3.9

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
30,774 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1998 Chevrolet Blazer:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #10

Apr 272005

Blazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 118,000 miles
Suspension - rides rough: Replaced shocks electrical - interior/exterior problems with the horn, headlights, directional, windshield wipers, and caution lights. Replaced: Electrical unit inside steering column and oxgen sensor. Steering - replaced: Wheels, tires, rotors, ball joints, and several attempts to balance tires and front end alignments with no real difference. Idles - rough.

- Duanesburg, NY, USA

problem #9

Apr 152004

Blazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles
Vehicle not steering properly and idler arm was replaced at about 65,000 mi.

- Gardnerville, NV, USA

problem #8

Jul 292004

Blazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 29,000 miles
I recently had to replace the ball joints and idler arm on my 1998 Chevrolet Blazer. I was advised by the dealership that this is a constant problem. I do not understand that if the manufacturer knows that there is a problem with the steering components becoming defective, then why don't they solve the problem. This is the third set of balljoints that have needed to be instaledl on the vehicle. The first set along with the pitman arm went defective at 29,000 miles and the dealership replaced them under the manufactures warranty.

- Dover, DE, USA

problem #7

Aug 262003

Blazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 88,736 miles
Loud sound during acceleration (catalytic converter shot again not replaced, contacting GM, no assistance), oil leak on front of engine (power steering pully shaft seal), noisy ac compressor(replace), fluid leak on front of rear differential (replace yoke and seal [2nd seal]), rear differential clunks on acceleration (change case and shaft bearing), dash grill cracked, ideler arm replaced again.

- Waukesha, WI, USA

problem #6

Jun 022002

Blazer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Lower ball joints wore out at 800 miles on vehicle. This was noticed when consumer took vehicle into repair shop. Contacted dealer. Dealer also found idler arm loose. Dealer adjusted camber and caster on both sides and set toe. Manufacturer notified but will not open a recall unless this is a safety issue. However consumer was given complaint number si-4462134.

- Lincoln, NE, USA

problem #5

Mar 012002

Blazer 4WD

  • miles
I have had severe problems with the suspension on my truck. I have recently taken it O pinkerton Chevrolet and wanted them to fix the problem. At this time I did not know of any recall on the 1996 and 1997 models. I thought I would have to pay for this repair. But the guy at the place informed me there may be a recall, but he wanted to look at it and call me back. Well a few hrs later he called me and said that it was not my ball joints it was the idler arm so I had it replaced and thought I was done. Well 3 days later my truck is worse than it was before.so I have since called the dealer and I am going to take it today to see if we can come to terms on this. My complaint is that there is a recall on the 96 and 97 models, is my truck affected" why did the mechanic tell me he checked ball joints when he didn't. he sent me on the road unsafe with my child. And probably fixed something not broken. Was I scammed? is the a way to absorb the cost of a recall at the publics expense? not good business. Were left over parts used on 98 vehicles? is this considered when a recall is determined necessary? are the parts stamped to determine manf. Date on parts"

- Roanoke, VA, USA

problem #4

May 272001

Blazer

  • miles
If idler arm fails, it's thrown into fan belt and radiator, disemboweling power system.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #3

Jan 172001

Blazer 4WD

  • miles
Dealer has been very helpful, however second set of lower ball joints only lasted 11,000 to 12,000 miles. When getting the vehicle aligned I was told the pitman arm an idler arm are worn excessively. I am being told that this is not a normal occurrence. I am concerned with the high rate of wear on these steering components. The vehicle is not "off roaded". it is used as a commuter vehicle by my wife. The vehicle has the original tires and the suspension has not been altered. At this point my dealer has not yet been able to inspect the latest problem due to scheduling conflicts I have had, not the dealers fault. I have recently notified Chevrolet of my concern, but have not yet received a response from them. Is this a common problem? I do believe this is a safety concern.

- New Ulm, MN, USA

problem #2

Sep 151999

Blazer

  • miles
Ring and pinion gear and rear differential were replaced twice. Also steering idler arm and the speed sensor hav E been replaced.

- Gold Canyon, AZ, USA

problem #1

Dec 011998

Blazer

  • miles
While driving at any speed there is alot of clunking andloosenss in front end. Dealer contacted and cannot remedy the problem. Another dealer stated that idler arm malfunctioned. Problem still exists. Provide further information.

- Litchfield, CT, USA