1996 Chevrolet Blazer Suspension Problems

Which parts fail

• Front › Control arm › Upper ball joint
  49
• Front › Control arm
  35
• Front › Control arm › Lower ball joint
  29
• Front
  25
• Rear
  5
• Front › Wheel bearing
  4

Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  29%
• 25k–50k
  15%
• 50k–75k
  941%
• 75k–100k
  732%
• 100k–150k
  29%
• 150k+
  15%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Chevrolet Blazer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

Brake failure. Brake work done several times including recall of ABS. Which is not included in repair cost. The vehicle was involved in an accident on July 9 2002. The brakes failed without warning at slow speed on surface street resulting in a three car collision one vehicle was totaled. Accident costs not included. Minor injury to drivers of two of the vehicles. Contacted GM and was told that recall work had been done and so would not take any responsiblily etc. Vehicle has been parked since as unable to verify what actual problem is. Brakes failed again when the autobody repair shop took it in for brake check prior to returning to us.

While driving at 30mph on a well paved road, heard a loud bang. Two seconds later, another loud noise was heard, and the Blazer tilted to the left like have a blown tire. Luckily, we were going at slow speed and managed to pull the Blazer to the curb. After told to the nearby service station, the mechanic said the upper ball joint on the front driver side was pulled off the socket. Subsequently, the wheel rim was cut and tire was blown. After learning that there was a recall of this kind on 1996 Blazer, I called GM and gave the VIN. The customer service said my vehicle is not in the recall list and there is nothing he can do. The car is well maintained, oiled and lubricated every 3000 miles. I cannot imagine if this had happened on the free way. This is a dangerous defect that all Blazer owner shall know.

NHTSA campaign id number: 01V200000 product campaign bulletin no: 01048 after nearly losing control on the interstate highway I decided to have the front end checked. The front ball joints need replaced. I further learned of the above mentioned references however, the dealership in ankeny was unhelpful, rude, and basically told me they don't have to do any work regardless of bulletins, etc... Each day the vehicle is harder to handle and a mechanic friend advised will start to cause additional problems with suspension. Why do we have policies both government and corporate when dealerships totally disregard all the rules. I have experienced this before and know of many others that dealerships left in dire straits. This is a problem I would like addressed for the good of all.

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.

Steering problems since vehicle acquired. Reported to dealer in 2001, response "unable to replicate customer concern." went to another dealership when problem persisted (2002). Upper ball joint replaced under recall. Returned to dealer because alignment not completed, advised that lower ball joint also bad and not covered by recall but was in similar condition as upper. Did not align at that time either. Attempted contact with GM, they declined to replace, repair or further investigate (ref# 1-78000118).

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.

Pulling away from a stoplight something was terribly wrong with the front end. Having gone maybe a hundred feet, the right front wheel was greatly out of place, as if it was ready to tear away completely from the vehicle. I had absolutely no warning of this nor was there any discernible reason for this other than manufacturer defect. I have every 3000 miles lubricated the chassis.

While driving, vehicle veers to the left, as if out of alignment. Upon putting foot on brakes to slow down, vehicle did not stop. Consumer had an accident, there were two injuries. Consumer states rear axle seal is leaky, when stopping vehicle or slowing, the brake pedal gives way, air bag failed.

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 96 Chevy Blazer with cooling problems. I have replaced the water pump 2 times in the last yr. The radiator needs to be flushed and clean about every 2 months due to slugged and rust build up. I have also had the upper ball joints break on me.

Related recalls

NHTSA investigations

Suspension complaints in other Blazer years