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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
22,300 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.

1996 Chevrolet Blazer suspension problems

suspension problem

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1996 Chevrolet Blazer Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #49

Sep 202009

Blazer

  • 11,287 miles

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

Right side upper ball joint separation.

- Colorado Spirngs, CO, USA

problem #48

Oct 102006

Blazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,500 miles
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.

- Des Moines, IA, USA

problem #47

Aug 042006

Blazer 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
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.

- Strasburg, VA, USA

problem #46

Dec 302004

Blazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,850 miles

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

Front upper ball joint failure, replacement required, parts not available

- Sylvania, OH, USA

problem #45

Dec 142004

Blazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
ABS braking light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. While applying the brakes pedal went to the floor. A banging noise was heard coming from the front. Vehicle drove roughly. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer. Mechanic determined that both front driver's side and passenger's side ball joints, and ABS module needed to be replaced.

- Corinth, TX, USA

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problem #44

Nov 092004

Blazer

  • miles
While driving the ball joints separated and broke. Consumer contacted the dealer. Was told she would have to pay. However, consumer found out through the manufacturer that her vehicle was included in the recall. Manufacturer contacted the dealer to let them know that consumer was included, and they need to repair the vehicle. However, the problem recurred, and the vehicle was still in the shop.

- Cleveland, OH, USA

problem #43

Jul 172004

Blazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 112,318 miles

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

Ball joints were designated as possibly beginning defective, but were not replaced. Repairs would only be made after the joint failed, even with proper maintenance.

- Waterford, MI, USA

problem #42

Apr 092004

Blazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 91,963 miles
Upper ball joint breakage at 55mph.

- Paisley, OR, USA

problem #41

Dec 202003

Blazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130 miles
Upper ball joint collasped, luckily the car was being driven @ low speed or this could have been a very serious accident!!!!

- Brooklyn Park , MN, USA

problem #40

Dec 302003

Blazer

  • 85,000 miles
Upper and lower ball joints failed.

- Laurel, MD, USA

problem #39

Nov 192003

Blazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

I own a 1996 Chevy Blazer I have seen recalls on the upper ball joints but this vehicle wears the ball joints out way more than a regular vehicle should I would have to say this is the sixth set of ball joints that were put on and I don't think I should be required to keep paying for these expensive repairs.

- Irwin, PA, USA

problem #38

Oct 032003

Blazer 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles
Ball joint separated and control arm need to be replaced.

- Wethersfield, CT, USA

problem #37

Nov 062003

(reported on)

Blazer

  • 81,000 miles
Upon making a right turn while pulling into a driveway front wheels turned inward and fell off. The upper/lower ball joints wore out prematurely, causing the failure.

- Nashville, MI, USA

problem #36

Nov 042003

(reported on)

Blazer

  • 105,000 miles
Upper ball joints separated, causing the front wheel to vibrate while driving at any speed. Recall 95V080000 dealt with this issue; but, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to model and VIN.

- Christiansburg, VA, USA

problem #35

Oct 112003

Blazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,189 miles
While driving at 30mph on a well paved road, heard a loud bang. Two seconds later, another loud noise was heard, and the Blazer tilted to the left like have a blown tire. Luckily, we were going at slow speed and managed to pull the Blazer to the curb. After told to the nearby service station, the mechanic said the upper ball joint on the front driver side was pulled off the socket. Subsequently, the wheel rim was cut and tire was blown. After learning that there was a recall of this kind on 1996 Blazer, I called GM and gave the VIN. The customer service said my vehicle is not in the recall list and there is nothing he can do. The car is well maintained, oiled and lubricated every 3000 miles. I cannot imagine if this had happened on the free way. This is a dangerous defect that all Blazer owner shall know.

- North Potomac, MD, USA

problem #34

Aug 162003

Blazer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles
I have a 96 Chevy Blazer with cooling problems. I have replaced the water pump 2 times in the last yr. The radiator needs to be flushed and clean about every 2 months due to slugged and rust build up. I have also had the upper ball joints break on me.

- Federal Way, WA, USA

problem #33

Sep 032003

(reported on)

Blazer

  • 86,000 miles
While driving at 45 mph upper and lower ball joints snapped, which resulted in vehicle spinning around and almost impacting a tree. There is a recall for the upper ball joints, but not for the lower.

- Brick, NJ, USA

problem #32

Aug 272003

Blazer 6-cyl

  • 55,000 miles
In July of 2002 the upper ball joints wore out and were replaced under a factory recall order. Just over one year, the upper ball joints wore out again. Dealer/ manufacturer would resolve the problem free of charge.

- Biddeford, ME, USA

problem #31

Jun 072003

Blazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,500 miles
My 1996 Chevrolet Blazer did not pass a state inspection due to corrosion of the upper and lower ball joints and as well that the idler arm, . the front steering and suspension must be replaced. Upon searching the internet, I have discovered that this has been a serious problem with 1996 Blazer's and a recall was issued. I did contact Chevrolet and speak with a representative about the recall, however, after providing my vehicle's VIN number, I was told that my Blazer does not qualify for the recall. I feel that this is inappropriate. If my vehicle is experiencing the exact same problem discribed in the recall, then it should qualify for the remedy.

- Bethlehem, PA, USA

problem #30

Jan 272003

(reported on)

Blazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 53,972 miles
The consumer stated that while driving, the left front upper ball joint separated from the vehicle, causing the tire/wheel problems. Scc

- Spokane, WA, USA

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