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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
8,847 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 cooling system problems

cooling system problem

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1996 Chevrolet Blazer Owner Comments (Page 2 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #32

May 082001

Blazer 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

Had to have transmission repaired twice within a year of owning 96 Blazer. First repair was done by denooyer Chevrolet, just about a year later the transmission went again, with no help from Chevrolet I had transmission repaired at buff O matic in glenmont, NY (with no problems thereafter). Then had to have practically entire cooling system cleaned and repaired by depaula Chevrolet due to dex-cool anti-freeze crystallizing within engine, again with no help from Chevrolet I had to dish out money for repair. GM and Chevrolet should be resposible for both my repairs. I am currently working with the BBB, attorney general and a personal attorney to hopefully recoupe damages.

- Albany, NY, USA

problem #31

Jan 122001

Blazer 4WD

  • miles
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.

- Lennon, MI, USA

problem #30

Jan 122001

Blazer 4WD

  • miles
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.

- Lennon, MI, USA

problem #29

Jun 142001

Blazer 4WD

  • miles

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

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.

- Burlington, KY, USA

problem #28

Apr 222000

Blazer 4WD

  • miles
I think that the proper way to address this situtation is to not buy another Chevrolet. No safety defect mentioned in summary.

- Bourbonnais, IL, USA

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problem #27

Mar 012001

Blazer 4WD

  • miles
Steering became hard to steer even though power steering. I was told by dealer P/S pump was leaking and lack of fluid made steering difficult. I feel with the low milage of 53,000 this should not be a problem and could have resulted in more severe problems if pump had completely leaked empty causing loss of power steering.

- Claymont, DE, USA

problem #26

Dec 012000

Blazer

  • miles

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

Heating and cooling system can create a flood in engine. Contacted dealer, and dealer had to flush radiator with acid flush type liquid. Dealer was not willing to do anything.

- Traverse City, MI, USA

problem #25

Feb 282001

Blazer 4WD

  • miles
Dexacool engine coolant turned to "mud" causing the engine to over heat and resulting in total replacement of radiator and associated systems. Upon further investigation GM is having problems with the dexacool "service bulletin" issued. GM has charged a $500 deductable. It still should be covered under the 5yr/100,000 warrenty. GM customer service has provided no help. Please advise what my next step should be. Thanks

- Springfield, VA, USA

problem #24

Jul 012000

Blazer 4WD

  • miles
No summery listed for above vehicle.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #23

Feb 282001

Blazer 4WD

  • miles
No major safety problems. However, signficant mechanical problems with very moderate mileage. Mechanical problems include steering linkage, water pump, starter, head gasket.

- Roslindale, MA, USA

problem #22

Feb 152001

Blazer 4WD

  • miles

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

On 8/18/1999 I took my 1996 Chevy Blazer to superior Chevrolet (merriam, ks [xxx]) because the engine cooling light kept coming on. As soon as I told the service representative about the problem he replied that this was a very common problem with 1996 Blazer due to a defective coolant (dex-cool) that was used in the vehicle. They said that the fix was to "flush" the cooling system in accordance to GM service bulletin no. 99-06-02-012 (of which I have a copy). At this time they charged me $543.96 for the "flush". as I investigated the incident more I found from several of the service personel at this dealership, as well as from the service manager ([xxx] [xxx]) that the problem with the dex-cool coolant was very common with 1996 &1997 Blazer. I then questioned why the consumer should pay for an inferior coolant that was used in these vehicles. As I pursued my complaint more, the service manager ended up contacting the area rep for Chevy, who in turn ended up reimbursing me approx. $312. Of my $543. At the time I figured that I better take what I could get, and that the problem was resolved.... well here I am 18 months later and 19,200 miles later and the coolant light came on again. Once again I took the vehicle to superior Chevrolet, and once again there is a problem with the cooling system due to the dex-cool coolant according to the service reps and service manager. This time though the service manager says that the entire cooling system (radiator, heater core, and water pump) all need replacement because the dex-cool has "gelled" up throughout the system. Mr. [xxx] has told me that to repair this would cost $2100., but because we had the system flushed just 18 mo. Ago, and because the problem with this dex-cool coolant is so common that he would only charge me $1300. I voiced my concern of why the consumer should pay for a problem that is commonly known at Chevrolet. Please contact me at the listed phone numbers. Thanks. Parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally

- Lenexa, KS, USA

problem #21

Dec 232000

Blazer 4WD

  • miles
Radiator coolant rusted.

- Mantua, OH, USA

problem #20

Feb 072001

(reported on)

Blazer 4WD

  • miles
Failed dex-cool. Called dex-cool and they said the problem was GMC. Called GMC and they said to contact dealer. Dealer said to drain dex-cool and flush and fill with green anti freeze immediately. Dex cool turns to gell per dealer. They notify all customers to drain dex-cool.

- Prospect, KY, USA

problem #19

Feb 251999

Blazer 4WD

  • miles
Temp gauge climbed into red.per dealer coolent was contaminated. Blazer has never had anyone but dealer perform maintence etc...dealer could not find any reason for coolent to become contaminated. I understand there was infact a bullentine release for this & customers not notified because it was not causing any danger to passengers. However, it was costly to repair.

- Annapolis, MD, USA

problem #18

Nov 012000

Blazer 4WD

  • miles
No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Onalaska, WI, USA

problem #17

Oct 222000

(reported on)

Blazer 4WD

  • miles
Air conditioner starts blowing cold, when idle engine overheats and air cond. Blows hot...when driving about 2000rpm constantly, engine cools and air cond. Blows cold.

- Altamonte Springs, FL, USA

problem #16

Sep 032000

Blazer 4WD

  • miles
Engine cooling system failed do to the dexy cool coolant used in the engine. It is suppose to be good up to 100,000 miles. The coolant jelled at 84,605 causing the heater core and the radiator to become rusted and clogged. The dealer estimated the repair to cost 1795.00

- Stone Mountain, GA, USA

problem #15

Sep 252000

(reported on)

Blazer

  • miles
No heat in vehicle; was told that this could be due to faulty dex-cool antifreeze. GM has issued a service bulletin but no recall has been done. No heat means fogged windows in the winter and in the rain. Flushed the radiator and the entire system was completely clogged with the defective, broken down antifreeze in the form of thick brown sludge.

- Grand Rapids, MI, USA

problem #14

Sep 252000

(reported on)

Blazer

  • miles
No heat in vehicle; was told that this could be due to faulty dex-cool antifreeze. GM has issued a service bulletin but no recall has been done. No heat means fogged windows in the winter and in the rain. Flushed the radiator and the entire system was completely clogged with the defective, broken down antifreeze in the form of thick brown sludge.

- Grand Rapids, MI, USA

problem #13

Jan 011998

Blazer 4WD

  • miles
2nd time this happend.at 30000miles.now at 67000. No safety defec tlisted within summary.

- Bloomington, MN, USA

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