1996 Chevrolet Blazer

1,153 federal complaints (1,579 component records) · 6 recall campaigns on file · 7 federal investigations · 48 service bulletins · 3 Canadian recalls
See all 36 model years of the Chevrolet Blazer →
Engine
4.3L 6-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
15 city / 20 hwy
Federal complaints
1,153
Recall campaigns
6
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Brakes
505
Glass & wipers
194
Engine & cooling
176
Suspension
171
Power train
107
Electrical system
75
Air bags
59
Fuel system
37
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 148 complaints01 years old: 104 complaints2 years old: 86 complaints3 years old: 143 complaints4 years old: 101 complaints5 years old: 97 complaints56 years old: 71 complaints7 years old: 49 complaints8 years old: 28 complaints9 years old: 10 complaints10 years old: 19 complaints1011 years old: 6 complaints12 years old: 6 complaints13 years old: 3 complaints14 years old: 4 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 3 complaints17 years old: 2 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 2 complaints20+ years old: 2 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 884 of 1,153 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 2 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 4 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 17 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 19 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 27 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 9 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 6 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 6 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 7 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 2 complaints200,000+ miles: 2 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 101 of 1,153 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Brakes

505 complaint records3 fire reports107 crash reports
"ABS BRAKES, WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED VERY HARD TO RIGHT, CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL, INTERMITTERLY LOSS OF EFFECTIVENESS. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →

Glass & wipers

194 complaint records1 fire report1 crash report
"INTERMITTENTLY THE DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOP WORKING WHILE IN USE WHICH WON'T HELP THE OCCUPANT IN THE RAIN. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse glass & wipers parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

176 complaint records7 fire reports
"CONSUMER STATES THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE WAS DAMAGED AND THE OXYGEN SENSOR ARE NOT WORKING AS THEY SHOULD.*YH..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA02006
opened May 2002
closed Jul 2003VisibilityWINDSHIELD WIPER FAILURE - led to recall 03V210000
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...
EA99022
opened Jul 1999
closed Aug 2001SuspensionUPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT - led to recall 01V200000
There is no summary currently available
RQ99015
opened Jul 1999
closed Dec 2001SeatsFRONT SEAT RECLINER BOLT FAILURE - led to recall 99V130000
PE99021
opened Mar 1999
closed Jul 1999Power TrainUPPER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT BREAKAGE
AN UPPER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT FAILS, RESULTING IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION COLLAPSING ON THE FAILED SIDE.
EA97007
opened Apr 1997
closed Mar 1998SteeringSTEERING SHAFT SEPARATIONS
COUPLING BOLTS, JOINING THE STEERING SHAFT, MAY SEPARATE.IN SOME CASES, TOTAL UNFORESEEN, LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL MAY RESULT.
Show 2 more closed investigations
InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA97004
opened Feb 1997
closed Aug 1997Seat BeltsSEAT BELT WEBBING SEPARATION - led to recall 97V096002
NHTSA'S NEW CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (NCAP) TESTED A 1997 CHEVROLET S-10 EXTENDED CAB PICKUP EQUIPPED WITH A DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG.THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT WAS COMPLETELY CUT DURING THE TEST.
EA94038
opened Oct 1994
closed Feb 2000Service Brakes, HydraulicABS BRAKING SYSTEM - led to recall 99V193000
THIS INVESTIGATION RESULTED IN A SAFETY RECALL, 99V-193, AND A SERVICE CAMPAIGN, 99I-006.

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
03V159000VisibilityON 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.Normally free
01V200000SuspensionON 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,...Normally free
99V193000Service Brakes, HydraulicVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 4-WHEEL DRIVE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ABS (ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM) MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1989 THROUGH AUGUST 1996.Normally free
98V150001VisibilityVEHICLE 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.Normally free
97V096001Seat BeltsVEHICLE 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.Normally free
96V234000Fuel System, GasolineVEHICLE 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.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
1999135
1999-07-26
Brakes72,445Certain four wheel drive vehicles may experience increased stopping distances during ABS stops while in the two-wheel drive mode.
1997152
1997-09-08
Seats And Restraints23,860On certain vehicles, the driver's and/or passenger's front outboard seat-belt webbing could separate during a frontal impact having at least the same dynamics as a 48 kph frontal barrier collision.
1996178
1996-11-12
Fuel System29,104CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 301 - FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY. IN CERTAIN TYPES OF VEHICLE CRASHES, THE PROPSHAFT MAY PENETRATE THE FUEL TANK, RESULTING IN A FUEL LEAK.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
17-NA-073
Feb 2023
EquipmentThis warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
PIP4723F
Jan 2022
Fuel SystemThis 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...
PIP4723D
Jan 2020
Electrical SystemThis 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...
PIC4696E
Nov 2019
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code.
17NA073
Sep 2019
EquipmentThis warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
Show 43 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
PIC4696D
Sep 2019
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code.
17NA073
Feb 2019
EquipmentThis warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
PIC4696C
May 2018
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code.
PIP4723C
Sep 2017
Fuel SystemThis 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...
17-NA-073
Mar 2017
EquipmentThis warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
PIP4723B
Feb 2017
Electrical SystemThis 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...
PIC4696B
Dec 2015
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code.
PIC4696A
Oct 2015
EquipmentThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code.
130089009
Sep 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingExpanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
PI0969
May 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingThis preliminary informational bulletin provides information on High Oil Pressure on Startup After Engine Replacement Concern.
020525006
Jan 2006
Service BrakesANTILOCK BRAKE (ABS) ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS. *TT
020730024A
Aug 2005
Power TrainDIAGNOSIS OF CRACKED OR BROKEN TRANSMISSION CASE. *TT 2006 AND PRIOR CARS AND LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. *TT
030601024A
Mar 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingRATTLE NOISE IN ENGINE. *TT
02015
Jan 2004
SuspensionPOP SNAP NOISE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION WHEN BRAKING. *MR
3176A
Jan 2004
EquipmentHEAT COMING FROM VENTS WITH HVAC OFF. *TT
030601024
Aug 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingRATTLE NOISE IN ENGINE. *TT
020525006A
Dec 2002
Service BrakesANTILOCK BRAKE (ABS) ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS ON VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING THE 1995 AND 1996 ENVOY. *TT
990730016A
Oct 2002
Power TrainDIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION FOR INTERMITTENT TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFT, SLIP, BUSY/CYCLING TCC OR NOISY COOLING FAN. *TT
010866011C
Jul 2002
StructureTECHNICAL INFORMATION - SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE REAR PORTION OF THE ROOF HAS SOME RUST FORMING. *TT
020857004
Jun 2002
StructureSUBJECT REGARDING GENERAL WATERLEAK GUIDE. *TT
990602012D
Apr 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING RUST IN COOLING SYSTEM, HEATER INOPERATIVE, BLOWS COLD AIR, ENGINE OVERHEATS (FLUSH COOLING SYSTEM). NLM
010866011B
Feb 2002
StructureSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE REAR PORTION OF THE ROOF HAS SOME RUST FORMING. *TT
01049
Dec 2001
SuspensionSPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT FOR FOUR-WHEEL AND ALL-WHEEL UTILITY VEHICLES THAT MAY HAVE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS THAT SEPARATE AT A LOWER MILEAGE THAN EXPECTED BY CUSTOMERS. *TT
010866016
Dec 2001
StructureCONCERNS THAT THE REAR PORTION OF THE ROOF HAS SOME RUST FORMING. *TT
010866011A
Dec 2001
StructureSUBJECT REGARDING REAR ROOF PERFORATION. *TT
010866011
Nov 2001
StructureINFORMATION REGARDING REAR ROOF PERFORATION. *YH
01049
Nov 2001
SuspensionSPECIAL POLICY ADJUSTMENT 01049 FOR UPPER BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT. *TT
311001
Oct 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN EXHAUST NOISE, RATTLE NOISE AT 550 RPM. *TT
220801
Aug 2001
SeatsCUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE SEAT RECLINER HANDLE IS STRIPPED. *JG
990602012C
Jun 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE HEATER IS INOPERATIVE, BLOWS COLD AIR, ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT AN OVERHEAT CONDITION OR THE COOLANT RESERVOIR HAS RUST IN IT. *TT
990602012B
Feb 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE HEATER IS INOPERATIVE, BLOWS COLD AIR, ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT AN OVERHEAT CONDITION OR THE COOLANT RESERVOIR HAS RUST IN IT. *TT
990602012A
Jan 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE HEATER IS INOPERATIVE, BLOWS COLD AIR, ENGINE MAY EXHIBIT AN OVERHEAT CONDITION OR THE COOLANT RESERVOIR HAS RUST IN IT. *TT
240699
Jul 1999
Service BrakesSUBJECT REGARDING ABS 3-SENSOR EBC4 - SPECIAL POLICY. *TT
990602012
Jun 1999
Engine And Engine CoolingCONDITIONS WITH HEATER INOPERATIVE, BLOWS COLD AIR, ENGINE OVERHEATS, AND RUST IN THE COOLANT SYSTEM. *TT
98043
Sep 1998
VisibilityPRODUCT RECALL CAMPAIGN INVOLVING WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR REPLACEMENT. *TT
776512
Apr 1997
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE ROUGH, MISS, AND OXYGEN SENSOR DTC'S (REPLACE OXYGEN SENSOR JUMPER HARNESS). *TW
666309
Apr 1997
Fuel SystemENGINE HARD TO START (REPLACE FUEL PUMP PULSATOR). *TW
9674L60E04A
Apr 1997
Power TrainTRANSMISSION FLUID LEAK FROM PUMP BODY (REPLACE BUSHING). *TW
9774L60E08A
Apr 1997
Power TrainAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 1-2 AND/OR 2-3 UPSHIFT SLIP/FLARE, NO 3RD OR 4TH GEAR, DTC P1870, LAUNCH SHUDDER (REVISE VCM WIRING). *TW
676114A
Mar 1997
Engine And Engine CoolingENGINE NOISE (INSTALL VALVE STEM OIL SEAL). *TW
97001
Jan 1997
VisibilityRECALL 97V-008 - GENERAL MOTORS HAS DECIDED THAT CERTAIN 1996 S/T MODEL PICKUP TRUCKS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (FMVSS) 212, WINDSHIELD MOUNTING - THESE VEHICLES EXHIBIT A CONDITION WHERE THE TOPCOAT PAINT SEVERLY PEELS DUE TO OVERBAKING OF THE...
01404
Dec 1995
Electrical SystemSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ABOUT A STARTER CLICK-NO-CRANK CONDITION IN COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURES BELOW 15 DEGREES F. *SD
3300
Power Train4WD MODELS WITH NOISE, VIBRATION ON DRY PAVEMENT. *EH

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
  2. Run the wipers and washers, and test every window.Slow or stuck regulators, streaking wipers, and windshield cracks are this vehicle's visibility complaints.
  3. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 6 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Chevrolet Blazer →