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 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.

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).

Is 1998 a good year for the Blazer?

Across the 4 Blazer model years we track, complaint volume runs from 42 (2022) to 782 (1998). With 782 complaints, the 1998 Blazer sits abovethe model's median of 208.

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

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.

  • 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.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Blazer. See the full Blazer owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

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

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