Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
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).
Throttle stuck brakes could not stop vehicle. Lost control and rolled. Lucky I was on my property and not a public road. No report. Can be inspected. Available anytime. This is not the only year of this model I have had this problem I have had two 2002 that have had same problem.
While traveling at 25 MPH on a wet roadway I approached a vehicle stopped at a stop light. At around 6 car lengths I applied my brakes and the vehicle would not stop, resulting in a rear end crash with the vehicle in front of me. When I applied the brakes the vehicle started to vibrate as if the ABS brakes were activating. The braking system failed to provide much stopping power. The speed at the time of collision was about 15 MPH, slowed from 25.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Chevrolet Blazer. While driving at an unknown speed, the ABS warning light illuminated and the front brakes locked up intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ABS pump and electronic control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,300.
While driving 35 MPH, the driver applied the brakes but the brakes failed. This caused the driver to collided with a vehicle while crossing an intersection. The vehicle was towed to the driver's home. The antilock brakes did not engage. The pedal was hard and the consumer could not slow down.
ABS wire caught fire on my 1997 Chevy Blazer after turning it off. And caught antifreeze reservoir on fire. Luckily I could catch it before it burned the truck up. Called dealer and they said that there was no recall on the problem.
On 12/22/99, my husband and I were involved in an auto accident. A woman two vehicles in front of us lost control, struck the concrete divider, flipped over & wound up upside down perpendicular in the road in our lane(left lane). Our brakes failed in our vehicle & as a result we struck the vehicle in front of us who was appearantly pushed into the overturned vehicle. Our vehicle was towed from the scene as we were taken to the hospital. My husband did not have an opportunity to advise the investigating officer of his brake failure. When the officer arrived at the hospital, he told my husband he did not want to hear what he had to say because the officer indicated he had 2 independent witnesses. The officer advised the witnesses stated the van in front of us had stopped with out striking the overturned vehicle, & therefore we too should have been able to stop. …
Bad A/C: complained to a dealer approximately 10 months (summer of 98) after the purchase about warm air blowing, intermittently, from under the dashboard. The dial was turned to cold position and the fan was off. Dealer technician could not recreate the problem even after the car was kept overnight. Complained again a couple of months later. However, the dealer could not recreate the problem, but apparently opened the unit and found no problems. About 6 months later (spring of 99), complained about A/C not blowing cool enough air. Again, dealer found no problems and stated that it the design defect. About 2 years later, moved to sc where no cold air was blowing - only outside air (it was cooler to open the window). Took the car to precision tune and they added freon and a die to detect leaks. The freon seemed to make some difference. …
Owning this vehicle has been a nightmare and a financial drain. Windshield wipers worked when they chose, replaced wiper motor due to defective part. Upper and lower ball joints all had to be replaced. Wheel bearings had to be replaced. A/C stopped working, had it looked at and recharged and it still doesn't work. Fuel gage didn't work, replaced fuel sensor and sending unit. Rear wiper quit working, replaced rear wiper motor, a few days later it does not work again. Replaced water pump, have replaced ABS only to get a recall after the fact with no reimbursement. Wears through brake pads entirely too fast. Replaced alternator and battery twice. Rear hatch does not unlock with key. Headlights are so dim they might as well not exist. Water leaks into interior on drivers side due to a bad seal. Idler arm needs to be replaced. Gas pedal sticks. Now heater fan works sometimes. …
This is a 1997 Chevrolet bazer. The anti lock brakes on this vehicle is defective and ingages under varying conditions. The vehicle is unsafe in slippery conditions. Front sensors have be checked. This vehicle will engage anti-locks at times when brakes are not applied. Brake switch checks OK. Pedal will drop under most stops and anti-lock will scream and apply. A jerking brake action is present. I do know there is a recall on 1994-1996 models. By looking on the internet I see that I am not alone in this problem. Hubs are OK. I think the trouble May be in the control unit, but no trouble codes appear and scan tool indicates no trouble. I think GM has produced defective units. This car has 90000 miles but has had excellent care and no damage. I would like to know how to disconnect these anti-lock brakes. They are unsafe. There appears to be no way to detect the problem.
I bought my rig under a year ago and have been haveing problems with the trasmission,I have run out of gas many times because it doesn't register,my air conditioner doesn't work right,my brakes have locked up a few times and when I turn a corner it sounds like something crahing under my rig.I have had nothing done yet because it is going to cost me a whole lot to have all this replaced.my stereo went dead about a week after I got it also.I thought I was buying a good rig but,now I am finding out different and I paid good money for and am still paying for it.I have replaced the heater core it went out 3 weeks after I got it,the window went out a few day's after I got it and Ford barely replaced that for me.
NHTSA investigations
ABS braking system
This investigation resulted in a safety recall, 99v-193, and a service campaign, 99i-006.
Brake complaints in other Blazer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Blazer?
NHTSA has 156 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Chevrolet Blazer, 20% of the model year's 768 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (97 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Blazer brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes 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 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 25 crashes, 3 fires and 18 injuries to brakes 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.