1998 Chevrolet Blazer

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 716 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the visibility. It has been recalled 3 times.

Avoid One of the Chevrolet Blazer years to avoid: 2.9× the complaints of a typical Blazer year. Which Chevrolet Blazer years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
70,000 milesMedian miles at failure

268 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,000–75,000 miles.

Most common 1998 Chevrolet Blazer problems

219 of the 716 complaints (31%) are about the visibility.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor82
000
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer78
000
Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner45
311
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission31
103
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes28
612
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Switch/Wiring19
000
Electrical System19
032
Seats18
011
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags16
15010
Air Bags · airbags16
9010

1998 Chevrolet Blazer visibility problems

31% of all complaints

219 of the 716 complaints are about the visibility.

Share of the 219 visibility complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
68,000 mi
median of 123 reports
Peak year of filing
2003
89 visibility complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
0 · 0 · 1
in these complaints
Recalls on the visibility
None
“Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet blazer. While driving 60 MPH, the windshield wiper blades stopped working without warning. The failure occurred intermittently. The windshield wipers were previously repaired by the dealer on two occasions. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.”
Owner complaint, filed Jun 19, 2015 at 180,000 miles
“Intermittent windshield wiper. Fault due to faulty circuit board which fixed problem. Gm was aware of defect but refused to guarantee repair on this make and model since they only covered up to year prior to 1998. *tr”
Owner complaint, filed Jul 18, 2009 at 130,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1997: 0 complaints, 0 about the visibility'971998: 28 complaints, 2 about the visibility1999: 79 complaints, 10 about the visibility'992000: 66 complaints, 4 about the visibility2001: 84 complaints, 5 about the visibility'012002: 69 complaints, 6 about the visibility2003: 168 complaints, 89 about the visibility'032004: 95 complaints, 50 about the visibility2005: 57 complaints, 30 about the visibility'052006: 15 complaints, 7 about the visibility2007: 14 complaints, 8 about the visibility'072008: 11 complaints, 4 about the visibility2009: 6 complaints, 3 about the visibility'092010: 2 complaints, 0 about the visibility2011: 2 complaints, 0 about the visibility'112012: 2 complaints, 0 about the visibility2013: 1 complaints, 0 about the visibility'132014: 5 complaints, 0 about the visibility2015: 5 complaints, 1 about the visibility'152016: 2 complaints, 0 about the visibility2017: 1 complaints, 0 about the visibility'172018: 1 complaints, 0 about the visibility2019: 2 complaints, 0 about the visibility'192020: 1 complaints, 0 about the visibilityRecall 97V218000 (brakes)Recall 98V053000 (suspension)Recall 00V220000 (headlights)NHTSA investigation RQ02012
All complaintsAbout the visibilityRecall (red: the visibility)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 1998 Blazer peaked in 2003, with 168 filed that year. No recall on file covers the visibility, the subject of 31% of the complaints. In 2020 owners filed 1 so far.

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting00V220000
Filed Aug 11, 200014,279 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS BUILT WITH A CANDELA VALUE GREATER THAN 3,000 CANNOT BE MOUNTED HIGHER THAN 864MM ABOVE THE ROAD SURFACE.

Risk. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED WIRING HARNESS THAT CHANGES THE DRL'S FROM HIGH BEAM TO LOW BEAM DRL'S, AND INSTALL NEW LONG-LIFE LOW BEAM BULBS.

Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm98V053000
Filed Mar 9, 199872 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL DRIVE OR ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE. ONE OR BOTH OF THE ATTACHING NUTS FOR THE RIGHT-HAND LOWER CONTROL ARM ARE UNDER TORQUED. THIS CAN ALLOW THE ATTACHMENT BOLT TO LOOSEN AND SUBSEQUENT BREAK RESULTING IN SEPARATION OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FROM THE FRAME.

Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND RETIGHTEN THE RIGHT-HAND LOWER CONTROL ARM NUTS TO THE PROPER TORQUE SPECIFICATION.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings97V218000
Filed Nov 24, 199719,716 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. A FATIGUE FRACTURE OF THE REAR AXLE RIGHT-HAND BRAKE PIPE CAN OCCUR CAUSING A SLOW BRAKE FLUID LEAK RESULTING IN A SOFT BRAKE PEDAL. IF THE BRAKE PIPE BREAKS, THE DRIVER WOULD EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN DROP IN THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BRAKE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE, AND THERE WOULD BE A LOSS OF REAR BRAKE PERFORMANCE.

Risk. PARTIAL LOSS OF BRAKING AT A TIME WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE WAS REQUIRED COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE BRAKE PIPE.

All 3 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. One names the 1998 Blazer.

FRONT CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTSRecall query RQ02012Closed
Opened Sep 10, 2002Closed Mar 7, 2003Led to recall 01V200000suspension

See attached page.

Technical service bulletins

78 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1998 Blazer. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

equipment 13engine 12body and frame 11transmission 9electrical system 8brakes 4fuel system 4interior lighting 3
030867004Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 1, 2003visibility

PARTS AVAILABILITY FOR SUNROOF REPAIRS. *TT

151200Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 15, 2000visibility

CUSTOMER MAY COMMENT THAT THE REARVIEW MIRRORS, POWER DOOR LOCKS AND REAR HATCH DO NOT OPERATE. *TT

What owners reported

Newest filings
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Oct 25, 2020247,000 milesAZ

AFTER USING THE CRUISE CONTROL THE FIRST TIME ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65MPH , IT STUCK AND WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES TO A DANGEROUS SPEED AND THE BREAKS BARELY HELPED. EVEN AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF TAKING OUT THE BATTERY AND PUTTING IT BACK, IT DID NOT RESET. CRUISE WILL NOT DISENGAGE.

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 17, 2019140,000 milesOH

MY ABS LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON AS WELL AS MY GAS GAUGE NOT WORKING

Air BagsCrash
Filed Jul 18, 2019198,000 milesMS

I HAD A WRECK HIT A DEER ON MY DRIVER SIDE FRONT BUMPER MY AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND IS STILL ON ITS MAKE A POPPING SOUND EVER SINCE THAT HAPPEN AND IT SCARES MEY LIGHT STAYS ON.

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 3, 2018185,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET BLAZER. WHILE ENTERING A PARKING LOT AT 20 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TRAVELED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOORBOARD AND THE SPEED INCREASED TO 45 MPH. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF A BUILDING. THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE AND DROVE OUT OF THE BUILDING, BUT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS STILL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY STALLED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED FOUR FRACTURED RIBS, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS PICKED UP BY A TOW TRUCK (PAID FOR BY THE MANUFACTURER) AND TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING AN INVESTIGATOR TO RENDER A DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 884883. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 15, 2017165,000 milesSD

1998 CHEVY BLAZER DOES NOT BRAKES DO NOT PUMP UP AND HOLD THEY ARE SPONGY.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 27, 2016140,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET BLAZER. WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED AT 50 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. INSTEAD, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK, IT UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Engine
Filed Jan 31, 2016WA

THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION REGARDING THE DEXCOOL COOLANT ISSUES THAT DEGRADED THE ENGINE GASKETS. I HAD NOT KNOWN OF IT AS THE MANUFACTURE OR OTHER DID NOT NOTIFY OF IT. THE ONLY WAY I FOUND OUT WAS SEARCHING FOR ANOTHER CAR ISSUE ONLINE A FEW YEARS AFTER THE SAID ISSUE. WHAT IS THIS, 'KEEP ALL A SECRET SO WE DO NOT HAVE TO DEAL WITH IT.'? THIS HAS BEEN A FEW YEARS AGO, HENCE THE JAN 2010 DATE ENTRY AS GUESS TO THE DATE OF ONLINE KNOWLEDGE. IF A CLOSER DATE NEEDED; I CAN RESEARCH.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Dec 9, 2015140,000 milesWA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET BLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD WHERE THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COULD BE ACTIVATED AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Nov 22, 2015180,000 milesFL

THE WIPERS WILL NOT WORK. THE WIPER MOTOR SEEMS TO HAVE AN ISSUE. IT GETS REAL HOT WHEN CONNECTED. AND I HAD JUST BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE ON 11/19/2015

Electrical System
Filed Oct 26, 2015199,573 milesSC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET BLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ENTER THE VEHICLE, THE KEY CODE FAILED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO NOT START. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND THEN TO A DEALER. THE DEALER REFUSED TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 199,573.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Jun 19, 2015180,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET BLAZER. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER BLADES STOPPED WORKING WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED BY THE DEALER ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 29, 2015IL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET BLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPIDER FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, A PEDESTRIAN OBSERVED THAT THERE WAS A SUBSTANCE LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT AN UNKNOWN WIRE IN THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Sep 17, 2014145,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET BLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY AND THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW FAILED TO GO UP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 12, 2014275,321 milesVA

I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE WITH MY CHILDREN INSIDE AND WEBT 35 MILES AWAY FROM HOME AND MY VEHICLE SECURITY LIGHT CAME ON AND I CALLED THE DEALERS AND THEY TOLD ME I WOULD HAVE TO COME TO GET A DIAGNOSIS FOR $109.00 WELL ON MY WAY HOME MY VEHICLE SHUT DOWN DUE TO THE SECURITY LIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AND IT WOULD NOT TURN BACK ON SO I GOOGLED A RESET AND RESET IT SND THE VEHICLE TURNED ON BUT AGAIN SHUT DOWN ON ME ON THE HIGHWAY. I FEEL ITS VERY DANGEROUS DRIVING AND VEHICLE SHUTD DOWN WHEN SECURITY LIGHT IS BLINKING AND A ANOTHER VEHICLE ALMOST STRUCK ME WHEN MY VEHICLE SHUT DOWN. I HAVE READ A LOT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SECURITY LIGHT THAT JUST APEARS FOR NO REASON AND CANT GET RID OF IT. NOT EVEN A MECHANIC CAN FIX IT , ONLY THE DEALERS THEM SELF CAN FIX IT. I FEEL THEY NEED TO FIX THIS PROBLEM ASAP BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT. THANK YOU *TR

Suspension
Filed Aug 5, 201450,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET BLAZER. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD BANGING SOUND AND DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE DROPPED TO THE PAVEMENT. IN ADDITION, ALL OF THE BOLTS SHEARED OFF, THE LUG NUT WAS MISSING, AND THE ROTOR WAS DESTROYED. THE QUARTER PANEL AND THE BUMPER WERE BENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RE-ATTACH THE TIRE TO THE VEHICLE AND REPLACE THE STUDS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. UPDATED 10/03/14*LJ UPDATED 3/10/2015 *JS

Electrical System
Filed Jul 23, 2014127,000 milesTN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET BLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND WOULD STALL INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION, THE POWER DOOR LOCKS WOULD LOCK AND UNLOCK AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE CONTACT FURTHER STATED THAT THE DIMMER SWITCH FAILED TO WORK, WHICH RESULTED IN A LACK OF VISIBILITY WHEN USING THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 00V220000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED OR DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000.

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Mar 19, 2014100,500 milesMD

ON 3-17 EXPERIENCED LOUD SCREECHING SOUND WHEN IGNITION WAS ENGAGED TO START ENGINE, AND SIMULTANEOUSLY THE CONSOLE ALERT LIGHT BLINKED OFF AND ON . ON 3-19 MECHANIC INVESTIGATED AND FOUND A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 4, 2013145,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET BLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 4 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DECELERATE OR STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 145,000. UPDATED 8/19/13 *CN THE CONSUMER SATED THE BRAKE LINE WAS SO RUSTY, IT HAD A HOLE IN IT. ALL OF THE BRAKE LINES HAD TO BE REPLACED.

Seat Belts
Filed Oct 5, 2012FL

THE BACK SEAT MIDDLE BUCKLE BROKE INTO TWO PIECES AND NOW IT IS BROKEN, THEN THE RIGHT SIDE BACK SEAT BUCKLE IS IN SOME KIND OF LOCKING MODE AND THEN THE RIGHT SIDE PASSENGER BELT LOCKED UP TOO A FEW DAYS LATER. NOW I HAVE ONLY TWO SEAT BELTS THAT WORK IN THE SUV. I HAVE CALLED THE LOCAL CHEVY DEALERS HOPING THAT THEY COULD HELP WITH THIS PROBLEM BUT THEY SAID IT WOULD BE ALMOST 400.00 TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. MY BROTHER OWNED A 1990 HONDA CIVIC AND BROUGHT IT TO A HONDA DEALER AND THEY FIXED IT AT NO COST BECAUSE BELTS ARE SAFETY ISSUE AND HAVE A LIFE TIME WARRANTY. I THOUGHT CHEVY WOULD HAVE THE WARRANTY BUT THE CHEVY DEALER INFORM NO AND NEVER WILL THAT HAPPEN. PLEASE HELP TRY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER OF FOUR YOUNG CHILDREN AND IF IT POSSIBLE TO DO MYSELF, I AM WILLING TO DO IT, BECAUSE THIS IS MY OWN ONLY TRANSPORTATION TO GET TO WORK AND SCHOOL FOR OUR FAMILY AND I CAN NOT USE MY SUV UNTIL I HAVE GET THIS SAFETY ISSUE WORKED OUT. PLEASE PLEASE HELP ME. I HAVE PURCHASED FOUR BELTS FOR MY PULLEY FOR MY SUV AND STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. ITS SOUNDS LIKE A SQUEAKING AND WHISTLING. I HAVE HAD REPLACEMENT IT MYSELF THE FIRST TIME BUT IT STILL DID THE SAME THING SO I BROUGHT MY CAR TO LOCAL MECHANIC AND STILL NO LUCK, SO I BOUGHT IT TO CHEVY IT WORKED FINE FOR A FEW WEEKS THEN STARTED IT AGAIN, SO NEW ONE WAS PUT ON. THEN A COUPLE MONTHS LATER IT STARTED AGAIN, SO THEY PUT ANOTHER NEW BELT, THEN IT STARTED UP AGAIN A FEW MONTHS LATER BUT THE ONE YEAR WARRANTY TIM

Suspension
Filed Mar 3, 201217,000 milesSC

WHEN APPLIED THE BRAKES THERE IS SOME ROUGHNESS UNDER THE VEHICLE BRAKES HAS BEEN CHANGED AND SOME TIME GETTING JAMMED. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jul 29, 2011128,000 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET BLAZER. WHILE DRIVING, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE MADE A BUZZING NOISE IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. A LOCAL MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE MULTI-SWITCH WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 128,000.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jul 26, 2011IL

1998 CHEVROLET BLAZER. UNIT #1 WAS TRAVELING EAST ON THE OHIO TURNPIKE IN THE CENTER LANE. DRIVER OF UNIT #1 STATED HE HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION COME FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UNIT #1 PULLED OVER TO THE LEFT BERM WHERE IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. *LN ACCORDING TO THE POLICE REPORT, THE VEHICLE BURNED COMPLETELY DOWN TO THE METAL AND THERE WAS NO WAY TO DETERMINE WHAT STARTED THE FIRE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0450-90)*JB

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 12, 201030,000 milesMO

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET BLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE OVERHEATED. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE THE RADIATOR AND THE HEAT AND COOLANT THERMOSTAT WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE WASN'T CORRECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WILL BE NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Child SeatCrash
Filed Jul 12, 2010OH

WE WERE RECENTLY IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT. THOUGH WE WERE ONLY GOING ABOUT 30 MPH OUR CHILD'S ANCHOR STRAP RIPPED FREE FROM THE SCREW THAT SECURED THE STRAP TO THE CAR SEAT BASE. THIS CAUSED MY CHILD TO BE THROWN SIDEWAYS IN THE SEAT. (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=1998, MAKE=CHEVY, MODEL=[XXX] ) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Jul 18, 2009130,000 milesPA

INTERMITTENT WINDSHIELD WIPER. FAULT DUE TO FAULTY CIRCUIT BOARD WHICH FIXED PROBLEM. GM WAS AWARE OF DEFECT BUT REFUSED TO GUARANTEE REPAIR ON THIS MAKE AND MODEL SINCE THEY ONLY COVERED UP TO YEAR PRIOR TO 1998. *TR

Service Brakes, Electric
Filed Jun 29, 2009100,000 milesKS

FIRST NOTICED EXCESSIVE ACTIVATION OF ABS UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS ON ICY PAVEMENT. NOW INTERMITTENT ACTIVATION OF ABS UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS ON DRY PAVEMENT & ON WET BUT NOT STANDING WATER PAVEMENT. FAULTY ABS ACTIVATION IS OCCURRING SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK. HAVE NOT CORRECTED PROBLEM. INTERMITTENT FAILURE OF WINDSHIELD WIPERS. OCCURS OCCASIONALLY. THEY WILL NOT WORK AT ALL & THEN WILL START WORKING AT SOME POINT LATER. HAVE NOT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. *TR

Visibility
Filed Apr 16, 2009IL

THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS CONTINUALLY FAIL. SOMETIMES THEY STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CYCLE, OTHER TIMES THEY DO NOT TURN ON AT ALL. THIS HAS HAPPENED DOZENS OF TIMES, OFTEN WHEN I AM DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE IN THE MIDDLE OF HEAVY TRAFFIC. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 26, 2009120,000 milesMD

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET BLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH CONTINUES TO OPERATE AFTER SHE MANUALLY TURNS OFF THE SWITCH. THE FAILURE COULD PREVENT HER FROM WARNING THE DRIVER'S IN THE REAR THAT THE VEHICLE IS BRAKING AND/OR STOPPED, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY BECAUSE THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V231000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH). THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 120,000.

Visibility
Filed Mar 20, 200925,000 milesWA

THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS QUIT WORKING WITHOUT NOTICE. WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW IN 1998 IT ONLY HAS 80,000 MILES. THE WIPERS HAVE BEEN DOING THIS SINCE 2003. WHEN WIPERS QUIT WORKING WE ARE UNABLE TO SEE THE ROADWAY AND THIS PRESENTS A SAFETY HAZARD. I HAVE READ ABOUT OTHERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE NOT HAD THIS REPAIR DONE BECAUSE I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR A DEFECT THAT CHEVROLET KNOWS ABOUT. IF THIS DEFECT SHOULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT I WILL ACQUIRE AN ATTORNEY AND FILE SUITE AGAINST CHEVROLET FOR FAILURE TO REPAIR SAID DEFECT. *TR

Electrical System2 injured
Filed Jan 4, 200950,000 milesIN

WIPERS DON'T WORK THEN WORK WON'T SHUT OFF FOR A LONG TIME, USUALLY SHUT OFF DURING A DOWNPOUR, CRUISE CONTROL QUIT WORKING, FLASHERS SOUND ERRATIC WON'T SHUT OFF UNLESS BRAKE IS PRESSED, PASSENGER SIDE SEAT ADJUSTMENT HANDLE BROKE OFF, I HAVE CUT MY LEG NUMEROUS TIMES AS WELL AS OTHERS. PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WON'T LOCK JUST PULLS OUT. DRIVERS SIDE SEAT RECLINE BROKE OFF ONLY USED THAT ABOUT 5 TIMES. NOW ONE OF THE REAR HATCH SHOCKS BROKE OFF THE BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE SHOCK IN PLACE CRACKED OFF, HATCH DOOR IS REALLY HEAVY. THE RIGHT FLASHER FLASHES REAL FAST EVEN THOUGH IT STILL WORKS. I WILL NEVER EVER BUY A CHEVY BLAZER AGAIN OR ANYTHING EVEN CLOSE THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT A PAIN IN MY BUTT FOR 10 YEARS. I ABSOLUTELY HATE IT!! IT'S BECOMING A HAZARD TO DRIVE BECAUSE OF THE WIPERS ACTING SPORADIC ALL THE TIME AND WITH WINTER COMING EARLY IT'S SCARY. I HOPE SOMETHING IS DONE ABOUT THIS SOON. I BEEN READING ABOUT OTHER PEOPLES PROBLEMS AND THEIR EXACTLY LIKE MINE. SOMEBODY SAID SOMETHING ABOUT A MULTIFUNCTION BOARD TO REPAIR IT. YEAH THEIR 200.00 DOLLARS AND HAVE TO TAKE APART THE STEERING COLUMN. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY ONE PENNY FOR ALL MY REPAIRS THAT I NEED.. SHAME ON GM. *TR

Visibility
Filed Oct 17, 2008TN

WIPERS FAILED TO WORK. *TR

Visibility
Filed Oct 12, 200897,000 milesUT

1998 CHEVY S-10 BLAZER WITH 97K MILES AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. THIS WOULD UNFORTUNATELY OCCUR WHEN THE WINDSHIELD WASHER BUTTON WOULD BE PRESSED LEAVING THE WINDSHIELD COMPLETELY COVERED IN SOAPY SOLUTION AND MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE. AFTER VISITING SEVERAL WEBSITES THE ANSWER TO OUR PROBLEM WAS ON THIS LINK HTTP://WWW.AUTOMOTIVEHELPER.COM/TOPIC130258.HTM. THE CONTROL CIRCUIT CARD ATTACHED TO THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR ASSEMBLY HAD CRACKED SOLDER JOINTS ON 7 PINS OF THE HARNESS CONNECTOR. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A SOLDER FATIGUE PROBLEM DUE TO VIBRATION AND TEMPERATURE CYCLING AND THE FACT THAT THE HARNESS CONNECTOR BODY IS LONG AND MADE OF A DIFFERENT MATERIAL THAN THE CIRCUIT CARD LEAVING THE SOLDER JOINTS UNDER STRESS DUE TO MISMATCH OF THERMAL EXPANSION COEFFICIENTS. CONSEQUENTLY, AFTER TEN YEARS THE SOLDER JOINTS FINALLY GAVE UP. THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT THE CIRCUIT CARD IS EASY TO REMOVE (3 TORQUE SCREWS) AND THE SOLDER JOINTS CAN BE SIMPLY REFLOWED WITH A SOLDERING IRON AND FRESH SOLDER. THE SOLDER JOINT CRACKS ARE EASY TO SEE USING A MAGNIFYING GLASS. THE WIPERS ARE NOW WORKING PROPERLY AGAIN. *TR

Visibility › Rear Window Wiper/Washer
Filed Oct 8, 200898,000 milesIL

WIPERS WORK ABOUT 50% OF THE TIME AT BEST, TYPICALLY WHEN IT IS NOT RAINING. THIS IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE. IT LOOKS LIKE COUNTLESS OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH THEIR 98 BLAZER. I HAVE NOT YET FIXED THE PROBLEM. WHEN WILL THIS BE RECALLED? *TR

Seats
Filed Oct 8, 200878,000 milesIL

LEVER TO ADJUST PASSENGER SEAT BROKE OFF, IT WAS LIKE THIS WHEN WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2004. I SEE THAT MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THEIR SEAT LEVERS AS WELL. THIS JUST AFFECTS MY PASSENGER SEAT, AS THE DRIVERS SEAT IS ELECTRONIC. *TR

SeatsFire1 injured
Filed Sep 9, 2008150,000 milesIN

MY POWER SEAT SHORTED OUT WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND SET MY SHORTS ON FIRE, VEHICAL COMPLETLY BURNED TO THE GROUND DESPITE THREE FIRE TRUCKS SHOWING UP IN ABOUT 5 MIN. , REPORTED TO GM , BUT THE SAID SINCE VEHICAL WAS DESTROYED THEY ARE NOT TO BLAME. *TR

Suspension › Front
Filed Aug 12, 2008121,000 milesCO

THERE IS A RECALL ON THE 98 BLAZER FOR RIGHT-HAND LOWER CONTROL ARMS SAYING THAT THE BOLT COULD BREAK. THAT HAPPENED TO MINE BUT IT WAS THE LEFT-HAND UPPER CONTROL ARM BOLT AND THE REPAIRS COST ME $1000

Visibility › Rear Window Wiper/Washer
Filed Aug 12, 2008123,000 milesCO

THERE ARE 2 RECALLS FOR WINDSHIELD WIPERS NOT WORKING/INTERMITTENLY WORKING FOR 1996 BLAZER - MY 1998 BLAZER IS HAVING THE EXACT SAME ISSUE BUT I CAN'T FIND ANY RECALLS WITH MY 1998. IT HAS BEEN AN INTERMITTEN PROBLEM FOR 2 YEARS AND NOW THEY JUST STOPPED. THE FUSE IS GOOD AND THERE IS A LOT DEALING WITH CIRCUIT BOARD SOLDER JOINTS FOR THE WIPERS.

Suspension
Filed Jul 8, 2008OH

WHEEL BEARING GO OUT ABOUT EVERY 6 MONTHS. IT FEELS LIKE THE TIRE IS FALLING OFF. REPLACE WHEEL BEARING AT 200.00 A SIDE. ABS LITE ON TAKE THE FUSE OUT THEY WORK PUT THE FUSE IN THEY KICK BACK.RUNS HOT WHEN YOU USE AC,SOUNDS LIKE TURN SIGNALS ARE ON WHEN THERE NOT. *TR

Seats
Filed Jul 7, 200880,000 milesFL

1998 CHEVY S10 BLAZER SEAT RECLINER HANDLE TOO WEAK FOR USE NEEDS BETTER PRODUCT. *TR

Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Jun 17, 2008AZ

1998 CHEVY BLAZER CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING. CONSUMER PULLED OVER ON THE SHOULDER AND CAR BURNED TO THE GROUND. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION AND HEAD GASKET WAS LEAKING PREVIOUSLY, BUT IT WAS FIXED. OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0315-90. *JB UPDATED 04/15/10 *BF REMAILED 05/27/10 *BF

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed May 2, 2008160,000 milesMS

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET BLAZER. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL FROM APPROXIMATELY 2-5 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO IMMEDIATELY STOP. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED THE BRAKE SYSTEM, BUT THE FAILURE STILL REMAINED. IN ADDITION, THE WIPER BLADES WIRING MECHANISM DID NOT WORK EFFECTIVELY. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING IN RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS AND THE WIPERS WOULD NOT OPERATE. SHE HAD THE WIRING SPLICED AND WAS ABLE TO USE THE WIPERS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. UPDATED 7/3/08 *CN UPDATED 07/03/08

Tires
Filed Dec 20, 2007TX

1998 CHEVY BLAZER WITH TIRE FAILURE. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE TIRES BLEW OUT AND WHEN HE WENT TO GET THEM REPLACED THE MECHANIC SAID THEY WERE DRY ROTTED. HE SAID THE BRAKES ENGAGED ON HIS WAY HOME. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE AND ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE REAR BRAKES WERE REPLACED. AFTER THE TIRE REPLACEMENT, THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE REAR BRAKES BY ANOTHER DEALER. THE FIRST DEALER STATED EVERY THING CHECKED OUT AND THAT MAYBE THE MASTER CYLINDER THAT WAS REPLACED BY THE PREVIOUS DEALER MAY HAVE PARTIALLY FAILED. THE REAR SHOCKS WERE REPLACED, THE REAR VIEW MIRROR ASSEMBLY WAS LOOSE. THE DEALER GLUED IT BACK TOGETHER.

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Nov 26, 2007VA

I AM HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM THAT MANY OTHER BLAZER OWNERS HAVE WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS. AS THE OTHER COMPLAINTS EXPLAIN, THEY TURN OFF AFTER MINUTES OF USE, AND SOMETIMES WILL TURN RIGHT BACK ON, BUT USUALLY STAY OFF FOR A WHILE. *TR

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Nov 20, 200720,000 milesMO

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET BLAZER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER UNTIL THE RAIN STOPPED. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,000.

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Nov 4, 200794,108 milesGA

TRANSMISSION WILL NOT ENGAGE, SLIPS. CANNOT MOVE VEHICLE WITHOUT TOW. DIAGNOSTIC TEST SHOWS CODE 1870. *JB

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Oct 2, 200770,000 milesMI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET BLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE 1996 CHEVROLET BLAZER, NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V159000 (VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER). THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 117,000. UPDATED 01/02/08. *4200 THE CONSUMER STATED HAS 2 CHEVROLET BLAZERS WITH THE SAME INTERMITTENT DEFECT. UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR

Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner
Filed Aug 20, 2007MD

MY 1998 BLAZER'S DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SEAT ADJUSTMENT LEVER BROKE OFF WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ADJUST SEAT. I AM UNABLE TO ADJUST THE SEAT FOR PROPER DRIVING POSITION. THE DRIVER'S SEAT LEVER BROKE AT 30,000 MILES AND THE PASSENGER SEAT LEVER BROKE ABOUT 40,000 MILES. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THIS VEHICLE UTILIZING VICE GRIPS TO HOLD THE DRIVER'S SEAT AND PASSENGER SEAT IN PLACE. THESE SEATS ARE NO LONGER ADJUSTABLE AND PRESENTS A SAFETY HAZARD. INQUIRIES FROM OTHER INDIVIDUALS THAT OWN THIS VEHICLE HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT AT SOME POINT THE MANUFACTURER DISTRIBUTED A SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING THIS DEFECT. I AM CONCERNED AS TO WHY THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL AND WHY I HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THIS ONGOING PROBLEM. OBVIOUSLY, NUMEROUS CONSUMERS OWNING THE BLAZER ARE FACED WITH THIS SAME PROBLEM. I FEEL THE LEVER SHOULD BE REPLACED AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER SINCE IT IS APPARENTLY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Switch/Wiring
Filed Aug 19, 2007130,900 milesPA

ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE VEHICLE IN LIGHT RAIN. WIPERS WOULD NOT TURN ON. ON A LATER OCCASION, FRIENDS WERE FOLLOWING BEHIND MY VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE (THIRD BRAKE LIGHT WAS WORKING). ALSO NOTICED THAT HAZARDS LAMPS WERE NOT WORKING EITHER. *TR

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Aug 16, 2007140,000 milesPA

WINSHIELD WIPERS WORK WHEN THEY WANT TO. INTERMITTENT CONTROL IS INOPERABLE EXCEPT AT HIGHEST SETTING AND USUALLY SHUTS OFF COMPLETELY DURING HEAVY DOWN POURS. *JB

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 10, 2007187,000 milesOH

I WAS A FRONT SEAT PASSENGER IN A 1998 CHEVY BLAZER SUV BELONGING TO MY DAUGHTER,WHEN AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. IT WAS A BAD CRASH, BUT I WAS THE ONLY PERSON INJURED. AFTERWARDS IT WAS A STUNNING REVOLUTION TO FIND THIS OUT ABOUT THE AIRBAGS AND IT HAS LEFT ME WONDERING HOW MANY PEOPLE OUT THERE THINK THEY ARE PROTECTED WITH AIRBAGS, WHEN THEY MAY OR MAY NOT WORK ANYWAY. THIS AUTO HAD A PREVIOUS OWNER AND IT SEEMS TO ME THE DEALERSHIP SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR LETTING THE NEW BUYER KNOW IF THE AIRBAGS WORK OR DON'T WORK. THANKS. *JB

Complaints 1-50 of 716, 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
1998 — this page71631513Fatalities reported
19977687284Fatalities reported
19961,15311322Fatalities reported
19951,22411260High concern
1994620776Fatalities reported
19935117121Fatalities reported
1992278691Fatalities reported
19912227150Above average
199032470Routine

Compare every Blazer year →

1998 Chevrolet Blazer: questions buyers ask

Is the 1998 Chevrolet Blazer a good car?

Going by the federal record, it is one of the Blazer years to avoid: owners filed 716 complaints, 2.9 times as many as a typical Blazer year. The most common complaint is about the visibility (31%).

What is the most common problem with the 1998 Chevrolet Blazer?

The visibility: 219 of the 716 complaints (31%) are about it. The typical report comes at 68,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 1998 Chevrolet Blazer have?

3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Aug 11, 2000. The largest, 97V218000, covered 19,716 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 1998 Chevrolet Blazer problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 70,000 miles. For the visibility the midpoint is 68,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 1998 Chevrolet Blazer?

Yes, once. RQ02012 ("FRONT CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS") was opened Sep 10, 2002 and closed Mar 7, 2003.

Are there service bulletins for the 1998 Chevrolet Blazer?

The manufacturer filed 78 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (12), the body and frame (11) and the transmission (9). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

13 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: Aug 11, 2000. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.