1996 Chevrolet Blazer Window & Wiper Problems

Which parts fail

• Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
  79
• Windshield wiper/washer
  67
• Glass, side/rear
  7
• Windshield
  6
• Power window devices and controls
  5
• Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior
  5

Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  00%
• 25k–50k
  211%
• 50k–75k
  422%
• 75k–100k
  1056%
• 100k–150k
  16%
• 150k+
  16%

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.

GM has a safety recall on my 1996 Blazer that they will not honor for me. They have indicated the recall was a long time ago and my car is 10 years old. I had the exact problem for the last 5-6 years or more, but never received a notice, and never got it fixed. I was aware of the problem and took measures and limited my driving when it might be a problem. I felt comfortable with the problem as low risk when I drive. Now I am selling the car as is. I feel there could be a safety hazard if someone else is driving that is not as aware and cautious as I am. The recall is the windshield washer motor is intermittent. Sometimes the wipers won't work. This has been scary in a down pour and when a passing car splashed a muddy wave on the windshield while I was driving in traffic. I have been using rain-x or driving my wifes car when it is raining. …

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've been told that Chevrolet Blazer 97 and newer have been recalled for bad wiper motors. I own a 96 Chevrolet Blazer and need to replace it also. This has been occurring off and on now for 6 months, I thought it was the fuse at first, swapped vehicles, etc... Now I've been told that there was a recall on the 97's, however, I'll need to pay for my repair. Sounds like the same problem to me. I don't know why they aren't all recalled.

The windshield wipers on my 1996 Chevy Blazer stopped unexpectedly. I contacted two Chevy dealers about the problem. Each said the problem was common, but only 1997 blazers are under recall. My 1996 Blazer has the same mechanism as the 1997 Blazer. I wrote to Chevrolet and was told only 1997's were under recall, which I already knew. I would like this defective equipment replaced. This can cause an accident.

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.

Dt*: the contact stated the windshield wipers did not work. The windshield wipers worked intermittently prior to the incident. There was a NHTSA recall, # 03V159000, regarding the visibility: windshield wiper/washer. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN.

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.

The wipers stopped. The problem was with the plastic circuit board on the wiper motor. The dealer claimed that the vehicle was not in the scope of the original recall. The consumer had experienced the exact situation with another Chevrolet truck (1994). Scc

While driving on the highway at 65mph during rain, the wipers began to fail. The fisrt time it happened they paused slightly then began to operate after a short moment. The second time while driving on the highway at 60mph they paused then started again and then they stopped all together. I pulled over on the road and after awhile they started again but only in the fastest mode. I then began to return home when the wiper failed completely. I was on the highway during a steady rain. I was nearly involved in an accident trying to pull over to the side. I waited for about 20 mins and then they started again. I had to repeat this once more before reaching my home. I immediately took the truck for repairs. The dealer replaiced the circuit board and cover. The same item was recalled in 1998. Your recal id# (98vi50001). I paid $132.00 for repairs. …

Related recalls

NHTSA investigations

Window & Wiper complaints in other Blazer years