1998 Chevrolet Blazer recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
3 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Brakes
What's wrong, in plain English: Anything that slows the car down. Treat brake recalls as urgent. 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 THE BRAKE PIPE BREAKS, THE DRIVER WOULD EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN DROP IN THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BRAKE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE, AND THERE WOULD BE A LOSS OF REAR BRAKE PERFORMANCE.
What could happen: PARTIAL LOSS OF BRAKING AT A TIME WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE WAS REQUIRED COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE BRAKE PIPE.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1998 BLAZER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 97V218000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: 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 THE BRAKE PIPE BREAKS, THE DRIVER WOULD EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN DROP IN THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BRAKE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE, AND THERE WOULD BE A LOSS OF REAR BRAKE PERFORMANCE.
Consequence: PARTIAL LOSS OF BRAKING AT A TIME WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE WAS REQUIRED COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE BRAKE PIPE.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING DECEMBER 1997. 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, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
2. Suspension
What's wrong, in plain English: Parts can break and cause loss of control. 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 BOLT TO LOOSEN AND SUBSEQUENT BREAK RESULTING IN SEPARATION OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FROM THE FRAME.
What could happen: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND RETIGHTEN THE RIGHT-HAND LOWER CONTROL ARM NUTS TO THE PROPER TORQUE SPECIFICATION.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1998 BLAZER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 98V053000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
Summary: 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 BOLT TO LOOSEN AND SUBSEQUENT BREAK RESULTING IN SEPARATION OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FROM THE FRAME.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND RETIGHTEN THE RIGHT-HAND LOWER CONTROL ARM NUTS TO THE PROPER TORQUE SPECIFICATION.
Notes: GM RECALL NO. 98006. OWNER/DEALER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 22, 1998. THESE VEHICLES WERE IN-TRANSIT OR VERY RECENTLY DELIVERED TO DEALERSHIPS. CUSTOMERS RECEIVING THESE VEHICLES BEFORE JANUARY 22, 1998, WERE CONTACTED BY THE SELLING DEALER TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLE FOR THE SERVICE PROCEDURE. OWNERS WHO WERE NOT CONTACTED BY THEIR DEALER WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1022, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
3. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. 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 LIGHTS BUILT WITH A CANDELA VALUE GREATER THAN 3,000 CANNOT BE MOUNTED HIGHER THAN 864MM ABOVE THE ROAD SURFACE.
What could happen: THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED WIRING HARNESS THAT CHANGES THE DRL'S FROM HIGH BEAM TO LOW BEAM DRL'S, AND INSTALL NEW LONG-LIFE LOW BEAM BULBS.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1998 BLAZER.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 00V220000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: 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 LIGHTS BUILT WITH A CANDELA VALUE GREATER THAN 3,000 CANNOT BE MOUNTED HIGHER THAN 864MM ABOVE THE ROAD SURFACE.
Consequence: THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED WIRING HARNESS THAT CHANGES THE DRL'S FROM HIGH BEAM TO LOW BEAM DRL'S, AND INSTALL NEW LONG-LIFE LOW BEAM BULBS.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 13, 2000. 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. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1998 Chevrolet Blazer owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Visibility (wipers / glass) (264), Seats (84), Brakes (76), Electrical system (76), Transmission / drivetrain (75).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
10/25/2020 · Vehicle Speed Control
AFTER USING THE CRUISE CONTROL THE FIRST TIME ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65MPH , IT STUCK AND WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATES TO A DANGEROUS SPEED AND THE BREAKS BARELY HELPED. EVEN AFTER TURNING THE CAR OFF TAKING OUT THE BATTERY AND PUTTING IT BACK, IT DID NOT RESET. CRUISE WILL NOT DISENGAGE.
12/17/2019 · Brakes
MY ABS LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON AS WELL AS MY GAS GAUGE NOT WORKING
07/18/2019 · Airbags · crash
I HAD A WRECK HIT A DEER ON MY DRIVER SIDE FRONT BUMPER MY AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND IS STILL ON ITS MAKE A POPPING SOUND EVER SINCE THAT HAPPEN AND IT SCARES MEY LIGHT STAYS ON.
01/03/2018 · Vehicle Speed Control · crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET BLAZER. WHILE ENTERING A PARKING LOT AT 20 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TRAVELED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOORBOARD AND THE SPEED INCREASED TO 45 MPH. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF A BUILDING. THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE…
01/15/2017 · Brakes
1998 CHEVY BLAZER DOES NOT BRAKES DO NOT PUMP UP AND HOLD THEY ARE SPONGY.
07/27/2016 · Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET BLAZER. WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED AT 50 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. INSTEAD, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, WHILE THE VEHICLE…
01/31/2016 · Engine
THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION REGARDING THE DEXCOOL COOLANT ISSUES THAT DEGRADED THE ENGINE GASKETS. I HAD NOT KNOWN OF IT AS THE MANUFACTURE OR OTHER DID NOT NOTIFY OF IT. THE ONLY WAY I FOUND OUT WAS SEARCHING FOR ANOTHER CAR ISSUE ONLINE A FEW YEARS AFTER THE SAID ISSUE. WHAT IS THIS, 'KEEP ALL A SECRET SO WE DO NOT HAVE TO DEAL WITH IT.'? THIS HAS BEEN A…
12/09/2015 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET BLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH IN THE RAIN, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD WHERE THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS COULD BE ACTIVATED AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIA…