Model year record

1997 Chevrolet Blazer

4 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 1,098 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 03V117000

Seat belts: front: buckle assembly

Component
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
312,715
Reported to NHTSA
2003-03-31
Owners notified
2003-08-08

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 03V093000

Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior

Component
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
507,171
Reported to NHTSA
2003-03-07
Owners notified
2003-04-24

Defect description

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, MINI VANS, AND PICKUP TRUCKS MAY DEVELOP A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE ELECTRIC OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR SWITCH.

Safety risk

IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN, IT COULD RESULT IN AN INOPERATIVE SWITCH, HEAT DAMAGE TO THE DRIVER'S DOOR, AND/OR IGNITION OF COMPONENTS IN THE DRIVER'S DOOR AND A SUBSEQUENT VEHICLE FIRE WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED JUMPER HARNESS TO THE ELECTRIC OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 24, 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 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782.

Recall campaignNHTSA 01V200000

Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint

Component
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
48,600
Reported to NHTSA
2001-06-28
Owners notified
2001-09-04

Defect description

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN, AND IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. FAILURE OF AN UPPER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY COULD OCCUR DUE TO CORROSION.

Safety risk

THIS CAN RESULT IN IMPAIRED STEERING OR STEERING LOSS, OR A PARTIAL OR COMPLETE COLLAPSE OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 4, 2001. 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.

Recall campaignNHTSA 97V096001

Seat belts

Component
Seat belts
Manufacturer
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Vehicles affected
586,058
Reported to NHTSA
1997-06-12
Owners notified
1997-09-22

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: EXTENDED CAB PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 60/40 FRONT BENCH SEATS AND EXTENDED CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND 2-DOOR UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL LOCKING RECLINER BUCKET SEATS. THE OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT WEBBING ON THE DRIVER'S AND/OR PASSENGER'S SEAT CAN SEPARATE DURING A FRONTAL IMPACT.

Safety risk

IF A SEPARATION OCCURRED AND THERE WERE SECONDARY CRASH EVENTS OR VEHICLE ROLLOVER, THERE WOULD BE NO BELT RESTRAINT OF THE OCCUPANT AND INCREASED INJURIES COULD OCCUR.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER OVER THE RECLINER MECHANISM.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip9780,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission8377,010 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor5396,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer5070,800 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint4278,000 mi
Vehicle speed control3382,000 mi
Electrical system3296,194 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint3088,243 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system2874,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline25
Unknown or other25
Suspension: front: control arm2382,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly2050,468 mi
Fuel system, other: storage: fuel gauge system1890,000 mi
Air bags: frontal1745,000 mi
Air bags1675,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump1459,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: switch1353,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood1210,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring1170,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly11106,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine1160,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system1155,000 mi
Fuel system, other1148,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components11
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal1165,000 mi
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator991,400 mi
Engine and engine cooling983,878 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc9
Steering: linkages: arm: idler and attachment989,218 mi
Suspension: front999,000 mi
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery8
Power train: manual transmission8
Seat belts8106,500 mi
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly898,567 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic8104,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads8
Steering8
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys6
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner670,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline670,000 mi
Service brakes, air: antilock689,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder680,000 mi
Structure: body: door: hinge and attachments680,000 mi
Suspension657,000 mi
Tires663,000 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core6107,000 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior684,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition570,980 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: injectors5
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch550 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)545,000 mi
Service brakes580,500 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor583,573 mi
Structure: body: door5
Suspension: front: control arm: lower arm569,055 mi
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module464,700 mi
Electrical system: ignition: module453,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system4
Equipment4114,387 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights459,000 mi
Power train425,100 mi
Power train: driveline: differential unit4
Seat belts: front: anchorage4
Seats4
Electrical system: starter assembly3
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers359,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings3
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control3
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)3
Equipment: mechanical: carrier/rack3
Exterior lighting3160,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery3120,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)3107,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift398,455 mi
Power train: axle assembly3
Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)342,000 mi
Seat belts: rear/other3
Seats: front assembly: head restraint3
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist3
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum3
Visibility: glass, side/rear3
Visibility: power window devices and controls350 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: switch/wiring3104,000 mi
Child seat2
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash259,000 mi
Exterior lighting: brake lights290,000 mi
Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights290,000 mi
Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lights: switch298,176 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal2
Interior lighting259,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: hatchback/liftgate: lock259,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch2
Seat belts: front: retractor288,900 mi
Seats: front assembly: recliner2
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module263,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings2
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar2
Steering: linkages2
Structure290,000 mi
Structure: body: hatchback/liftgate: hinge and attachments2
Structure: frame and members2
Suspension: front: hub2
Suspension: front: springs: torsion bar2
Vehicle speed control: linkages2
Visibility2170,200 mi
Visibility: rear window wiper/washer259,000 mi
Wheels2
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs2
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module1
Air bags: side/window1
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel1200,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe1106,000 mi
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.1
Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer: LPG systems: tank valve/gauge1107,000 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal: flasher unit1
Exterior lighting: turn signal: switch170,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: carburetor system1
Fuel system, gasoline: storage1
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap1
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: mounting1
Fuel system, other: delivery1
Fuel system, other: delivery: fuel pump1
Fuel system, other: storage1
Fuel system, other: storage: tank assembly1
Seat belts: rear/other: buckle assembly1129,773 mi
Seat belts: front1
Seats: front assembly: power adjust1
Service brakes, air: supply: compressor110,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum1
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: drum: wheel cylinders1
Steering: hydraulic power assist system1
Steering: linkages: knuckle: spindle: arm1
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly1
Structure: body1
Structure: body: tailgate1
Structure: frame and members: underbody shields180,500 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: upper arm1
Suspension: front: wheel bearing1
Suspension: rear1
Suspension: rear: shock absorber1
Tires: temporary/emergency spare tire1110,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: cruise control1
Vehicle speed control: springs1
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system1
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: windshield: electrical heating element160,000 mi
Visibility: rear window wiper/washer: motor1
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices1121,000 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: interior1
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly1
Visibility: windshield1
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: linkages1125,000 mi
Wheels: rim1

The 1996 model has about half as many complaints as this one. The 1998 model has roughly the same number of complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.