1988 Chevrolet Blazer
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 1 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 4 |
| 1984 | 9 |
| 1985 | 29 |
| 1986 | 19 |
| 1987 | 30 |
| 1988 | 41 |
| 1989 | 40 |
| 1990 | 33 |
| 1991 | 222 |
| 1992 | 280 |
| 1993 | 517 |
| 1994 | 628 |
| 1995 | 1225 |
| 1996 | 1153 |
| 1997 | 768 |
| 1998 | 716 |
| 1999 | 436 |
| 2000 | 589 |
| 2001 | 326 |
| 2002 | 246 |
| 2003 | 77 |
| 2004 | 50 |
| 2005 | 15 |
| 2006 | 19 |
| 2007 | 9 |
| 2008 | 5 |
| 2019 | 185 |
| 2020 | 215 |
| 2021 | 129 |
| 2022 | 49 |
| 2023 | 42 |
| 2024 | 45 |
| 2025 | 30 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
29% of complaints: seat belts — 12 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing retractor and buckle assembly.
INJURY17% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and catalytic convertor.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHEN PARKED WIRES IGNITED NEAR FIRE WALL.
NHTSA ODI report, 19951121
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
12% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing front underhood and interior/under dash.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1988 CHEVROLET BLAZER. THE CONTACT FOUND HIS VEHICLE ENGULFED IN FLAMES IN THE PARKING LOT OF A LOCAL SHOPPING CENTER. HE HAD DRIVEN THE VEHICLE JUST MINUTES BEFORE THE FIRE AND DID NOT NOTICE ANYTHING UNUSUAL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20090317
WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLED AND SMOKE BEGAN COMING FROM THE DASH AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. (OHIO TRAFFIC REPORT #10-91-526) *YH
NHTSA ODI report, 20021015
UPON PULLING INTO A REST AREA ON THE HIGHWAY, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD/PUT OUT FIRE WITH FIRE EXTINGUISHER, PASSENGER SUFFERED FROM SMOKE INHALATION. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19960904
10% of complaints: steering — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar and pump.
7% of complaints: seats — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing recliner.
SAFETY TIMELINE
STEERING DAMPER SEPARATION
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.
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 N
Campaign 93V119000 — check if this car was fixed
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 S
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.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
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 MANUFACTURE
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).
Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed
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. TH
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.
Campaign 07E088000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1988 Chevrolet Blazer — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 93V119000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E088000 (equipment) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1988 Chevrolet Blazer reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1988 Chevrolet Blazer is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1988 Chevrolet Blazer?
The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Chevrolet Blazer have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.