Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
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).
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Chevrolet Blazer equipped with definity tires ex600, size 235-70-r15 (n/a). The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a mechanic for a routine tire rotation when he was informed that the front driver's side tire belt became separated. In addition, the passenger's side rear and front tires were prematurely worn. The tires were not replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The tire failure mileage was 50,000. The vehicle approximate current mileage was 153,000. Updated 12/18/13
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.
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.
While driving at 60 MPH the front right wheel completely disengaged from the vehicle. There were no injuries. Please provide any further information. Consume rclaimed wheel fell off, and son could have been killed.
We were travelling westbound on route 4 in west rutland, vermont, at approximately 50 MPH, when we heard a whistling sound. We thought it was air coming through the top of the window, but in a matter of seconds, the car lost control and the front end of the car "fell down". We originally thought we had a blow out, but after we viewed it with other people who stopped to assist, we discovered the rim was severed in half and the tire was totally out of place. A trucker who stopped to assist us, looked underneath and said it appeared to be a ball joint breakage. He could not believe that would happen with a 1996 vehicle with only 24,000 or so miles on it. We also had a state trooper assist us, and he commented on how lucky we were that we weren't hurt. From the time the car lost control, we had skidded approximately 100 feet to the side of the highway, missing the guardrail by inches. …
The tires in question have the same defects that have been shown on national t.v. The sides of my tires have blistered and are peeling along with a faint line where the tread was attached to the rest of the tire. Do I have to have an accident or have a fatality before somthing or someone will contact me ? I have called and a report has been taken several times to Firestone with a comment that some one from consumer affairs will be in contact with me. My first report of my problem with these tires was 9-5-00. I have lost my job and falling behind on bills. I cannot afford a new set of replacement tires nor can I afford an auto accident. Will you please help me? Sincerely, david saraceni( dot number: hyhl tire size: p235/75r15 )
Have excessive laterial run out in both rear tires, Firestone states is due to OEM wheels bent, wheels measured and well with in mfg spec's, Firestone wants to replace with same, as a consumer I want reimbursement for tires, note these are replacement tires from recall last year. Unable to drive vehicle at hwy speeds due to vibration. Also unable to rotate tire per mfg recommendations due to problem. If Firestone replaces just rear tires still have fronts with wear from not being able to rotate, Firestone says 'to bad' (tiresize: p235/75/r1)
Recall 99i006000 was repaired by the dealership. However, after defect was repaired brake system will lock up, and consumer will lose control of steering. Vehicle stalled 2 times after driven, then shut off for 15 minutes then restarted, dealer reprogrammed ECM. Front brake pads replaced, resurfaced rotors, replaced worn out brakes, during light braking during light rain, ABS kicks in. Rear tires worn on outside edges, consumer did not give any specific information regarding tires.
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.
On March 8, 2006, the right rear tire went flat when I was returning home from northern virginia. This is the second time this has happened. Again, there was nothing in the road; I heard a popping noise, which was then followed by the tire going flat noise. Again I was able to pull over and get the tire changed (Michelin tire).
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Blazer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer, 3% of the model year's 1,153 complaints. The component named most often is lugs/nuts/bolts/studs (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Chevrolet Blazer wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires 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 wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to wheels & tires 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.