Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Chevrolet Blazer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt*: the contact stated shortly after the vehicle was parked, flames were noticed dropping to the ground under the front end of the vehicle. Grey smoke was also observed coming from under the hood. The vehicle burned completely, and was considered a total loss. There was a police report and a fire department report processed at the scene. The heat from the fire melted the rear end of another vehicle parked in front of it, and did moderate damage to a third vehicle parked alongside the second vehicle. Updated 12/01/06.
On my way home from work on sept. 21, 2001, I had to sit on I-435-e- freeway for an hour because of a car accident. I was moving no more than 5 to 10 miles an hour. When I got to I-71-n and I took I-71 to the linwood exit going 55 to 60 miles an hour and then 45 to 50 miles an hour and then 55 to 60 and then 45 to 50. I exited linwood to the east, over to indiana (linwood is the 32nd hundrend blook). I went south on indiana to 3318 indiana. I parked my car and went in the house. I was in the house about 2 to 3 minutes before my neighbors came to my door and said my car was on fire. They were using their water holes to put out the fire. My better-half (trinidad medellin) came out side and open the hood of the Blazer. By the time the fire department came, the fire was out. …
Tl contact owns a 1996 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that the air conditioner would not function. In addition, the radiator hose was leaking and the vehicle was taken to a repair shop for inspection. The contact was informed that there was a crack on the block (heater core) of the radiator. The radiator hose was leaking at the connection of the hose. The vehicle also overheated at times, in which the mechanic stated that this failure was included in NHTSA campaign id number 06e043000 (fuel system, gasoline). The dealer refused to perform the recall repair because other work needed to be done at the contact's expense. The current mileage was 169,123 and failure mileage was approximately 165,000. Updated 09/15/08 the consumer stated brown sludge was found in the radiator. Updated 09/18/08.
1996 Chevrolet Blazer has had numerous problems with cooling system due to bad anti-freeze general motors used in the vehicle of this vintage. They charged me to have the system flushed out because the anti-freeze would clog the heater coils. No heater in winter. Previously the vehicle was over heated and dealership replaced the thermostat and water pump plus seals and head gasket due to the engine running too hot. This is the 4th time I'm returning it and now they want me repair or replace the radiator. It is still running hot. It is my understanding from talking to the mechanics that this is a problem for vehicle of this vintage and it took a couple of years for GM to change anti-freeze manufacturers. Do I have any recourse?
Dealer replaced heater core due to leak and found sludge in cooling system (dex cool). Heater core replaced and system flushed 4 times. Heater core replaced again on 1/19/03, water pump replaced in 2/03. Radiator has large leak 5/22/03. Sludge visible in radiator and overflow bottle. Dealer/GM indicates problem with sludge build up caused by owner not maintaining system. Head gasket replaced in 2001 and windshield wiper circuit board in 2001 (bad solder joint) - GM indicated the windshield wiper problem not associated with VIN number. All costs out of pocket.
I purchase my vehicle used on 12/4/01 , I have had to replace the temperature gauge every year because it indicates it is overheating. 3 weeks ago it started saying it was overheating and smoke filled the interior of my vehicle with fumes. It was repaired. At 3:15 p.m. Today, my car indicates it is overheating and now the service car light is on. This has been an ongoing issue with the coolant system. As soon as I turn the car on it indicates it is overheathing. Happening too many times.
I own a 1996 Chevrolet Blazer which I purchased new in 1996. It now has 59,000 miles on it. We have regularly scheduled maintenance done on the car, along with scheduled oil changes, checking belts, hoses, etc. We are constantly having our brakes repaired/replaced. Last year we needed to have a brake booster replaced which cost us over $700 and today we were told that our "entire" cooling system is corroded...$1,900. At 59,000 miles I certainly don't think this should have happened.
The radiator and cooling system on my 1996 Chevrolet balzer gets rusty and clogged every couple of years. In 1998 the whole radiator was taken out and boiled. In 2001 the cooling system was flushed again due to rust and clogging. And now, April 2004, the system has clogged again and causes engine overheat. GM uses dex cool which is supposed to last five years, but every couple of years this coolant seems to clog the system and requires an overhaul costing around $400.
My 1996 Chevrolet Blazer with less than 53,000 miles has no heat and started overheating. I took it for service and was informed that the dexcool that was guaranteed for 100,000 miles had failed. The radiator was partially blocked and the heater core was blocked. Both the radiator and the heater core need to be replaced because of the sludge and rust that was in the cooling system.
Transmission slipping when weather becomes hot the problem gets worse. Attempting to pass someone vehicle May slowly accelerate, and May not even start from stop signstraffic lights. Also cooling fan clutch lockes at 200 degrees fahrenheit. Removing h.p. From engine so there is not enough power to accelerate vehicle. Fire burned A/C compressor/clutch.
Engine complaints in other Blazer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer?
NHTSA has 150 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer, 13% of the model year's 1,153 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system (52 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Chevrolet Blazer engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1996 Chevrolet Blazer engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 7 fires and 1 injury and 1 death to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.