Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
My 1996 Chevrolet Blazer did not pass a state inspection due to corrosion of the upper and lower ball joints and as well that the idler arm,. The front steering and suspension must be replaced. Upon searching the internet, I have discovered that this has been a serious problem with 1996 Blazer's and a recall was issued. I did contact Chevrolet and speak with a representative about the recall,however, after providing my vehicle's VIN number, I was told that my Blazer does not qualify for the recall. I feel that this is inappropriate. If my vehicle is experiencing the exact same problem discribed in the recall, then it should qualify for the remedy.
The front tires are worn, and I have been told that I need upper and lower ball joints. I have had these replaced in the past. This is a continual repair and getting costly. I called GM and they told me there was a recall but because of the time that has past that it is no longer covered. I am in fear of getting in an accident driving the way it is. It is very unsafe. I was told also that I need idler arm replacements.
Windshield wipers front & rear failed, water pump quit, drive shaft broke, ball joints right front broke, heater quit, air conditioner quit. Drivers side rear view mirror fell off, steering problems, brake problems, universal joints worn out, cracked front rotors,etc.
I have a 1996 Chevrolet Blazer with about 60,000 miles on it. I have already had to replace the front end parts about 4-5 times. With out fixing this everytime it would be impossible to drive the car. The steering becomes loose, and there is much play in the steering wheel.
While driving 20 MPH, steering wheel locked, causing driver to lose control of vehicle, resulting in a collision. Consumer stated the brakes also failed, airbag failed to deploy, and power steering fluid was also leaking.
Certified master auto mechanic, that's why no specific vehicle. Have seen a tremendous amount of these GM trucks, all lines, blaxer, tahoe, k3500, etc. With the belt tensioners coming apart. The center rots out and the spring just makes the tensioner fall sideways. For a while its not bad, the belt is still on and only slips wet. When they come off there is suddenly no power steering, along with of course no alternator. We are changing these at probably one per day, and check all of these vehicles. I have found that all of them with at least thirty thousand miles either need a new tensioner or have already had the tensioner replaced. This covers a few years, from at least 1995 through 1999, and is such a common problem that all the aftermarket suppliers I have seen (gates, napa, carquest) stock these parts. I can tell you the carquest part number, 89231, from memory. …
1&2) lower left ball joint and idler arm have been replaced, lower right ball joint is showing signs of wear and will require replacement in the near future. 3) 4x4 electric shift just failed last week. Preliminary troubleshooting indicates a #2 failure code which point to either the encoder/shift motor assembly or the transfer case control module (tccm). 4) this is a continuing problem. Whenever the gas gauge indicates 1/8 tank or less and the vehicle stands for more than 2 hours it is difficult to start. It takes 4-5 tries and requires that the gas pedal be pressed about 1/2 travel in order to start. When taken to the dealer for repair with a nearly empty gas tank, dealer claimed that they could not duplicate the problem. Yet, the day before the hard starting problem occured at least 6 times.
In 15 mos. This car has left me more than all others together !!! Have lost thousands of dollars in income . Most unreliable unsafe car I've ever owned . I see hundreds of people in my feild of work and I tell them all not to get a Blazer !! It can't stay on the road and the co. Is unwilling to help . Very unhappy with the product and handling of complaint. Read e-mail sent to get the jest of problems this car has had . If my daughter or I die as a result of this faulty car you can be assured you will be sued !!! I've tryed to let someone know since 1-2 mos. After purchase that it was a problem . To no avail Chevy does'nt care !!!!!
Most of the problems that surfaced had already been repaired at least once. Most of the problems had already been repaired at least once under warranty and have recurred. The A/C seal leaked and needed a pump. There were problems with the idler pulley, oil filter lines, crank shaft,door hinges, power steering, throttle positioner sensor 2, left front axle seal, and the differential side covers.
Consumer states ball joints are constantly failing. Consumer has had to replace them twice. A recall was initiated, but consumer's VIN was not included. Related recalls 01V200000 and 01i018000. Right front wheel fell off as a result of the faulty ball joints. There was squeaking noise on turns due to idler arm failure. Front pads worn out and rotors failed, both were replaced.
NHTSA investigations
Steering shaft separations
Coupling bolts, joining the steering shaft, May separate.in some cases, total unforeseen, loss of steering control May result.
Steering complaints in other Blazer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer, 2% of the model year's 1,153 complaints. The component named most often is linkages › arm › idler and attachment (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Chevrolet Blazer steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 99,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to steering 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.