The Chevy Blazer has been known for its blend of style, reliability, and appeal in the SUV market. While still a great family vehicle that can take on any adventure, the Blazer has had its share of mechanical issues over the years. Understanding what they will help you make an informed choice when shopping for an SUV. Let’s take a deep dive into the Blazer’s known issues.
Key Takeaways:
- The Blazer has conflicting reliability ratings from reputable sources—it’s best to meet with a sales associate when you have questions about its issues.
- Its common problems include fuel pump and transmission failure, distributor defects, and an inaccurate fuel gauge.
- Preventative maintenance will keep your Blazer running for years to come.
What Are Common Problems of the Chevy Blazer?
The Chevy Blazer has been a classic for decades. Produced from 1969 to 2005, it was revived as a midsize crossover SUV in 2019. During that time, some model years have been shown to be more problematic than others.
For example, the 1994 has been considered the worst model year of the Blazer, while the 2004 model received the most complaints. Engine problems are the most commonly reported, with a faulty fuel gauge as the second most frequently reported problem.
Why Does the 2019 Chevy Blazer Not Shift Into Park Easily?
The 2019 redesign shows a “Shift to Park” error message that remains displayed when the SUV is in park. This is typically accompanied by other issues than include activated horn, defective door locks, and an electrical system malfunction.
What Model Year of the Chevy Blazer Had Fuel Pump Failures?
Some models built from 1990 to 2005 developed fuel pump issues. This malfunction of the pump would cause the engine to either stall or crank over.
What Were Some of the Major Problems the Chevy Blazer Faced?
Defects in the 2001’s distributor affected the engine’s operation— the Blazer ran rough or stalled and owners were forced to overhaul the distributor or replace the faulty ignition. This problem was found in various models from 1990 to 2005.
2000 Chevy Blazer owners could not tell how much fuel was in the tank due to a defective gauge offering inaccurate readings. Replacing the fuel level sensor or the entire fuel pump module assembly resolved the problem. This problem was found in various models from 1996 to 2005, but the year 2000 had the most complaints.
Coolant leaks and intake manifold gasket failures were found to be prevalent in 2002 models. Signs included a burning coolant smell and reduced engine performance. Left unaddressed, this issue would cause long-term engine damage.
What Years of the Chevy Blazer Had Issues With the Transmission?
Gear slippage, inability to reverse, and strange noises were earmarks of the Blazer’s transmission failure in 2000 models. Rebuilding or replacing the transmission is often required for safety. (A costly fix!)
Did the Chevy Blazer Ever Face ABS Failures?
Models from 1994-1998, 2000-2002, and 2004-2005 experienced ABS control module issues, but 2003 Blazer saw this issue the most. The ABS light would randomly come on due to a failed control module, which could affect the proper commands to the brakes.
How to Prevent Common Chevy Blazer Problems
If you qualify for GM’s Certified Pre-Owned program you can keep your Blazer in top shape for years to come! Our used Blazers undergo a thorough 172-point inspection and reconditioning process. The model you choose must be less than six years old, have fewer than 75,000 miles, and dealers must complete all the necessary safety recalls before selling certified pre-owned models to qualify.
How Can I Avoid Common Problems of the Chevy Blazer?
All SUV’s have issues and regular maintenance is the key to keeping your Blazer running smoothly. To stay informed about what to expect from the Blazer model year you choose, talk to a Banner sales associate—we’re here to help you pick your next used SUV!