NHTSA vehicle safety data

1998 Chevrolet Blazer Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 1998 Chevrolet Blazer has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 715 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Chevrolet dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1998 Chevrolet Blazer, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

1998 Chevrolet Blazer owner complaints

Owners have filed 715 complaints with NHTSA about the 1998 Chevrolet Blazer, describing incidents dated November 1, 1997 to October 24, 2020.

Most-cited components

Visibility/Wiper 255 complaints
Seats 81 complaints
Power Train 73 complaints
Electrical System 68 complaints
Engine 62 complaints
Service Brakes 61 complaints

Of the 715 complaints on file, 46 report a crash and 15 a fire; across all 715 complaints, owners report 39 injuries and 13 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11366257 · Filed October 25, 2020
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.
ODI #11289543 · Filed December 17, 2019
MY ABS LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON AS WELL AS MY GAS GAUGE NOT WORKING
ODI #11233253 · Filed July 18, 2019
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.

Read all 715 complaints

Owner-reported

1998 Chevrolet Blazer mileage at failure

265 of the 715 complaints on file for the 1998 Chevrolet Blazer give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Visibility/Wiper	Median 70,000 miles	Middle half 50,000–95,000 miles	Based on 144 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Complaints received before December 15, 2002 rarely give a mileage, so they aren't counted here.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 1998 Chevrolet Blazer in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Recall Query RQ02-012: FRONT CONTROL ARM BALL JOINTS
Closed March 7, 2003
- Recall 01V-200

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

GM/FMVSS 108/DRL

NHTSA #00V220000 · Exterior Lighting · NHTSA notice

Reported August 11, 2000 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 14,279 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 00043 · Owners notified September 13, 2000 · Vehicles built April 1, 1997 – June 30, 1998 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108.

Manufacturer 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).

GM/LOWER CONTROL ARM

NHTSA #98V053000 · Suspension — Front — Control Arm — Lower Arm · NHTSA notice

Reported March 9, 1998 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 72 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 98006 · Owners notified January 22, 1998 · Vehicles built January 1, 1998 – January 31, 1998 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.

Manufacturer 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).

GM/BRAKE HOSE FRACTURE

NHTSA #97V218000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice

Reported November 24, 1997 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 19,716 vehicles

Owners notified December 15, 1997 · Vehicles built March 1, 1997 – August 31, 1997 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

PARTIAL LOSS OF BRAKING AT A TIME WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE WAS REQUIRED COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer 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.

1998 Chevrolet Blazer 4-DR. 4x4

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

1 investigation

715 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1998 Chevrolet Blazer.

Vehicle Speed Control

ODI #11366257

Incident: October 24, 2020 · Filed: October 25, 2020

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.

Service Brakes

ODI #11289543

Incident: October 23, 2019 · Filed: December 17, 2019

MY ABS LIGHT IS ALWAYS ON AS WELL AS MY GAS GAUGE NOT WORKING

Air Bags

ODI #11233253

Crash

Incident: June 22, 2019 · Filed: July 18, 2019

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.

Vehicle Speed Control

ODI #11058358

Crash 1 injury

Incident: December 20, 2017 · Filed: January 3, 2018

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 AND DROVE OUT OF THE BUILDING, BUT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS STILL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE EVENTUALLY STALLED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED FOUR FRACTURED RIBS, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS PICKED UP BY A TOW TRUCK (PAID FOR BY THE MANUFACTURER) AND TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING AN INVESTIGATOR TO RENDER A DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 884883. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.

Service Brakes

ODI #10945370

Incident: September 13, 2016 · Filed: January 15, 2017

1998 CHEVY BLAZER DOES NOT BRAKES DO NOT PUMP UP AND HOLD THEY ARE SPONGY.

Vehicle Speed Control; Service Brakes; Engine

ODI #10889090

Incident: July 25, 2016 · Filed: July 27, 2016

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 WAS IN PARK, IT UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Engine

ODI #10823344

Incident: January 1, 2010 · Filed: January 31, 2016

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 FEW YEARS AGO, HENCE THE JAN 2010 DATE ENTRY AS GUESS TO THE DATE OF ONLINE KNOWLEDGE. IF A CLOSER DATE NEEDED; I CAN RESEARCH.

Visibility/Wiper

ODI #10809344

Incident: April 15, 2015 · Filed: December 9, 2015

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 DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

Visibility/Wiper

ODI #10795308

Incident: November 19, 2015 · Filed: November 22, 2015

THE WIPERS WILL NOT WORK. THE WIPER MOTOR SEEMS TO HAVE AN ISSUE. IT GETS REAL HOT WHEN CONNECTED. AND I HAD JUST BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE ON 11/19/2015

Electrical System

ODI #10785938

Incident: July 31, 2015 · Filed: October 26, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 CHEVROLET BLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ENTER THE VEHICLE, THE KEY CODE FAILED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO NOT START. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND THEN TO A DEALER. THE DEALER REFUSED TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 199,573.

Other Chevrolet Blazer model years

Check your 1998 Chevrolet Blazer VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Chevrolet Blazer at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check a Chevrolet VIN