1998 Chevrolet Blazer
This year had more than double the complaints of 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 | 213 |
| 2021 | 128 |
| 2022 | 48 |
| 2023 | 42 |
| 2024 | 43 |
| 2025 | 28 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
37% of complaints: visibility — 264 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing motor and windshield wiper/washer.
INJURY DEATH12% of complaints: seats — 84 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing recliner and mid/rear assembly.
CRASH FIRE INJURY11% of complaints: electrical system — 81 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and wiring.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
HAVE NOTIFIED GM, NOTHING SO FAR, HAVE ASK FOR A DIFFERENT BLAZER, NOTHING SO FAR, WE STOPPED FOR A TRAFFIC SIGNAL AND WOULD NOT START. THAN SMOKE CAME OUT FROM UNDER HOOD, THAN 3 FEET OF FLAMES, I THINK GM SHOULD LOOK AT THIS VERY CLOSE.
NHTSA ODI report, 19980527
11% of complaints: power train — 76 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and cooling unit and lines.
CRASH FIRE INJURY10% of complaints: service brakes — 70 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
MY ABS LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON AS WELL AS MY GAS GAUGE NOT WORKING
NHTSA ODI report, 20191217
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET BLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 4 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DECELERATE OR STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130604
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE BRAKE PIPE.
Campaign 97V218000 — check if this car was fixed
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 C
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND RETIGHTEN THE RIGHT-HAND LOWER CONTROL ARM NUTS TO THE PROPER TORQUE SPECIFICATION.
Campaign 98V053000 — check if this car was fixed
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."
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.
Campaign 00V220000 — check if this car was fixed
FRONT CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Chevrolet Blazer — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (264 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (84 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (81 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 97V218000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V053000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V220000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1998 Chevrolet Blazer reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Chevrolet Blazer is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Chevrolet Blazer?
The most-reported component is visibility, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Chevrolet Blazer have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.