Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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).
Car accident was May 2008 was reported to usaa insurance and nc commissioner. I am former us army spouse and contractor 15 years. I am back at home of record. I have lost over $5000 to this incident and I deal with added medical disabilities from this dealing with chronic back, tbi ptsd and brain injury to left side. Confirmed with cat scan and army womack hospital. Did not have health care at the time. I have had ignition switch. The light bulb dealing with nc testing issues costing me with testing. Ohio thanks goodness not. But brights don't come on. Radio clock stays on drained battery in the past. Also, there was a problem with the brakes. I tried to get a service but didn't know where in dayton , ohio.....updated10/20/15
On my 1996 Chevy Blazer it was recently brought to my attention that I had no rear brake lights. I brought the vehicle to my regular mechanic and I was told that the multifunction switch was defective, as I had no rear hazards either. The only operational brake light was the overhead center light. I had the item replaced and received the car back yesterday, but decided to google the item and came up with the recall #01V364000. This recall only covers GMC related vehicles during calendar years 2000-2002. I have the receipt for work and have the defective part in my possession.
Recently had turn signal problems, hazard light problems and brake light problems. Could not get front, right turn signal to turn off, could not get hazard lights to turn off, after maneuvering a bobby pin into the hazard light switch I temporarily fixed these two problems. I recently discovered that I do not have all 3 of my brake lights. I do not have the two side brake lights just the top one. I think that because all of these are problems are electrical they are tied into one another. No consequences yet, but am worried about the brake lights and them causing an accident.
Complaint regarding faulty multi-function switch in 1996 Chevrolet Blazer that caught on fire. The multi-function switch in the consumer's vehicle caught fire and was replaced with a 2000 switch, however the switch failed the same way it was described in recall #01V364000, Chevrolet admitted they installed a faulty 2000 switch in the consumer's vehicle, but the recall was by car model year and not the recall switch year
Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds at night, and engaging the high/low beam switch, all interior and exterior lighting failed to illuminate without warning. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who determined the high/low beam dimmer switch needed to be replaced. After the replacement, the problem persisted. The manufacturer was alerted. Updated 9/8/2006 - updated 09/15/06.
The ABS light illuminated and there was a smell of gas. The manufacturer has been contacted and there was a recall on these items and they have been repaired per the manufacturer. The windshield wiper motor was intermittent, the hatchback light was intermittent and the internal light was intermittent. Recall# 03V159000 and 96V234000.
Turn signals not working. At first noticed fast flashing of indicator on dash, then noticed slow flashing, and then no flashing, just a steady indicator light, and finally, no indicator light at all. Bought a flasher at napa auto parts, thinking I could just replace it, but I couldn't find the flasher. Went to the dealer to inquire about the replacement of the flasher and they said Chevrolet has designed the turn signal system so that the enitre dashboard has to be removed to replace the flasher which will take approx. 2 hours of labor, costing over $200. That is outrageous! They also said there is a recall on the multi-function switch which controls the hazard lights and turn signals, (#o1v364000) but that my vehicle is not included in the recall. The dealer said that the recall May be extended to other vehicles, and I could get reimbursed. I sure hope so. …
While driving in the rain, consumer put on brakes and felt ABS kicking in, but there was a delay in stopping, consumer has also been to the dealer regarding an excessive brake squeak, dealer had replaced brake pads twice and rotors once. Right rear door won't always unlock from inside, dealer found no problem, pins at driver's door hinges rusted. The seal around right rear window holds water after rain. Rear passenger seat will not fold down, dealer found cable binding up. Water collects in rear light lense when washing vehicle, dealer replaced taillight lense, center high mount lense collects moisture, dealer replaced 3rd light brake assembly. Consumer flushed radiator and 12 months later it needed flushed again, dealer performed, consumer paid to have the first flush down and is requesting reimbursement.
There are several different issues with this truck: 1. The wheels are making a squeaking noise while driving; replaced brakes, rotors, had tires rotated, balanced and new alignment done with no help 2. Brakes go to floor while braking..this just started 3. Back windshield wiper makes a loud noise and doesn't work...ever! 4. Seat control gets stuck and won't move 5. No reverse light(s) and cannot figure out issue 6. Final and biggest issue is that all the lights (including headlights) flicker both while driving and idling) I have had the alternator tested and replaced as well as the battery..still happening I bought this truck December 8, 2007 used from a local dealer. I purchased a small warranty but one that won't cover anything mentioned above. If there are any recalls will someone please contact me!
I have a 96 Chevy Blazer. My brake lights are doa, the top strip is working but the brake lights itself are not. I changed everything that has to do with the brake lights and still nothing. I went online and also saw other people with the same problem and frustration. I called the dealership and there was a recall on that part but for a 2001. They also estimated that the switch and the labor would cost $700!!!! I went online and found the part itself for $369. I have not yet fixed the problem. This a problem to many Chevy lovers and Chevy should be liable to fix it cause it was an engineering problem.
Headlight complaints in other Blazer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the lights of the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer, 2% of the model year's 1,153 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Chevrolet Blazer headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights 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 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 106,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury to lights 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.