1987 Chevrolet Blazer Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1987 Chevrolet Blazer, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Steering617.1%
- Seat belts514.3%
- Interior & seats411.4%
- Body & structure38.6%
- Transmission38.6%
- Fuel system38.6%
- Other / unspecified25.7%
- Driver assistance25.7%
- Engine25.7%
- Tires & wheels25.7%
- Visibility12.9%
- Brakes12.9%
- Powertrain (other)12.9%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE STEERING COLUMN IS LOOSE. THIS CAUSES THE SHIFT LEVER TO MALFUNCTION AND POP OUT OF PARK AND ROLL. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN SEEN. *AK
VEHICLE'S POWER STEERING PUMP BRACKET BROKE IN HALF AND LOSS OF STEERING OCCURRED WITH NO WARNING.THE BELT FLEW OFF, CAUSING OTHER SERIOUS DAMAGE. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
CONSUMER ISABLE TO PULL THE SEAT BELT FOR MORE ROOM DUE TO SEAT BELT SLOT BEING RUSTED. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS. *AK
SEATS: SHOULDER RESTRAINT DOES NOT RETRACT. SEATS DO NOT STAY IN LOCKED UPRIGHT POSITION, CAN BE FLUNG FORWARD WITH USING LOCK/UNLOCK MECHANISM. CRUISE CONTROL: DOES NOT ENGAGE - REPLACED SERVOR AND LEVER ARM TO FIX PROBLEM. FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM: TRUCK RUNS ROUGH, REPLACED ALTERNATOR, FIXED TIMING (PROBLEM STILL EXISTS). POWER WINDOW/DOOR: WHILE CLOSED AND DRIVING MORE THAN 20MPH, WIND NOISE COMING FROM DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW . ADDITIONAL: AFTER DRIVING FOR SEVERAL HOURS - "CHECK GAGES" LIGHT COMES MOMENTARILY (NO OTHER GAGES INDICATE UNACCEPTABLE READINGS- ONLY COMES ON WHEN COMING TO STOP/PARK - REPLACED ALTERNATOR - PROBLEM STILL EXISTS). POSSIBLE OIL PUMP DEFECT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
SEAT RAIL BRACKETS AND BOLTS BULLED LOOSE FROM THE FLOORBOARD LEAVING LARGE HOLES IN THE FLOORBOARD, HAD TO WELD TO USE VEHICLE....BOLTS IN SEAT BACK BRACKET BROKE OFF THREE TIEMS, CAUSING SEAT TO RECLINE WHILE DRIVING. ALSO SEAT FRAME BROKE ON LEFT SIDE OF SEAT.....SEAT BELT LATCH SPRING CAME OUT CAUSING LATCH TO FAIL. CURRENT MILAGE 222,721
DRIVER'S DOOR LATCH MISALIGNED, PREVENTING DRIVER FROM CLOSING DOOR. (OTHER VEHICLE ON 486880) *SKD
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING, METAL FATIGUED AROUND WHERE DRIVER'S SEAT IS BOLTED TO FLOOR CAUSED SEAT TO FALL THROUGH FLOOR. TT
TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP/FAILED TWICE. *SKD
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
6/5/05: EBAY AUCTION OF ITEM #4554445898 ENDED. THIS WAS A 1987 CHEVROLET K-5 BLAZER THAT WAS BEING AUCTIONED ON KERRY VOKES EBAY ACCOUNT. THE PURCHASE PRICE THAT I PAID FOR THIS VEHICLE WAS $1400. THIS VEHICLE WAS ADVERTISED ON EBAY BY KERRY VOKES AS A VEHICLE FOR SALE FROM JEFFREY'S AUTO SALES DEALERSHIP. 6/8/05: $410 FOR PLANE TICKETS FROM MINNESOTA TO MASSACHUSETTS. 6/18/05:$50 FOR A HOTEL ROOM DUE TO THE VEHICLE NOT BEING ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE SELLING PARTY WOULD NOT RETURN MY CALLS AND COULD NOT BE REACHED. 7/5/05:EBAY DISPUTE ABOUT AN ITEM THAT IS SIGNIFICANTLY NOT AS DESCRIBED. THE ODOMETER FOR ONE THING HAD TO EITHER BE SWITCHED OR THE SELLER FALSIFIED THE INFORMATION ON THE ADVERTISEMENT AND THE TITLE. THE TITLE AND THE ADVERTISEMENT ON EBAY CLAIMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD 120,399 MILES ON THE ODOMETER AND THAT 120,399 IS THE ACTUAL MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE. I CONTACTED A CHEVY DEALERSHIP, ASKED WHAT '87 K-5 BLAZER ODOMETERS WENT TO BEFORE TURNING BACK OVER TO ZERO; THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE ODOMETERS ORIGINALLY WERE MANUFACTURED TO GO TO 999,999 AND TURN OVER TO ZERO. THE REP. THAT IS ADVERTISING THIS VEHICLE FOR JEFFREY'S AUTO SALES DEALERSHIP ON EBAY DID NOT DISCLOSE THAT THE ODOMETER WAS NOT CORRECT TO THE ACTUAL MILEAGE OF THE VEHICLE OR THAT THE ODOMETER HAD BEEN SWITCHED OR ALTERED. I PICKED THE VEHICLE UP ON 6/17/05 THE FIRST NUMBER IN THE ODOMETERS READING WAS A '2', IF THE ODOMETER HAD NOT BEEN TAMPERED WITH OR FALSIFIED ON THE ADVERTISEMENT AND THE TITLE. THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEALERSHIP IS CLAIMING THAT THE ODOMETER TURNS OVER BACK TO ZERO AT 99,999 MILES. THE TRANSMISSION IS WHY THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF SERVICE. THE VEHICLE WILL NOT EVEN SHIFT ANYMORE AND IS BROKE DOWN IN PERRYSBURG, OHIO. THE DEALER HAD REFUSED REPAIRS AND THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN OUT OF SERVICE FOR WELL OVER 20 DAYS, SINCE I CALLED AND TOLD THE EMPLOYEE OF JEFFREY'S AUTO SALES DEALERSHIP THAT ANSWERED THE PHONE ON 6/18/05. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY LOOSE AND WAS DIFFICULT TO DRIVE. *NM
THE STEERING COLUMN IS LOOSE. THIS CAUSES THE SHIFT LEVER TO MALFUNCTION AND POP OUT OF PARK AND ROLL. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN SEEN. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
1987 K5 CHEVROLET BLAZER 5.7L EFI (VIN K) POTENTIAL IGNITION SOURCE IN THE FUEL TANK - THE GROUND PATH FOR THE EELS. FUEL PUMP AND LEVEL GAUGE IS PARTIALLY COMPLETED BY USING ONE OF THE METAL PICK-UP TUBES, WHICH IS CRIMPED/FASTENED INTO A METAL COVER THAT IS ATTACHED TO THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. THE GROUND IS THEN TRANSFERRED TO THE CHASSIS BY WAY OF A TAB AND WIRE AFFIXED TO THE COVER ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE TANK. THE PROBLEM IS THAT (IN MY SITUATION) THE TUBE THAT PROVIDES THE GROUND PATH CAME LOOSE AND WAS MAKING INTERMITTENT CONTACT WITH THE CRIMP LOCATION IN THE COVER, CAUSING THE FUEL PUMP AND GAUGE TO INTERMITTENTLY CUT-OUT, AND I WOULD HAVE TO ASSUME A SPARK WAS GENERATED AT EACH MAKE AND/OR BREAK OF THE GROUND CONNECTION. BECAUSE THIS TUBE PASSES THROUGH THE TANK COVER, IT IS VERY POSSIBLE THE SPARK WAS OCCURRING ON THE INSIDE OF THE FUEL TANK. THE TUBE USED FOR THE GROUND PATH, HAPPENS TO BE ONE OF THE THINNEST, LONGEST TUBES, AND IS ALSO MOST PRONE TO BECOMING DAMAGED IN THIS FASHION. I HAD NO FIRE AS A RESULT, BUT WHEN I DISCOVERED THE CAUSE OF MY FUEL PUMP PROBLEM, I WAS ALARMED AT THE POTENTIAL FOR A FIRE/EXPLOSION.*JB
SEATS: SHOULDER RESTRAINT DOES NOT RETRACT. SEATS DO NOT STAY IN LOCKED UPRIGHT POSITION, CAN BE FLUNG FORWARD WITH USING LOCK/UNLOCK MECHANISM. CRUISE CONTROL: DOES NOT ENGAGE - REPLACED SERVOR AND LEVER ARM TO FIX PROBLEM. FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM: TRUCK RUNS ROUGH, REPLACED ALTERNATOR, FIXED TIMING (PROBLEM STILL EXISTS). POWER WINDOW/DOOR: WHILE CLOSED AND DRIVING MORE THAN 20MPH, WIND NOISE COMING FROM DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW . ADDITIONAL: AFTER DRIVING FOR SEVERAL HOURS - "CHECK GAGES" LIGHT COMES MOMENTARILY (NO OTHER GAGES INDICATE UNACCEPTABLE READINGS- ONLY COMES ON WHEN COMING TO STOP/PARK - REPLACED ALTERNATOR - PROBLEM STILL EXISTS). POSSIBLE OIL PUMP DEFECT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
LEFT REAR WHEEL FELL OFF OF VEHICLE RESULTING IN VEHICLE DAMAGE.(OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT).
LEFT REAR WHEEL CAME OFF CAR, CAUSING ACCIDENT. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT) *DSH
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
SEATS: SHOULDER RESTRAINT DOES NOT RETRACT. SEATS DO NOT STAY IN LOCKED UPRIGHT POSITION, CAN BE FLUNG FORWARD WITH USING LOCK/UNLOCK MECHANISM. CRUISE CONTROL: DOES NOT ENGAGE - REPLACED SERVOR AND LEVER ARM TO FIX PROBLEM. FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM: TRUCK RUNS ROUGH, REPLACED ALTERNATOR, FIXED TIMING (PROBLEM STILL EXISTS). POWER WINDOW/DOOR: WHILE CLOSED AND DRIVING MORE THAN 20MPH, WIND NOISE COMING FROM DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW . ADDITIONAL: AFTER DRIVING FOR SEVERAL HOURS - "CHECK GAGES" LIGHT COMES MOMENTARILY (NO OTHER GAGES INDICATE UNACCEPTABLE READINGS- ONLY COMES ON WHEN COMING TO STOP/PARK - REPLACED ALTERNATOR - PROBLEM STILL EXISTS). POSSIBLE OIL PUMP DEFECT.
TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP/FAILED TWICE. *SKD
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
LOOSE PULLY CAUSED FAN BELT TO FAIL. NLM
SERPENTINE BELT FLIPS OFF AND/OR BREAKS CONSTANTLY, CAUSING THE POWER STEERING TO FAIL.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE SEPARATED AND WRAPPED AROUND THE FRONT AXLE OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH CAUSED CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. MR THE PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE WAS INJURED. *JB
PE00020, TIRE TREAD SEPARATION: BECAUSE BLAZER BEGAN TO DRIVE DIFFERENTLY OWNER WENT TO A TIRE SHOP. FOUND OUT THAT BELTS WERE IN THE PROCESS OF SEPARATING FROM TIRE. FIRESTONE, ATX, P20575R15. NOT ORIGINAL TIRE EQUIPMENT. PLEASE PROVIDE TIRE MILEAGE, DOT # AND DATE OF INCIDENT.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
SEATS: SHOULDER RESTRAINT DOES NOT RETRACT. SEATS DO NOT STAY IN LOCKED UPRIGHT POSITION, CAN BE FLUNG FORWARD WITH USING LOCK/UNLOCK MECHANISM. CRUISE CONTROL: DOES NOT ENGAGE - REPLACED SERVOR AND LEVER ARM TO FIX PROBLEM. FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM: TRUCK RUNS ROUGH, REPLACED ALTERNATOR, FIXED TIMING (PROBLEM STILL EXISTS). POWER WINDOW/DOOR: WHILE CLOSED AND DRIVING MORE THAN 20MPH, WIND NOISE COMING FROM DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW . ADDITIONAL: AFTER DRIVING FOR SEVERAL HOURS - "CHECK GAGES" LIGHT COMES MOMENTARILY (NO OTHER GAGES INDICATE UNACCEPTABLE READINGS- ONLY COMES ON WHEN COMING TO STOP/PARK - REPLACED ALTERNATOR - PROBLEM STILL EXISTS). POSSIBLE OIL PUMP DEFECT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
GOES WILD, OUT OF CONTROL WHEN BRAKING. THIS HAS BEEN LIKE THIS SINCE BOUGHT ( USED).
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
ALLEGED REAR AXLE FAILURE WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION PE88-047. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .