1999 Chevrolet Blazer

Above average

Owners filed 436 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the brakes. No safety recall has been issued.

Not among the Chevrolet Blazer years to avoid. Which Chevrolet Blazer years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
76,000 milesMedian miles at failure

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

Most common 1999 Chevrolet Blazer problems

63 of the 436 complaints (14%) are about the brakes.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes24
403
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission18
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine17
020
Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner16
001
Electrical System16
022
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System · engine13
000
Suspension12
000
Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing11
000
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Ball Joint11
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes11
000

1999 Chevrolet Blazer brakes problems

14% of all complaints

63 of the 436 complaints are about the brakes. This is what owners describe:

  • loses its brakes or the pedal sinks21% · 13
  • sets off warning lights on the dash6% · 4
  • knocks, grinds or clunks6% · 4
  • leaks oil or fluid6% · 4
  • vibrates or shakes5% · 3

Share of the 63 brakes complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
85,590 mi
median of 29 reports
Peak year of filing
2000
9 brakes complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
7 · 0 · 3
in these complaints
Recalls on the brakes
None
“There was a manufacturer's recall in august 20, 1999 for 2000 chevy blazers: the brake pipe union fittings that feed the various brake system components may leak and cause a loss of braking function and need an additional stopping time. Dealers will inspect the brake pipe union for signs of leaking brake fluid and replace the union if necessary.”
Owner complaint, filed Dec 8, 2016 at 100 miles
“On saturday, july 3, 2010 my 1999 chevy blazer front and rear brakes failed due to excessive corrosion. Lucky no one was hurt. This is a major defect that must be addressed before someone gets killed. *tr”
Owner complaint, filed Jul 6, 2010

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1998: 1 complaints, 0 about the brakes'981999: 43 complaints, 8 about the brakes2000: 58 complaints, 9 about the brakes'002001: 43 complaints, 7 about the brakes2002: 57 complaints, 5 about the brakes'022003: 70 complaints, 4 about the brakes2004: 54 complaints, 3 about the brakes'042005: 29 complaints, 6 about the brakes2006: 23 complaints, 6 about the brakes'062007: 5 complaints, 0 about the brakes2008: 13 complaints, 0 about the brakes'082009: 5 complaints, 0 about the brakes2010: 14 complaints, 8 about the brakes'102011: 2 complaints, 0 about the brakes2012: 5 complaints, 3 about the brakes'122013: 1 complaints, 1 about the brakes2014: 2 complaints, 1 about the brakes'142015: 3 complaints, 0 about the brakes2016: 4 complaints, 1 about the brakes'162017: 2 complaints, 0 about the brakes2018: 1 complaints, 1 about the brakes'182019: 1 complaints, 0 about the brakesNHTSA investigation RQ02012
All complaintsAbout the brakesRecall (red: the brakes)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 1999 Blazer peaked in 2003, with 70 filed that year. No recall on file covers the brakes, the subject of 14% of the complaints. In 2019 owners filed 1 so far.

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 1999 Blazer.

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

See attached page.

Technical service bulletins

108 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1999 Blazer. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

transmission 22equipment 21electrical system 17body and frame 12engine 10headlights 6brakes 4fuel system 4
PIP4723FService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 14, 2022brakes

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.

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

270901Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsSep 27, 2001brakes

SUBJECT REGARDING NECESSARY RESURFACING OF THE PARK BRAKE DRUM. *JG

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Oct 23, 2019MI

THE BRAKE LIGHT AND TURN SIGNAL DON'T WORK ON UNTIL YOU MOVE THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH DOWN FOR THE LEFT SIDE TO WORK THEN IT WORKS FOR A BRIEF MOMENT.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Jan 22, 2018183,567 milesIN

THE ABS SYSTEMM IS NOT WORKING AND THE IS A SHORT IN THE FRONT END,..CAUSING THE BATTERY TO DIE. AMAZINGLY AFTER THE BATTERY WAS REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE THE LIGHTS ON THE BUMPER THAT ARE SUPPOSED TO LIGHT UP THE LICENESS PLATE WAS STILL ON. LONG WITH OTHER LIGHTS UNDER THE HOOD. HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE.,,UNLESS THERE IS AN ALTERNATE POWER SOURCE THAT I WAS NEVER MADE AWARE OF. THE IS POLICE DOCUMITATON ON THIS.

Electrical System
Filed May 3, 2017FL

BOUGHT A BLAZER FROM LEE XARS IN FORT MYERS. WAS MAKING A LOUD NOISE SO I TOOK IT TO A AUTO REPAIR CLOSE TO MY HOUSE BECAUSE I WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT ALL THE WAY BACK TO TOWN. WHEN I BOUGHT IT THEY OUT A RELAY SWITCH SO THE AC WOULD BLOW COLD. HERES WHATMY MECHANIC FOUND WHAT WAS WRONG.A/C COMPRESSOR CLUTCH WAS DEFECTIVE AND THE A/C CLUTCH CONTROLRP RELAYWAS BYPASSED IMPROPERLY AND NOT FUSED WHICH COULD HAVE STARTED A FIRE. WHEN I WENT UP TO GET MY TITLE AND TAGS THE GUY WHO RUNS THE REPAIR SHOP WANTED TO KNOW WHAT I WANTED HIM TO DO ABOUT IT. THE OWNER WASNT THERE SO I LEFT A COPY OF MY INVOICE. HE WAS SUPPOSE TO CALL ME BUT HASN'T. THEY NEED TO BE CHECKED OUT. THERE DEAL IS IF SOMETHING BRAKES ON THE CAR THEY CAN GET CHEAP PARTS AND THEY CHARGE CHEAP LABOR. THIS ALSO HAPPENED TO OTHER PEOPLE AS I BEEN READING ON THERE REVIEWS.

Electrical System
Filed May 1, 2017FL

BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM LEE AUTO IN FORT MYERS. WAS MAKING A LOUD NOISE. TOOK IT TO A CLOSE MECHANIC TO CHECK THE PROBLEM BECAUSE I WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT BACK THERE TO GET CHECKED OUT. THIS IS WHAT MY MECHANIC SAID. A/C COMPRESSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND THE A/C CLUTCH CONTROL RELAY WAS BYPASSED IMPROPERLY AND NOT FUSED WHICH COULD HAVE STARTED A FIRE IN THE ENGINE. WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR THE SALESMAN TOLD ME HE WAS GOING TO PUT A RELAY SWITCH IN BECAUSE IT WAS T BLOWING COLD AIR. TOLD LEE CARS ABOUT IT AND HAVE T HEARD BACK. ITS NOT GOOD TO SELL UNSAFE CARS.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Dec 8, 2016100 milesOH

THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL IN AUGUST 20, 1999 FOR 2000 CHEVY BLAZERS: THE BRAKE PIPE UNION FITTINGS THAT FEED THE VARIOUS BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS MAY LEAK AND CAUSE A LOSS OF BRAKING FUNCTION AND NEED AN ADDITIONAL STOPPING TIME. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BRAKE PIPE UNION FOR SIGNS OF LEAKING BRAKE FLUID AND REPLACE THE UNION IF NECESSARY. OUR VEHICLE IS A 1999 BLAZER THAT APPEARS TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM, BUT CHEVROLET CLAIMS THERE WASN'T A RECALL ISSUED FOR OUR VEHICLE. WE THINK IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED. OUR VEHICLE DOESN'T STOP WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, BUT NEEDS A LONGER STOPPING TIME AND DISTANCE. IT IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION. ORIGINAL RECALL FROM THE NHTSA MANUFACTURER'S REPORT DATE: AUGUST 20, 1999 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 99V220000

Engine
Filed Oct 8, 201687,000 milesPA

1999 CHEVROLET BLAZER WITH A V6 ENGINE HAD A PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE AT 87K MILES. A HAIR LINE CRACK WAS DISCOVERED IN A CYLINDER USING A DYE TEST. THE MACHINIST WHO INSPECTED THE ENGINE BELIEVES IT WAS CREATED AS THE RESULT OF THE CORROSIVE ACTION OF COOLANT USED BY GM. CHEVROLET SHOWED NO INTEREST IN INSPECTING THE ENGINE. WITHOUT THE AFOREMENTIONED, I INVESTIGATED MYSELF, AND CAN ONLY CONCLUDE THAT A HEAD BOLT WAS NOT PROPERLY SEALED DURING MANUFACTURING, ALLOWING COOLANT TO PENETRATE THE BOLT AREA AROUND THE REAR CYLINDER IN QUESTION. THIS CONDITION CREATED A WEAKENING OF THE CYLINDER WALL OVER TIME CAUSING THE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. I'VE BEEN COMMUNICATING WITH CHEVROLET FOR OVER TWO YEARS WITH NO SUCCESS.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 27, 2016WI

MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH VERY EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE FLASHER RELAY CLICKING NON STOP / APPLY BRAKES IT STOPS WHAT ELSE IS MALFUNCTIONING THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS? OTHER VEHICLES HAVE BEEN RECALLED WITH SAME ISSUE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE, CONSUMERS NEED REPAIR OPTIONS THAT ARE NOT EXCESSIVELY COSTLY.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 27, 2016WI

PASSLOCK FAILURE CAR WILL NOT START AND HAVE TO WAIT EXACTLY 10 MIN AND TRY AGAIN.

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Jun 9, 2015250,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 CHEVROLET BLAZER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE ROLLED FOUR TIMES AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT AND THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000. UPDATED 8/10/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED. UPDATED 08/25/25*JB

Wheels
Filed May 11, 201582,000 milesFL

MY CAR HAS LESS THAN 83000 MILES. I'M HAVING TO REPLACE THE HUB BEARINGS FOR THE 3RD TIME. WHY NO RECALL ON THIS ISSUE.

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 26, 2015378,890 milesOH

THE INTAKE GASKET IN THE ENGINE HAS MALFUNCTIONED AND IT'S LEAKING ANTIFREEZE, GASOLINE (MAYBE), AND OTHER FLUIDS REALLY BADLY.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 19, 2014152,000 milesMO

HAD DRIVER SIDE IMPACT NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ALSO HAD TO USE JAWS OF LIFE TO GET DASH OF LEFT LEG. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 19, 2014163,400 milesKY

APPLIED BRAKES & PEDAL SUDDENLY STARTED SINKING TO THE FLOOR. WAS ABLE TO STOP DUE TO SLOW SPEED. SCARED ME TO DEATH & NEARLY HIT A CAR. IF HAPPENED ON FREEWAY IT COULD HAVE KILLED SOMEONE. LATER FOUND THAT A REAR DRIVER SIDE STEEL BRAKE LINE MOUNTED METAL ON METAL, HARD TO FIND BEHIND WHEEL WELL & ON FRAME, HAD RUSTED THROUGH. ALL OTHERS NEAR IT ARE ALSO IN EQUALLY BAD CONDITION. NO MOVING PART TO WEAR OUT & THERE'S NO EXCUSE FOR SUCH CHEAPNESS ON SUCH A SAFETY RELATED ITEM. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed May 9, 2013100,000 milesCO

I AM SHOCKED TO FIND OUT THAT THERE ARE SO MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE ABS BRAKES AND THE FRONT END BALL JOINTS. I AM ACTUALLY AFRAID TO DRIVE MY BLAZER AFTER READING ABOUT THE PROBLEMS. I LIVE IN A SMALL TOWN IN THE MOUNTAINS AND HAVE TO DRIVE MOUNTAIN ROADS AND ALONG A RIVER TO GET TO A BIGGER CITY. I AVERAGE ABOUT ONCE A MONTH THIS TRIP AND IF I MY BLAZER WAS TO HAVE A WHEEL FALL OFF BECAUSE OF A BAD BALL JOINT SYSTEM I AND MAYBE OTHERS WOULD BE DEAD OR SERIOUSLY HURT. I HAVE OVER THE YEARS REPLACED MY BALL JOINTS SEVERAL TIMES AS THEY KEEP GOING BAD, MUCH MORE THAN JUST NORMAL WEAR IT APPEARS. I ALSO HAVE FOR THE LAST 6 MONTHS OR SO HAVE HAD THE ABS LIGHT COME ON AND THE ABS BRAKES COME INTO PLAY WHEN SLOWING DOWN OR COMING TO A STOP ON DRY ROADS. THERE ARE TIMES THE LIGHT IS ON WHEN I FIRST START MY BLAZER AND HAVEN'T EVEN MOVED YET. A MECHANIC THAT LOOKED AT IT SAID THAT IT APPEARED THAT THE SENSOR WOULD NEED REPLACING. I DID NOT HAVE IT DONE AS IT WAS GOING TO BE SEVERAL HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR THE REPAIR. WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO HAVE A RECALL? HOW CAN PEOPLE TELL YOU OF THE PROBLEMS THEY TOO ARE HAVING, WHEN THESE PROBLEMS ARE NOT PUBLICLY ANNOUNCED AND THEY HAVE NO IDEA THAT IT IS NOT JUST THEIR VEHICLE. LIKE ME, I HAD NO IDEA THERE WERE THESE PROBLEMS GOING ON FOR OTHER PEOPLE TOO. LIKE I SAID I NOW AM AFRAID ABOUT HAVING A MAJOR ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THE BALL JOINT/SUSPENSION PROBLEM THAT IS TALKED ABOUT ON THIS WEBSITE. I CAN NOT AFFORD TO BUY A NEW VEHICLE.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Nov 7, 2012140,000 milesND

1999 CHEVROLET BLAZER LT - MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH (COMMON PROBLEM!) IS MALFUNCTIONING. TURN SIGNAL/FLASHER RELAY IS CONSTANTLY CLICKING WHETHER SIGNALS ARE IN USE OR NOT -- UNLESS THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. GOOD SIGN OF AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. THE CAUSE OF THIS ISSUE IS THE GREASE INSIDE THE SWITCH, APPLIED AT THE FACTORY, RUNNING FROM CONTACT TO CONTACT. THIS SWITCH INCLUDES THE WIPERS, CRUISE CONTROL, TURN SIGNALS, HAZARDS, AND CAN ALSO CAUSE VEHICLE LIGHTING (HEADLIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHTS) TO MALFUNCTION. MANY CASES INCLUDE NON-WORKING BRAKE LIGHTS! OTHERS HAVE REPORTED SMOKE COMING FROM THE SWITCH AS THE CONTACTS ARE SHORTED BY THE GREASE. I INHERITED THIS VEHICLE FROM MY GRANDFATHER, WHO COULDN'T HEAR THE RELAY FIRING -- IT IS THE ONLY INDICATOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE THAT SOMETHING MAY BE GOING WRONG. THERE ARE NO VISIBLE INDICATORS INSIDE THE VEHICLE LETTING A PERSON KNOW THEIR LIGHTS ARE MALFUNCTIONING. AS THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS YEAR OF BLAZER (THOUGH I UNDERSTAND OTHER YEARS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM RECALLED), I WILL BE REPLACING THE SWITCH ON MY OWN. DEALER QUOTED THE PRICE FOR THE PART ALONE WELL OUT OF MY PRICE RANGE (NEVERMIND LABOR), SO I'M GOING TO HAVE TO SHOP AROUND TO GET THE VEHICLE IN SAFE DRIVING CONDITION. THANKS FOR READING. I APPRECIATE IT! *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 30, 2012110,500 milesPA

BRAKES FAILED, PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR, UPON INSPECTION FOUND LINES RUSTED IN REAR. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Feb 23, 2012GA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET BLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH AND COMING TO A STOP, THE BRAKES WOULD NOT ENGAGE PROPERLY, CAUSING AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE AND TIME. THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V379000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK) BUT DID NOT RECEIVE CONFIRMATION OF WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 14, 2012120,000 milesIA

TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR CLICKS WHEN TURN SIGNALS NOT IN USE. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jan 7, 2012156,466 milesMI

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT MY WIFE TRIED TO STOP AND THE BRAKES JUST MADE THAT ABS BUZZING NOISE AND WAS NOT STOPPING. THIS WAS CAUSED BY THE WHEEL BEARING ABS SENSOR BEING BAD NOT THE WHEEL BEARING ITSELF THIS SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO HAPPEN AS IT IS A DANGER/ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN!

Suspension
Filed Sep 13, 201135,000 milesRI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET BLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC FOR AN UNRELATED ISSUE WHEN THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE BALL JOINTS WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 55,000.

Equipment › Recreational Vehicle/Trailer › Lpg Systems › Lines and FittingsCrash
Filed Apr 6, 2011NY

I HAD TO HAVE THE DRIVESHAFT IN MY 1999 CHEVY BLAZER REPLACED IN MARCH 2011. EXACTLY ONE WEEK LATER MY SON WAS DRIVING TO SCHOOL CAYUGA-ONONDAGA BOCES IN AURBAN WHEN THE DRIVE SHAFT FELL OUT CAUSING THE BLAZER ENTIRE REAR-END TO SEIZE UP THROWING THE VEHICLE ALMOST MAKING MY SON GO DOWN OVER THE BRIDGE. THE SCHOOL CAME AND TOWED HIM BACK AND LOOKED AT IT' THE BOLT THAT HOLDS THE DRIVESHAFT IN WAS NOT THERE, AS IF THEY FORGOT TO TIGHTEN IT OR FORGET TO PUT IT ON ALL TOGETHER. THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THAT THE BOLT WAS PULLED OFF OR BROKEN, YOU CAN CLEARLY SEE BY THE TREADS. I HAD THE TRAINED AUTO MECHANICS AT THE SCHOOL CALL OVER TO PULLEN'S AND THEY WERE RUDE, SAID THEY DID THEIR JOB AND THERE WAS NOTHING TO DO TO HELP US.. VERY RUDE' ALSO, THE DRIVESHAFT DIDN'T HAVE ANY GREASE FITTINGS SO IT WOULDN'T HAVE LASTED 6 MONTHS TOP. THIS GARAGE DID A BAD JOB AND NEED TO LEARN HOW TO DO THEIR JOB RIGHT' I DIDN'T PAY OVER $500 TO HAVE MY VEHICLE FIXED FOR ONE WEEK. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Dec 1, 2010182,000 milesGA

NO EVENTS JUST AFTER I HAVE BEEN DRIVING A WHILE EVERY DAY ALL LIGHTS INCLUDING DASH FLICKER AND THEN WHEN I SHUT OFF FUEL PUMP WON'T PUMP UP. THIS HAPPENS ONCE A DAY AND WILL NOT RESTART TILL NEXT DAY. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Sep 14, 2010110,000 milesAR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET BLAZER LS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND APPROACHING A TRAFFIC STOP. AS THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL GRINDING. IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO APPLY THE BRAKES ABRUPTLY. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 116,000.

Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire
Filed Aug 8, 2010160,000 milesPA

THE SPARE TIRE CABLE ON 1999 BLAZER HAS CORRODED CAUSING THE SPARE TIRE TO FALL FROM THE VEHICLE. IT HAPPENED ONCE. I PURCHASED A NEW SPARE WHEEL AND TIRE AND STRAPPED INSIDE THE CARGO COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jul 6, 2010NJ

ON SATURDAY, JULY 3, 2010 MY 1999 CHEVY BLAZER FRONT AND REAR BRAKES FAILED DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION. LUCKY NO ONE WAS HURT. THIS IS A MAJOR DEFECT THAT MUST BE ADDRESSED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed May 17, 2010103,000 milesVA

TODAY I TOOK MY 1999 CHEVY. BLAZER XL IN FOR A STATE SAFETY INSPECTION-I JUST GOT A CALL FROM MERCHANTS TIRE AND AUTO IN CULPEPER, VA THAT IT'S GOING TO COST: $1200.00 TO PASS INSPECTION. UP TO THIS POINT I'VE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM BRAKING? OF ANY KIND? THEN FOR MY VEHICLE TO "FLUNK" DUE TO BRAKE ISSUES? I WENT ONLINE -TYPED 1999 CHEVY BLAZER---RECALLS ETC... COMES TO FIND OUT---THESE PROBLEMS SHOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN CARE MANY YEARS AGO ACCORDING TO THE HIGHWAY SAFETY COMMISSION. DO I HAVE A LEGAL CLAIM HERE-SINCE PROBLEM WAS NEVER FIXED W/RECALL? *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Apr 20, 2010202,602 milesPA

ON A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE ON MY 1999 CHEVY BLAZER, MY MECHANIC POINTED OUT THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED, AND HE WAS CONCERNED THAT I WOULD LOSE THE BRAKES WHILE DRIVING. HE TEST DROVE THE CAR, AND THE BRAKES GAVE OUT. HE WAS NOT DRIVING FAST AND TOLD ME THAT IF I KEPT THAT CAR THE BRAKE LINES WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. WAS THERE A RECALL? FOX NEWS TOLD ABOUT A POSSIBLE RECALL ON APRIL 9, 2010. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Apr 9, 2010196,000 milesKY

STEEL BRAKE LINES FROM ABS MODULE TO BRAKES CORRODING OR RUSTING THROUGH. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 24, 2010187,000 milesCA

THE TREAD FROM A UNIROYAL LAREDO TIRE CAME OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. I LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE MOMENTARILY UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO COUNTERSTEER TO CORRECT THE WEAVING AND UNSTABLE DRIVING OF MY VEHICLE. AS THE TREAD CAME OFF IT DAMAGED MY WHEEL WELL, UNDERCARRAIGE BEHIND THE WHEEL, REAR BUMPER AND BODY TRIM. I HAD MY SON AND THREE OF HIS FRIENDS IN THE CAR AT THE TIME.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Mar 16, 201083,031 milesTN

WHILE DRIVING IN SLIPPERY CONDITIONS, SUCH AS ON WET GRASS OR IN PACKED SNOW AND APPLYING THE BRAKES ON MY 1999 CHEVROLET BLAZER, I INVARIABLE EXPERIENCE A JOLTING FROM THE ABS SYSTEM AS THE BREAKS GRAB AND RELEASE REPEATEDLY WITH MY FOOT APPLYING STEADY PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS MOST OFTEN OCCURS WHILE TRAVELING AT SPEEDS UNDER 30MPH OR WHILE SLOWING TO A STOP. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE TO STOP EACH TIME BY TAKING MY FOOT OFF THE PEDAL AND BRAKING AGAIN SEVERAL TIMES. INSPECTION OF THE SYSTEM REVEALED NO OBVIOUS DEFECTS OR DAMAGE THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THIS TO HAPPEN. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Mar 5, 201090,000 milesFL

1999 CHEVY BLAZER ZR2 (SUV) ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM IS FAILING AT LOW SPEEDS 7-10 MPH? CAUSING IMPROPER BRAKING AND PULLING. NOTHING DONE TO CORRECT YET - HAVEN'T FOUND THE CAUSE. NO CRASH YET. READ AN ARTICLE THAT GM WAS RECALLING 8000 VEHICLES UP NORTH DUE TO THIS PROBLEM BUT I LIVE IN FL. AND AM HAVING THE SAME ISSUE ???? NO INFO FOUND ON LINE YET AS TO DIAGNOSIS OR RESOLUTION OF THE PROBLEM OTHER THAN JUST REPLACING THE ENTIRE SYSTEM $$$$. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Feb 24, 201097,000 milesPA

BRAKES DO NOT WORK ON A 1999 CHEVY BLAZER , YOU PUT ON THE BRAKES AND YOU DON'T KNOW IF IT IS GOING TO STOP OR NOT , YOU PRESS DOWN HARD , BUT IT WONT STOP .IT DOES STOP , BUT YOU PUSH HARD ON THE BRAKES AND IT TAKES A LONG TIME FOR IT TO STOP , IT IS IN THE ANTILOCK BRAKES , NOT WORKING RIGHT , AND I HAVE TALKED TO OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAVE BLAZERS AND THEY TELL ME THERE BLAZER DOES THE SAME THING , PLEASE DO SOMETHING BEFORE PEOPLE GET KILLED FOR THIS , [XXX] *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 26, 201095,700 milesCA

THE MULTI-FUNCTION SWITCH IN MY 1999 CHEVY BLAZER LS IS MALFUNCTIONING. DURING DRIVING, THE BLINKER SOUND IS CONSTANTLY CLICKING WHETHER OR NOT I AM MAKING A TURN OR ENABLING MY SAFETY HAZARD LIGHTS. WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES ON THE CAR, THE CLICKING SOUND TEMPORARILY STOPS. WHEN I DRIVE AGAIN, THE CLICKING SOUND STARTS AGAIN. THIS MALFUNCTION GIVES THE DRIVER THE FALSE INDICATION THAT THEIR TURN SIGNALS IS ON, WHEN IT IS ACTUALLY NOT ON, AND CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 26, 2010129,000 miles00

I HAVE 2 BLAZERS 1999 AND BOTH HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM A FAILING MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH THAT MAKES AN ANNOYING CONSTANT CLICKING SOUND THAT COME FROM BEHIND THE GLOVE BOX. I HAD ONE REPAIRED LAST YEAR THAT COST ME OVER 600$ AND NOW MY OTHER BLAZER IS HAVING THE ME THE SAME PROBLEM .THE PART THEY HAVE CHANGE IS THE ARM FOR THE FLASHER RIGHT /LEFT IN WITCH INCLUDES THE CRUISE CONTROL HIGH BEAM LIGHT. *TR

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights
Filed Jan 4, 201095,506 milesFL

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET BLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS BRAKE LIGHTS HAVE FAILED TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE HAZARD SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO RELATED RECALLS OR WARRANTIES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,506.

SeatsCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 22, 2009NY

SEATING AT RED LIGHT WHEN LADY THOUGHT IT TURNED GREEN REARENDED US MY NECK WENT OVER HEAD REST AND NEEDED NECK SURGERY. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jun 15, 2009138,500 milesTN

MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH ON 1999 BLAZER JUST COST US $591.23 TO FIX AND IS RECALLED ON OTHER YEAR MODELS. *TR

Suspension › Front
Filed Mar 27, 2009147,868 milesNY

I WAS DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEED WHEN I HEARD A LOUD GRINDING NOISE IN FRONT END THEN A SEVERE PULL TO MY LEFT WHICH VEERED ME OFF THE ROAD , LUCKILY THERE WAS A GRASSY KNOLL TO MY LEFT AND NOT A GUARD RAIL. WHEN I EXITED I FOUND MY FRONT LEFT WHEEL OFF . THE SHOP SAID MY WHEEL FELL OFF DUE TO A BAD BEARING. I FOUND THIS ODD DUE TO MY REPLACING BOTH BEARINGS A YEAR BEFORE. APPARENTLY ITS A COMMON PROBLEM. VEH. HAS 147K AT THIS INCIDENT AND ONLY 126K WHEN REPLACED PARTS THE FIRST TIME. IN ADDITION HAD 4X4 ACTUATOR REPLACED, FUEL PUMP, OIL COOLER LINES REPLACED, AND PITMAN ARM...ALL APPARENTLY COMMON AND FREQUENT REPAIRS WITH THIS VEHICLE !! *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Feb 17, 200970,000 milesWI

'99 BLAZER ZR2 MY DAUGHTERS FIRST CAR, SHE PAYING FOR HERSELF. HAS THE MOST ANNOYING BLINKER NOISE UNDER PASSENGER SIDE DASH. IN RESEARCH HAVE FOUND THAT 100S OF OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME VERY EXPENSIVE FIX. IT CONSISTS OF A MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH WITH THE COST OF UPTO $700. I FEEL THAT CHEVROLET (GMC) SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR SOME OF THIS REPAIR--IT OBVIOUSLY IS A PROBLEM WITH A DESIGN OR A DEFECTED PART. IF YOU CHECK THE INTERNET IT IS JUST LOADED WITH PEOPLE DEALING WITH THIS. IN ADDITION TO THIS THAT SAME YEAR BLAZER SEEMS TO HAVE SOME TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS AND BEARINGS AT THE 70,000 MIL RANGE.....SOMETHING ISN'T RIGHT HERE. WE JUST DID THE BEARINGS FOR THE $400 PRICE TAG. PLEASE HELP THIS YOUNG GIRL, SHE IS TRYING TO THE RIGHT THING, LETS HELP HER DO IT. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 17, 200989,000 milesNJ

I HAVE A 1999 CHEVY BLAZER WITH 89,000 MILES AND IT SEEMS THE MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH IS FAILING. MY TURN SIGNAL BEEPING DOES NOT TURN OFF WHEN I NOT USING THE TURN SIGNAL. I HEARD THIS ALSO WILL EVENTUALLY CAUSE A DELAY WITH THE TURN SIGNAL THAT COULD EVENTUALLY BE A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Dec 8, 2008NM

THIS JUST STARTED ONE DAY WHEN WE WERE COMING BACK INTO TOWN. THE CAR HAS NEVER BEEN CRASHED. IF YOU DRIVE AROUND TOWN I DRIVES FINE BUT ONCE YOU ACCELERATE ABOVE 55 MPH SOMETHING CAUSES THE TRANSMISSION TO SLIP FROM 1ST TO 2ND GEAR. AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR THE TRANSMISSION WILL WORK FINE. I KNOW ANOTHER PERSON WHOSE CHEVY BLAZER DID THE SAME THING. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Dec 5, 200880,300 milesWI

FLASHERS CLICKING CONTINUES (SOMETIMES RAPIDLY) AFTER TURN IS COMPLETE AND LIGHTS OUT. THE SOUND COMES FROM UNDER THE GLOVE BOX. ON LINE RESEARCH UNCOVERED THIS AS A COMMON AND EXPENSIVE PROBLEM WITH THE COMBINATION SWITCH. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Nov 24, 2008111,480 milesAZ

THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH IS NOT WORKING CORRECTLY ON MY VEHICLE. OUT OF THE BLUE I STARTED HEARING THE BLINKER INDICATOR NOISE WITHOUT ACTUALLY USING MY BLINKERS. THE NOISE AND THE BLINKER WORK TOGETHER WHEN THEY SHOULD, BUT NOW THE NOISE COMES ON RANDOMLY REGARDLESS OF THE ACTUAL SIGNAL. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE ENGINE IS ON AND WHEN JUST THE ACCESSORY SWITCH IS ENGAGED, GOING STRAIGHT, TURNING, FORWARD, BACKWARD, NEUTRAL...AT ALL TIMES. THE BLINKING LAST ANYWHERE FROM A SINGLE CLICK TO A MINUTE STRAIGHT. MY MECHANIC REPLACE THE RELAY AND I HAVE CHECKED ALL MY FUSES, THE PROBLEM HAS REMAINED. THE ONLY OPTION LEFT IS TO REPLACE/REPAIR THE SWITCH WHICH MY MECHANIC HAS QUOTED AT ABOUT $400, WHICH IS WHAT IT APPEAR OTHERS HAVE PAID. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS NOW. THIS WAS A RECALLED ITEM ON OTHER VEHICLES AT THIS TIME BY THIS MANUFACTURER BUT NOT MY SPECIFIC YEAR/MODEL. *TR

Seat BeltsCrash2 injured
Filed Sep 19, 2008173,456 milesSC

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET BLAZER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS RUN OFF THE ROAD BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE STRUCK A CURB AND FLIPPED THREE TIMES. THE DRIVER WAS EJECTED THIRTY NINE FEET FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BRAIN INJURY, LEFT ARM DAMAGE, AND WAS IN A COMA FOR THREE WEEKS. THE CHILD PASSENGER SUSTAINED A FRACTURED SHOULDER, RIBS, AND A LUNG INFECTION. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01V287000 (SEAT BELTS). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 173,456.

Exterior Lighting › Hazard Flashing Warning Lights › Switch
Filed Sep 18, 2008100,000 milesMT

THERE IS A CONSTANT BLINKING NOISE COMING FROM MY GLOVE BOX. WHEN PRESSING ON THE BREAK IT QUITS. BY LOOKING UP INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET I FOUND OUT IT IS THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH. THERE WERE RECALLS ON OTHER YEARS BUT NOT 1999 BLAZERS. ITS VERY EXPENSIVE TO FIX. THERE WAS ONE ON 1998 BLAZERS I BELIEVE. I HAVE A 99 CHEVY BLAZER. HAS HAPPENED SINCE I BOUGHT IT. *TR

Latches/Locks/Linkages
Filed Aug 21, 2008110,000 milesOR

MY MECHANIC SAID THAT THE DOOR LATCH CAN BREAK BECAUSE OF THE DOOR HINGES OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT BECAUSE THE DOOR DOES NOT CLOSE EASILY AND YOU CAN SEE WHERE THERE IS DAMAGE TO THE LATCH ON THE DOOR JAM. *TR

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Jul 5, 2008MA

DRIVER SIDE DOOR IS VERY BAD IF GO OVER THE SLIGHTEST BUMP SEEMS LIKE DOOR WILL FALL OFF OR BLOW OPEN. *TR

Wheels › Hub
Filed Jul 2, 200881,200 milesOH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 CHEVROLET BLAZER. THE CONTACT TOOK HER VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BECAUSE SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE WHEELS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TWO FRONT TIRE HUBS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. SEVERAL DAYS LATER, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE SPONTANEOUSLY DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE ALMOST CAUSED A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND THEY SPECULATED THAT THE HUBS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE HUBS. THE CONTACT HAS ALL OF THE DOCUMENTS PERTAINING TO THE REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. SHE ALSO HAS POSSESSION OF THE FAILED COMPONENT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 81,200.

Air BagsCrash
Filed May 30, 2008174,000 milesSC

AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. NOTIFIED GMAC. NOT SATISFIED WITH RESULTS. MATTER OF FACT, THERE WAS NO "RESULTS". *TR

Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal › Switch
Filed May 4, 200800

SIGNAL SWITCH LOCATED BEHIND GLOVE BOX CLICKS ERRATICALLY - THIS IS THE 2 ND TIME SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED - THE FIRST TIME WAS A $400 REPAIR BILL...I THINK I WILL TRY TO LET IT DRIVE ME ABSOLUTELY CRAZY BEFORE REPLACING IT THIS TIME. *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 436, 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
1999 — this page436090Above average
199871631513Fatalities reported
19977687284Fatalities reported
19961,15311322Fatalities reported
19951,22411260High concern
1994620776Fatalities reported
19935117121Fatalities reported
1992278691Fatalities reported
19912227150Above average
199032470Routine

Compare every Blazer year →

1999 Chevrolet Blazer: questions buyers ask

Is the 1999 Chevrolet Blazer a good car?

It is not among the Blazer years to avoid. Owners filed 436 complaints, against about 246 for a typical Blazer year. The most common complaint is about the brakes (14%).

What is the most common problem with the 1999 Chevrolet Blazer?

The brakes: 63 of the 436 complaints (14%) are about it. Owners most often say it loses its brakes or the pedal sinks (21%), sets off warning lights on the dash (6%) and knocks, grinds or clunks (6%). The typical report comes at 85,590 miles.

At what mileage do 1999 Chevrolet Blazer problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 76,000 miles. For the brakes the midpoint is 85,590 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 1999 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 1999 Chevrolet Blazer?

The manufacturer filed 108 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the transmission (22), the electrical system (17) and the body and frame (12). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

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.

Most recent recall on file: none. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.