1996 Chevrolet Blazer

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 1,153 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the brakes. It has been recalled 11 times.

Avoid One of the Chevrolet Blazer years to avoid: 4.7× the complaints of a typical Blazer year. Which Chevrolet Blazer years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
84,000 milesMedian miles at failure

104 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,000–90,000 miles.

Most common 1996 Chevrolet Blazer problems

405 of the 1,153 complaints (35%) are about the brakes.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes313
78139
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor71
000
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer59
000
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint41
203
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission41
110
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System · engine40
010
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags31
31020
Suspension › Front › Control Arm30
100
Suspension › Front22
200
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine21
010

1996 Chevrolet Blazer brakes problems

35% of all complaints

405 of the 1,153 complaints are about the brakes. This is what owners describe:

  • loses its brakes or the pedal sinks32% · 130
  • knocks, grinds or clunks4% · 17

Share of the 405 brakes complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
81,000 mi
median of 15 reports
Peak year of filing
1997
104 brakes complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
94 · 2 · 53
in these complaints
Recalls on the brakes
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet blazer. The contact stated that the brakes failed and the brake pedal traveled to the floor. The ABS light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and it was determined that the pressure modulator valve needed to be replaced. The manufacturer stated that the part was not under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired.”
Owner complaint, filed Mar 18, 2015 at 81,000 miles
“On friday october 20, 2006. My son and 3 friends were leaving a friends house. When my son applied his brake to slow, the brakes failed. When they failed the engine revved completely up, throttled out and shut down the vehicle. He of course had no brakes, but now no steering, and the engine was off.”
Owner complaint, filed Oct 31, 2006

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1995: 4 complaints, 2 about the brakes'951996: 73 complaints, 36 about the brakes1997: 181 complaints, 104 about the brakes1998: 109 complaints, 56 about the brakes1999: 202 complaints, 94 about the brakes'992000: 171 complaints, 51 about the brakes2001: 146 complaints, 25 about the brakes2002: 102 complaints, 13 about the brakes2003: 70 complaints, 10 about the brakes'032004: 31 complaints, 3 about the brakes2005: 16 complaints, 1 about the brakes2006: 20 complaints, 4 about the brakes2007: 5 complaints, 1 about the brakes'072008: 4 complaints, 1 about the brakes2009: 3 complaints, 0 about the brakes2010: 5 complaints, 0 about the brakes2011: 1 complaints, 0 about the brakes'112012: 2 complaints, 0 about the brakes2013: 3 complaints, 1 about the brakes2014: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes2015: 3 complaints, 2 about the brakes'152016: 1 complaints, 0 about the brakes2017: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes2018: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes2019: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes'192020: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes2021: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes2022: 0 complaints, 0 about the brakes2023: 1 complaints, 1 about the brakes'23Recall 96V234000 (fuel system)Recall 97V096001 (seat belts)Recall 98V150001 (visibility)Recall 99V193000 (brakes)Recall 99I006000 (brakes)Recall 01V200000 (suspension)Recall 01I018000 (suspension)Recall 03V159000 (visibility)Recall 06E023000 (headlights)Recall 06E043000 (fuel system)Recall 09E012000 (headlights)NHTSA investigation EA02006NHTSA investigation EA97007
All complaintsAbout the brakesRecall (red: the brakes)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 1996 Blazer peaked in 1999, with 202 filed that year. Owners had filed 217 complaints about the brakes before the first recall that covers it, 99V193000 in July 1999; 188 more have come in since. In 2023 owners filed 1 so far.

11 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting09E012000
Filed Apr 7, 200916,270 vehiclesSabersport

Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Fuel System, Gasoline06E043000
Filed May 19, 200688,303 vehiclesHoneywell International, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Risk. THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy. HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

Exterior Lighting › Headlights06E023000
Filed Mar 13, 2006292,000 vehiclesAnzo USA, Inc.

Defect. CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Risk. WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer03V159000
Filed Apr 28, 20031,755,876 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint01I018000
Filed Dec 4, 2001General Motors Corp.

Defect. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1996-1997 4-WHEEL DRIVE CHEVROLET BLAZER, GMC JIMMY, AND OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. SOME OWNERS HAVE HAD TO PAY FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE UPPER BALL JOINTS THAT HAVE SEPARATED. GM IS PROVIDING A SPECIAL POLICY TO THESE OWNERS TO COVER UPPER BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT IF THE CUSTOMER FOLLOWED THE RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FOR THE CHASSIS LUBRICATION AND THE VEHICLE STILL REQUIRED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE UPPER BALL JOINTS DUE TO SEPARATION.

Risk. THIS COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy. GM HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE UPPER BALL JOINTS ON AFFECTED VEHICLES. THIS SPECIAL POLICY IS FOR A PERIOD OF 8 YEARS OR 100,000 MILES, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST, FROM THE DATE THE VHEICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PLACED IN SERVICE, REGARDLESS OF OWNERSHIP. THE UPPER BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT, DUE TO SEPARATION, WILL BE MADE AT NO CHARGE TO THE CUSTOMER DURING THIS PERIOD. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-862-4389, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, CONCERNING THIS PROGRAM.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint01V200000
Filed Jun 28, 200148,600 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip99V193000
Filed Jul 19, 19991,125,749 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip99I006000
Filed Jul 19, 19992,400,000 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, OR MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH 3-SENSOR ABS (ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM) EBC4 UNITS.

Risk. THESE VEHICLES CAN EXPERIENCE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES DURING ABS STOPS ON CERTAIN MULTIPLE SURFACES, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE COMPUTER PROGRAM WHICH OPERATES THE ABS UNIT ON SOME VEHICLES, OR REPLACE THE COMPUTER ON OTHERS TO IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE ABS ON THESE SURFACES.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer98V150001
Filed Jul 1, 19981,557,585 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Seat Belts97V096001
Filed Jun 12, 1997586,058 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly96V234000
Filed Nov 14, 1996432,183 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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."

Risk. 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.

All 11 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 7 name the 1996 Blazer.

WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILUREEngineering analysis EA02006Closed
Opened May 31, 2002Closed Jul 23, 2003Led to recall 03V159000visibility

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.

UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTEngineering analysis EA99022Closed
Opened Jul 30, 1999Closed Aug 28, 2001suspension

There is no summary currently available

FRONT SEAT RECLINER BOLT FAILURERecall query RQ99015Closed
Opened Jul 14, 1999Closed Dec 28, 2001Led to recall 99V130000seats
UPPER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT BREAKAGEPreliminary evaluation PE99021Closed
Opened Mar 5, 1999Closed Jul 30, 1999transmission

An upper control arm ball joint fails, resulting in the front suspension collapsing on the failed side.

STEERING SHAFT SEPARATIONSEngineering analysis EA97007Closed
Opened Apr 17, 1997Closed Mar 12, 1998steering

Coupling bolts, joining the steering shaft, may separate.in some cases, total unforeseen, loss of steering control may result.

SEAT BELT WEBBING SEPARATIONEngineering analysis EA97004Closed
Opened Feb 28, 1997Closed Aug 5, 1997Led to recall 97V096001seat belts

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.

ABS BRAKING SYSTEMEngineering analysis EA94038Closed
Opened Oct 31, 1994Closed Feb 28, 2000brakes

This investigation resulted in a safety recall, 99v-193, and a service campaign, 99i-006.

Technical service bulletins

49 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1996 Blazer. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

engine 12equipment 9body and frame 7transmission 5electrical system 4brakes 3suspension 3fuel system 2
020525006Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 1, 2006brakes

ANTILOCK BRAKE (ABS) ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS. *TT

020525006AService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 1, 2002brakes

ANTILOCK BRAKE (ABS) ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS ON VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING THE 1995 AND 1996 ENVOY. *TT

240699Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJul 24, 1999brakes

SUBJECT REGARDING ABS 3-SENSOR EBC4 - SPECIAL POLICY. *TT

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed Mar 28, 2023UT

On March 23, 2023 ABS Extended Stopping Distance on snow / slush surface proceeding downhill on a 4 lane highway (7200 South Wasatch Blvd. Midvale Utah). Other vehicles around me were stopping without issue. I noticed my ABS brakes were making the (typical operating sound a type of grinding) and I wasn't stopping. I changed lanes twice to provide for more stopping distance and eventually stopped in the left turn lane within 2 feet from rear-ending other cars had I remained in the inside lane. Located Investigation EA94-038 noting 10,000 complaints, 2000 accidents, 600 injuries. Chevrolet Safety campaign 99I006000 addressing a PCM coding change and replacing the Kelsey Hayes ABS actuator unit. Chevrolet at 800-222-1020 declined to say whether this recall was in force, was a valid recall or had ever existed.

Electrical System
Filed May 31, 2016142,185 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET BLAZER. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE BRAKES WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SEIZE AND THE TURN SIGNALS BEGAN TO MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STRUTS, AND BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 142,185.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 22, 2015189,000 milesPA

DRIVING APPROX. 35 MPH NORTH ON 5700 BLK OF TACONY ST PHILADELPHIA PA 19137, 2005 SILVER HONDA PULLS OUT OF DRIVE WAY HITS THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE AND REAR PASSENGER TIRE OF TRUCK, TRUCK THEN SPINS AND FLIPS OVER. NO AIR BAG DEPLOYED AT ALL SUSTAINED INJURIES. WAS TAKEN BY RESCUE TO HOSPITAL.

Service BrakesCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 9, 2015150,000 milesOH

CAR ACCIDENT WAS MAY 2008 WAS REPORTED TO USAA INSURANCE AND NC COMMISSIONER. I AM FORMER US ARMY SPOUSE AND CONTRACTOR 15 YEARS. I AM BACK AT HOME OF RECORD. I HAVE LOST OVER $5000 TO THIS INCIDENT AND I DEAL WITH ADDED MEDICAL DISABILITIES FROM THIS DEALING WITH CHRONIC BACK, TBI PTSD AND BRAIN INJURY TO LEFT SIDE. CONFIRMED WITH CAT SCAN AND ARMY WOMACK HOSPITAL. DID NOT HAVE HEALTH CARE AT THE TIME. I HAVE HAD IGNITION SWITCH. THE LIGHT BULB DEALING WITH NC TESTING ISSUES COSTING ME WITH TESTING. OHIO THANKS GOODNESS NOT. BUT BRIGHTS DON'T COME ON. RADIO CLOCK STAYS ON DRAINED BATTERY IN THE PAST. ALSO, THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES. I TRIED TO GET A SERVICE BUT DIDN'T KNOW WHERE IN DAYTON , OHIO.....UPDATED10/20/15 *BF

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 18, 201581,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET BLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR. THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE PRESSURE MODULATOR VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000. UPDATED 5/4/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE ABS MIDULE SHORTED OUT. UPDATED 05/07/15*JB

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 11, 2013174,000 milesMN

BRAKE PERFORMANCE HAD STARTED TO DEGRADE ON LAST TRIP TO LAKE PLACE (200 MILES ROUND TRIP). PEDAL SEEMED SOFTER THAN NORMAL BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED LIT.. ONCE AT HOME CHECK FLUID WHICH WAS LOW. ADDED SOME FLUID. BRAKE LIGHT WENT OUT TRIED SEVERAL HARD STOPS IN DRIVE WAY AND PEDAL TRAVEL WENT ALMOST TO FLOOR. OBSERVED BRAKE FLUID ON THE GROUND ADJACENT TO FUEL TANK ON DRIVERS SIDE. DRIVERS SIDE FRAME RAIL WAS WET WITH BRAKE FLUID. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REVEALED DIRT PACKED AROUND REAR BRAKE LINE ON TOP OF RAMP RAIL. BRAKE LINE WAS FOUND TO BE SEVERELY DEGRADED ON TOP OF THE FRAME RAIL EXTENDING ALL THE WAY TO THE JUNCTION WITH THE RUBBER REAR SPLITTER LINE. HAD TO REPLACE LINE FROM JUNCTION AT REAR SPLITTER UP TO THE JUNCTION AT THE FRAME RAIL NEAR THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE. VERY DISTURBING TO HAVE A TWO FOOT SECTION OF BRAKE LINE SO SEVERELY COMPROMISED. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM AND RELATED TO THE BUILD UP OF COMPACTED DIRT ON THE FRAME RAIL CARRYING THE REAR BRAKE LINE. SHOULD BE A RECALL OR AT LEAST A NOTIFICATION TO HAVE THE AREA INSPECTED FOR COMPROMISED BAKE LINES. *TR

Tires
Filed Jul 3, 2013153,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET BLAZER EQUIPPED WITH DEFINITY TIRES EX600, SIZE 235-70-R15 (N/A). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC FOR A ROUTINE TIRE ROTATION WHEN HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BELT BECAME SEPARATED. IN ADDITION, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR AND FRONT TIRES WERE PREMATURELY WORN. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. THE VEHICLE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 153,000. UPDATED 12/18/13*CN

Electrical System
Filed May 29, 2013147,000 milesWI

I HAVE A 1996 CHEVY BLAZER 4WD 4.3L CENTRAL PORT FUEL INJECTION. THE #4 FUSE WHICH IS MY GAUGE FUSE KEEPS BLOWING AND WHEN IT BLOWS MY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ZEROS OUT AND I HAVE NO CLUE WHAT MY SPEED IS WHAT MY RPMS ARE WHAT MY FUEL LEVEL ITS, ETC. MY ALTERNATOR STOPS CHARGING AND MY VEHICAL EVENTUALLY STALLS OUT DUE TO THE BATTERY DRAINING. *TR

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Sep 29, 201224,000 milesTN

PUT THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER IN. GOT OUT OF MY CAR AND WALKED TO THE FRONT OF THE CAR. BY THE TIME GOT BACK TO THE DOOR OF THE CAR TO GET MY THINGS OUT FOR WORK THE DASHBOARD OF MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. *TR

Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac SystemFire
Filed Aug 21, 2012NC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET BLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE INTERIOR CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE WAS FROM THE HEATER. THREE WEEKS PRIOR TO THE FIRE, THE VEHICLE HAD REGULAR MAINTENANCE PERFORMED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Apr 30, 2011MI

I HAVE A 1996 CHEVY BLAZER AND THE GAS HAND FLOATS. IT DOES NOT GIVE AN ACCURATE READING ON THE GAS GAUGE. I CAN DRIVE AND IT WILL FLOAT FROM 1/2 TANK TO 1/4 TANK WHILE DRIVING. IT FLOATS NO MATTER HOW FULL OR EMPTY THE TANK IS. IT HAS CAUSED ME TO RUN OUT OF GAS DUE TO THE INACCURACIES. I HAVE ANOTHER GM VEHICLE--1993 SUBURBAN THAT HAS THE SAME EXACT ISSUE. I HAVE RAN OUT OF GAS ON THE FREEWAY ON THE WAY TO THE AIRPORT--ONLY THING THAT SAVED ME AND MY CHILDREN AT 2:00 AM IN THE MORNING WAS THAT I HAVE ROADSIDE. *TR

Air BagsCrash
Filed Sep 14, 2010145,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET BLAZER. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 40 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END CRASH WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD PERFORMED AS DESIGNED BASED ON THE SPECIFICATIONS OF THE CRASH. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 18, 2010173,052 milesNY

ON MY 1996 CHEVY BLAZER IT WAS RECENTLY BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT I HAD NO REAR BRAKE LIGHTS. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO MY REGULAR MECHANIC AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH WAS DEFECTIVE, AS I HAD NO REAR HAZARDS EITHER. THE ONLY OPERATIONAL BRAKE LIGHT WAS THE OVERHEAD CENTER LIGHT. I HAD THE ITEM REPLACED AND RECEIVED THE CAR BACK YESTERDAY, BUT DECIDED TO GOOGLE THE ITEM AND CAME UP WITH THE RECALL #01V364000. THIS RECALL ONLY COVERS GMC RELATED VEHICLES DURING CALENDAR YEARS 2000-2002. I HAVE THE RECEIPT FOR WORK AND HAVE THE DEFECTIVE PART IN MY POSSESSION. *TR

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint
Filed Apr 15, 201011,287 milesCO

RIGHT SIDE UPPER BALL JOINT SEPARATION. *TR

Tires
Filed Feb 18, 2010IL

1996 CHEVROLET BLAZER RIGHT REAR TIRE CAME OFF VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING ON THE OHIO TURNPIKE. *KB THE RIGHT REAR TIRE FELL OFF, DUE TO BAD BEARINGS. OHIO TRAFFIC REPORT# 10-0020-89 UPDATED LETTER 04/29/10 *BF

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Feb 3, 2010100,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET BLAZER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 40-45 MPH ON A COUNTRY ROADWAY. THERE WAS PRESSURE APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, FOLLOWED BY AN UNINTENDED INCREASE OF ACCELERATION. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO RESUME TO NORMAL OPERATION. IN ADDITION, THE "ENGINE" WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INTERMITTENTLY. THE IDENTICAL FAILURES OCCURRED ON THREE SEPARATION OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE MALFUNCTIONS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 08/24/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WERE 2 INCIDENTS OF THE ACCELERATOR STICKING; PUTTING IN THE CLUTCH AND KICKING THE ACCELERATOR CORRECTED THE PROBLEM AT THE TIME. ON JANUARY 19, 2010 A PIECE FROM THE CRUISE CONTROL CAME LOOSE ON THE ENGINE AND THE ACCELERATOR BECAME STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION. UPDATED 08/25/10 *JB

Suspension › Front
Filed Jun 15, 2009216,000 milesWI

THE FRONT TIRES ARE WORN, AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT I NEED UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. I HAVE HAD THESE REPLACED IN THE PAST. THIS IS A CONTINUAL REPAIR AND GETTING COSTLY. I CALLED GM AND THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS A RECALL BUT BECAUSE OF THE TIME THAT HAS PAST THAT IT IS NO LONGER COVERED. I AM IN FEAR OF GETTING IN AN ACCIDENT DRIVING THE WAY IT IS. IT IS VERY UNSAFE. I WAS TOLD ALSO THAT I NEED IDLER ARM REPLACEMENTS. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Apr 23, 200997,745 milesCA

I PURCHASE MY VEHICLE USED ON 12/4/01 , I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE EVERY YEAR BECAUSE IT INDICATES IT IS OVERHEATING. 3 WEEKS AGO IT STARTED SAYING IT WAS OVERHEATING AND SMOKE FILLED THE INTERIOR OF MY VEHICLE WITH FUMES. IT WAS REPAIRED. AT 3:15 P.M. TODAY, MY CAR INDICATES IT IS OVERHEATING AND NOW THE SERVICE CAR LIGHT IS ON. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THE COOLANT SYSTEM. AS SOON AS I TURN THE CAR ON IT INDICATES IT IS OVERHEATHING. HAPPENING TOO MANY TIMES. *TR

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Mar 23, 2009NJ

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET BLAZER. WHILE PROCEEDING TO TURN A CORNER AT 25 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR UNEXPECTEDLY OPENED. THE DRIVER IMMEDIATELY CLOSED THE DOOR MANUALLY WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE DRIVER THEN WENT TO A REPAIR SHOP AND HAD THE DOOR TEMPORARILY SECURED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. UPDATED 04/21/09. *LJ UPDATED 04/21/09.*JB

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch
Filed Oct 31, 2008FL

I HAVE A 96 CHEVY BLAZER. MY BRAKE LIGHTS ARE DOA, THE TOP STRIP IS WORKING BUT THE BRAKE LIGHTS ITSELF ARE NOT. I CHANGED EVERYTHING THAT HAS TO DO WITH THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND STILL NOTHING. I WENT ONLINE AND ALSO SAW OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND FRUSTRATION. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THERE WAS A RECALL ON THAT PART BUT FOR A 2001. THEY ALSO ESTIMATED THAT THE SWITCH AND THE LABOR WOULD COST $700!!!! I WENT ONLINE AND FOUND THE PART ITSELF FOR $369. I HAVE NOT YET FIXED THE PROBLEM. THIS A PROBLEM TO MANY CHEVY LOVERS AND CHEVY SHOULD BE LIABLE TO FIX IT CAUSE IT WAS AN ENGINEERING PROBLEM. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 11, 2008165,000 milesMI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET BLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER WOULD NOT FUNCTION. IN ADDITION, THE RADIATOR HOSE WAS LEAKING AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP FOR INSPECTION. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK ON THE BLOCK (HEATER CORE) OF THE RADIATOR. THE RADIATOR HOSE WAS LEAKING AT THE CONNECTION OF THE HOSE. THE VEHICLE ALSO OVERHEATED AT TIMES, IN WHICH THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THIS FAILURE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06E043000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR BECAUSE OTHER WORK NEEDED TO BE DONE AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 169,123 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 165,000. UPDATED 09/15/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED BROWN SLUDGE WAS FOUND IN THE RADIATOR. UPDATED 09/18/08. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Feb 20, 2008MO

THERE ARE SEVERAL DIFFERENT ISSUES WITH THIS TRUCK: 1. THE WHEELS ARE MAKING A SQUEAKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING; REPLACED BRAKES, ROTORS, HAD TIRES ROTATED, BALANCED AND NEW ALIGNMENT DONE WITH NO HELP 2. BRAKES GO TO FLOOR WHILE BRAKING..THIS JUST STARTED 3. BACK WINDSHIELD WIPER MAKES A LOUD NOISE AND DOESN'T WORK...EVER! 4. SEAT CONTROL GETS STUCK AND WON'T MOVE 5. NO REVERSE LIGHT(S) AND CANNOT FIGURE OUT ISSUE 6. FINAL AND BIGGEST ISSUE IS THAT ALL THE LIGHTS (INCLUDING HEADLIGHTS) FLICKER BOTH WHILE DRIVING AND IDLING) I HAVE HAD THE ALTERNATOR TESTED AND REPLACED AS WELL AS THE BATTERY..STILL HAPPENING I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK DECEMBER 8, 2007 USED FROM A LOCAL DEALER. I PURCHASED A SMALL WARRANTY BUT ONE THAT WON'T COVER ANYTHING MENTIONED ABOVE. IF THERE ARE ANY RECALLS WILL SOMEONE PLEASE CONTACT ME! *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Jan 21, 2008130,000 milesCO

I RECENTLY WAS ON THE WAY HOME FROM DENVER, CO ON THE HIGHWAY. I STOPPED FOR FUEL NOTICING MY VEHICLE WAS CONSUMING MORE GAS THAN USUAL. I FUELED UP AND LEFT. WHEN I ARRIVED HOME I NOTICED GASOLINE DRIPPING ON THE GROUND. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED A MECHANIC. MY WIFE'S FATHER IS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND OWNS HIS OWN SHOP IN DENVER. HE FIXED THE LEAK, BUT TOLD ME THE LEAK STARTED BECAUSE THE FUEL LINES WERE RUBBING THE TRANSMISSION AND SHOWED ME. TO MY SURPRISE THE FUEL LINES WERE NOT SECURED IN THEIR PROPER LOCATION. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY WORK DONE TO THE FUEL LINES OR EVEN ANY WORK DONE IN THE AREA OF THE PROBLEM. SO I TOOK THE BLAZER BACK HOME TO COLORADO SPRINGS. ABOUT A MONTH LATER I NOTICED THE FUEL SMELL WAS BACK. I POPPED THE HOOD BECAUSE I DID NOT SEE ANY FUEL LEAKING. THE FUEL WAS POURING OUT OF THE LINES AT THE TOP OF THE ENGINE WHERE THEY CONNECT TO THE COUPLINGS FOR REMOVAL OF THE ENGINE. I THEN DECIDED TO TAKE THE BLAZER TO A CLOSER LOCATION FOR REPAIR. THIS LOCATION WAS DANIELS CHEVROLET LOCATED IN COLORADO SPRINGS. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE O-RINGS WERE PINCHED AND THAT THE GASKET WHERE THE FUEL LINES GO INTO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS BAD. I PAID THEM 480.60 TO REPAIR THE O-RINGS AND GASKET. FOUR DAYS LATER, THE SMELL OF FUEL IS BACK AND THE LEAK IS THERE AGAIN AT THE COUPLINGS ON THE BACK OF THE ENGINE WERE THE DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THEM THE FIRST TIME. NOW THE BLAZER IS BACK AT THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN FOR THE SECOND TIME FOR THE SAME ISSUE. THE VEHICLE IS MY WIFE'S, BUT DUE T

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Dec 21, 2007IN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET BLAZER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR FLEW OPEN. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE DOOR AND NOTICED THAT THE LATCH FAILED. HE PLACED A PIECE OF WOOD AT THE LOCK POSITION TO KEEP THE DOOR CLOSED. A FEW DAYS LATER, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCK ALSO FAILED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY PARKED AT HER HOME AND WILL BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, NUMBER OF CYLINDERS, DEALER INFORMATION, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 49,000.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Aug 9, 2007TN

WE HAVE REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP 3 TIMES. IT HAS CAUSED US TO MISS WORK SEVERAL DAYS, AND PUT OUR JOBS AT RISK. WE HAVE BEEN OUT MONEY FOR TOWING, PARTS AND LABOR TWICE. THE THIRD TIME IT FAILED, IT WAS JUST PAST THE PARTS WARRANTY FOR A GRAND TOTAL OF $1950.00. WE HAVE TO CONTINUE TO TAKE IT BACK TO FIRESTONE TO BE REPLACED AND MAKE OUR LIVES MISERABLE. *TR

Structure › Body › Hood › Hinge and Attachments
Filed Mar 25, 200770,000 milesTX

MUCH OF THE PLASTIC MOLDING UNDER THE HOOD HAS CRUMBLED.*AK

Service Brakes, Air › Antilock
Filed Mar 18, 2007MA

IN RAINY, WET OR SNOWY WEATHER THE BRAKES ON MY 1996 CHEVROLET BLAZER FAIL TO WORK. WHEN I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL IT IS VERY STIFF AND IT FEELS LIKE THE BRAKES AREN'T GOING TO WORK AT ALL. THEN FINALLY THE VEHICLE DOES STOP BUT IT TAKES A VERY LONG TIME TO HAPPEN. ALSO IN OTHER TIMES WITH THE SAME WEATHER CONDITIONS THE BRAKES WILL BE VERY TOUCHY. SO MUCH SO THAT WHEN I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE IT JERKS ME FORWARD AND STOPS VERY ABRUPTLY.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Mar 1, 200750,000 milesAZ

GM HAS A SAFETY RECALL ON MY 1996 BLAZER THAT THEY WILL NOT HONOR FOR ME. THEY HAVE INDICATED THE RECALL WAS A LONG TIME AGO AND MY CAR IS 10 YEARS OLD. I HAD THE EXACT PROBLEM FOR THE LAST 5-6 YEARS OR MORE, BUT NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE, AND NEVER GOT IT FIXED. I WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND TOOK MEASURES AND LIMITED MY DRIVING WHEN IT MIGHT BE A PROBLEM. I FELT COMFORTABLE WITH THE PROBLEM AS LOW RISK WHEN I DRIVE. NOW I AM SELLING THE CAR AS IS. I FEEL THERE COULD BE A SAFETY HAZARD IF SOMEONE ELSE IS DRIVING THAT IS NOT AS AWARE AND CAUTIOUS AS I AM. THE RECALL IS THE WINDSHIELD WASHER MOTOR IS INTERMITTENT. SOMETIMES THE WIPERS WON'T WORK. THIS HAS BEEN SCARY IN A DOWN POUR AND WHEN A PASSING CAR SPLASHED A MUDDY WAVE ON THE WINDSHIELD WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. I HAVE BEEN USING RAIN-X OR DRIVING MY WIFES CAR WHEN IT IS RAINING. I HAVE HAD THE CAR IN TO THE DEALER A COUPLE OF TIMES AFTER THE RECALL AND EVEN HAD THEM LOOK AT IT ONCE. THEY NEVER NOTIFIED ME OF THE RECALL. THIS IS A GM RECOGNIZED SAFETY ISSUE THAT THEY SHOULD CORRECT (AT LEAST ONCE) REGARDLESS HOW OLD MY CAR IS. A THE ORIGINAL OWNER, I SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO ONE FREE REPAIR, AND CAN CASH IT IN ANYTIME. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU CAN HELP ME. OTHERWISE WILL NOTIFY WHOEVER I SELL THE CAR TO, AND HOPE THEY DON'T HAVE AN ACCIDENT. *JB

Electrical System › Wiring › Rear Compartment/TrunkCrash
Filed Nov 14, 2006NC

THE REAR TURN LAMP DO NOT COME ON WHEN THE BRAKES ARE ENGAGED. THIS MALFUNCTION MAY HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE OF AN ACCIDENT. *NM

Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 6, 200689,000 milesOR

I OWN A 1996 CHEVY BLAZER. MY GRANDDAUGHTER WAS DRIVING IN WET WEATHER, LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND SLAMMED INTO A ROCK CLIFF. THE CAR IS TOTALED AND I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I BELIEVE THE IMPACT WAS STRONG ENOUGH THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. IT WAS A FRONT END COLLISION AND SHE WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 25 MILES PER HOUR. ALTHOUGH SHE WAS NOT GOING FAST, THE IMPACT WAS VERY HARD, ENOUGH TO TOTAL THE CAR. THE WHOLE FRONT END WAS DESTROYED. SHE WAS VERY LUCKY THAT SHE WAS NOT SERIOUSLY HURT, BUT I AM CONCERNED THAT IF IT HAD BEEN A DIFFERENT SITUATION THAT SHE COULD HAVE BEEN FATALLY WOUNDED IF THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY.*JB

Electrical System › Wiring › Front UnderhoodFire1 injured
Filed Nov 1, 2006174,000 milesTN

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, FLAMES WERE NOTICED DROPPING TO THE GROUND UNDER THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. GREY SMOKE WAS ALSO OBSERVED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE BURNED COMPLETELY, AND WAS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT AND A FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT PROCESSED AT THE SCENE. THE HEAT FROM THE FIRE MELTED THE REAR END OF ANOTHER VEHICLE PARKED IN FRONT OF IT, AND DID MODERATE DAMAGE TO A THIRD VEHICLE PARKED ALONGSIDE THE SECOND VEHICLE. *AK UPDATED 12/01/06. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipCrashFire4 injured
Filed Oct 31, 2006AR

ON FRIDAY OCTOBER 20, 2006. MY SON AND 3 FRIENDS WERE LEAVING A FRIENDS HOUSE. WHEN MY SON APPLIED HIS BRAKE TO SLOW, THE BRAKES FAILED. WHEN THEY FAILED THE ENGINE REVVED COMPLETELY UP, THROTTLED OUT AND SHUT DOWN THE VEHICLE. HE OF COURSE HAD NO BRAKES, BUT NOW NO STEERING, AND THE ENGINE WAS OFF. NOT HAVING ANY CONTROL, THE VEHICLE HIT A LOOSE ROCK, SLID INTO A DITCH WHICH THEN SENT THEM INTO A SERIES OF ROLLOVERS NO LESS THAN 5 NO MORE THEN 7. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. WHEN THEY LANDED 3 OF THE 4 DOORS WERE JAMMED SHUT. AS THEY CLIMB OUT OF THE VEHICLE, THEY NOTICED IT WAS BURNING. IT BURNED FROM BEHIND THE DASH THROUGH THE ENGINE. I HAVE PICTURES IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE. THE WORST INJURY AT THE TIME WAS MY SON'S SHOULDER, THEY WERE CONCERNED IT HAD A WORSE TEAR. NOTHING CAN BE DONE TO FIX THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE NOTIFIED CHEVY AND GM. I AM ALSO TALKING TO AN ATTORNEY NEXT WEEK. THE SERVICE BRAKE HYDRAULIC ANTILOCK RECALL HAS CAUSED ME CONCERN. WE DON'T KNOW IF IT WAS EVER TAKEN FOR IT'S REPAIR. NOW GM CAN'T EVEN FIND OR TRACE YET THE VIN NUMBER. HE HAD ONLY HAD IT 2 WEEKS WHEN WE HAD TO PUT IT IN THE SHOP BECAUSE IT HAD TO BE JUMPED TO START. THEN A WEEK AND A HALF ALMOST 2 WEEKS LATER THE BRAKES GO OUT. SOMETHING MAJOR WENT WRONG, AND HE HADN'T EVEN HAD IT 30 DAYS YET. IT COULD HAVE KILLED 4 KIDS. I WANT TO KNOW WHAT MALFUNCTIONED. *NM

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Oct 13, 2006104,000 milesPA

RECENTLY INVESTIGATED A FIRE ON A 1996 CHEVROLET BLAZER. FIRE ORIGIN IS AT THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT DOOR PANEL AT THE POWER MIRROR SWITCH. IF ANY ONE ELSE HAS EXPERIENCED A FIRE IN THIS LOCATION PLEASE CONTACT ME AT 610-392-XXXX AND NHSTA. *NM

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint
Filed Oct 11, 200660,500 milesIA

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 01V200000 PRODUCT CAMPAIGN BULLETIN NO: 01048 AFTER NEARLY LOSING CONTROL ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY I DECIDED TO HAVE THE FRONT END CHECKED. THE FRONT BALL JOINTS NEED REPLACED. I FURTHER LEARNED OF THE ABOVE MENTIONED REFERENCES HOWEVER, THE DEALERSHIP IN ANKENY WAS UNHELPFUL, RUDE, AND BASICALLY TOLD ME THEY DON'T HAVE TO DO ANY WORK REGARDLESS OF BULLETINS, ETC... EACH DAY THE VEHICLE IS HARDER TO HANDLE AND A MECHANIC FRIEND ADVISED WILL START TO CAUSE ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS WITH SUSPENSION. WHY DO WE HAVE POLICIES BOTH GOVERNMENT AND CORPORATE WHEN DEALERSHIPS TOTALLY DISREGARD ALL THE RULES. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS BEFORE AND KNOW OF MANY OTHERS THAT DEALERSHIPS LEFT IN DIRE STRAITS. THIS IS A PROBLEM I WOULD LIKE ADDRESSED FOR THE GOOD OF ALL. *JB

Suspension
Filed Sep 10, 200674,000 milesIL

BALL JOINT ON PASSENGER SIDE FAILED WITH NO WARNING. VEHICLE HAS UNDER 75,000 AND HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. *NM

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 27, 200675,000 milesLA

NORMAL DRIVING , HARD SHIFTING, EVENTUAL TRANSMISSION BURN UP. IF CAUGHT IN TIME SIMPLE REPAIR FOR ABOUT 300 IF YOU CAN FIND SHOP THAT WILL DO IT. I LEFT ALONE. TRANSMISSION WILL BURN UP AND DEPENDING ON VEHICLE, 1500 TO 2700. HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS VEHICLES ARE AFFECTED. *JB

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › High/Low Beam Dimmer Switch
Filed Aug 24, 200695,000 milesPA

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AT NIGHT, AND ENGAGING THE HIGH/LOW BEAM SWITCH, ALL INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTING FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE HIGH/LOW BEAM DIMMER SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPLACEMENT, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. UPDATED 9/8/2006 - *NM UPDATED 09/15/06. *JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Aug 17, 2006197,000 milesOH

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DID NOT WORK. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 03V159000, REGARDING THE VISIBILITY: WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Aug 4, 2006VA

PURCHASED VEHICLE 12/03 SINCE THEN HAVE REPLACED: WATER PUMP 3 TIMES, RADIATOR, THERMOSTAT, LEFT UPPER BALL JOINT, UPPER MANIFOLD GASKET, MAIN REAL SEAL. OVER THE PAST 6-8 MONTHS I HAVE NOTICED THE BRAKING ISSUE SEVERAL TIMES (MORE THAN 10.) LUCKILY NONE WERE EMERGENCY STOPS, HOWEVER WHEN BRAKING DUE TO TRAFFIC LIGHT CHANGE OR STOPPING WHILE GOING DOWNHILL, THE BRAKES "CHATTER," AN AUDIBLE WHINE IS PRODUCED, AND IT IS NECESSARY TO PUMP THE BRAKES BEFORE IT WILL REGAIN PRESSURE AND STOP. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings
Filed Aug 1, 200682,000 milesMD

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE LINES WERE RUSTED. AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP DISCOVERED THE RUSTED BRAKE LINES AND SUGGESTED THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED SERVICE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SERVICE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. THE AUTO INSURER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE FOR POSSIBLE DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE TOWING COMPANY AND DETERMINED THAT THE LEAKAGE WAS DUE TO THE RUSTING. THE BRAKE LINES WERE REPLACED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AFTER THE COMPLAINT WAS TAKEN.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jul 26, 200684,000 milesNY

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED. THERE WAS A FLARE-UP BETWEEN GEARS, AND A HARSH ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE ON-BOARD COMPUTER WAS INACCURATE. THERE IS A NHTSA TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN # 9774L60E08A, WHICH PERTAINS TO THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WORK WAS NOT PERFORMED UPON SALE OF THE VEHICLE.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module
Filed Jun 27, 2006128,000 milesTX

(1)BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR (2)PUMPED IT ABOUT 3 OR 4 TIMES AND IT REGAINED PRESSURE, TRIED A FEW PANIC STOPS OK (3)CALLED CHEVY DEALER WHO SAID NO RECALL NOTICE, NOTHING DONE YET (*)THIS HAD ALSO HAPPENED ONCE ABOUT A YEAR AGO FOR THE FIRST TIME. *JB

Electrical System
Filed Apr 11, 2006125,253 milesKS

VEHICLE STALLS AT STOP LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS, AND WHILE AT STOP WITH ENGINE IDLING. OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS OVER 70 DEGREES. IT HAS BEEN TO A MECHANIC 5 TIMES IN THE LAST MONTH. PARTS REPLACED - FUEL PUMP ONE YEAR AGO, MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR, EGR HAS BEEN CLEANED ONCE AND REPLACED ONCE. THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR HAS BEEN REPLACED. TWO OTHER SENSORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED - PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *NM

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Mar 26, 200679,775 milesMD

THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WITH NO WARNING. ACCORDING TO TSB 00-07-30-022 THE 4L60E A/T WILL LOSE REVERSE, 2ND, AND 4TH GEARS. THIS IS CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE PART IN THE TRANSMISSION CALLED THE REACTION SUN SHELL, WHICH WAS RETURNED TO ME BY THE TRANSMISSION REBUILDER. THE FAILURE WAS NOT MAINTENANCE RELATED IN ANY WAY. THE FAILURE OF THE PART WAS DUE TO INADEQUATE STRENGTH. THERE ARE NUMEROUS AFTERMARKET REACTION SUN SHELLS THAT ARE MUCH STRONGER AND DURABLE THAN THE DEFECTIVE GM PART. THIS PROBLEM IS WIDESPREAD AND COULD CREATE A DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE TRANSMISSION WILL ONLY SHIFT FROM 1ST TO 3RD IF YOU ACCELERATE QUICKLY IN 1ST THEN LET OFF THE ACCELERATOR. I PULLED ON TO A HIGH SPEED HIGHWAY AND COULD ONLY MAINTAIN 25 MPH WITH NO PLACE TO PULL OVER, UNTIL I REALIZED THAT IT WOULD SHIFT TO 3RD IF YOU LET OFF THE ACCELERATOR. SEVERAL VEHICLES HAD TO SWERVE TO AVOID HITTING MINE. THIS CAN CREATE A DANGEROUS SITUATION IF SOMEONE TRIES TO TURN AROUND AND NEEDS REVERSE OR NEEDS TO DRIVE AT HIGH SPEED SUCH AS ON A LIMITED ACCESS HIGHWAY. GM SHOULD RECALL ALL VEHICLES THAT THE TSB APPLIES TO. THEY KNOW ABOUT THE SITUATION BUT DO NOT WANT TO ISSUE A RECALL BECAUSE IT WOULD COST THEM TOO MUCH MONEY. *JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor
Filed Mar 14, 2006MT

HAVE 96 BLAZER WITH INTERMITTENT WINDSHIELD WIPERS----DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR AND SAID THAT THERE IS A 70,000 MILE LIMIT. *NM

Tires
Filed Mar 12, 2006VA

ON NOVEMBER 20, 2005, THE LEFT REAR TIRE WENT FLAT WHEN I WAS RETURNING HOME FROM NORTHERN VIRGINIA. THERE WAS NOTHING IN THE ROAD; I HEARD A PINGING NOISE, WHICH WAS THEN FOLLOWED BY THE TIRE GOING FLAT NOISE. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND CHANGE THE TIRE (MICHELIN TIRE). *NM

Tires
Filed Mar 12, 2006VA

ON MARCH 8, 2006, THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WENT FLAT WHEN I WAS RETURNING HOME FROM NORTHERN VIRGINIA. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. AGAIN, THERE WAS NOTHING IN THE ROAD; I HEARD A POPPING NOISE, WHICH WAS THEN FOLLOWED BY THE TIRE GOING FLAT NOISE. AGAIN I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND GET THE TIRE CHANGED (MICHELIN TIRE). *NM

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Feb 21, 2006117,000 milesFL

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE DASH PANEL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INDICATING THERE WAS A LACK OF ABS AT 3MPH WHILE BRAKE PRESSURE WAS APPLIED. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE ADEQUATELY STOPPED, THERE WERE NO ANTILOCK BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY A DEALER, BUT NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, #05V379000, REGARDING THE ANTILOCK BRAKES. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Oct 11, 2005130,000 milesGA

DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET BLAZER. THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE ABS SYSTEM. A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE CAME FROM THE BRAKES , AND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS PRESSED THE NOISE BECAME LOUDER. THERE WAS EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE THAT WAS CAUSED BY THE ABS. ALSO, THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE BACK BRAKE PADS AND CYLINDERS WERE REPLACED. THIS REMEDIED THE ABS LIGHT FROM BEING ILLUMINATED, BUT THE CONSUMER WAS STILL HEARING THE LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE, AND WAS STILL HAVING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES. WHILE THE BRAKES WERE BEING REPAIRED THE SECOND TIME THE BRAKE SPECIALIST REFERRED HIM TO GENERAL MOTORS FOR THE BRAKE PROBLEM. THERE IS RECALL 99I006000 SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN FOR THIS YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL OF VEHICLE, FOR THE SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: ANTI LOCK BRAKES. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Aug 19, 2005212,000 milesNY

DT: THE CONSUMER HAS A 1996 CHEVROLET BLAZER. THE VEHICLE'S FRAME CRACKED AT ONE OF THE WELDS UNDER THE FRONT WHEEL. THE CONSUMER NOTICED THIS ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO. THE CONSUMER HAS NEVER RECEIVED ANY RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. *AK MANUFACTURER AND DEALERSHIP NOT WILLING TO PROVIDE FREE ASSISTANCE. *TT

Complaints 1-50 of 1,153, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1995
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20261000Routine
202535100Routine
202453100Routine
202344200Routine
202255110Routine
2021141110Routine
2020224310Above average
2019189200Routine
20085000Routine
20079000Routine
200619010Routine
200515020Routine
200450100Routine
200377100Routine
2002246260Above average
2001326352Fatalities reported
2000589472Fatalities reported
1999436090Above average
199871631513Fatalities reported
19977687284Fatalities reported
1996 — this page1,15311322Fatalities reported
19951,22411260High concern
1994620776Fatalities reported
19935117121Fatalities reported
1992278691Fatalities reported
19912227150Above average
199032470Routine

Compare every Blazer year →

1996 Chevrolet Blazer: questions buyers ask

Is the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Blazer years to avoid: owners filed 1,153 complaints, 4.7 times as many as a typical Blazer year. The most common complaint is about the brakes (35%).

What is the most common problem with the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer?

The brakes: 405 of the 1,153 complaints (35%) are about it. Owners most often say it loses its brakes or the pedal sinks (32%) and knocks, grinds or clunks (4%). The typical report comes at 81,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer have?

11 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Apr 7, 2009. The largest, 99I006000, covered 2,400,000 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 1996 Chevrolet Blazer problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 84,000 miles. For the brakes the midpoint is 81,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer?

Yes, 7 times. The latest, EA02006 ("WINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE"), was opened May 31, 2002 and closed Jul 23, 2003.

Are there service bulletins for the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer?

The manufacturer filed 49 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (12), the body and frame (7) and the transmission (5). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

2 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Apr 7, 2009. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.