VehicleVerdict

1997 Chevrolet Blazer problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,098 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 27.1 times the median Blazer year — the 1997 model ranks #3 of 46 Blazer years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 7 deaths and 81 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (170), visibility & wipers (136), and suspension (123), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

1,098

NHTSA complaints

7

Recalls

2

Investigations

72

Crash-involved

44

Fires reported

81

Injuries

7

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Blazer years?

See all Blazer years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Chevrolet Blazer problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes17015%
Visibility & Wipers13612%
Suspension12311%
Transmission11811%
Electrical System1049%
Engine1049%
Fuel System969%
Speed Control484%
Airbags394%
Other333%
Seat Belts272%
Steering242%
Body & Structure202%
Lighting192%
Tires & Wheels121%
Seats101%
Latches & Locks71%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)61%
Child Seat20%

Does the 1997 Chevrolet Blazer have recalls?

7 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

06E023000LightingMarch 13, 2006 · 292,000 units

Defect

CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH 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.

Remedy

ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.

03V117000Seat BeltsMarch 31, 2003 · 312,715 units

Defect

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY THAT CONTAINS AN ENERGY-ABSORBING LOOP. SUSTAINED LOADS OF SUFFICIENT MAGNITUDE AND DURATION ON THE BELT IN SEVERE CRASHES COULD FULLY DEPLOY THE BUCKLE ENERGY-ABSORBING LOOP, INTRODUCING A TOTAL OF 10 ADDITIONAL INCHES OF WEBBING INTO THE SEAT BELT SYSTEM. THE FREE FALLING LATCH PLATE USED IN THIS SYSTEM MAY ALLOW WEBBING TO DYNAMICALLY DISTRIBUTE BETWEEN THE LAP AND SHOULDER BELT AS THE DRIVER'S POSITION CHANGES DURING A MULTIPLE ROLLOVER EVENT.

Consequence

IF THE ENERGY-ABSORBING LOOP FULLY DEPLOYS IN A SEVERE MULTIPLE ROLLOVER CRASH, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT A BELTED DRIVER MAY EXPERIENCE PARTIAL OR EVEN COMPLETE EJECTION FROM THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENERGY-ABSORBING SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WITH ONE THAT DOES NOT HAVE THE ENERGY-ABSORBING LOOP. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON AUGUST 8, 2003. 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, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

03V093000Visibility & WipersMarch 7, 2003 · 507,171 units

Defect

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, MINI VANS, AND PICKUP TRUCKS MAY DEVELOP A SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE ELECTRIC OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR SWITCH.

Consequence

IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN, IT COULD RESULT IN AN INOPERATIVE SWITCH, HEAT DAMAGE TO THE DRIVER'S DOOR, AND/OR IGNITION OF COMPONENTS IN THE DRIVER'S DOOR AND A SUBSEQUENT VEHICLE FIRE WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED JUMPER HARNESS TO THE ELECTRIC OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 24, 2003. 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.

01I018000SuspensionDecember 4, 2001

Defect

THIS IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, IT IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BY THE AGENCY. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 1996-1997 4-WHEEL DRIVE CHEVROLET BLAZER, GMC JIMMY, AND OLDSMOBILE BRAVADA SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. SOME OWNERS HAVE HAD TO PAY FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE UPPER BALL JOINTS THAT HAVE SEPARATED. GM IS PROVIDING A SPECIAL POLICY TO THESE OWNERS TO COVER UPPER BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT IF THE CUSTOMER FOLLOWED THE RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE FOR THE CHASSIS LUBRICATION AND THE VEHICLE STILL REQUIRED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE UPPER BALL JOINTS DUE TO SEPARATION.

Consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

GM HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE UPPER BALL JOINTS ON AFFECTED VEHICLES. THIS SPECIAL POLICY IS FOR A PERIOD OF 8 YEARS OR 100,000 MILES, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST, FROM THE DATE THE VHEICLE WAS ORIGINALLY PLACED IN SERVICE, REGARDLESS OF OWNERSHIP. THE UPPER BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT, DUE TO SEPARATION, WILL BE MADE AT NO CHARGE TO THE CUSTOMER DURING THIS PERIOD. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-862-4389, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, CONCERNING THIS PROGRAM.

01V200000SuspensionJune 28, 2001 · 48,600 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, AND WISCONSIN, AND IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. FAILURE OF AN UPPER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT ASSEMBLY COULD OCCUR DUE TO CORROSION.

Consequence

THIS CAN RESULT IN IMPAIRED STEERING OR STEERING LOSS, OR A PARTIAL OR COMPLETE COLLAPSE OF THE FRONT SUSPENSION, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH UPPER BALL JOINTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 4, 2001. 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, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

97V096001Seat BeltsJune 12, 1997 · 586,058 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: EXTENDED CAB PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 60/40 FRONT BENCH SEATS AND EXTENDED CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND 2-DOOR UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL LOCKING RECLINER BUCKET SEATS. THE OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT WEBBING ON THE DRIVER'S AND/OR PASSENGER'S SEAT CAN SEPARATE DURING A FRONTAL IMPACT.

Consequence

IF A SEPARATION OCCURRED AND THERE WERE SECONDARY CRASH EVENTS OR VEHICLE ROLLOVER, THERE WOULD BE NO BELT RESTRAINT OF THE OCCUPANT AND INCREASED INJURIES COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER OVER THE RECLINER MECHANISM.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

THE VACUUM AND EGR VALVE CAUSED THE PROBLEM WITH BRAKE FAILURE. BRAKES FELT LIKE PUSHING ON A BRICK WHEN GOING DOWNHILL. WAS MAKING SQUEALING NOISES. HAD NO BRAKES. VEHICLE WENT OVER AN EMBANKMENT & FLIPPED. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. DEALER INFORMED OWNER OF INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 17, 1999 · crash

TL* - THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED. SHE STATED THAT THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THAT SHE HAS HAD A FIRE IN THE TRUCK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ITWAS THE DRIVER'S SIDE MIRROR MOTOR THAT CAUGHT ON FIRE AGAIN. SHE WILL HAVE A POLICE AND FIRE REPORT TO STATE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. *AK

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · January 1, 2007 · fire

THE RIGHT FRONT UPPER BALL JOINT OF MY 1997 BLAZER FAILED AS I WAS DRIVING ON A PUBLIC HIGHWAY. I IMMEDIATELY HAD MY BLAZER REPAIRED AND REPORTED IT TO CHEVROLET UNDER RECALL CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01V200000. I COMPLIED WITH CHEVROLET'S DIRECTIONS TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY THEIR AGENTS AT A…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · February 8, 2003 · crash

THE DIFFERENTIAL CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY AT 60 MPH., NO PROBLEMS PRIOR TO THIS MALFUNCTION WITH THE VEHICLE, THE DEALERSHIP HAS NO EXPLAINATION FOR THE INCIDENT.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 9, 1999 · fire

THE VACUUM AND EGR VALVE CAUSED THE PROBLEM WITH BRAKE FAILURE. BRAKES FELT LIKE PUSHING ON A BRICK WHEN GOING DOWNHILL. WAS MAKING SQUEALING NOISES. HAD NO BRAKES. VEHICLE WENT OVER AN EMBANKMENT & FLIPPED. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. DEALER INFORMED OWNER OF INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WITH…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 17, 1999 · crash

1997 Chevrolet Blazer — common questions

Is the 1997 Chevrolet Blazer reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,098 complaints put the 1997 model at #3 of 46 Blazer years. It is one of the Blazer years to avoid.

What are the most common 1997 Blazer problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (170 complaints), visibility & wipers (136 complaints), suspension (123 complaints).

Does the 1997 Chevrolet Blazer have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Chevrolet Blazer. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1997 Chevrolet Blazer under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet Blazer years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Blazer years to avoid are 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 1994, 1993, 1999, 2001, 2020, 1992, 2002, 2019, 1991, 2021, 2003, 2004, 2022. The cleanest record among Blazer years belongs to 1975.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.