Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
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.
The transmission failed with no warning. According to TSB 00-07-30-022 the 4l60e a/t will lose reverse, 2nd, and 4th gears. This is caused by a defective part in the transmission called the reaction sun shell, which was returned to me by the transmission rebuilder. The failure was not maintenance related in any way. The failure of the part was due to inadequate strength. There are numerous aftermarket reaction sun shells that are much stronger and durable than the defective GM part. This problem is widespread and could create a dangerous situation. The transmission will only shift from 1st to 3rd if you accelerate quickly in 1st then let off the accelerator. I pulled on to a high speed highway and could only maintain 25 MPH with no place to pull over, until I realized that it would shift to 3rd if you let off the accelerator. Several vehicles had to swerve to avoid hitting mine. …
I work at night driving and often have to break fast for deer crossing the highways. The first time I had to break quickly for 2 deer the vehicle gave a growling sound and just continued at the same speed until I had hit the deer. The last time this happened was today and luckily I was able to swerve around the deer without losing control. I complained of the transmission in March , 2000 and was told there is nothing wrong with it. At that time I had them change the transmission fluid,filter and gasket, but it still has times when it doesn't want to go.
Dt*: the contact stated that while driving at any speed, the vehicle transmission slipped. There was a flare-up between gears, and a harsh engagement between first and second gear. The vehicle was taken to a private repair shop, where it was determined that the on-board computer was inaccurate. There is a NHTSA technical service bulletin # 9774l60e08a, which pertains to the automatic transmission. The contact stated that the work was not performed upon sale of the vehicle.
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.
1996 Chevrolet Blazer tcc valve on transmission failed while driving on highway once vehicle warmed up after driving for a distance. Appears that the same transmission on many models have similar failures and issues where it switches hard from 1st to 2nd on at. Ses engine service code 1870.
Consumer states that transmission fluid started leaking onto the ground and down the exhaust pipe. Consumer states vehicle started to fill with smoke and caught fire. Consumer states that the gear shifter came off in comsumer hand from the heat. Please provide any further information. Mr
Both rear wheels and axles separated from the rear differential while traveling at 55 MPH on highway. Loss of vehicle control and braking due to severed brake lines and rear wheels separated from rear differential.body damage incurred when rear wheel and axle jammed under rear bumper.
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.
Normal driving , hard shifting, eventual transmission burn up. If caught in time simple repair for about 300 if you can find shop that will do it. I left alone. Transmission will burn up and depending on vehicle, 1500 to 2700. Hundreds of thousands vehicles are affected.
NHTSA investigations
Upper control arm ball joint breakage
An upper control arm ball joint fails, resulting in the front suspension collapsing on the failed side.
Transmission complaints in other Blazer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer?
NHTSA has 96 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer, 8% of the model year's 1,153 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (62 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Chevrolet Blazer transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 84,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 3 fires and 2 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.