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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
65,015 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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.

1998 Chevrolet Blazer electrical problems

electrical problem

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1998 Chevrolet Blazer Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #26

Jul 312015

Blazer

  • 199,573 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Glendale, SC, USA

problem #25

Sep 022014

Blazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • 275,321 miles
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 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

- Stafford, VA, USA

problem #24

May 102014

Blazer

  • 127,000 miles
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.

- Cornersville, TN, USA

problem #23

Mar 172014

Blazer 6-cyl

  • 100,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Silver Spring, MD, USA

problem #22

Jan 012011

Blazer

  • 128,000 miles
The contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Blazer. While driving, the contact stated that the vehicle made a buzzing noise in the front end of the vehicle. The dealer nor manufacturer were notified of the failure. A local mechanic diagnosed that the multi-switch was defective. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unavailable. The current mileage was 128,000.

- Barronwi, WI, USA

problem #21

Jun 242011

Blazer 6-cyl

  • miles
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. 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)

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #20

Nov 202007

Blazer

  • 50,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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 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.

- Mishawaka, IN, USA

problem #19

Jul 152008

Blazer

  • 97,000 miles
1998 Chevy S-10 Blazer with 97K miles and the windshield wipers worked intermittently. This would unfortunately occur when the windshield washer button would be pressed leaving the windshield completely covered in soapy solution and making it difficult to see. After visiting several websites the answer to our problem was on this link www.automotivehelper.com/topic130258.htm. the control circuit card attached to the windshield wiper motor assembly had cracked solder joints on 7 pins of the harness connector. I believe this to be a solder fatigue problem due to vibration and temperature cycling and the fact that the harness connector body is long and made of a different material than the circuit card leaving the solder joints under stress due to mismatch of thermal expansion coefficients. Consequently, after ten years the solder joints finally gave up. The good news is that the circuit card is easy to remove (3 torque screws) and the solder joints can be simply reflowed with a soldering iron and fresh solder. The solder joint cracks are easy to see using a magnifying glass. The wipers are now working properly again.

- Salt Lake City, UT, USA

problem #18

Jul 072007

Blazer

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,000 miles
Windshield wipers work when they want. At times there is no problem at other times the stop in mid cycle and at other times the speed control won't allow them to shut off. This normally occurs during a downpour. I have looked at the other complaints and would like to know how many it takes before ntsb decides to make GM repair an obvious safety issue with this model.

- Brunswick, GA, USA

problem #17

Aug 272006

Blazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,829 miles
Issues one would not expect from a 20K plus vehicle including windshield wiper blade failure today ("near miss" accident from heavy rain and traffic), smoke emitting from steering column, continuous intermittent repetitive sounds emitting from turn signal controller(s). Signs and symptoms have all previously been described in great detail by other owners as: An instrument cluster issue, wiper control board, various connectors and or harness, multi-function switch, smoke concerns etc. Listed from complaints from ODI case numbers: 743685, 10014026, 10023129, 10030946, 10036610, 10045357, 10060630, 10066061, 10086138, 10086896, 10098912, 10103977, 10112458, 10137415, 549079, 847885, 866953, 874993.

- Elmira , NY, USA

problem #16

Apr 272005

Blazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 118,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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 #15

Sep 152005

Blazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
1998 Chevrolet Blazer. The consumer stated on September 15, 2005 the vehicle caught on fire and it was destroyed. There has been no investigation to see where the fire started. The consumer state fire started in the electrical box because that was where it got the hottest. The consumer stated the vehicle was running the same prior to this occurrence. There were no injuries. The fire department was called and a report was taken. The consumer did not have the number. Chevrolet has been contacted, but they were not going to help the consumer.

- Sardinia, OH, USA

problem #14

Mar 012004

Blazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
I have owned my '98 Blazer for about a year, and it was and still is a very well maintained vehicle, but the turn signal is clicking and making me crazy! I also have the windshield wiper malfunction, they won't stop sometimes. Are the manufacturers going to do anything about this? I have the complaint history on these trucks and I think it is a rather large problem!

- Fortville, IN, USA

problem #13

Jul 172002

Blazer 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 73,939 miles
My wife and I have had to make major repairs to our 1998 Blazer. We had to replace the water pump ($294.55) in October 2002. Then, the transmission started slipping and got worse. We took it to aamco, where we were informed that it had to be rebuilt. This was in July of 2002. The total cost was ($2077.37). I inquired that same month at Chevrolet about recalls, and they said that there were none. Since then, we have had numerous minor problems with the lame SUV, including broken recliner handles, steering that pulls and grinds, and a malfunctioning electrical system (clicking sounds from under the glove box, three batteries replaced). I saw a report last week about the use of dexcool and its possible link to problems in GM vehicles. Are there any remedies available at this time?

- Conyers, GA, USA

problem #12

May 262004

Blazer

  • miles
The consumer purchased new tires and went to the dealer to have them put on. The dealer told her that they could not align her vehicle until she have the idle arm, the ball joints and the lower axle replace. She states they told her it could cost approx $500. She states she is also having a problem with her electrical system. The interior light does not come on any more.

- Burbank, CA, USA

problem #11

Mar 122004

Blazer 6-cyl Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 400 miles
Front driver's side door does not latch due to the body of the strike plate on driver's side caving in. There was a crack around the sticker plate. The dealer adjusted the driver side sticker plate. The problem remained the same after adjustments were made. Two months after purchase the consumer would hear rattling on the passenger and the drivers side door. The seat belt would not release, the encoder motor had become inoperative after the module shorted, the stabilizer link nuts were missing, the left door would rattle when driven over bumps, when braking, a squealing noise was heard, there was a hesitation in the transmission when changing the reverse, the "trip meter" was inoperative, the was a rattle in the dash when driven over bumps, there was an oil leak, there was a rattle in the front suspension when driven over bumps, the left rear door would open by itself, and the tail gate rattled.

- Santa Fe, NM, USA

problem #10

Dec 012003

Blazer

  • miles
-- passenger side recliner handle broke -- front brake pads and rotor have had to be replaced twice in the 6yrs of ownership -- windshield wiper works erratically (stopping in the middle of the window) -- the extra heavy duty battery died after 3 yrs of ownership -- the alternator had to be replaced.

- Woodridge, IL, USA

problem #9

Jan 202000

Blazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 33,631 miles
Temperature changes to celcius when raining (replaced outside sensor), rear axel noise (not found), binding in front end (not found), shifting concern (not found), coolent missing (pressure tested, no leaks), loud noise when starting (replace starter), left mirror vibrates (replace mirror).

- Waukesha, WI, USA

problem #8

Mar 062000

Blazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,600 miles
Passenger seat recliner lever broke off, rear differential front seal leaking, temperature display changes to celsius when raining, tailgate cover broke.

- Waukesha, WI, USA

problem #7

Nov 032003

Blazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 103,000 miles
Vehicle stalled when driving and would not re-start. The engine would turn over but there didn't seem to be any spark. Car had fuel and I didn't notice any excessive fuel smell so ruled out flooded engine. Waited 20 minutes but still would not start. Battery was nearly drained after just a few minutes of trying to start the vehicle. Suspect electrical problem (alternator" short") but haven't been able to diagnose. Latest in a string of electrical problems including: Wipers not working consistently or getting stuck, horn relay failing during routine driving, rear speakers weak/intermittent. Overall dissatisfaction with vehicle for price.

- Fowlerville, MI, USA

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