RoadVitals

1997 Chevrolet Blazer

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
768
Latest Jan 14, 2023
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
7
Latest Apr 7, 2009
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
88
64 injuries, 4 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 768 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1997 Chevrolet Blazer, most frequently naming the brakes, visibility and suspension categories. 7 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 59 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

7 campaigns cover this model year

View all 7

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
09E012000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Apr 7, 2009
16,270 units potentially affected
The defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
SABERSPORTView on NHTSA.gov
06E023000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Mar 13, 2006
292,000 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.
ANZO USA, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
03V117000

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

Mar 31, 2003
312,715 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY THAT CONTAINS AN ENERGY-ABSORBING LOOP. SUSTAINED LOADS OF SUFFICIENT MAGNITUDE AND DURATION ON THE BELT IN SEVERE CRASHES COULD FULLY DEPLOY THE BUCKLE ENERGY-ABSORBING LOOP, INTRODUCING A TOTAL OF 10 ADDITIONAL INCHES OF WEBBING INTO THE SEAT BELT SYSTEM. THE FREE FALLING LATCH PLATE USED IN THIS SYSTEM MAY ALLOW WEBBING TO DYNAMICALLY DISTRIBUTE BETWEEN THE LAP AND SHOULDER BELT AS THE DRIVER'S POSITION CHANGES DURING A MULTIPLE ROLLOVER EVENT.
The risk: IF THE ENERGY-ABSORBING LOOP FULLY DEPLOYS IN A SEVERE MULTIPLE ROLLOVER CRASH, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT A BELTED DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE PARTIAL OR EVEN COMPLETE EJECTION FROM THE VEHICLE.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENERGY-ABSORBING SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WITH ONE THAT DOES NOT HAVE THE ENERGY-ABSORBING LOOP. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON AUGUST 8, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.Manufacturer number 03020View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA97004ClosedEngineering Analysis

SEAT BELT WEBBING SEPARATION

Opened Feb 28, 1997
Closed Aug 5, 1997

NHTSA'S NEW CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (NCAP) TESTED A 1997 CHEVROLET S-10 EXTENDED CAB PICKUP EQUIPPED WITH A DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG.THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT WAS COMPLETELY CUT DURING THE TEST.

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBINGLed to recall 97V096001
EA94038ClosedEngineering Analysis

ABS BRAKING SYSTEM

Opened Oct 31, 1994
Closed Feb 28, 2000

THIS INVESTIGATION RESULTED IN A SAFETY RECALL, 99V-193, AND A SERVICE CAMPAIGN, 99I-006.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICLed to recall 99I006000

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 768
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Jan 14, 2023
Crash reported

Throttle stuck brakes could not stop vehicle. Lost control and rolled. Lucky I was on my property and not a public road. No report. Can be inspected. Available anytime. This is not the only year of this model I have had this problem I have had two 2002 that have had same problem.

NHTSA ID
11501735
Incident
Jan 7, 2023
Tires & wheels
Filed Mar 20, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET BLAZER EQUIPPED WITH CAPITOL PRECISION TRAC II TIRES, SIZE: 235/75R15. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES EXPERIENCED ISSUES WITH BALANCING. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14T013000 (TIRES); HOWEVER, HE WAS UNABLE TO GET THE RECALL REPAIR COMPLETED DUE TO LACK OF COMMUNICATION FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE A RESPONSE AFTER THE INITIAL CONTACT. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 6,000.

NHTSA ID
11080394
Incident
Jan 1, 2017
Mileage
63,000 mi
BrakesElectrical
Filed Oct 25, 2017

WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT THE HIGH BEAMS GO OUT AND THE INTERIOR LIGHT WILL NOT TURN OFF WHEN THE DOORS ARE CLOSED OR THE SWITCH TURNED OFF.

NHTSA ID
11039590
Incident
Jun 12, 2012
Mileage
100,000 mi
AirbagsSeat belts
Filed Oct 24, 2017

TAKATA RECALL. PLUS THERE IS A RECALL ON MY SEATBELT. I CALLED THE LOCAL CHEVY DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO ACTIVE RECALL ON MY VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID
11039148
Incident
Oct 24, 2017
Electrical
Filed Dec 18, 2016

VEHICLE STARTS BUT THEN STALLS OUT RESTART BUT AMP GAUGE SHOWING LOW

NHTSA ID
10936071
Incident
Dec 18, 2016
Mileage
148,000 mi
BrakesElectrical
Filed Feb 10, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET BLAZER. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE FRONT BRAKES LOCKED UP INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ABS PUMP AND ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,300.

NHTSA ID
10825343
Incident
Sep 30, 2015
Mileage
79,300 mi
Electrical
Filed Jan 13, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 CHEVROLET BLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LIGHTS SUDDENLY FLICKERED AND DIMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

NHTSA ID
10819908
Incident
Jan 2, 2009
Mileage
200,000 mi
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Mar 29, 2015

97 BLAZER WITH ORIGINAL LOW MILES HAD ENGINE STOP BOTH ON AND OFF THE HIGHWAY SEVERAL TIMES BUT IT WOULD START BACK UP. IN JAN WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND RPMS WENT UP. WE PULLED OFF AND FOUND THE TRANSMISSION WAS STUCK IN 3'RD GEAR. ALSO KEY WOULD NOT RELEASE TO REMOVE. ERRORS CAME UP P1860 P0785 AND P740 THAT REFER TO TRANSMISSION. THE PROBLEM WAS NOT TRANSMISSION BUT IGNITION SWITCH CONTACT BLOCK COMMONLY CALLED THE IGNITION SWITCH, IT IS THE CONTACT SECTION AND NOT THE KEY OR LOCK CYLINDER. THIS IGNITION SWITCH HAD ALREADY BEEN REPLACED ONCE. GM HAS A SERVICE BULLETIN #17006264 ON THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THIS APPEARS TO BE A BIG PROBLEM ACROSS MANY YEARS AND MODELS BUT NO RECALL WAS ISSUED. AN IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM CAN CAUSE ENGINE TO DIE, LIGHTS TO GO OUT AND OTHER PROBLEMS BUT THE CONTACT FOR THE TRANSMISSION POWER SEEMS TO BE A COMMON FAILURE POINT. I REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH AND EVERYTHING WORKED FINE FOR ONE MONTH AND THEN THE PROBLEM RECURRED WITH ERRORS P1860 P0758 P0753 P0740 AND P0785. I TESTED THE IGNITION SWITCH POWER FROM RED/WHITE TO WHITE WIRE AND GOT NO POWER WHEN SWITCH WAS ON SO THE NEW SWITCH FAILED. I TESTED BY TEMPORARY JUMPING A FUSED LINE TO FUSE 24 OUTPUT AND THEN TRANSMISSION WORKED FINE AND THE KEY RELEASED. I AGAIN REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH CONTACT BLOCK UNDER WARRANTY AND NEW SWITCH WORKED FINE EXCEPT THE ERRORS CAME BACK ON P0740, P0785 AND P1860. TRANSMISSION WORKED OK THOUGH SO I TOOK THE BLAZER TO A CHEVY DEALERSHIP TO CHECK IT. THEY RESET CODE ERRORS , CHECKED WIRING, CONNECTIONS AND SWITCH. THE TECHNICIAN SAID MY WORK WAS CORRECT AND EVERYTHING CHECKS OUT FINE AND HE WAS NOT SURE WHY CODES CAME BACK. NOW OK. I EXAMINED THE ORIGINAL SWITCH AND THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH CONTACTS OR WIRES EVIDENT. THIS COULD BE A SWITCH DESIGN ISSUE OR THERE IS ANOTHER ISSUE CAUSING THIS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10702398
Incident
Jan 10, 2015
Mileage
25,100 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

17-NA-073

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

PIP4723F

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester  and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.

PIP4723D

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester  and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.

PIC4696E

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.  The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.  E version update is to add administrative details.

17NA073

EQUIPMENT

This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

PIC4696D

EQUIPMENT

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.  The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Chevrolet Blazer by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026100—
2025261050.9
2024421055.9
2023412059.4
2022451056.6
20211251051.3
20202113059.0
20191832051.4
2009000—
2008500—
2007900—
2006190040.5
2005150037.8
2004501039.7
2003771044.3
20022462152.1
20013263259.2
20005894359.3
19994360144.1
19987163155.9
1997Viewing7687261.7
19961,15311767.5
19951,22411867.5
19946207669.7
19935117570.0
19922786571.0
19912227870.4
1990324670.2
1989384570.5
1988404161.2
1987303362.5
1986192263.0
1985292264.4
1984933—
1983443—
1982130—
1981130—
1980110—
1979110—
1978110—
1977210—
1976110—
1975010—
1974020—
1973110—
1972010—
1969010—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.