Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Chevrolet Blazer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt: the vehicle was involved in a wreck while driving 35-45 MPH, and the air bag on the driver's side did not deploy. There was not warning lights on the dashboard. Consumer's vehicle was hit from behind, and was pushed into a telephone pole. Dealer and manufacturer have not been contacted yet. A police report was taken. Two people were hurt.
My 1997 Chevrolet Blazer (ls) was involved in a front end collision (pictures can be provided after 7/19/03 via email) of the damage. I was told by the fire and paramedics as well as the tow company and police officers that the airbag should have deployed as at least two of the sensors were impacted.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet Blazer. While driving approximately 40 MPH the air bag light illuminated on the dashboard. The contact stated the air bag came out partially from the steering column.the air bag did not deploy, it came out but when back into place. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they refused to do the work unless the contact pays for the repairs. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileage was 164,192.
Nothing happened to cause the airbag light to come on, but one day a few years ago it came on and won't go off. Certified GM mechanic can't find reason why. So I still drive the vehicle but have told my family, and left notarized statement with documentation, that if something should happen to me as a result of this (I.e. Airbag doesn't deploy thereby causing fatal injury or deploys without cause causing injury) they are to sue GM.
While driving at approximately 35 MPH the vehicle was involved in a front-end collision. The seat belt did not restrain the driver and the air bags failed to deploy causing the driver's stomach to hit the steering wheel and her head to hit the interior of the vehicle. The consumer learned there was a recall regarding the seat belts. (03V117000)
The vacuum and EGR valve caused the problem with brake failure. Brakes felt like pushing on a brick when going downhill. Was making squealing noises. Had no brakes. Vehicle went over an embankment & flipped. Upon impact, air bags failed to deploy. Dealer informed owner of intermittent problems with brakes. Driver has back problem due to accident.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated the air bag did not deploy, but it started to come out. The contact was not in an accident at the time. The contact had the dealer inspect the vehicle and was told that there were no problems found with the airbag. The failure mileage and current mileages was 164000.
Dt: the contact stated while traveling for a long distance the air bag light illuminated intermittently which progressively started to illuminate consistently. The manufacturer was alerted who determined that the vehicle should be taken to the dealer where they will determined whether the problem is a safety defect.
At all the times that vehicle is on air bag light stays on. Vehicle has been taken to dealer and was diagnosed as air bag module failure. The only way it could be fixed was for the consumer to pay the repair cost. Manufacturer had been notified of the problem.
Consumer was driving at approximately 25 MPH, hit panel of a truck with front end of vehicle, driver's seatbelt unlatched itself unexpectedly. Dual airbags did not deploy, causing head injuries and large bruises. Consumers vehicle also hit a metal traffic light pole that.
Airbag complaints in other Blazer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Blazer?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the air bags of the 1997 Chevrolet Blazer, 5% of the model year's 768 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Blazer airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 1997 Chevrolet Blazer, though it has 4 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 1997 Chevrolet Blazer airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 25 crashes, 0 fires and 27 injuries to air bags 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.