Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 67 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median Blazer year — the 2004 model ranks #17 of 46 Blazer years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (11), body & structure (8), and brakes (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
67
NHTSA complaints
1
Recalls
0
Investigations
6
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 11 | 16% | — flat |
| Brakes | 8 | 12% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 8 | 12% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 6 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 5 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 4 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 4 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 4 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 3 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 3 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Other | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
Consequence
SOME OF THESE VEHICLES INCLUDE INCORRECT STATEMENTS ON ONE OF THE AIR BAG WARNING LABELS.
Remedy
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECT LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET BLAZER. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY BRAKES ABRUPTLY. THIS FAILURE OCCURRED SEVEN TIMES. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FUEL COULD BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. ANOTHER FAILURE WAS WHAT THE MECHANICS CALLED SURGING. SHE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE…”
“SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS DESIGN FLAW. SPARE TIRE IS EXTERIOR MOUNTED AT REAR OF VEHICLE IN SUCH A POSITION THAT REAR VISION IS OBSTRUCTED BY ABOUT 75%. *BF IF THE REAR SEATS HEAD REST WAS UP, THERE WOULD ALMOST BE 100% VISION LOSS. ALSO, IF AND WHEN BACKING UP, THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO SEE IF…”
“BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR VERY SLOWLY. REPAIRED BRAKES WITH ALL NEW COMPONENTS; ROTORS, PADS, CALIPERS, NEW BRAKE FLUID. BLED BRAKES AND PEDAL IS STILL VERY SPONGY AND PEDAL WILL STILL GO DOWN TO FLOOR AFTER STOPPING. CAR WILL NOT MOVE IF YOU HOLD THE PEDAL DOWN. FOUND SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON LINE…”
“CAR STARTED MAKING A RATTLING NOISE WHEN I TURNED TO THE RIGHT SHORTLY AFTER HAVING A SPRING REPLACED IN DRIVERS SIDE FRONT TIRE. WITHIN A WEEK THE RATTLING PROGRESSED TO A GRINDING. DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO LOOK AT IT, KNOWING I WAS ABOUT TO GO ON A LONG TRIP. I LEFT FOR MY TRIP (9 HOUR DRIVE) AFTER…”
“DT: THE CONTACT STATES WHEN HAVING THE TIRES ALIGNED THE CERTIFIED DEALERSHIP DISCOVERED BOTH FRONT LOWER BALL JOINTS/THE FRONT PASSENGER TIE ROD, AND IDLE ARM WERE EXTREMELY WORN OUT AND HAD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALL PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE.*AK THE WORK…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 67 complaints put the 2004 model at #17 of 46 Blazer years. It is one of the Blazer years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (11 complaints), body & structure (8 complaints), brakes (8 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2004 Chevrolet Blazer. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
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.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.