Chevrolet S-blazer problems
The Chevrolet (S-10) Blazer and its badge engineered GMC (S-15) Jimmy counterpart are compact/mid-size SUVs manufactured and marketed by Chevrolet and GMC from the 1983 through 2005 model years, over two generations – until the early 1990s alongside these brands' full-size SUVs with near identical nameplates, but lacking removable hardtops. From the 1992 model year, GMC's big Jimmy had become the 'Yukon', and so the S-15 prefix was dropped on the smaller GMC Jimmy. Starting with the 1995 second generation, the large Blazer was rebranded as the Chevrolet Tahoe, and these mid-size SUVs were simply launched as the 'all-new Chevrolet Blazer'.
Upon launch, these models were 14.5 in (37 cm) shorter and 14.9 in (38 cm) narrower than the full-size K5 Blazer, sometimes leading to the nickname of 'baby Blazer'. Like their full-sized counterparts, the S-series Blazer and Jimmy were originally offered only in a two-door body style. In 1991, four-door versions were added, with a 6.5 in (17 cm) longer wagon body.
The S-10 Blazer and S-15 Jimmy were based on the Chevrolet S-10 and GMC S-15 pickup trucks and were manufactured in Pontiac, Michigan; Linden, New Jersey; Moraine, Ohio; Shreveport, Louisiana; and São José dos Campos, Brazil.
In the United States, retail sales of four-door Blazer models ended in 2004; though production of two- and four-door models for fleet sales continued into 2005. In the Canadian market, four-door models of the Blazer and Jimmy were sold until the 2004 model year and until the 2005 model year for the two-door models of both.
The Brazilian variant, based on the second-generation S-series, continued in production in Brazil through 2012 with its own sheetmetal stampings which were also used on the Chinese, Indonesian and Russian versions. In North America, the Moraine, Ohio plant produced only 4-door vehicles, with both 2- and 4-door models being produced at Linden, which was the main assembly plant after the switch (for the 1995 model year) from Pontiac West Assembly in Pontiac, Michigan, which closed in 1994.
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Chevrolet S-blazer model years
Common Chevrolet S-blazer problems
The Chevrolet Blazer has been a popular vehicle for many years, but like any other car, it can develop problems over time. Here are some of the most common Chevrolet Blazer problems based on complaints from owners of this car:
- "Shift to Park" error message: A frequent issue that keeps popping up on the 2019 redesign is a "Shift to Park" error message that's almost always on display even when the shifter is in park. This issue is usually accompanied by other problems like an activated horn, defective door locks, and a malfunctioning electrical system.
- Fuel pump failure: Some Chevrolet Blazer units manufactured from 1990 to 2005 developed issues with their fuel pump. Experts recommended replacing the fuel filter every 30,000 miles to help keep the pump running smoothly.
- Internal defects within the distributor: Internal defects within the 2001 Chevy Blazer distributor could affect the way the engine operates. Some drivers reported that their vehicle ran rough or stalled, which could damage the engine. They were forced to either overhaul the distributor or replace the faulty ignition part as soon as possible.
- Gas cap issues: Even a part as simple and unassuming as the gas cap is vital when it comes to keeping the 2002 Chevrolet Blazer running smoothly. A faulty gas cap can cause a number of problems, including engine stalling and reduced fuel efficiency.
- Brake problems: Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking. These are some of the brake problems reported by owners of the Chevrolet Blazer.
- Electrical gremlins: Electrical gremlins have been reported by reviewers of the 2024 Chevy Blazer EV, including issues with the infotainment system, gauge cluster, and radio. These problems have been attributed to software issues, which have also caused the vehicle to become unresponsive in some cases.
- Carpet and padding installation issues: Consumer Reports noted that the carpet and padding behind the vehicle's pedals were incorrectly installed in the Chevrolet Blazer EV.
- Rear seat belt buckle placement issues: Consumer Reports also noted that the rear seat belt buckles were tucked underneath the seat "like an old New York taxi cab" in the Chevrolet Blazer EV, which may have led some buyers to believe that they weren't installed.
- USB port placement issues: Consumer Reports noted that the car's USB ports were too high to close the center console in the Chevrolet Blazer EV.
It's important to note that not all Chevrolet Blazers will experience these problems, and some may not experience any issues at all. However, these are some of the most common complaints from owners of this car, and potential buyers should be aware of them before making a purchase.
What is the most common problem on a Chevy Blazer?
The Chevrolet Blazer's common problems include fuel pump failure, a defective distributor, an inaccurate fuel gauge, and transmission failure, among other issues.
Is the Chevy Blazer a reliable vehicle?
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.
How many miles should a Chevy Blazer last?
200,000 miles
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 are the best years for the Chevy Blazer?
On the other hand, there are also some excellent options for the Chevy Blazer. We recommend the 2006, 2008, 2009, 2021, and 2022 models if you're looking for the ideal years for this vehicle. They have the fewest customer complaints and will ensure you have an excellent driving experience every single time.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Chevrolet S-blazer years
We have researched Chevrolet problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Chevrolet S-blazer cars and compiled the top 2 most problematic Chevrolet S-blazer model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Chevrolet S-blazer model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Chevrolet S-blazer years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Chevrolet S-blazer car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Chevrolet S-blazer , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Fuel system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Chevrolet S-blazer vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by S-blazer model years
A total of 1 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by S-blazer model years
There were a total of 4 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by S-blazer model years
There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Chevrolet S-blazer . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Chevrolet S-blazer vehicles.
List of Chevrolet S-blazer complaints
Chevrolet S-blazer 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2006-07-21
- Date Complaint: 2006-08-04
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1GNDT13W8SK
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: POOR DRIVABILITY. VEHICLE "JUMPS" OR "BUCKS" UNDER MODERATE THROTTLE. CONDITION DESTROYED SEVERAL O2 SENSORS, THEN PROGRESSED TO MAJOR FUEL USAGE AND FINALLY ENGINE DETONATION. NOT DETECTED EARLY ENOUGH. COULD NOT FIX IMMEDIATELY DURING OUR CROSS-COUNTRY TRIP. CENTRAL FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM LEAK CAUSED ENGINE DETONATION. THIS IS A FIRE SAFETY HAZARD! TOWED VEHICLE TO THE SHOP. THEY REMOVED MOST OF THE UPPER ENGINE. FOUND FUEL REGULATOR HAD LEAKED INSIDE THE MANIFOLD. THE REPAIR PART COST $600.00 (PART NOT SOLD SEPARATELY). SHOP SAYS THAT BLOWN UP ENGINES ARE COMMON TO THIS VEHICLE. SHOP SAYS REPLACING THE COMPONENTS DOES NOT GUARANTEE A FIX! THIS PROBLEM CAN (AND HAS BEEN KNOWN TO RECUR) SEVERAL TIMES PER VEHICLE. THIS DANGEROUS EXPLOSIVE POTENTIAL CAN CAUSE CATASTROPHIC ENGINE DAMAGE AND DEATH/INJURY!!! HOW LONG HAS CHEVY BEEN AWARE OF THIS? HOW LONG HAS THE NHTSA KNOWN ABOUT IT? WHEN WILL THIS BE RECALLED? PS- WHEN WE TRIED TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY STOP, WE FOUND THAT THE ABS SYSTEM COMPUTER MODULE DOES NOT WORK! I WILL LOOK FOR THIS RECALL ALSO! *NM
Chevrolet S-blazer 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2005-11-20
- Date Complaint: 2005-12-05
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CHEVROLET BLAZER 97 TRANSMISSION REVERSE GEAR GONE. 4L60E TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. *NM
Chevrolet S-blazer 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-29
- Date Complaint: 2005-04-17
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1GNDT13W3SK
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: VEHICLE FIRE. *AK
Chevrolet S-blazer 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2003-11-28
- Date Complaint: 2003-12-16
- VIN: 1GNCT18W4S2
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION SHIFTS WITHOUT ANY ACTION BEING TAKEN BY DRIVER OR ANYONE ELSE, FROM 2 WHEEL DRIVE MODE INTO 4 WHEEL DRIVE HI AND THEN INTO 4 WHEEL DRIVE LO. THIS HAS OCCURED ON THREE SEPERATE OCCASIONS WITHIN THE PAST YEAR. ALL INCIDENCES HAVE OCCURRED AT LOW SPEED FROM A PREVIOUSLY PARKED OR STOPPED POSITION UPON INITIAL ACCELERATION IN OVERDRIVE. GM CLAIMS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOCATING,IDENTIFYING OR REPAIRING PROBLEM AS PER THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE ASSISTANCE DEPARTMENT, BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND IS EIGHT YEARS OLD.*AK
Chevrolet S-blazer 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-18
- Date Complaint: 2003-09-18
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1GNCS18Z1N0
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE WITH OUT WARNING. *JB
Chevrolet S-blazer 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2003-06-27
- VIN: 1GNCS13W2S2
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. *NLM
Chevrolet S-blazer 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2002-11-28
- Date Complaint: 2003-03-08
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1GNDT13W9N2
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: 1992 CHEVROLET S-10 BLAZER CAUGHT FIRE AFTER IDLING FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 MINUTES AND THEN BEING SHUT OFF. FIRE DESTROYED ENGINE COMPARTMENT, WINDSHIELD, ROOF LINER, ETC. TRUCK WAS A TOTAL LOSS. TRUCK HAD BEEN WELL MAINTAINED SINCE I BOUGHT IT NEW IN 1992. *NLM
Chevrolet S-blazer 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2003-03-07
- Date Complaint: 2003-03-08
- VIN: 1GNCS13W3SK
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: I HAVE A 95 S-10 BLAZER. THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE BRAKES. IT SEEM TO BE FINE ON DRY PAVEMENT. AS SOON AS THE ABS KICKS IN THE BRAKES DO NOT WORK. YOU CAN FEEL THE ABS PULSING BUT THERE IS NO PRESSURE GETTING TO THE CALIPERS AS IF NO BRAKES ARE APPLIED. THE PEDAL IS ROCK HARD WHEN THE ABS IS ON. THE FIRST FAILURE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO MISS AN INTERSECTION AND GO THROUGH A SNOW BANK NEARLY HITTING A TREE. AFTER CAREFUL TESTING THE PROBLEM IS ONLY WHEN THE ABS KICKS IN. AGAIN THE BRAKES ARE FINE ON THEIR OWN. THANK YOU. *NLM
Chevrolet S-blazer 1995
- Date Of Incident: 2003-02-14
- Date Complaint: 2003-02-28
- VIN: 1GNDT13W3S2
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: LEAKY CMFI (CENTRAL MULTI FUEL INJECTION) WHICH CAN LEAD TO ENGINE BLOWING UP IF NOT DETECTED EARLY OR REMEDIED IMMEDIATELY. THIS IS A $600 PART PLUS LABOR, AND THE SHOP I BROUGHT IT TO SAID THEY HAVE SEVERAL OTHER INCIDENTS WITH BLOWN UP ENGINES. I WOULD APPRECIATE KNOWING IF CHEVY HAS BEEN AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM, AND IF THIS IS A POSSIBLE RECALL!
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