1996 Chevrolet Blazer
Recalls, consumer complaints and crash ratings from NHTSA
Recalls11
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009, Campaign 09E012000
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Fuel system, gasolineMay 19, 2006, Campaign 06E043000
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Risk
THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy
HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
Exterior lightingHeadlightsMar 13, 2006, Campaign 06E023000
CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.
VisibilityWindshield wiper/washerApr 28, 2003, Campaign 03V159000
ON 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. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COULD WORK INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL.
Risk
IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR DURING BAD WEATHER, DRIVER VISIBILITY WOULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 19, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
SuspensionFront, control arm, upper ball jointDec 4, 2001, Campaign 01I018000
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1996-1997 4-WHEEL DRIVE CHEVROLET BLAZER, GMC JIMMY, AND OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. SOME OWNERS HAVE HAD TO PAY FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE UPPER BALL JOINTS THAT HAVE SEPARATED. GM IS PROVIDING A SPECIAL POLICY TO THESE OWNERS TO COVER UPPER BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT IF THE CUSTOMER FOLLOWED THE RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FOR THE CHASSIS LUBRICATION AND THE VEHICLE STILL REQUIRED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE UPPER BALL JOINTS DUE TO SEPARATION.
Risk
THIS COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy
GM HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE UPPER BALL JOINTS ON AFFECTED VEHICLES. THIS SPECIAL POLICY IS FOR A PERIOD OF 8 YEARS OR 100,000 MILES, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST, FROM THE DATE THE VHEICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PLACED IN SERVICE, REGARDLESS OF OWNERSHIP. THE UPPER BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT, DUE TO SEPARATION, WILL BE MADE AT NO CHARGE TO THE CUSTOMER DURING THIS PERIOD. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-862-4389, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, CONCERNING THIS PROGRAM.
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SuspensionFront, control arm, upper ball jointJun 28, 2001, Campaign 01V200000
ON 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, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN, AND IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. FAILURE OF AN UPPER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY COULD OCCUR DUE TO CORROSION.
Risk
THIS CAN RESULT IN IMPAIRED STEERING OR STEERING LOSS, OR A PARTIAL OR COMPLETE COLLAPSE OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 4, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slipJul 19, 1999, Campaign 99I006000
THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, OR MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH 3-SENSOR ABS (ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM) EBC4 UNITS.
Risk
THESE VEHICLES CAN EXPERIENCE EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES DURING ABS STOPS ON CERTAIN MULTIPLE SURFACES, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE COMPUTER PROGRAM WHICH OPERATES THE ABS UNIT ON SOME VEHICLES, OR REPLACE THE COMPUTER ON OTHERS TO IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE ABS ON THESE SURFACES.
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slipJul 19, 1999, Campaign 99V193000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 4-WHEEL DRIVE PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ABS (ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEM) MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1989 THROUGH AUGUST 1996. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS THE SWITCH WHICH SIGNALS THE ABS SYSTEM WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS IN 2-WHEEL OR 4-WHEEL DRIVE CAN MALFUNCTION CAUSING INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES DURING ABS STOPS WHILE IN THE TWO-WHEEL DRIVE MODE.
Risk
IF THIS OCCURRED AT A TIME WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE WAS REQUIRED, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE OR REPAIR THE 4-WHEEL/2-WHEEL DRIVE SWITCH.
VisibilityWindshield wiper/washerJul 1, 1998, Campaign 98V150001
VEHICLE 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.
Risk
THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN INOPERATIVE WIPERS, REDUCING A DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CIRCUIT BOARD AND COVER.
Seat beltsJun 12, 1997, Campaign 97V096001
VEHICLE 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. THE OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT WEBBING ON THE DRIVER'S AND/OR PASSENGER'S SEAT CAN SEPARATE DURING A FRONTAL IMPACT.
Risk
IF A SEPARATION OCCURRED AND THERE WERE SECONDARY CRASH EVENTS OR VEHICLE ROLLOVER, THERE WOULD BE NO BELT RESTRAINT OF THE OCCUPANT AND INCREASED INJURIES COULD OCCUR.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER OVER THE RECLINER MECHANISM.
Fuel system, gasolineStorage, tank assemblyNov 14, 1996, Campaign 96V234000
VEHICLE 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. THIS LEAKAGE WAS IN EXCESS OF THE AMOUNT PERMITTED BY FMVSS 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY."
Risk
IF AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT, AND THERE IS A FUEL LEAK, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSTALL ADDITIONAL SHIELDING OF THE FUEL TANK. THIS WILL BE ADDED WITHOUT REMOVING OR DISASSEMBLING THE FUEL SYSTEM.
All recalls issued for this model year. To see whether any are still unrepaired on a specific vehicle, check its VIN at NHTSA.
Recent complaints1,280 total
Most reported, across all 1,280 complaints
- Service brakes, hydraulic34%
- Visibility15%
- Engine and engine cooling12%
Service brakesFiled Mar 28, 2023
On March 23, 2023 ABS Extended Stopping Distance on snow / slush surface proceeding downhill on a 4 lane highway (7200 South Wasatch Blvd. Midvale Utah). Other vehicles around me were stopping without issue. I noticed my ABS brakes were making the (typical operating sound a type of grinding) and I wasn't stopping. I changed lanes twice to provide for more stopping distance and eventually stopped in the left turn lane within 2 feet from rear-ending other cars had I remained in the inside lane. Located Investigation EA94-038 noting 10,000 complaints, 2000 accidents, 600 injuries. Chevrolet Safety campaign 99I006000 addressing a PCM coding change and replacing the Kelsey Hayes ABS actuator unit. Chevrolet at 800-222-1020 declined to say whether this recall was in force, was a valid recall or had ever existed.
Incident Mar 23, 2023
Electrical system, service brakesFiled May 31, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET BLAZER. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE BRAKES WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SEIZE AND THE TURN SIGNALS BEGAN TO MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STRUTS, AND BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 142,185.
Incident Apr 22, 2016
Air bagsCrash1 injuredFiled Aug 22, 2015
DRIVING APPROX. 35 MPH NORTH ON 5700 BLK OF TACONY ST PHILADELPHIA PA 19137, 2005 SILVER HONDA PULLS OUT OF DRIVE WAY HITS THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE AND REAR PASSENGER TIRE OF TRUCK, TRUCK THEN SPINS AND FLIPS OVER. NO AIR BAG DEPLOYED AT ALL SUSTAINED INJURIES. WAS TAKEN BY RESCUE TO HOSPITAL.
Incident Aug 21, 2015
Electrical system, exterior lighting, service brakesCrash1 injuredFiled Jul 9, 2015
CAR ACCIDENT WAS MAY 2008 WAS REPORTED TO USAA INSURANCE AND NC COMMISSIONER. I AM FORMER US ARMY SPOUSE AND CONTRACTOR 15 YEARS. I AM BACK AT HOME OF RECORD. I HAVE LOST OVER $5000 TO THIS INCIDENT AND I DEAL WITH ADDED MEDICAL DISABILITIES FROM THIS DEALING WITH CHRONIC BACK, TBI PTSD AND BRAIN INJURY TO LEFT SIDE. CONFIRMED WITH CAT SCAN AND ARMY WOMACK HOSPITAL. DID NOT HAVE HEALTH CARE AT THE TIME. I HAVE HAD IGNITION SWITCH. THE LIGHT BULB DEALING WITH NC TESTING ISSUES COSTING ME WITH TESTING. OHIO THANKS GOODNESS NOT. BUT BRIGHTS DON'T COME ON. RADIO CLOCK STAYS ON DRAINED BATTERY IN THE PAST. ALSO, THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES. I TRIED TO GET A SERVICE BUT DIDN'T KNOW WHERE IN DAYTON , OHIO.....UPDATED10/20/15 *BF
Incident Jun 9, 2008
Service brakes, hydraulic, service brakesFiled Mar 18, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET BLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR. THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE PRESSURE MODULATOR VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000. UPDATED 5/4/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE ABS MIDULE SHORTED OUT. UPDATED 05/07/15*JB
Incident Mar 9, 2015
Service brakesFiled Oct 11, 2013
BRAKE PERFORMANCE HAD STARTED TO DEGRADE ON LAST TRIP TO LAKE PLACE (200 MILES ROUND TRIP). PEDAL SEEMED SOFTER THAN NORMAL BRAKE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED LIT.. ONCE AT HOME CHECK FLUID WHICH WAS LOW. ADDED SOME FLUID. BRAKE LIGHT WENT OUT TRIED SEVERAL HARD STOPS IN DRIVE WAY AND PEDAL TRAVEL WENT ALMOST TO FLOOR. OBSERVED BRAKE FLUID ON THE GROUND ADJACENT TO FUEL TANK ON DRIVERS SIDE. DRIVERS SIDE FRAME RAIL WAS WET WITH BRAKE FLUID. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REVEALED DIRT PACKED AROUND REAR BRAKE LINE ON TOP OF RAMP RAIL. BRAKE LINE WAS FOUND TO BE SEVERELY DEGRADED ON TOP OF THE FRAME RAIL EXTENDING ALL THE WAY TO THE JUNCTION WITH THE RUBBER REAR SPLITTER LINE. HAD TO REPLACE LINE FROM JUNCTION AT REAR SPLITTER UP TO THE JUNCTION AT THE FRAME RAIL NEAR THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE. VERY DISTURBING TO HAVE A TWO FOOT SECTION OF BRAKE LINE SO SEVERELY COMPROMISED. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM AND RELATED TO THE BUILD UP OF COMPACTED DIRT ON THE FRAME RAIL CARRYING THE REAR BRAKE LINE. SHOULD BE A RECALL OR AT LEAST A NOTIFICATION TO HAVE THE AREA INSPECTED FOR COMPROMISED BAKE LINES. *TR
Incident Oct 9, 2013
TiresFiled Jul 3, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET BLAZER EQUIPPED WITH DEFINITY TIRES EX600, SIZE 235-70-R15 (N/A). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC FOR A ROUTINE TIRE ROTATION WHEN HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BELT BECAME SEPARATED. IN ADDITION, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR AND FRONT TIRES WERE PREMATURELY WORN. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. THE VEHICLE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 153,000. UPDATED 12/18/13*CN
Incident Jun 2, 2012
Electrical system, engineFiled May 29, 2013
I HAVE A 1996 CHEVY BLAZER 4WD 4.3L CENTRAL PORT FUEL INJECTION. THE #4 FUSE WHICH IS MY GAUGE FUSE KEEPS BLOWING AND WHEN IT BLOWS MY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ZEROS OUT AND I HAVE NO CLUE WHAT MY SPEED IS WHAT MY RPMS ARE WHAT MY FUEL LEVEL ITS, ETC. MY ALTERNATOR STOPS CHARGING AND MY VEHICAL EVENTUALLY STALLS OUT DUE TO THE BATTERY DRAINING. *TR
Incident Mar 1, 2013
Electrical systemFireFiled Sep 29, 2012
PUT THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER IN. GOT OUT OF MY CAR AND WALKED TO THE FRONT OF THE CAR. BY THE TIME GOT BACK TO THE DOOR OF THE CAR TO GET MY THINGS OUT FOR WORK THE DASHBOARD OF MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. *TR
Incident Sep 29, 2012
VisibilityFireFiled Aug 21, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET BLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE INTERIOR CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE WAS FROM THE HEATER. THREE WEEKS PRIOR TO THE FIRE, THE VEHICLE HAD REGULAR MAINTENANCE PERFORMED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Incident Aug 11, 2012
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Fuel system, gasolineFiled Apr 30, 2011
I HAVE A 1996 CHEVY BLAZER AND THE GAS HAND FLOATS. IT DOES NOT GIVE AN ACCURATE READING ON THE GAS GAUGE. I CAN DRIVE AND IT WILL FLOAT FROM 1/2 TANK TO 1/4 TANK WHILE DRIVING. IT FLOATS NO MATTER HOW FULL OR EMPTY THE TANK IS. IT HAS CAUSED ME TO RUN OUT OF GAS DUE TO THE INACCURACIES. I HAVE ANOTHER GM VEHICLE--1993 SUBURBAN THAT HAS THE SAME EXACT ISSUE. I HAVE RAN OUT OF GAS ON THE FREEWAY ON THE WAY TO THE AIRPORT--ONLY THING THAT SAVED ME AND MY CHILDREN AT 2:00 AM IN THE MORNING WAS THAT I HAVE ROADSIDE. *TR
Incident Oct 5, 2010
Air bagsCrashFiled Sep 14, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET BLAZER. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 40 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END CRASH WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD PERFORMED AS DESIGNED BASED ON THE SPECIFICATIONS OF THE CRASH. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.
Incident May 17, 2010
Electrical system, exterior lightingFiled Jun 18, 2010
ON MY 1996 CHEVY BLAZER IT WAS RECENTLY BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT I HAD NO REAR BRAKE LIGHTS. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO MY REGULAR MECHANIC AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH WAS DEFECTIVE, AS I HAD NO REAR HAZARDS EITHER. THE ONLY OPERATIONAL BRAKE LIGHT WAS THE OVERHEAD CENTER LIGHT. I HAD THE ITEM REPLACED AND RECEIVED THE CAR BACK YESTERDAY, BUT DECIDED TO GOOGLE THE ITEM AND CAME UP WITH THE RECALL #01V364000. THIS RECALL ONLY COVERS GMC RELATED VEHICLES DURING CALENDAR YEARS 2000-2002. I HAVE THE RECEIPT FOR WORK AND HAVE THE DEFECTIVE PART IN MY POSSESSION. *TR
Incident Jun 16, 2010
SuspensionFiled Apr 15, 2010
RIGHT SIDE UPPER BALL JOINT SEPARATION. *TR
Incident Sep 20, 2009
Suspension, tiresFiled Feb 18, 2010
1996 CHEVROLET BLAZER RIGHT REAR TIRE CAME OFF VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING ON THE OHIO TURNPIKE. *KB THE RIGHT REAR TIRE FELL OFF, DUE TO BAD BEARINGS. OHIO TRAFFIC REPORT# 10-0020-89 UPDATED LETTER 04/29/10 *BF
Incident Jan 11, 2010
Vehicle speed controlFiled Feb 3, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET BLAZER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY BETWEEN 40-45 MPH ON A COUNTRY ROADWAY. THERE WAS PRESSURE APPLIED TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, FOLLOWED BY AN UNINTENDED INCREASE OF ACCELERATION. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO RESUME TO NORMAL OPERATION. IN ADDITION, THE "ENGINE" WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INTERMITTENTLY. THE IDENTICAL FAILURES OCCURRED ON THREE SEPARATION OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THE MALFUNCTIONS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 08/24/10. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WERE 2 INCIDENTS OF THE ACCELERATOR STICKING; PUTTING IN THE CLUTCH AND KICKING THE ACCELERATOR CORRECTED THE PROBLEM AT THE TIME. ON JANUARY 19, 2010 A PIECE FROM THE CRUISE CONTROL CAME LOOSE ON THE ENGINE AND THE ACCELERATOR BECAME STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION. UPDATED 08/25/10 *JB
Incident Dec 27, 2008
Steering, suspension, wheelsFiled Jun 15, 2009
THE FRONT TIRES ARE WORN, AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT I NEED UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS. I HAVE HAD THESE REPLACED IN THE PAST. THIS IS A CONTINUAL REPAIR AND GETTING COSTLY. I CALLED GM AND THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS A RECALL BUT BECAUSE OF THE TIME THAT HAS PAST THAT IT IS NO LONGER COVERED. I AM IN FEAR OF GETTING IN AN ACCIDENT DRIVING THE WAY IT IS. IT IS VERY UNSAFE. I WAS TOLD ALSO THAT I NEED IDLER ARM REPLACEMENTS. *TR
Incident Jun 13, 2009
Engine and engine coolingFiled Apr 23, 2009
I PURCHASE MY VEHICLE USED ON 12/4/01 , I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE EVERY YEAR BECAUSE IT INDICATES IT IS OVERHEATING. 3 WEEKS AGO IT STARTED SAYING IT WAS OVERHEATING AND SMOKE FILLED THE INTERIOR OF MY VEHICLE WITH FUMES. IT WAS REPAIRED. AT 3:15 P.M. TODAY, MY CAR INDICATES IT IS OVERHEATING AND NOW THE SERVICE CAR LIGHT IS ON. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH THE COOLANT SYSTEM. AS SOON AS I TURN THE CAR ON IT INDICATES IT IS OVERHEATHING. HAPPENING TOO MANY TIMES. *TR
Incident Apr 23, 2009
Structure, latches/locks/linkagesFiled Mar 23, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET BLAZER. WHILE PROCEEDING TO TURN A CORNER AT 25 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR UNEXPECTEDLY OPENED. THE DRIVER IMMEDIATELY CLOSED THE DOOR MANUALLY WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE DRIVER THEN WENT TO A REPAIR SHOP AND HAD THE DOOR TEMPORARILY SECURED. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. UPDATED 04/21/09. *LJ UPDATED 04/21/09.*JB
Incident Dec 17, 2008
Electrical system, exterior lightingFiled Oct 31, 2008
I HAVE A 96 CHEVY BLAZER. MY BRAKE LIGHTS ARE DOA, THE TOP STRIP IS WORKING BUT THE BRAKE LIGHTS ITSELF ARE NOT. I CHANGED EVERYTHING THAT HAS TO DO WITH THE BRAKE LIGHTS AND STILL NOTHING. I WENT ONLINE AND ALSO SAW OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM AND FRUSTRATION. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THERE WAS A RECALL ON THAT PART BUT FOR A 2001. THEY ALSO ESTIMATED THAT THE SWITCH AND THE LABOR WOULD COST $700!!!! I WENT ONLINE AND FOUND THE PART ITSELF FOR $369. I HAVE NOT YET FIXED THE PROBLEM. THIS A PROBLEM TO MANY CHEVY LOVERS AND CHEVY SHOULD BE LIABLE TO FIX IT CAUSE IT WAS AN ENGINEERING PROBLEM. *TR
Incident Oct 7, 2008
SteeringFiled Aug 27, 2008
MY CHEVY MALIBU IS HAVING POWERSTEERING ISSUES. IT FREEZES UP WHILE TRYING TO TURN CORNERS. THIS CAR HAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. THE POWERSTEERING FLUID IS AT A GOOD LEVEL AND THERE ARE NO LEAKS IN THE SYSTEM. *TR
Incident Aug 27, 2008
Engine and engine cooling, equipmentFiled Jul 11, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET BLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER WOULD NOT FUNCTION. IN ADDITION, THE RADIATOR HOSE WAS LEAKING AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP FOR INSPECTION. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK ON THE BLOCK (HEATER CORE) OF THE RADIATOR. THE RADIATOR HOSE WAS LEAKING AT THE CONNECTION OF THE HOSE. THE VEHICLE ALSO OVERHEATED AT TIMES, IN WHICH THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THIS FAILURE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 06E043000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR BECAUSE OTHER WORK NEEDED TO BE DONE AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 169,123 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 165,000. UPDATED 09/15/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED BROWN SLUDGE WAS FOUND IN THE RADIATOR. UPDATED 09/18/08. *JB
Incident Jul 22, 2007
Service brakes, hydraulic, exterior lighting, visibility, equipmentFiled Feb 20, 2008
THERE ARE SEVERAL DIFFERENT ISSUES WITH THIS TRUCK: 1. THE WHEELS ARE MAKING A SQUEAKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING; REPLACED BRAKES, ROTORS, HAD TIRES ROTATED, BALANCED AND NEW ALIGNMENT DONE WITH NO HELP 2. BRAKES GO TO FLOOR WHILE BRAKING..THIS JUST STARTED 3. BACK WINDSHIELD WIPER MAKES A LOUD NOISE AND DOESN'T WORK...EVER! 4. SEAT CONTROL GETS STUCK AND WON'T MOVE 5. NO REVERSE LIGHT(S) AND CANNOT FIGURE OUT ISSUE 6. FINAL AND BIGGEST ISSUE IS THAT ALL THE LIGHTS (INCLUDING HEADLIGHTS) FLICKER BOTH WHILE DRIVING AND IDLING) I HAVE HAD THE ALTERNATOR TESTED AND REPLACED AS WELL AS THE BATTERY..STILL HAPPENING I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK DECEMBER 8, 2007 USED FROM A LOCAL DEALER. I PURCHASED A SMALL WARRANTY BUT ONE THAT WON'T COVER ANYTHING MENTIONED ABOVE. IF THERE ARE ANY RECALLS WILL SOMEONE PLEASE CONTACT ME! *TR
Incident Feb 17, 2008
Fuel system, gasolineFiled Jan 21, 2008
I RECENTLY WAS ON THE WAY HOME FROM DENVER, CO ON THE HIGHWAY. I STOPPED FOR FUEL NOTICING MY VEHICLE WAS CONSUMING MORE GAS THAN USUAL. I FUELED UP AND LEFT. WHEN I ARRIVED HOME I NOTICED GASOLINE DRIPPING ON THE GROUND. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED A MECHANIC. MY WIFE'S FATHER IS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND OWNS HIS OWN SHOP IN DENVER. HE FIXED THE LEAK, BUT TOLD ME THE LEAK STARTED BECAUSE THE FUEL LINES WERE RUBBING THE TRANSMISSION AND SHOWED ME. TO MY SURPRISE THE FUEL LINES WERE NOT SECURED IN THEIR PROPER LOCATION. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY WORK DONE TO THE FUEL LINES OR EVEN ANY WORK DONE IN THE AREA OF THE PROBLEM. SO I TOOK THE BLAZER BACK HOME TO COLORADO SPRINGS. ABOUT A MONTH LATER I NOTICED THE FUEL SMELL WAS BACK. I POPPED THE HOOD BECAUSE I DID NOT SEE ANY FUEL LEAKING. THE FUEL WAS POURING OUT OF THE LINES AT THE TOP OF THE ENGINE WHERE THEY CONNECT TO THE COUPLINGS FOR REMOVAL OF THE ENGINE. I THEN DECIDED TO TAKE THE BLAZER TO A CLOSER LOCATION FOR REPAIR. THIS LOCATION WAS DANIELS CHEVROLET LOCATED IN COLORADO SPRINGS. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE O-RINGS WERE PINCHED AND THAT THE GASKET WHERE THE FUEL LINES GO INTO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS BAD. I PAID THEM 480.60 TO REPAIR THE O-RINGS AND GASKET. FOUR DAYS LATER, THE SMELL OF FUEL IS BACK AND THE LEAK IS THERE AGAIN AT THE COUPLINGS ON THE BACK OF THE ENGINE WERE THE DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THEM THE FIRST TIME. NOW THE BLAZER IS BACK AT THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN FOR THE SECOND TIME FOR THE SAME ISSUE. THE VEHICLE IS MY WIFE'S, BUT DUE TO THE PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL, I HAVE BEEN DRIVING IT. THE FUEL LEAKS RIGHT ON TOP OF THE EXHAUST PIPE. THIS IS COULD BE A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION IF THE FUEL WERE TO IGNITE. MY WIFE HAD TAKEN THE BLAZER TO WORK THREE NIGHTS AFTER THE DEALERSHIP REPAIRED THE O-RINGS AND GASKET, SHE HAD ALMOST PASSED OUT WHILE DRIVING DUE TO THE FUEL VAPORS ENTERING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. NOW THE DEALERSHIP WANTS TO CHARGE ME AGAIN FOR THE SAME REPAIR THEY DID. I AM AT WITS END. *TR
Incident Jan 9, 2008
Latches/locks/linkagesFiled Dec 21, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET BLAZER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR FLEW OPEN. THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE DOOR AND NOTICED THAT THE LATCH FAILED. HE PLACED A PIECE OF WOOD AT THE LOCK POSITION TO KEEP THE DOOR CLOSED. A FEW DAYS LATER, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR LOCK ALSO FAILED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY PARKED AT HER HOME AND WILL BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE VIN, ENGINE SIZE, NUMBER OF CYLINDERS, DEALER INFORMATION, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 49,000.
Incident Dec 13, 2007
Fuel system, gasoline, equipmentFiled Aug 9, 2007
WE HAVE REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP 3 TIMES. IT HAS CAUSED US TO MISS WORK SEVERAL DAYS, AND PUT OUR JOBS AT RISK. WE HAVE BEEN OUT MONEY FOR TOWING, PARTS AND LABOR TWICE. THE THIRD TIME IT FAILED, IT WAS JUST PAST THE PARTS WARRANTY FOR A GRAND TOTAL OF $1950.00. WE HAVE TO CONTINUE TO TAKE IT BACK TO FIRESTONE TO BE REPLACED AND MAKE OUR LIVES MISERABLE. *TR
Incident Aug 9, 2007
StructureFiled Mar 25, 2007
MUCH OF THE PLASTIC MOLDING UNDER THE HOOD HAS CRUMBLED.*AK
Incident Mar 23, 2007
Service brakes, airFiled Mar 18, 2007
IN RAINY, WET OR SNOWY WEATHER THE BRAKES ON MY 1996 CHEVROLET BLAZER FAIL TO WORK. WHEN I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL IT IS VERY STIFF AND IT FEELS LIKE THE BRAKES AREN'T GOING TO WORK AT ALL. THEN FINALLY THE VEHICLE DOES STOP BUT IT TAKES A VERY LONG TIME TO HAPPEN. ALSO IN OTHER TIMES WITH THE SAME WEATHER CONDITIONS THE BRAKES WILL BE VERY TOUCHY. SO MUCH SO THAT WHEN I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE IT JERKS ME FORWARD AND STOPS VERY ABRUPTLY.
Incident Mar 17, 2007
VisibilityFiled Mar 1, 2007
GM HAS A SAFETY RECALL ON MY 1996 BLAZER THAT THEY WILL NOT HONOR FOR ME. THEY HAVE INDICATED THE RECALL WAS A LONG TIME AGO AND MY CAR IS 10 YEARS OLD. I HAD THE EXACT PROBLEM FOR THE LAST 5-6 YEARS OR MORE, BUT NEVER RECEIVED A NOTICE, AND NEVER GOT IT FIXED. I WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND TOOK MEASURES AND LIMITED MY DRIVING WHEN IT MIGHT BE A PROBLEM. I FELT COMFORTABLE WITH THE PROBLEM AS LOW RISK WHEN I DRIVE. NOW I AM SELLING THE CAR AS IS. I FEEL THERE COULD BE A SAFETY HAZARD IF SOMEONE ELSE IS DRIVING THAT IS NOT AS AWARE AND CAUTIOUS AS I AM. THE RECALL IS THE WINDSHIELD WASHER MOTOR IS INTERMITTENT. SOMETIMES THE WIPERS WON'T WORK. THIS HAS BEEN SCARY IN A DOWN POUR AND WHEN A PASSING CAR SPLASHED A MUDDY WAVE ON THE WINDSHIELD WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. I HAVE BEEN USING RAIN-X OR DRIVING MY WIFES CAR WHEN IT IS RAINING. I HAVE HAD THE CAR IN TO THE DEALER A COUPLE OF TIMES AFTER THE RECALL AND EVEN HAD THEM LOOK AT IT ONCE. THEY NEVER NOTIFIED ME OF THE RECALL. THIS IS A GM RECOGNIZED SAFETY ISSUE THAT THEY SHOULD CORRECT (AT LEAST ONCE) REGARDLESS HOW OLD MY CAR IS. A THE ORIGINAL OWNER, I SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO ONE FREE REPAIR, AND CAN CASH IT IN ANYTIME. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU CAN HELP ME. OTHERWISE WILL NOTIFY WHOEVER I SELL THE CAR TO, AND HOPE THEY DON'T HAVE AN ACCIDENT. *JB
Incident Feb 28, 2007
Electrical systemCrashFiled Nov 14, 2006
THE REAR TURN LAMP DO NOT COME ON WHEN THE BRAKES ARE ENGAGED. THIS MALFUNCTION MAY HAVE BEEN THE CAUSE OF AN ACCIDENT. *NM
Incident Jan 7, 2006
Air bagsCrash1 injuredFiled Nov 6, 2006
I OWN A 1996 CHEVY BLAZER. MY GRANDDAUGHTER WAS DRIVING IN WET WEATHER, LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND SLAMMED INTO A ROCK CLIFF. THE CAR IS TOTALED AND I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I BELIEVE THE IMPACT WAS STRONG ENOUGH THAT THEY SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. IT WAS A FRONT END COLLISION AND SHE WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 25 MILES PER HOUR. ALTHOUGH SHE WAS NOT GOING FAST, THE IMPACT WAS VERY HARD, ENOUGH TO TOTAL THE CAR. THE WHOLE FRONT END WAS DESTROYED. SHE WAS VERY LUCKY THAT SHE WAS NOT SERIOUSLY HURT, BUT I AM CONCERNED THAT IF IT HAD BEEN A DIFFERENT SITUATION THAT SHE COULD HAVE BEEN FATALLY WOUNDED IF THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY.*JB
Incident Nov 4, 2006
Engine and engine cooling, electrical systemFire1 injuredFiled Nov 1, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, FLAMES WERE NOTICED DROPPING TO THE GROUND UNDER THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. GREY SMOKE WAS ALSO OBSERVED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE BURNED COMPLETELY, AND WAS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT AND A FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT PROCESSED AT THE SCENE. THE HEAT FROM THE FIRE MELTED THE REAR END OF ANOTHER VEHICLE PARKED IN FRONT OF IT, AND DID MODERATE DAMAGE TO A THIRD VEHICLE PARKED ALONGSIDE THE SECOND VEHICLE. *AK UPDATED 12/01/06. *JB
Incident Oct 31, 2006
Service brakes, hydraulicCrashFire4 injuredFiled Oct 31, 2006
ON FRIDAY OCTOBER 20, 2006. MY SON AND 3 FRIENDS WERE LEAVING A FRIENDS HOUSE. WHEN MY SON APPLIED HIS BRAKE TO SLOW, THE BRAKES FAILED. WHEN THEY FAILED THE ENGINE REVVED COMPLETELY UP, THROTTLED OUT AND SHUT DOWN THE VEHICLE. HE OF COURSE HAD NO BRAKES, BUT NOW NO STEERING, AND THE ENGINE WAS OFF. NOT HAVING ANY CONTROL, THE VEHICLE HIT A LOOSE ROCK, SLID INTO A DITCH WHICH THEN SENT THEM INTO A SERIES OF ROLLOVERS NO LESS THAN 5 NO MORE THEN 7. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. WHEN THEY LANDED 3 OF THE 4 DOORS WERE JAMMED SHUT. AS THEY CLIMB OUT OF THE VEHICLE, THEY NOTICED IT WAS BURNING. IT BURNED FROM BEHIND THE DASH THROUGH THE ENGINE. I HAVE PICTURES IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE. THE WORST INJURY AT THE TIME WAS MY SON'S SHOULDER, THEY WERE CONCERNED IT HAD A WORSE TEAR. NOTHING CAN BE DONE TO FIX THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE NOTIFIED CHEVY AND GM. I AM ALSO TALKING TO AN ATTORNEY NEXT WEEK. THE SERVICE BRAKE HYDRAULIC ANTILOCK RECALL HAS CAUSED ME CONCERN. WE DON'T KNOW IF IT WAS EVER TAKEN FOR IT'S REPAIR. NOW GM CAN'T EVEN FIND OR TRACE YET THE VIN NUMBER. HE HAD ONLY HAD IT 2 WEEKS WHEN WE HAD TO PUT IT IN THE SHOP BECAUSE IT HAD TO BE JUMPED TO START. THEN A WEEK AND A HALF ALMOST 2 WEEKS LATER THE BRAKES GO OUT. SOMETHING MAJOR WENT WRONG, AND HE HADN'T EVEN HAD IT 30 DAYS YET. IT COULD HAVE KILLED 4 KIDS. I WANT TO KNOW WHAT MALFUNCTIONED. *NM
Incident Oct 20, 2006
Electrical systemFireFiled Oct 13, 2006
RECENTLY INVESTIGATED A FIRE ON A 1996 CHEVROLET BLAZER. FIRE ORIGIN IS AT THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT DOOR PANEL AT THE POWER MIRROR SWITCH. IF ANY ONE ELSE HAS EXPERIENCED A FIRE IN THIS LOCATION PLEASE CONTACT ME AT 610-392-XXXX AND NHSTA. *NM
Incident May 6, 2006
SuspensionFiled Oct 11, 2006
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 01V200000 PRODUCT CAMPAIGN BULLETIN NO: 01048 AFTER NEARLY LOSING CONTROL ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY I DECIDED TO HAVE THE FRONT END CHECKED. THE FRONT BALL JOINTS NEED REPLACED. I FURTHER LEARNED OF THE ABOVE MENTIONED REFERENCES HOWEVER, THE DEALERSHIP IN ANKENY WAS UNHELPFUL, RUDE, AND BASICALLY TOLD ME THEY DON'T HAVE TO DO ANY WORK REGARDLESS OF BULLETINS, ETC... EACH DAY THE VEHICLE IS HARDER TO HANDLE AND A MECHANIC FRIEND ADVISED WILL START TO CAUSE ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS WITH SUSPENSION. WHY DO WE HAVE POLICIES BOTH GOVERNMENT AND CORPORATE WHEN DEALERSHIPS TOTALLY DISREGARD ALL THE RULES. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS BEFORE AND KNOW OF MANY OTHERS THAT DEALERSHIPS LEFT IN DIRE STRAITS. THIS IS A PROBLEM I WOULD LIKE ADDRESSED FOR THE GOOD OF ALL. *JB
Incident Oct 10, 2006
SuspensionFiled Sep 10, 2006
BALL JOINT ON PASSENGER SIDE FAILED WITH NO WARNING. VEHICLE HAS UNDER 75,000 AND HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED. *NM
Incident Sep 9, 2006
Power trainFiled Aug 27, 2006
NORMAL DRIVING , HARD SHIFTING, EVENTUAL TRANSMISSION BURN UP. IF CAUGHT IN TIME SIMPLE REPAIR FOR ABOUT 300 IF YOU CAN FIND SHOP THAT WILL DO IT. I LEFT ALONE. TRANSMISSION WILL BURN UP AND DEPENDING ON VEHICLE, 1500 TO 2700. HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS VEHICLES ARE AFFECTED. *JB
Incident Aug 15, 2006
Exterior lightingFiled Aug 24, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AT NIGHT, AND ENGAGING THE HIGH/LOW BEAM SWITCH, ALL INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTING FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE HIGH/LOW BEAM DIMMER SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPLACEMENT, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. UPDATED 9/8/2006 - *NM UPDATED 09/15/06. *JB
Incident Feb 1, 2006
VisibilityFiled Aug 17, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS DID NOT WORK. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 03V159000, REGARDING THE VISIBILITY: WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
Incident Aug 17, 2006
Suspension, service brakes, hydraulic, engine and engine coolingFiled Aug 4, 2006
PURCHASED VEHICLE 12/03 SINCE THEN HAVE REPLACED: WATER PUMP 3 TIMES, RADIATOR, THERMOSTAT, LEFT UPPER BALL JOINT, UPPER MANIFOLD GASKET, MAIN REAL SEAL. OVER THE PAST 6-8 MONTHS I HAVE NOTICED THE BRAKING ISSUE SEVERAL TIMES (MORE THAN 10.) LUCKILY NONE WERE EMERGENCY STOPS, HOWEVER WHEN BRAKING DUE TO TRAFFIC LIGHT CHANGE OR STOPPING WHILE GOING DOWNHILL, THE BRAKES "CHATTER," AN AUDIBLE WHINE IS PRODUCED, AND IT IS NECESSARY TO PUMP THE BRAKES BEFORE IT WILL REGAIN PRESSURE AND STOP. *JB
Incident Aug 4, 2006
Service brakes, hydraulicFiled Aug 1, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE LINES WERE RUSTED. AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP DISCOVERED THE RUSTED BRAKE LINES AND SUGGESTED THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED SERVICE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SERVICE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. THE AUTO INSURER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE FOR POSSIBLE DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE TOWING COMPANY AND DETERMINED THAT THE LEAKAGE WAS DUE TO THE RUSTING. THE BRAKE LINES WERE REPLACED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AFTER THE COMPLAINT WAS TAKEN.
Incident Aug 1, 2006
Power trainFiled Jul 26, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED. THERE WAS A FLARE-UP BETWEEN GEARS, AND A HARSH ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE ON-BOARD COMPUTER WAS INACCURATE. THERE IS A NHTSA TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN # 9774L60E08A, WHICH PERTAINS TO THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WORK WAS NOT PERFORMED UPON SALE OF THE VEHICLE.
Incident Apr 15, 2006
Service brakes, hydraulicFiled Jun 27, 2006
(1)BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR (2)PUMPED IT ABOUT 3 OR 4 TIMES AND IT REGAINED PRESSURE, TRIED A FEW PANIC STOPS OK (3)CALLED CHEVY DEALER WHO SAID NO RECALL NOTICE, NOTHING DONE YET (*)THIS HAD ALSO HAPPENED ONCE ABOUT A YEAR AGO FOR THE FIRST TIME. *JB
Incident Jun 27, 2006
Electrical systemFiled Apr 11, 2006
VEHICLE STALLS AT STOP LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS, AND WHILE AT STOP WITH ENGINE IDLING. OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS OVER 70 DEGREES. IT HAS BEEN TO A MECHANIC 5 TIMES IN THE LAST MONTH. PARTS REPLACED - FUEL PUMP ONE YEAR AGO, MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR, EGR HAS BEEN CLEANED ONCE AND REPLACED ONCE. THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR HAS BEEN REPLACED. TWO OTHER SENSORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED - PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *NM
Incident Mar 18, 2006
Power trainFiled Mar 26, 2006
THE TRANSMISSION FAILED WITH NO WARNING. ACCORDING TO TSB 00-07-30-022 THE 4L60E A/T WILL LOSE REVERSE, 2ND, AND 4TH GEARS. THIS IS CAUSED BY A DEFECTIVE PART IN THE TRANSMISSION CALLED THE REACTION SUN SHELL, WHICH WAS RETURNED TO ME BY THE TRANSMISSION REBUILDER. THE FAILURE WAS NOT MAINTENANCE RELATED IN ANY WAY. THE FAILURE OF THE PART WAS DUE TO INADEQUATE STRENGTH. THERE ARE NUMEROUS AFTERMARKET REACTION SUN SHELLS THAT ARE MUCH STRONGER AND DURABLE THAN THE DEFECTIVE GM PART. THIS PROBLEM IS WIDESPREAD AND COULD CREATE A DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE TRANSMISSION WILL ONLY SHIFT FROM 1ST TO 3RD IF YOU ACCELERATE QUICKLY IN 1ST THEN LET OFF THE ACCELERATOR. I PULLED ON TO A HIGH SPEED HIGHWAY AND COULD ONLY MAINTAIN 25 MPH WITH NO PLACE TO PULL OVER, UNTIL I REALIZED THAT IT WOULD SHIFT TO 3RD IF YOU LET OFF THE ACCELERATOR. SEVERAL VEHICLES HAD TO SWERVE TO AVOID HITTING MINE. THIS CAN CREATE A DANGEROUS SITUATION IF SOMEONE TRIES TO TURN AROUND AND NEEDS REVERSE OR NEEDS TO DRIVE AT HIGH SPEED SUCH AS ON A LIMITED ACCESS HIGHWAY. GM SHOULD RECALL ALL VEHICLES THAT THE TSB APPLIES TO. THEY KNOW ABOUT THE SITUATION BUT DO NOT WANT TO ISSUE A RECALL BECAUSE IT WOULD COST THEM TOO MUCH MONEY. *JB
Incident Feb 8, 2006
VisibilityFiled Mar 14, 2006
HAVE 96 BLAZER WITH INTERMITTENT WINDSHIELD WIPERS----DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR AND SAID THAT THERE IS A 70,000 MILE LIMIT. *NM
Incident Mar 14, 2006
TiresFiled Mar 12, 2006
ON NOVEMBER 20, 2005, THE LEFT REAR TIRE WENT FLAT WHEN I WAS RETURNING HOME FROM NORTHERN VIRGINIA. THERE WAS NOTHING IN THE ROAD; I HEARD A PINGING NOISE, WHICH WAS THEN FOLLOWED BY THE TIRE GOING FLAT NOISE. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND CHANGE THE TIRE (MICHELIN TIRE). *NM
Incident Nov 20, 2005
TiresFiled Mar 12, 2006
ON MARCH 8, 2006, THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WENT FLAT WHEN I WAS RETURNING HOME FROM NORTHERN VIRGINIA. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. AGAIN, THERE WAS NOTHING IN THE ROAD; I HEARD A POPPING NOISE, WHICH WAS THEN FOLLOWED BY THE TIRE GOING FLAT NOISE. AGAIN I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND GET THE TIRE CHANGED (MICHELIN TIRE). *NM
Incident Mar 8, 2006
Service brakes, hydraulicFiled Feb 21, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE DASH PANEL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INDICATING THERE WAS A LACK OF ABS AT 3MPH WHILE BRAKE PRESSURE WAS APPLIED. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE ADEQUATELY STOPPED, THERE WERE NO ANTILOCK BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY A DEALER, BUT NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, #05V379000, REGARDING THE ANTILOCK BRAKES. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
Incident Feb 21, 2006
Service brakes, hydraulicFiled Oct 11, 2005
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 CHEVROLET BLAZER. THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE ABS SYSTEM. A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE CAME FROM THE BRAKES , AND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS PRESSED THE NOISE BECAME LOUDER. THERE WAS EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE THAT WAS CAUSED BY THE ABS. ALSO, THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE BACK BRAKE PADS AND CYLINDERS WERE REPLACED. THIS REMEDIED THE ABS LIGHT FROM BEING ILLUMINATED, BUT THE CONSUMER WAS STILL HEARING THE LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE, AND WAS STILL HAVING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCES. WHILE THE BRAKES WERE BEING REPAIRED THE SECOND TIME THE BRAKE SPECIALIST REFERRED HIM TO GENERAL MOTORS FOR THE BRAKE PROBLEM. THERE IS RECALL 99I006000 SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN FOR THIS YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL OF VEHICLE, FOR THE SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC: ANTI LOCK BRAKES. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK
Incident Oct 11, 2005
NHTSA crash ratings
1996 Chevrolet S-10 Blazer 4-DR. 4x4
- Front, driver
- 3 out of 5 stars
- Front, passenger
- 1 out of 5 stars
- Side, front seat
- Not Rated
- Side, rear seat
- Not Rated
- Rollover
- Not Rated
Rated under NHTSA's pre-2011 program, which scored each seat. These stars can't be compared with ratings from 2011 on.
Decode a 1996 Chevrolet Blazer VIN
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