The belt tensioner on my '96 Blazer started to fall apart. I caught it because the belt started squeeling loudly and I was able to reach the dealer before it completely fell off. If it had fallen off, the alternator, water pump, fan and power brakes would have failed immediately. I am writing because I personally know 3 other people who have had this same problem. My friend had this problem on a '96 Chevrolet Silverado. It was repaired under warranty at the time. My father has a '98 Blazer and he just had the same problem. It is being fixed under warranty. My father's co-worker has a '98 Blazer. He had to have the belt tensioner and serpentine belt replaced 3 times already. The first 2 times it was replaced under warranty. The third time the warranty was up but the dealer fixed it because of the on-going problem. It seems that the belt tensioner design could be defective. As I said at the beginning, this should be considered a safety problem. When the tensioner brakes, you instantly lose power to all engine accesories being turned by the serpintine belt.

- Cleveland, OH, USA

Consumer tried to stop at an intersection and idler pulley/serpentine belts were replaced. Then, steering locked up, and brakes failed, consumer stated that recall 98V193000 concerning ABS brakes was never done.

- Greece, NY, USA

Serpentine belt and tensioner replaced. Mjs

- Clinton, IA, USA

Engine belts failed causing noise. Mjs

- Lookout Mo, GA, USA

Serpentine belt tensioner came apart.

- Hillside M, NY, USA

The altenator went out and the lights on the car had gotten dim. Also, dealer says the belt tensioner needs to be replaced.

- Birmingham, AL, USA

Serpentine belt replaced twice. Also, front brake rotors/differential/alternator and front axle failed. In addition, engine sluggish/hesitates.

- Waldorf, MD, USA