Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
My 1997 Blazer dies when I am driving it. I can drive it for 2 weeks with no problems and then it will die several times in one day. It doesn't matter how fast I am going...I can be going 50 MPH or coming to a stop when it dies. The steering and brakes go out and I'm afraid I am going to have an accident. I took it to the dealer and they could not find anything wrong with it and of course it didn't cut off when the mechanic drove it. I have also had to replace the alternator, battery, thermostat, and water pump within the last 6 months.
I took my 1997 Chevrolet Blazer in to my mechanic to have all tires replaced. I was called about an hour later to be informed by him that both lower ball joints were bad, also the idler arm needed replaced. I was informed that there was a re-call some time ago that the manufacturer would replace at no cost to the consumer. After calling general motors, I was informed that the recall did not include the "VIN #" for this recall.
Driver lost control of vehicle, ran into a house, ejecting driver from vehicle. A small fire started in the engine, someone tried to extinguish the fire, but it kept burning , causing damage to house and totaling vehicle. Fuel pump did not shut down. Seatbelt May have failed; there was a recall to replace belts following collision.
My '1997 Chevrolet Blazer lost its control after failing its right front upper ball joint of knuckle assembly. Right front tire was off the ground and the rh frt knuckle scrubbed the inside of tire rim. The Chevrolet dealer inform me to replace the upper ball joint as a recall item. And they charge me for all the other damaged parts. Second problem: the gear shifting lever did not go to the right position on the prindle during my driving. I asked the Chevy dealer to fix it. They open the instrument panel and they told me they fixed it. The same day, my transmission was engaged into different gears against my intention during drving condition. The transmission began to make a kicking sound on the road besides shifting into any gearas and making serious metallic noise on the free way. …
I purchased my 1997 Chevy Blazer ls in February of 2005. Since the purchase I have had the alignment done twice. After the second alignment the mechanic stated they found the reason my Blazer was continuing to pull the right was because the gear box needed to be replaced because it was stuck to the right. This procedure is going to cost me 470.00. The mechanic said this is a common problem with GM vehicles. The steering wheel turns to the right when I start the vehicle and pulls severely to the right making my driving effort more difficult and also causing unnecessary wear on my tires.
The front steering mechanism on my Blazer has been replaced twice, and each time if I had not been keeping an eye on it it couls have caused a crash. In any event it was not safe to drive either time. This should be looked into because there are thousands of these vehicles on the road and amny people who are totally unware that tis could be a problem . I have checked several others setting in car lots for sale and there is excessive play in the front ends of all of them so this problem is not just my problem.
Brakes squeak, idler arm not attached properly causing rattling and pulling while driving, windshield wipers stop working intermittently during use causing problems seeing outside, rear defrost does not work, fuel gauge gives incorrect readings and bobs back and forth, dex coolant turned to sludge causing blockages in heating core, engine block, and radiator
While getting an oil change technician informed consumer that upper and lower ball joints and idle arm needededto be replaced. Dealer notified, and informed that consumer that upper ball joint is cover edunder a recall, but not lower ball joint and idle arm. Feel free to provide any further information.
Both upper ball joints and idle arm failed at low mileages of 33,000. Dealer notified, and informed that vehicle was out of its warranty. The consumer restated the problem saying the lower ball joints and idle arem failed rather than the upper ball joints.
Car was making banging sound when turning. Cause was identified as failed idler arm and ball joints. Repaired by GM/Chevy under 36,000 mile warranty. Concerned that low mileage failure May reflect significant and dangerous front end problem with Chevy Blazer.
Steering complaints in other Blazer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Blazer?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Chevrolet Blazer, 3% of the model year's 768 complaints. The component named most often is linkages › arm › idler and attachment (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Blazer steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 89,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury and 1 death to steering 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.