Owners have filed 1,025 complaints
about the 1998 Chevrolet Blazer with NHTSA between 1998 and 2020.
The largest single group is the windows, mirrors & wipers.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 22 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Blazer. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 62
12.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 21
13% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1998 compares with every other Chevrolet Blazer
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
92.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
20.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
82.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
7418.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
12532.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
9624.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
6015.3%
150,000+ miles
174.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 1998peak 38Oct 2020
NHTSA investigations into the 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
RQ02012Opened 10 Sep 2002Closed 7 Mar 2003SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM
FRONT CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS
SEE ATTACHED PAGE.
Recalls on the 1998 Chevrolet Blazer
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
00V220000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
98V053000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
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.
97V218000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200126363,484 units in Canada
Electrical
Certain 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. 118, "POWER-OPERATED WINDOW, PARTITION & ROOF PANEL SYSTEMS." When the hazard flasher switch is used to turn the hazard flashers on or off, the retained accessory power (RAP) feature can be activated without a key in the ignition. Correction: There is no detrimental effect on vehicle safety so no corrective action is necessary.
Recall 1997217404 units in Canada
Brakes
Certain 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. Should the pipe break there would be a sudden drop in the brake pedal and a loss of rear brake performance. Correction: A brake pipe bracket will be installed on affected vehicles.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 198,000 milesNorth Carrollton, MSCrash
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11233253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 185,000 milesCincinnati, OHCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #11058358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, ILFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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)
NHTSA complaint #10415951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ashtabula, OHCrash
CHILD SEAT
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).
NHTSA complaint #10342802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesMishawaka, IN2 injured
SEAT BELTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10253704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesMishawaka, IN2 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10253704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 247,000 milesMesa, AZ
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #11366257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesEaton, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
MY ABS LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON AS WELL AS MY GAS GAUGE NOT WORKING
NHTSA complaint #11289543 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 198,000 milesNorth Carrollton, MSCrash
AIR BAGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11233253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 185,000 milesCincinnati, OHCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #11058358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesWentworth, SD
SERVICE BRAKES
1998 CHEVY BLAZER DOES NOT BRAKES DO NOT PUMP UP AND HOLD THEY ARE SPONGY.
NHTSA complaint #10945370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesHephzibah, GA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #10889090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesHephzibah, GA
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10889090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesHephzibah, GA
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #10889090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bremetton, WA
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #10823344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesVancouver, WA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
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.
NHTSA complaint #10809344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesKeystone Heights, FL
VISIBILITY/WIPER
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
NHTSA complaint #10795308 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 199,573 milesGlendale, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10785938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesLake Worth, FL
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #10726147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Villa Ridge, IL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10679742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesCleveland, TX
VISIBILITY/WIPER
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.
NHTSA complaint #10636999 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 275,321 milesStafford, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #10632628 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesTampa, FL
SUSPENSION
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
NHTSA complaint #10618914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesTampa, FL
TIRES
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
NHTSA complaint #10618914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #10615661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,000 milesCornersville, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10615661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,500 milesSilver Spring, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
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.
NHTSA complaint #10573408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,500 milesSilver Spring, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10573408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesDrexel Hill, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #10515009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesDrexel Hill, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #10515009 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dayotna Beach, FL
SEAT BELTS
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 TIME WAS UP,BUT IT STILL DOES IT. IS THIS NORMAL?
NHTSA complaint #10478808 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.