1998 Chevrolet Blazer: common problems and reliability
· 2nd generation782 owner complaints on record.
Most complaints are about visibility. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 1998 Blazer?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 lower intake manifold gasket failure.
Safety record for the 1998 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 1998 Chevrolet Blazer vehicles (US, public record).
Is 1998 a good year for the Blazer?
Across the 18 Blazer model years we track, complaint volume runs from 15 (2005) to 1,280 (1996). With 782 complaints, the 1998 Blazer sits above the model's median of 186.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 1998 Blazer
exterior lighting
Campaign 00V220000VEHICLE 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 LIGHTS BUILT WITH A CANDELA VALUE GREATER THAN 3,000 CANNOT BE MOUNTED HIGHER THAN 864MM ABOVE THE ROAD SURFACE.
service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Campaign 97V218000VEHICLE 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 THE BRAKE PIPE BREAKS, THE DRIVER WOULD EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN DROP IN THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BRAKE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE, AND THERE WOULD BE A LOSS OF REAR BRAKE PERFORMANCE.
suspension:front:control arm:lower arm
Campaign 98V053000VEHICLE 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 BOLT TO LOOSEN AND SUBSEQUENT BREAK RESULTING IN SEPARATION OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FROM THE FRAME.
What owners report on the 2nd generation Blazer
Owners of the 1994-2005 Blazer generally describe it as a tough, simple, and reliable vehicle whose 4.3 engine and body-on-frame platform can run for very high miles, while criticizing brittle plastic interiors, rattles, poor fuel economy, and a transmission that often needs attention.
- Very frequentLower intake manifold gasket failure
- Very frequent4L60E transmission wear or failure, often between 150,000 and 200,000 miles
- Very frequentBrittle, cracking plastic interior parts and trim
- RecurrentInterior rattles and squeaks
- RecurrentFuel pump failure, requiring tank drop
Owner insights for the 2nd generation Blazer. Read the full 2nd generation owner report.
Typical used price
Used Blazer listings typically run $22,199–$27,220.
Other Blazer model years
Compare every Blazer year side by side to see how 1998 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Blazer against its rivals
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