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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

Unknown Or Other complaints

25 reports
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Mileage unknown · Oct 4, 2000
Unknown Or Other

NO SUMMARY

NHTSA ODI #733422

Mileage unknown · Sep 28, 2000
Unknown Or Other

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #732710

Mileage unknown · Jul 30, 2000
Unknown Or Other

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #726249

Mileage unknown · May 14, 2000
Power TrainUnknown Or Other

ENGINE CHECK LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON FREQUENTLY. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE SWITCH, THEY SAID THAT IT IS NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT. ON LONG TRIPS (ABOUT AN HOUR) THE LIGHT COMES BACK ON, AND NOW THE TRANSMISSION STARTS TO SHIFT VERY ROUGH. *AK

NHTSA ODI #722655

Mileage unknown · Mar 3, 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingUnknown Or Other

WHILE DRIVING DOWN ROAD ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. AT THE SAME SAME TIME OIL WAS PUMPING ON THE LEFT FRONT ROTOR, AND LOST ALL OIL. PULLED OVER. CONTACTED DEALER AND MANUFACTURER, AND HAD VEHICLE TOWED. ENGINE COOLING LINE WAS RUBBING AGAINST SOMETHING WHICH CAUSED A HOLE IN THE LINE. DEALER REPLACED COOLING LINE. *AK *…

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WHILE DRIVING DOWN ROAD ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON. AT THE SAME SAME TIME OIL WAS PUMPING ON THE LEFT FRONT ROTOR, AND LOST ALL OIL. PULLED OVER. CONTACTED DEALER AND MANUFACTURER, AND HAD VEHICLE TOWED. ENGINE COOLING LINE WAS RUBBING AGAINST SOMETHING WHICH CAUSED A HOLE IN THE LINE. DEALER REPLACED COOLING LINE. *AK *ML

NHTSA ODI #857897

Mileage unknown · Feb 19, 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingUnknown Or Other

THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO CUT OFF IF THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVED FOR MORE THAT 30 MINUTES AND THE A/C IS RUNNING. THE ENGINE LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON NOR ARE THERE ANY WARNINGS THAT THE VEHICLE IS GOING TO DIE. DEALER CANNOT IDENTIFY ANY PROBLEM BECAUSE COMPUTER ISN'T REGISTERING ANY ISSUES. THE EGR VALVE WAS REPLACED BUT PROBLEM…

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THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO CUT OFF IF THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DRIVED FOR MORE THAT 30 MINUTES AND THE A/C IS RUNNING. THE ENGINE LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON NOR ARE THERE ANY WARNINGS THAT THE VEHICLE IS GOING TO DIE. DEALER CANNOT IDENTIFY ANY PROBLEM BECAUSE COMPUTER ISN'T REGISTERING ANY ISSUES. THE EGR VALVE WAS REPLACED BUT PROBLEM CONTINUES. *AK

NHTSA ODI #718983

Mileage unknown · Jan 3, 2000
Unknown Or Other

THE GARAGE THAT IS REPAIRING MY CAR SAYS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE CHEVROLET BLAZERS. NO SAFETY DEFECT (S) LISTED IN SUMMARY. *AK

NHTSA ODI #716801

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 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 · Sep 1, 1999
Power TrainUnknown Or OtherVehicle Speed Control

ENGINE CHECK LIGHT COMES ON. VEHICLE WOULD LURCH FORWARD AFTER SHIFTING INTO 2ND GEAR. BEEN TO DEALER. INFORMED TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REBUILT OR REPLACED. TOOK TO TRANSMISSION SHOP & HAD IT REPLACED W/REBUILT TRANSMISSION WHICH IS SLIPPING. TAKING VEHICLE BACK TO DEALER. *AK

NHTSA ODI #846288

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.