1990 Chevrolet Blazer problems

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1990 Chevrolet Blazer

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Common 1990 Chevrolet Blazer problems

The 1990 Chevrolet Blazer, like any other vehicle, has its share of common problems reported by owners. One of the most frequently reported issues is related to the engine, specifically the fuel pump. Some 1990-2005 Chevrolet Blazers have experienced issues with their fuel pump, which can fail and disrupt the supply of fuel to the engine. This can result in the engine stalling or cranking over without starting.

Another common problem with the 1990 Chevrolet Blazer is related to the distributor. Internal defects within the distributor can affect the engine's operation, causing it to run rough or stall. This issue has been reported in the 2001 Chevy Blazer, as well as some units produced between 1990 and 2005. Drivers have been forced to overhaul the distributor or replace the faulty ignition part as soon as possible to address this issue.

The 1990 Chevrolet Blazer also has issues with the gas cap, which is vital for the vehicle's smooth operation. A faulty or improperly installed gas cap can lead to problems with the fuel system, causing the engine to run poorly or stall.

In addition to these issues, the 1990 Chevrolet Blazer is prone to rust, particularly in the rocker panels, floors, seatbelt mounts, tailpans, tailgates, and under the front and rear seats.

Lastly, the 1990 Chevrolet Blazer may experience loose front end components, whining rear differential, oil and other fluid leaks, transfer case problems, and hacked wiring harnesses. These issues can affect the vehicle's performance, safety, and overall longevity.

In conclusion, the 1990 Chevrolet Blazer has several common problems that owners should be aware of. These issues include fuel pump failure, distributor defects, gas cap problems, rust, engine oil burning, loose front end components, whining rear differential, oil and other fluid leaks, transfer case problems, and hacked wiring harnesses. Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent or address these issues, ensuring the vehicle's safe and reliable operation.

1990 Chevrolet Blazer engine

What is the most common problem on a Chevy Blazer?

Here are the most commonly reported Chevrolet Blazer problems:

  • “Shift to Park” Error Message On Display. ...
  • Fuel Pump Failure. ...
  • Faulty Distributor. ...
  • Fuel Gauge Doesn't Show Accurate Readings. ...
  • Cooling System Issues. ...
  • Transmission Failure. ...
  • Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) System Control Module Failure. ...
  • Gas Cap Issues.

Are old Chevy Blazers reliable?

According to J.D. Power, the Chevrolet Blazer has a quality and reliability rating of 86 out of 100, meaning that it offers great short to long-term reliability. Whether you're worried about mechanical issues or tech malfunctions, the Chevy Blazer isn't prone to either, making it a great alternative in the used market.

What is the best year for the Chevy Blazer?

The Top 5 Chevrolet Blazers In History

  • 1973 Chevrolet K5 Blazer: Dynamic and Defined.
  • 1985 Chevrolet K5 Blazer: An Old-School Classic.
  • 1994 Chevrolet Blazer: The Last Blazing Giant.
  • 2001 Chevrolet Blazer: The Ultimate Road-Going Hauler.
  • 2005 Chevrolet Blazer: Easygoing and Practical.

How long do Chevy Blazer engines last?

According to Motor and Wheels, well-taken care of Chevy Blazers can be expected to last 200,000 miles. For many drivers, that's nearly 20 years of use! If you average 15,000 miles per year, you can expect the Chevy Blazer to serve you for 13 years or more before the vehicle requires major repairs.

What is the most common problem on a Chevy Blazer?

Here are the most commonly reported Chevrolet Blazer problems:

  • “Shift to Park” Error Message On Display. ...
  • Fuel Pump Failure. ...
  • Faulty Distributor. ...
  • Fuel Gauge Doesn't Show Accurate Readings. ...
  • Cooling System Issues. ...
  • Transmission Failure. ...
  • Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) System Control Module Failure. ...
  • Gas Cap Issues.

Is the Chevrolet Blazer a reliable car?

Consumer Reports has dropped its “recommended” rating from the Chevy Blazer crossover and five other vehicle models based on its 2023 Auto Survey results, which indicate the Blazer is currently offering owners below-average reliability.

What engine was in the 1990 Chevy Blazer?

Used 1990 Chevrolet Blazer - Specs & Features

Engine
Base engine size5.7 L
CylindersV8
Base engine typeGas
Horsepower210 hp @ 4,000 rpm

What is the best year for the Chevy Blazer?

The Top 5 Chevrolet Blazers In History

  • 1973 Chevrolet K5 Blazer: Dynamic and Defined.
  • 1985 Chevrolet K5 Blazer: An Old-School Classic.
  • 1994 Chevrolet Blazer: The Last Blazing Giant.
  • 2001 Chevrolet Blazer: The Ultimate Road-Going Hauler.
  • 2005 Chevrolet Blazer: Easygoing and Practical.

1990 Chevrolet Blazer car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Blazer problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Service brakes problems
  • Hydraulic problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Seat belts problems
  • Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Chevrolet Blazer vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 1990 Chevrolet Blazer

The NHTSA has received 43 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Chevrolet Blazer. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1990 Chevrolet Blazer vehicles.

2002-01-22

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-01-22
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1GNCS18ZXN0
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: CONSUMER PULLED VEHICLE IN DRIVEWAY AND THERE WAS BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH HOOD AND THE DASHBOARD. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED OUT TO PUT FIRE OUT. *AK
2001-03-30

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: WHEN APPLYING BRAKES PEDAL GOES TO FLOOR, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.*AK
2001-03-19

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-01-03
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE ENGINE TROUBLE, THE DRIVER PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER, THE VEHICLE STARTED SMOKING THEN BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). NLM
2001-03-16

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-02-04
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: POSSIBLE ENGINE FAILURE RESULTED IN ENGINE FIRE (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT). *MJS
2000-11-07

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1GNEV18K7LF
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: WANT TO KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY RECALLS ON THIS BLAZER. *AK
2000-09-01

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-08-25
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: PASSENGER SIDE AND DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT MOUNTING RUSTED OUT. WHILE TRYING TO FASTEN SEATBELT ENTIRE BELT POPPED OUT/.LOOSENED CONSUMER CAN'T FASTEN SEATBELT. *AK
2000-08-31

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1GNCS18Z7L8
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: PAINT IS BUBBLING AND PEELING OFF, EXPOSING PRIMER UNDERNEATH IN VARIOUS LOCATIONS ON THE VEHICLE.
2000-08-26

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1GNCS18Z6L8
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: SEATBELT BUCKLE JAMMED INTO SEAT HANDLE RECESS AND CANNOT EXTRACATE; BELIEVE THIS IS DESIGN DEFECT, BUCKLE SHOULD BE LARGER TO AVOID FITTING INTO SEAT LOCK RECESS. CANNOT USE SAFETY BELT, CANNOT RAISE/LOWER SEAT.
2000-06-20

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2000-03-24
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 70MPH THERE WAS A LOUD THUMBING NOISE UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE. TIRE TREAD WAS OFF, AND VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING ON THE RIM. CONSUMER'S NINE YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS THROWN FROM THE VEHICLE. *AK
2000-02-05

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1GNEV18K0LF
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: THE PAINT ON THE HOOD AND ROOF OF VEHICLE HAS TURNED WHITE AND DISCOLORED. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED IN SUMMARY. *AK
1999-10-04

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-09-29
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1GNEV18K3LF
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IT CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE DASH DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL SHORT. *AK
1999-08-30

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-08-30
  • VIN: 1GNCT18Z5Z5
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: ONGOING/INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH ABS LOCKING UP WHILE APPLYING BRAKE PEDAL. DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. *AK
1999-08-12

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-08-09
  • Number Of Injuries: 2
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1GNCT18Z0L0
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: CONSUMER STATES THAT GMC INSTALLED A MOTOR IN TRUCK. WHEN CONSUMER WENT TO START VEHICLE, TRUCK BURST INTO FLAMES, INJURYING SEVERAL PEOPLE. *AK
1999-08-12

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Number Of Injuries: 2
  • Fire: 1
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: GMC INSTALLED A MOTOR. UPON STARTING VEHICLE, IT BURST INTO FLAMES, INJURING SEVERAL PEOPLE. *AK
1999-03-05

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-11-03
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1GNCS13Z9M2
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING HEARD THINGS UNDER THE HOOD MAKING NOISE. PULLED OVER AND OPENED HOOD, AND THERE WAS A FIRE UNDERNEATH. CALLED THE POLICE, BUT THE FIRE WAS THEN PUT OUT. *AK
1998-10-28

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: 1GNEV18K4LF
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: DEFECTIVE ABS IS CAUSING LOSS OF BACK BRAKES WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER HAS REPLACED DUMP VALVES 5 TIMES, DEFECT IS STILL REOCCURRING. *AK
1998-02-03

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1992-12-01
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1GNCT18Z4L8
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING HOME IN A HEAVY RAIN STORM CAME TO A STOP AT TOP OF STEEP HILL, GETNLY TEPPED THE BRAKES, BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE. VEHICLE SLID INTO THE BACK OF A TRUCK, CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. *AK
1997-10-29

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-10-15
  • Number Of Injuries: 2
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1GNCT18Z5L0
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: CONSUMER WAS DRIVING APPROX. 15 MPH WHEN HE PRESSED THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN FOR VEHICLE IN FRONT MAKING A TURN, AND THE BRAKES FAILED. CONSUMER CRASHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF HIM, THEN HE WAS HIT FROM BEHIND DURING THE SAME CRASH. THERE WAS DRIZZLES OF RAIN AT TIME OF INCIDENT. CONSUMER HAS EXPERIENCED BRAKE FAILURE MORE THAN FIVE TIMES. *AK
1997-08-27

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-06-05
  • VIN: 1GNEV18K8LF
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: VEHICLE DEVELOPED SEVERE DRIVEABILITY PROBLEMS, INCLUDIN GPULLING AND DRIFTING TO LEFT AND RIGHT. ALSO, PREMATURE TIRE WEAR. *AK
1997-08-07

SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-05-25
  • VIN: 1GNAV18K91F
  • Components: SEATS
  • Summary: WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, NOTICED SEATS MOVE DUE TO LOOSENESS. THE BOLTS WERE TIGHTENED. CHECKED UNDERNEATH & NOTICED MOUNTING PLATE METAL FOR SEAT WAS RUSTY & HAD CORRODED AWAY. HAVE NOT TAKEN TO DEALER. *AK
1997-07-11

TIRES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-06-05
  • VIN: 1GNEV18K8LF
  • Components: TIRES
  • Summary: EXCESSIVE AND IRREGULAR TIRE WEAR. *AK
1997-06-09

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1GNEV18K0LF
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
  • Summary: WHEN APPLYING THE ABS BRAKES, WHILE GOING DOWN A HILL, THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT.*AK
1997-06-02

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-10-16
  • VIN: 1GNED18K4LF
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: THE PASSENGER'S AND DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE RUSTED, CAUSING THE SEAT BELT TO BECOME INOPERATIVE. *AK
1997-05-06

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1997-03-13
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: 1GNEV18K7LF
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: TRANSMISSION FLUID SPEWED OUT VENT/FILLER TUBE ONTO MANIFOLD, CAUSING FIRE.
1997-02-26

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-01-01
  • VIN: 1GNEV18K6LF
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: SEAT BELT RETRACTOR JAMMED.

1990 Chevrolet Blazer recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1990 Chevrolet Blazer.

2007-10-24
  • Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
  • Components: EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
  • Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
  • Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
2006-05-19
  • Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
  • Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
  • Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
  • Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
2006-03-23
  • Manufacturer: PRO-A MOTORS, INC.
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
  • Consequence: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
  • Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
1993-08-02
  • Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
  • Summary: SEVERE CORROSION DUE TO ROAD SALT AT THE JOINT OF THE STAMPED STEEL CENTER SECTION AND THE CAST OUTER SECTION CAN CAUSE THE SECTIONS TO SEPARATE.
  • Consequence: SEPARATION OF THE ROTOR SECTIONS CAN CAUSE LOSS OFBRAKING ABILITY IN THE AFFECTED WHEEL. THIS COULD RESULT IN INCREASED STOPPINGDISTANCE AND/OR LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.
  • Remedy: REPLACE THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WITH NEW ROTORS WITH A CORROSION PROTECTION COATING. HOWEVER, IF REPLACEMENT OF BRAKE LININGS ARE NECESSARY, IT WILL BE DONE AT OWNER'S EXPENSE SINCE BRAKE LININGS ARE NORMAL MAINTENANCE ITEMS.

Negative 1990 Chevrolet Blazer car reviews

  1. Christian Johns 2024-06-29

    Good car served us very well.

Positive 1990 Chevrolet Blazer car reviews

  1. Denis Nienow 2024-08-22

    I've been driving my K-5 for a decade now and I'm finally considering finding a replacement, although it hasn't been an easy task. Along the way, I've had some issues - I had to replace the rear end in '98, a new torque converter in '99, and the alternator caught fire in '97 - but overall, it's been a fantastic vehicle. They just don't make them like they used to. The dashboard is made of metal and vinyl, not all plastic like modern trucks. GM really needs to reconsider their interior design for new models. If I had the funds, I would seriously consider restoring it, but here in salt country (Central New York), it's impossible to keep the body going forever.

  2. Ahmed Friesen 2024-06-02

    I still drive this vehicle daily and have been doing so for 5 years. When I first bought it, it had 88K on it and I didn't experience any problems until it hit 135k. However, despite these issues, I still love this vehicle. It has taken me on many trips without any problems, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Missouri, and Gettysburg. It rides and handles like a dream. I bought it for $5,500 in 97 and it has been worth every penny.

  3. Marlin Beahan 2024-01-20

    The paint on my car started flaking, but thanks to Rotolo, I was able to get a free rental and have it repainted. The new paint job looks great! Plus, my car has top-of-the-line leather seats and has over 300,000 miles on it.

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