1998 Chevrolet Blazer: common problems and reliability

The 1998 Chevrolet Blazer has 782 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are visibility and seats. Owners most often flag *gasoline models (2019-2023+):.

Safety record for the 1998 model year

782
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
51
Crash reports
15
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 Chevrolet Blazer vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

visibility
261
seats
84
electrical system
76
power train
75
service brakes
70

Recalls affecting the 1998 Blazer

exterior lighting

Campaign 00V220000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE DAYTIME RUNNING L…

service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Campaign 97V218000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. A FATIGUE FRACTURE OF THE REAR AXLE RIGHT-HAND BRAKE PIPE CAN OCCUR CAUSING A SLOW BRAKE FLUID LEAK RESULTING IN A SOFT BRAKE PEDAL. IF …

suspension:front:control arm:lower arm

Campaign 98V053000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL DRIVE OR ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE. ONE OR BOTH OF THE ATTACHING NUTS FOR THE RIGHT-HAND LOWER CONTROL ARM ARE UNDER TORQUED. THIS CAN ALLOW THE ATTACHMENT…

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is sharply divided by generation and powertrain. For the modern, gasoline-powered Blazer (2019+), feedback is mixed with a significant undercurrent of frustration due to recurrent powertrain and electrical issues. The vehicle is acknowledged for its

  • *Gasoline Models (2019-2023+):
  • Catastrophic transmission failure — complete loss of drive, refusal to shift out of first gear, torque converter failure, often under 50,000 miles. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Transmission shifting problems — harsh bangs into gear, delayed shifts (especially 3rd-4th), shuddering, slipping. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Electrical system malfunctions — multiple false service warnings (Safety Restraint, ESC, Side Detection), key fob recognition issues, random alarm activation, start/stop system failures. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Premature brake noise — loud grinding/growling from front brakes on new vehicles, acknowledged by the manufacturer as a known issue with a material defect. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Blazer.

Typical used price

Used Blazer listings typically run $24,542–$34,376 across 2019 to 2026 model years.

Other Blazer model years

2022 Blazer2020 Blazer2019 Blazer
Full Chevrolet Blazer owner reportCompare against another car