1998 Chevrolet Blazer

716 federal complaints (1,025 component records) · 3 recall campaigns on file · 1 federal investigation · 76 service bulletins · 2 Canadian recalls
See all 36 model years of the Chevrolet Blazer →
Engine
4.3L 6-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
14 city / 20 hwy
Federal complaints
716
Recall campaigns
3
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.

Glass & wipers
268
Seats
84
Electrical system
82
Power train
77
Engine & cooling
72
Brakes
71
Suspension
67
Lighting
50
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: 62 complaints01 years old: 51 complaints2 years old: 51 complaints3 years old: 73 complaints4 years old: 73 complaints5 years old: 128 complaints56 years old: 77 complaints7 years old: 43 complaints8 years old: 16 complaints9 years old: 11 complaints10 years old: 10 complaints1011 years old: 2 complaints12 years old: 2 complaints13 years old: 2 complaints14 years old: 2 complaints15 years old: 1 complaints1516 years old: 4 complaints17 years old: 4 complaints18 years old: 2 complaints19 years old: 1 complaints20+ years old: 3 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 618 of 716 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 5 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 24 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 59 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 70 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 54 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 18 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 15 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 11 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 2 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 6 complaints200,000+ miles: 2 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 266 of 716 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.

Glass & wipers

268 complaint records
"WHEN WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE SET ON EITHER HIGH OR INTERMITTENT,THEY GO HAYWIRE. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*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 →

Seats

84 complaint records2 fire reports3 crash reports
"PASSENGER SEAT RECLINER LEVER BROKE, 4 WHEEL DRIVE WILL NOT ENGAGE (ENCODER MOTOR) ALTENATOR LIGHT IS ON (REPLACE). *LA..."- 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 seats parts in the directory →

Electrical system

82 complaint records10 fire reports
"PASSENGER SEAT RECLINER LEVER BROKE, 4 WHEEL DRIVE WILL NOT ENGAGE (ENCODER MOTOR) ALTENATOR LIGHT IS ON (REPLACE). *LA..."- 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 electrical system 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
RQ02012
opened Sep 2002
closed Mar 2003SuspensionFRONT CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS - led to recall 01V200000
SEE ATTACHED PAGE.

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
00V220000Exterior LightingVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO.Normally free
98V053000SuspensionVEHICLE 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.Normally free
97V218000Service Brakes, HydraulicVEHICLE 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.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
2001263
2001-11-01
Electrical63,484Certain vehicles: Light duty trucks. passenger vehicles and sport utility vehicles. Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of C.M.V.S.S. NO.
1997217
1997-11-28
Brakes404Certain vehicles may exhibit a fatigue fracture of the rear axle, right-hand brake pipe. Should the pipe crack a slow brake fluid leak would result causing a soft pedal and an eventual decrease in rear braking capability.

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 55 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
TiresThis 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...
16NA260
Aug 2016
EquipmentTHIS TECHNICAL BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE TO REPROGRAM THE MEDIA DISC PLAYER WITH THE LATEST CALIBRATIONS TO CORRECT A CONDITION OF THE REAR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM NOT OPERATING AS INTENDED IN COLDER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AREAS DUE TO CALIBRATION CONCERNS.
PIT3046G
Feb 2016
Fuel SystemThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an inaccurate fuel gauge. Technician should drive the vehicle to duplicate the concern.
PIP5340A
Feb 2016
Power TrainTHIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION PROVIDES INFORMATION TO THE TECHNICIAN ABOUT VEHICLE THAT AFTER A TRANSMISSION OR TORQUE CONVERTER REPLACEMENT THE VEHICLE MAY HAVE A HARSH 1-2 UPSHIFT AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR SERVICE ENGINE SOON INDICATOR IS ILLUMINATED.
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.
Recalls
Jun 2014
EquipmentVehicle Recalls
05-06-04-035D
May 2014
Fuel SystemThis informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
PIC5913
Sep 2013
Electrical SystemThis Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint lamp, Service Vehicle Soon lamp on and/or radio locked, possibly after module replacement.
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.
PIT-3046E
Aug 2008
Fuel SystemGMC: FUEL GAUGE FLUCTUATION IN PARK OR NEUTRAL, CAUSING THE LOW FUEL LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. *PE
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
020526001B
Jan 2005
Parking BrakeREAR PARKING BRAKE SHOE RETAINING SPRING CLIP SERVICE KIT FOR DRUM-IN-HAT (DIH) EQUIPPED VEHICLES. *TT UPDATE. *TT
040850017
Sep 2004
SeatsPOWER SEAT INOPERATIVE FORE/AFT AFTER BEING MOVED ALL THE WAY REARWARD. *TT
030601024A
Mar 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingRATTLE NOISE IN ENGINE. *TT
040603002
Feb 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingDIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION FOR INTERMITTENT VEHICLE NO CRANK DEAD BATTERY. *EH
01727
Jan 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling4.3 L35 LU3 RATTLE OR BUZZ NOISE FROM ENGINE. SIT BULLETIN 1457619. *TT
02015
Jan 2004
SuspensionPOP SNAP NOISE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION WHEN BRAKING. *MR
01599
Jan 2004
Power Train4L60E, 4L65E FORWARD AND LOW REVERSE WAVED STEEL CLUTCH PLATE APPEARANCE CHANGE. *TT
3031A
Jan 2004
Electrical SystemDRIVER INFORMATION CENTER (DIC) STAYS IN BULB CHECK. *TT
3130
Jan 2004
Electrical SystemINSTRUMENT CLUSTER PRNDL INOPERATIVE AND OR BATTERY LIGHT ON. *SC
3176A
Jan 2004
EquipmentHEAT COMING FROM VENTS WITH HVAC OFF. *TT
01136C
Nov 2003
StructureCLUNK NOISE FELT THROUGH FLOOR PAN. *TT
030730056
Nov 2003
Power Train4L60-E AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL PUMP FIRST AND SECOND DESIGN IDENTIFICATION. *TT
030601024
Aug 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingRATTLE NOISE IN ENGINE. *TT
57
Jul 2003
StructureWATER LEAK IN FRONT FLOOR CARPET AREA. GM TECH LINK. *TT
030867004
Jun 2003
VisibilityPARTS AVAILABILITY FOR SUNROOF REPAIRS. *TT
020421005A
Feb 2003
Power TrainSLIPS IN 4-WHEEL DRIVE, NOISE, VIBRATION, LEAKS, HOT ODOR. *TT
020138005
Dec 2002
EquipmentREVISED HEATER / VENT MODULE REPLACEMENT. *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
020421005
Jun 2002
Power TrainSOME VEHICLES WILL NOT MOVE WHEN 4-WHEEL DRIVE IS REQUESTED, NOISE, SHUDDER, POOR PERFORMANCE, TRANSMISSION / TRANSFER CASE SLIPS, TRANSMISSION WILL NOT UPSHIFT, SLIPS IN 4-WHEEL DRIVE. *TT
020605002
May 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ON AN EXHAUST BOOM / GROAN NOISE IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. *TT
990602012D
Apr 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSUBJECT REGARDING RUST IN COOLING SYSTEM, HEATER INOPERATIVE, BLOWS COLD AIR, ENGINE OVERHEATS (FLUSH COOLING SYSTEM). NLM
250202
Feb 2002
Electrical SystemINFORMATION ON REPLACING CORRODED TRAILER PRE-WIRE HARNESS AT THE REAR BUMPER. *TT
010866011B
Feb 2002
StructureSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE REAR PORTION OF THE ROOF HAS SOME RUST FORMING. *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
311001
Oct 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT AN EXHAUST NOISE, RATTLE NOISE AT 550 RPM. *TT
270901
Sep 2001
Service BrakesSUBJECT REGARDING NECESSARY RESURFACING OF THE PARK BRAKE DRUM. *JG
220801
Aug 2001
SeatsCUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE SEAT RECLINER HANDLE IS STRIPPED. *JG
060601
Jun 2001
Unknown Or OtherINFORMATION REGARDING IMPROVED BUS SEAT DECLINER ASSEMBLIES, THE HANDLE ON THE RECLINER ASSEMBLY IS ATTACHED WITH A NUMBER 20 TORQUE WITH A SHANK LENGTH OF 20 MILLIMETERS. *SLC
010856001A
Jun 2001
Electrical SystemSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE SECURITY LAMP ILLUMINATES WHILE DRIVING; ENGINE CRANKS BUT WILL NOT START; AND / OR THE ENGINE STARTS THEN STALLS AND THE SECURITY LAMP IS FLASHING. *TT
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
010856001
May 2001
Unknown Or OtherSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE SECURITY LAMP ILLUMINATES WHILE DRIVING; THE SECURITY LAMP MAY BE ON OR OFF; THE SECURITY LAMP IS ILLUMINATED; THE ENGINE CRANKS BUT WILL NOT START AND THE SECURITY LAMP IS FLASHING; AND / OR THE ENGINE STARTS THEN STALLS AND THE SECURITY LAMP...

Showing 60 of 76 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

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

  1. Run the wipers and washers, and test every window.Slow or stuck regulators, streaking wipers, and windshield cracks are this vehicle's visibility complaints.
  2. Run every power seat adjustment and check the seat frame.Motors that stall and seats that rock on their tracks are this vehicle's seat complaints.
  3. Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 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 →