control

ENGINE OIL LEAK LOOKS AS IF THE OIL FILTER IS LEAKING BUT IS COMING FROM THE OIL FILTER ADAPTER LINES SERVICE ADVISORS AND MANAGERS ALL KNOW OF THE PROBLEM AND TOLD ME WHAT IT WAS WITHOUT LOOKING AT VEHICLE THEY SAID IT WAS COMMON ON ALL BLAZERS CHEVROLET DENIED ANY PROBLEM FUEL GAUGE STOPPED RECORDING BELOW HALF AND WOULD GO …

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ENGINE OIL LEAK LOOKS AS IF THE OIL FILTER IS LEAKING BUT IS COMING FROM THE OIL FILTER ADAPTER LINES SERVICE ADVISORS AND MANAGERS ALL KNOW OF THE PROBLEM AND TOLD ME WHAT IT WAS WITHOUT LOOKING AT VEHICLE THEY SAID IT WAS COMMON ON ALL BLAZERS CHEVROLET DENIED ANY PROBLEM FUEL GAUGE STOPPED RECORDING BELOW HALF AND WOULD GO BACK UP TO FULL AT TIMES GAS PEDAL WOULD BE HARD TO PRESS AND FINALLY WOULD STICK AT VARIOUS SPEEDS ENGINE COOLANT COOLANT LOOKS RUSTY IN THE OVERFLOW TANK AND CORRODED AROUND RADIATOR CAP DIRECTLY BEHIND THE STICKER THAT READS NO MATIENCE REQUIRED FOR 5 YRS. 150,000 MILES

NHTSA ODI #714986

Mileage unknown · Nov 12, 1999
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

WHEN FILLING THE FUEL TANK, THERE IS A STRONG ODOR IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, AND THE VEHICLE MAY HAVE A NO START CONDITION. DEALER REPLACED FUEL CANISTER AND ALTERNATOR.BUT PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURRING. *AK

NHTSA ODI #850836

Mileage unknown · Oct 5, 1999
Fuel System, GasolineUnknown Or Other

FUEL INJECTORS FAIL EVERY 3,000 MILES. THEY ARE CONSTANTLY BEING REPLACED AND CLEANED. I HAVE TAKEN THE TRUCK TO THE ORIGINAL DEALERSHIP WHICH IS 55 MILES AWAY FROM ME. THE GAS GAUGE DOES NOT WORK AND INDICATES THE INCORRECT AMOUNT OF FUEL. THE INDICATOR FLUCTUATES FROM FULL TO EMPTY AS THE TRUCK IS BEING DRIVEN. MY CASE NUM…

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FUEL INJECTORS FAIL EVERY 3,000 MILES. THEY ARE CONSTANTLY BEING REPLACED AND CLEANED. I HAVE TAKEN THE TRUCK TO THE ORIGINAL DEALERSHIP WHICH IS 55 MILES AWAY FROM ME. THE GAS GAUGE DOES NOT WORK AND INDICATES THE INCORRECT AMOUNT OF FUEL. THE INDICATOR FLUCTUATES FROM FULL TO EMPTY AS THE TRUCK IS BEING DRIVEN. MY CASE NUMBER WITH CHEVROLET IS #990453585.

NHTSA ODI #712835

Mileage unknown · Sep 22, 1999
Fuel System, Gasoline

BESIDES THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM GOING OUT OF THIS VEHICLE THERE IS SOMETHING CALLED A BARRING IN THE HEATER AND AIR THING THAT WE NEED FIXED. WHEN WE RUN THE HEAT OR THE AIR THE CAR GETS REALLY LOUD. MY MECHANIC CALLED JOHNY MORRIS AND THEY SAID THAT THEY HAVE HAD TONS OF BLAZERS BROUGHT BACK TO BE FIXED BECAUSE OF THE FUEL …

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BESIDES THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM GOING OUT OF THIS VEHICLE THERE IS SOMETHING CALLED A BARRING IN THE HEATER AND AIR THING THAT WE NEED FIXED. WHEN WE RUN THE HEAT OR THE AIR THE CAR GETS REALLY LOUD. MY MECHANIC CALLED JOHNY MORRIS AND THEY SAID THAT THEY HAVE HAD TONS OF BLAZERS BROUGHT BACK TO BE FIXED BECAUSE OF THE FUEL INJECTORS. WHAT I WANT TO KNOW IS, IF THERE IS SO MANY BEING BROUGHT BACK TO BE FIXED WHY DOESN'T CHEVROLET DO A RECALL ON THE FUEL INJECTORS? ITS NOT LIKE ITS A CHEAP PART TO FIX. I BOUGHT THIS BLAZER AS IS WITH NO WARRANTY BUT YOU WOULDN'T THINK THAT SOMETHING THIS MAJOR WOULD GO WRONG WHEN THE VEHICLE IS ONLY 2 YRS OLD.

NHTSA ODI #711785

Mileage unknown · Sep 16, 1999
Fuel System, GasolineUnknown Or Other

RAW GAS FUMES GET INSIDE VEHICLE. WOULD HAVE POOR GAS MILEAGE. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. FEELS AS IF VEHICLE WOULD STALL OUT WHEN LEAVING STOP LIGHT OR SIGN. HAD BEEN TO DEALERSHIP AT LEAST 12 TIMES FOR PROBLEMS & NOTHING HAS BEEN RESOLVED. DEALER NOW REFUSES TO SEE VEHICLE. HAD RECEIVED A LETTER FROM MANUFACTURER…

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RAW GAS FUMES GET INSIDE VEHICLE. WOULD HAVE POOR GAS MILEAGE. ENGINE CHECK LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON. FEELS AS IF VEHICLE WOULD STALL OUT WHEN LEAVING STOP LIGHT OR SIGN. HAD BEEN TO DEALERSHIP AT LEAST 12 TIMES FOR PROBLEMS & NOTHING HAS BEEN RESOLVED. DEALER NOW REFUSES TO SEE VEHICLE. HAD RECEIVED A LETTER FROM MANUFACTURER INFORMING OWNER VEHICLE WOULD BE SERVICED UNDER WARRANTY. MS SARAH SKUTT SIGNED LETTER FROM MANUFACTURER. *AK

NHTSA ODI #847898

Mileage unknown · Aug 12, 1999
Fuel System, GasolineSteeringCrashFire

DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, RAN INTO A HOUSE, EJECTING DRIVER FROM VEHICLE. A SMALL FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE, SOMEONE TRIED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE, BUT IT KEPT BURNING , CAUSING DAMAGE TO HOUSE AND TOTALING VEHICLE. FUEL PUMP DID NOT SHUT DOWN. SEATBELT MAY HAVE FAILED; THERE WAS A RECALL TO REPLACE BELTS FOLLOWING COLLI…

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DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, RAN INTO A HOUSE, EJECTING DRIVER FROM VEHICLE. A SMALL FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE, SOMEONE TRIED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE, BUT IT KEPT BURNING , CAUSING DAMAGE TO HOUSE AND TOTALING VEHICLE. FUEL PUMP DID NOT SHUT DOWN. SEATBELT MAY HAVE FAILED; THERE WAS A RECALL TO REPLACE BELTS FOLLOWING COLLISION. *AK

NHTSA ODI #844995

Mileage unknown · Jul 2, 1999
Fuel System, Gasoline

VEHICLE HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS ALL, AT THE SAME TIME. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WEATHER, IF ALL RELATED, IT MIGHT BE DEFECTIVE PARTS. CAN NHTSA HELP IN THIS MATTER OR PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING 1. FUEL GAUGE STICKING AT HALF TANK; 2. INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKING AND 3. FUEL INJECTION FULL OF FU…

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VEHICLE HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING THE FOLLOWING PROBLEMS ALL, AT THE SAME TIME. CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WEATHER, IF ALL RELATED, IT MIGHT BE DEFECTIVE PARTS. CAN NHTSA HELP IN THIS MATTER OR PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING 1. FUEL GAUGE STICKING AT HALF TANK; 2. INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKING AND 3. FUEL INJECTION FULL OF FUEL AND ALSO LEAKING. *AK

NHTSA ODI #841640

Mileage unknown · Jun 25, 1999
Fuel System, Gasoline

FUEL INJECTOR FAILED CAUSING FUEL TO FILL WIRING HARNESS AND CAUSED DAMAGE TO COMPUTER. NM

NHTSA ODI #546427

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.