1996 Chevrolet Blazer

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 1,153 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the service brakes, hydraulic › antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. It has been recalled 11 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

104 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,00090,000 miles; the median is 84,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip313
78139
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor71
000
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer59
000
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint41
203
Power Train › Automatic Transmission41
110
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System40
010
Air Bags › Frontal31
31020
Suspension › Front › Control Arm30
100
Suspension › Front22
200
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline21
010

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.

Showing 10 of 11 campaigns, newest first.

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

20 of 1,153 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1995
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20261000Routine
202531100Routine
202445100Routine
202342200Routine
202249110Routine
2021133110Routine
2020217300Above average
2019186200Routine
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 →

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.