This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
After the consumer parked the vehicle it was discovered that anti freeze had a thick muddy texture in the radiator. This condition caused the vehicle to overheat on numerous occasions. Consumer has flushed the radiator three times within the last six months. The dealer examined the vehicle, could not find the cause of the problem.
In Jan 99, thermostat appeared to fail and when I opened the radiator cap, noticed what looked like mud/grit in cap. Took the truck to the Chevrolet dealer, they said they did not know what it was. Ended up replacing intake manifold gasket, pulling and repairing/cleaning radiator and replacing thermostat. In July 2002, truck overheated again. Took it to Firestone where they recommended $1200 in repairs to flush out "coagulated" coolant (dexcool). Ended up replacing radiator, radiator cap, and thermostat (again) and flushing entire coolant system. Firestone personnel said this was a recurring problem on the Blazer with the dexcool breaking down and turning into a brown, muddy, gummy substance. Accoding to Firestone, GM has several tech bulletins out on this, but they refuse to do anything about it. This dexcool broke down after only 30,000 miles. Why has nothing been done about this" GM is knowingly selling a deficient product and they refuse to stand behind it. Please, can someone out there help us!?!?!"!
This cooling system failure has resulted in my having to replace the heater core and hoses as well as the radiator due to the amount and thickness of the corrosion/rust inside. The system will have to be flushed...Chevy is aware of this issue as referenced by their repair bulletins...the extend and cost of the damage is understated.... IM out of pocket $1400 to replace a radiator a heating core and other component due to not being notified sooner about the possibility of the problem occurring and thereby having the vehicle inspected for the probably issue!
After recently buying this vehicle we noticed the air coming from the vents was not exactly warm. Took it to be repaired and was told it was probably a thermostat problem since the vehicle was so "new". unfortunately, it ended up being the heater core(which from what I am hearing is extremely rare for a vehicle of this age).
- Hebron, OH, USA
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Coolant formed a clay in the radiator at 86,000 miles. According to Chevrolet, the engine coolant does not require maintenance for 5 years or 100,000 miles if a silicate free orange coolant (meeting GM spec 6277M) is used. There is a notice on the engine that states this information. We have monitored the coolant level and have followed these instructions. In July, the engine overheated. We had the radiator flushed and were informed that the coolant had solidified in the radiator. The service technician informed us that the coolant had formed a clay in the radiator. Shortly afterwards, the engine developed a sloshing/water noise. We had the radiator flushed again and were informed that we needed to have the radiator removed and manually cleaned. We took the vehicle to a trent, a GMC dealer (as the local Chevrolet dealer would not repair the vehicle for 3 weeks) and were informed that the coolant system had been stopped up and clogged the heater core. According trent, the intake was clogged and leaking, which caused the entire radiator system to stop up. The radiator was plugged so badly that the flues could not be unstopped when the radiator was manually cleaned. The intake manifold gasket set, radiator, upper and lower radiator hoses, and thermostat had to be replaced. The heater core was flushed to remove the sludge. According to trent, all problems were caused by faulty coolant. the vehicle was within 5 years and 100,000 miles, and we followed Chevrolet service instructions for maintenance.
My Blazer was over heating the coolent was flushed, it over heated again the thermostat was replaced, it over heated again the cooling system was flushed and a new thermostat was put in, again it over heated and this time blew the engine.
Coolant formed a clay in the radiator at 86,000 miles. According to Chevrolet, the engine coolant does not require maintenance for 5 years or 100,000 miles if a silicate free orange coolant (meeting GM spec 6277M) is used. There is a notice on the engine that states this information. We have monitored the coolant level and have followed these instructions. In July, the engine overheated. We had the radiator flushed and were informed that the coolant had solidified in the radiator. The service technician informed us that the coolant had formed a clay in the radiator. Shortly afterwards, the engine developed a sloshing/water noise. We had the radiator flushed again and were informed that we needed to have the radiator removed and manually cleaned. We took the vehicle to a trent, a GMC dealer (as the local Chevrolet dealer would not repair the vehicle for 3 weeks) and were informed that the coolant system had been stopped up and clogged the heater core. According trent, the intake was clogged and leaking, which caused the entire radiator system to stop up. The radiator was plugged so badly that the flues could not be unstopped when the radiator was manually cleaned. The intake manifold gasket set, radiator, upper and lower radiator hoses, and thermostat had to be replaced. The heater core was flushed to remove the sludge. According to trent, all problems were caused by faulty coolant. the vehicle was within 5 years and 100,000 miles, and we followed Chevrolet service instructions for maintenance.
My Blazer was over heating the coolent was flushed, it over heated again the thermostat was replaced, it over heated again the cooling system was flushed and a new thermostat was put in, again it over heated and this time blew the engine.
Dexcool in radiator cooling system had turned to a rusty sludge. Had coolant flush done at 60,000 miles by the dealer. Had dealer reinspect vehicle as I was going on a long road. I have copy of 27 point inspection stating my vehicle was in good condition with no noted problems. 261 miles later I was stranded in the desert with a plugged and blown radiator and heater core. The radiator cap was completely rusted. The fluid in the overflow tank was a rusty brown thick mess. The hoses going into the radiator had to be replaced due to a coating of rust on the inside. I had a new radiator put on, new hoses, and the radiator and engine block reflushed, new coolant added and overflow tank washed. 1,500 miles later (to the current mileage I am at now) the dexcool fluid is already discoloring and particles of rust are starting to reappear. Which tells me the corrosion is deep inside the system. GM will not acknowledge a problem of rusting and corrosion, dealer will take no responsibility for their work or inspections. GM never warned the consumers that this had to be carefully watched or major engine damage would occur. GM has a training video that was sent to dealers that specifically deals with the dexcool corrosion problem. It is called GM training video understanding radiator cap and cooling system contamination. They are claiming the radiator caps may have a problem properly sealing the radiator thus causing high evaporation and thus contaminating the cooling system. If they are aware of this why was the consumer not informed? how can GM not take responsibility for the damage that is being done to a large amount on their vehicles. They also claim that the radiator design on certain types of their vehicles make them more prone to the corrosion contamination, such as the Blazer, jimmy, St pickups, camaros. That is why not all GM products that were delivered originally with dexcool has had a problem.
Radiator has excessive rust. Dealer is aware of problem, and advised consumer to change dex coolant on a regular basis. Please provide furthur details.
I am writing to complain about the fact that my 1996 Chevrolet Blazer required major repairs to its radiator that has a sticker on it stating that there should be no maintenance for 100,000 miles. The dealer informed me that they recommend I replace the radiator, for additional money. This was noted on the receipt. I declined, due to the fact that the manufacturer notes that the radiator should be good for 100,00 miles. I then noticed a service bulletin number referenced on the receipt. I then researched this item to determine why this item was referenced. In my research I have found that Chevrolet was aware of a problem with the coolant in the Blazer radiator and issued a service bulletin to itS dealers to inform them of what to do to correct the problem and also to recommend replacement. I am appalled that the manufacturer would be aware of such a major problem with the engine of one of its automobiles and not inform the consumer. And if they felt consumer information was not warranted, they could at least pay for repairs to those automobile that have problems with the radiator they discovered themselves, does not function correctly. I paid $ $661 approx. To repair my radiator and was pressured, and reminded on my receipt that I did not purchase a new one as recommended. I am infuriated that Chevrolet did not repair my car free of charge. I am writing to complain and hopefully recoup some of the money I paid for the repairs. Please let me know what the process is and if I have any recourse. I am writing to all of the consumer groups.
Radiator and engine completely flushed, cap and thermostat replaced due to "mud" in system.dealer told me "mud" was actually metal and sand left in engine block during the production/milling process. 1 month after flush the system is clogged again with this mud. Dealer saying another flush is needed along with possible water pump and heater core replacement. Dealer and other local car maintenance companies said they have seen this many times in these Blazer. This is obviously a problem GM should be held accountable for.
Geeral motors reccommended coolant for Chevrolet Blazer's clogged the radiator and thermostat resulting in the replacement of almost the entire cooling system. This occured well before the manufacturer's suggested simple coolant replacement.100,000 mile C
While driving in the rain, consumer put on brakes and felt ABS kicking in, but there was a delay in stopping, consumer has also been to the dealer regarding an excessive brake squeak, dealer had replaced brake pads twice and rotors once. Right rear door won't always unlock from inside, dealer found no problem, pins at driver's door hinges rusted. The seal around right rear window holds water after rain. Rear passenger seat will not fold down, dealer found cable binding up. Water collects in rear light lense when washing vehicle, dealer replaced taillight lense, center high mount lense collects moisture, dealer replaced 3rd light brake assembly. Consumer flushed radiator and 12 months later it needed flushed again, dealer performed, consumer paid to have the first flush down and is requesting reimbursement.
Michelin tires did not last 20,000 miles, they lasted 17,000 miles, radiator cooling system clogged up at about 25,000 miles, door light will come on and off at times, possible electrical problem, dealer found not problem
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- La Vista, NE, USA