1997 Chevrolet Blazer
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Blazer › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Chevrolet Blazer. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
7 recalls name the 1997 Chevrolet Blazer. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
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.
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."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Certain sport utility vehicles, MINI vans, and pickup trucks may develop a short circuit in the electric outside rearview mirror switch.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
This IS not a safety recall in accordance with the safety act. however, it IS deemed a safety improvement campaign by the agency. vehicle description: 1996-1997 4-wheel drive chevrolet blazer, GMC jimmy, and oldsmobile bravada sport utility vehicles. some owners have had to pay for replacement of the upper ball joints that have separated. gm IS…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could cause a loss of steering control of the vehicle.
Remedy
Gm has decided to conduct a customer satisfaction campaign to replace the upper ball joints on affected vehicles. this special policy IS for a period of 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the date the vheicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership. the upper ball joint replacement, due to separation, will be made at no charge to the customer during this period. owners can contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, GMC at 1-800-862-4389, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537, concerning this program.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
Dealers will install a protective cover over the recliner mechanism.
Owner complaints
768 complaints60 involved a crash28 involved a fire66 injuries4 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes · Unknown or other · Vehicle speed control
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.
- Tires
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…
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.
- Electrical system · Service brakes
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.
- Air bags · Seat belts
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.
- Electrical system
Vehicle starts but then stalls out restart but amp gauge showing low
- Electrical system · Service brakes
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…
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.
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
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.
- Electrical system · Power train
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…
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
- Electrical system
1997 chevrolet blazer. consumer writes in regards to vehicle electrical problems. *smd the consumer stated she had to continuously charge the battery and the clock light stayed on. *jb
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
I was going through a roundabout and put my right turning signal on and the vehicle shut off. I was able turn my hazard lights on and pull over. After putting it in park it did start. After that I parked it at a gas station turned it off went to leave and the SUV would not start. I took the…
I was going through a roundabout and put my right turning signal on and the vehicle shut off. I was able turn my hazard lights on and pull over. After putting it in park it did start. After that I parked it at a gas station turned it off went to leave and the SUV would not start. I took the steering column cover off and starting knocking on things and I was able to get it started. I later found that it was a wiring harness that failed. It was replaced after that everything ran great. *tr
- Electrical system
I had an issue where my truck did not want to start but the engine would turn so I knew it was not the battery because my headlights did work. I then noticed my interior dashboard lights were not on so I found that very strange. After so many times trying to start my truck I noticed my truck would…
I had an issue where my truck did not want to start but the engine would turn so I knew it was not the battery because my headlights did work. I then noticed my interior dashboard lights were not on so I found that very strange. After so many times trying to start my truck I noticed my truck would only turn on if the interior dashboard lights were on. One night after work I was driving on route 83 in illinois and I was going to make a right turn on to route 53 and suddenly my vehicle just turned off completely. Luckily I w,a able to pull over and restart vehicle. It was at midnight, there were no vehicles at the time and I was not going at high speeds. I did some research on the internet and I found out that it was a faulty ignition switch. I had the ignition switch replaced and my vehicle works perfectly fine now. *tr
- Service brakes
While driving my 1997 chevy blazer, I was turning to the left off the highway at 60mph. I applied my brakes which started my deceleration, suddenly the brake pedal went the floor. I pumped the brake pedal one more time with no resistance. I had to apply the parking brake and started making large…
While driving my 1997 chevy blazer, I was turning to the left off the highway at 60mph. I applied my brakes which started my deceleration, suddenly the brake pedal went the floor. I pumped the brake pedal one more time with no resistance. I had to apply the parking brake and started making large s-turns to burn off the speed and manually downshifting the transmission. after I finally stopped the vehicle I checked the brake lines and found out that the front driver's side metal brake line had rusted through and was spraying brake fluid all over the place. this IS the second time in 3 months that the brake lines have burst on this 1997 chevy blazer. the last time the rear main brake line burst. *tr
- Service brakes · Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
I just picked up my 1997 chevy blazer oct 31, 2012 with 79000 miles on it. I noticed that there was a large amount of corrosion buildup on the under carriage of the vehicle. luckily yesterday, while sitting in my driveway, I noticed brake fluid leaking behind the driver's side door. under closer…
I just picked up my 1997 chevy blazer oct 31, 2012 with 79000 miles on it. I noticed that there was a large amount of corrosion buildup on the under carriage of the vehicle. luckily yesterday, while sitting in my driveway, I noticed brake fluid leaking behind the driver's side door. under closer inspection, I found out that the rear brake line was severely corroded and had burst. now I cannot drive my blazer until I get this fixed. with this leak, I inspected the rest of my brake lines to which I've found both my front brake lines in a severely corroded state as well waiting to burst. this IS a great safety issue. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Left rear oem metallic brake line corroded on a 1997 chevy blazer resulting in loss of braking power. line was not damage, just leaks out of pipe every time you push the brake pedal. line IS attached to frame above left rear wheel axle. upon inspection it looks rusted out. *tr
- Exterior lighting
97 chevy blazer left turn signal makes the dash lights flash then when I turn parking lights on left signal stays on constantly when engaged. *tr
- Air bags
Nothing happened to cause the airbag light to come on, but one day a few years ago it came on and won't go off. certified gm mechanic can't find reason why. so I still drive the vehicle but have told my family, and left notarized statement with documentation, that if something should happen to me…
Nothing happened to cause the airbag light to come on, but one day a few years ago it came on and won't go off. certified gm mechanic can't find reason why. so I still drive the vehicle but have told my family, and left notarized statement with documentation, that if something should happen to me as a result of this (i.e. Airbag doesn't deploy thereby causing fatal injury or deploys without cause causing injury) they are to sue gm. *Tr
- Air bags › Frontal
TL* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet blazer. While driving approximately 40 mph the air bag light illuminated on the dashboard. The contact stated the air bag came out partially from the steering column.the air bag did not deploy, it came out but when back into place. The vehicle was taken to the…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet blazer. While driving approximately 40 mph the air bag light illuminated on the dashboard. The contact stated the air bag came out partially from the steering column.the air bag did not deploy, it came out but when back into place. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they refused to do the work unless the contact pays for the repairs. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileage was 164,192.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 1997 chevrolet blazer. The contact stated the air bag did not deploy, but it started to come out. The contact was not in an accident at the time. The contact had the dealer inspect the vehicle and was told that there were no problems found with the airbag. The failure mileage and current mileages was 164000.
- Engine and engine cooling
For three years in the summers I could not drive far without smoke trickling up by the passenger side windshield. Never happened in the winter. Took it to several mechanics and transmission shops, no one could find the problem. This year it caught on fire and I had to junk the vehicle. My neighbors 2000 blazer IS doing the same thing now. *Tr
- Suspension › Front · Suspension › Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint
Dealer refused to correct defect as listed below: make: chevrolet model: blazer model year(s): 1996 nhtsa campaign ID number : 01v200000 component: suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint per recall this vehicles IS subject to the conditions and IS originally from new jersey. *Tr
- Electrical system · Service brakes, hydraulic
ABS wire caught fire on my 1997 chevy blazer after turning it off. And caught antifreeze reservoir on fire. Luckily I could catch it before it burned the truck up. Called dealer and they said that there was no recall on the problem. *Tr
- Electrical system
After only 70,000 miles I had to get a new engine. It also never wanted to start when it was cold and wet out. Then just yesterday I was driving down the road when smoke started to come in through the heat vents. The electric wires caught fire under the hood on passenger side of car near firewall. Went up in a matter of seconds. Destroyed the car.
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Purchased this previously enjoyed vehicle from dealer june 2009, first snow fall found that the ABS system locks up when going over any slippery service. Pedal IS hard to compress during incident and resists pressure, and makes growling sound. Outside observer notes that front wheel actually locks…
Purchased this previously enjoyed vehicle from dealer june 2009, first snow fall found that the ABS system locks up when going over any slippery service. Pedal IS hard to compress during incident and resists pressure, and makes growling sound. Outside observer notes that front wheel actually locks up and soon not turn during occurrence. Will be serviced by dealer on following friday, should be covered under extended warranty that was purchased when car was purchased. Will return with more information after. And will also report if dealer honors warranty in this situation. Could cause accident and sliding if not skilled in handling vehicle and even if you are. *Tr
- Electrical system
Power accessory circuit breaker becomes hot, and then power seats, door locks, mirrors and keyless entry do not work. this existed when I purchased the vehicle in april 2008. I tried replacing the circuit breaker. also, the power mirror on the passenger side was damaged and was removed, so this may not be the same issue as the recall on the mirrors = to install fused jumper harness.) *tr
- Visibility
The windshield wipers don't work all the time. The last 10 times that I tried to turn them on, they didn't 5 of those times. This has been happening on and off for the past month. last night I had to pull into the breakdown lane on the highway across 3 lanes in a downpour, because the wipers just stopped operating. I was almost hit because I couldn't see anything. *Tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Seat belt webbing separation
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.
- ABS braking system
This investigation resulted in a safety recall, 99v-193, and a service campaign, 99i-006.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10208027This 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.
- 10171318This 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.
- 10168979This 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.
- 10166638This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10165876This 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.
- 10157018This 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.
- 10154641This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10141381This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. 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.
- 10139019This preliminary informational bulletin provides information on High Oil Pressure on Startup After Engine Replacement Concern.
- 10138060This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10137901This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
- 10114947This 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.
- 10114924This 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.
- 10113443This 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.
- 100135724WD models with noise, vibration on dry pavement.
- 10010877Front axle grind whine noise in 2WD gone in 4WD.
- 10010270Heat coming from vents with hvac off.
- 10009647Driver information center (dic) stays in bulb check.
- 10007838Diagnostic information for intermittent transmission downshift, slip, busy/cycling tcc or noisy cooling fan.
- 10006961Pop snap noise in the front suspension when braking.
- 100063634.3 L35 LU3 rattle or buzz noise from engine. Sit bulletin 1457619.
- 100055664L60-e automatic transmission oil pump first and second design identification.
- 10004371Rattle noise in engine.
- 10004301Rattle noise in engine.
- 10004129Supplement tool - drivers safety belt buckle 03020.
- 10001916Installing a fuse jumper harness to correct a short circuit in the electric outside rearview mirror switch.
- 10001595Electric outside rearview mirror switch short circuit.
- 10001125Special policy adjustment - windshield wiper motor failures.
- 10000749Antilock brake (ABS) activation at low speeds on various models including the 1995 and 1996 envoy.
- 10000062Antilock brake (ABS) activation at low speeds.
- 6088752Concerns with insufficient rear seat lighting.
- 634999Diagnosis of cracked or broken transmission case. 2006 and prior cars and light duty trucks.
- 634823Technical information - some customers may comment that the rear portion of the roof has some rust forming.
- 634729Some customers may comment on an exhaust boom / groan noise in the passenger compartment.
- 634506Subject regarding general waterleak guide.
- 634218Subject regarding rust in cooling system, heater inoperative, blows cold air, engine overheats (flush cooling system). Nlm
- 629470Some customers may comment that the rear portion of the roof has some rust forming.
Every Chevrolet Blazer model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.