Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
97 Blazer with original low miles had engine stop both on and off the highway several times but it would start back up. In jan while driving down the highway the service engine light came on and rpms went up. We pulled off and found the transmission was stuck in 3'rd gear. Also key would not release to remove. Errors came up p1860 p0785 and p740 that refer to transmission. The problem was not transmission but ignition switch contact block commonly called the ignition switch, it is the contact section and not the key or lock cylinder. This ignition switch had already been replaced once. GM has a service bulletin #17006264 on the ignition switch and this appears to be a big problem across many years and models but no recall was issued. …
Wiring bundle holder above transmission one of which goes to the transmission switch fails and lets wiring bundle fall on transmission and rubs the coating off of the wiring causing electical shorts; daylight headlights, transmission failure ( nothing wrong with transmission)interior lighting goes out or stays on all the time causing battery to go dead overnight, burning of wiring especially under dash and at fuse box and transmission switch (no fire resulted, unhooked battery removed fuses,and had wire replaced to transmission switch then trasmission worked; no failure of swicth just wiring,wiper and night light failures and more. Transmission auto repair says it is number 1 failure and happens all the time. The dealer said I needed a new transmission. This is a 1997 Chevrolet Blazer. I still have electral problems I have to get fixed. …
Transmission has shifted hard from 1st to 2nd since I bought the vehicle used 10/7/03 also get intermittent check engine light used car dealer coded out to trans component slippage but didn't know what to do on 01/16/04 was on extended trip and transmission failed completely - rpms started to climb so pulled over to shoulder of road - kept slipping gears - finally lost all forward motion. On stopping and checking found dip stick showed no fluid but had rust and grit on the end fluid appeared to have been leaking out of the top of the tube and there was trans fluid all over the bottom of the vehicle had the vehicle towed back to used car dealer he put in 8 qts of fluid to get it to move his mechanic said it appeared that the fluid "boiled" out of the dip stick tube but didn't know why in checking the internet it appears that these symptoms are common but unsupported by Chevy on this …
Encoder motor failure: called Chevrolet 800 number to complain about not being able to swictch from 2-wheel drive to 4-wheel. Made an appointment with local dealer. After diagnosis, told there was a encoder motor failure and the motor had to be replaced. Made several attempts to contact chervrolet point of contact to discuss if this should be covered under warranty since the 4-wheel drive was hardly used and the part is probably defective. However, no response as of yet. The cost is $600 for the repair. The car had only 45,000 miles at the time. Prior to that, the light on the 4-wheel button would be lit during switching but nothing would happen. Doing a search on the internet resulted in several complaints about the encoder.
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.
The transmission in my vehicle has a defective valve body and it caused my transmission to break, I went to the dealer when I first had the problem of a hard shift from first to second gear when the vehicle was being driven long distances. The dealer said the vehicle is shifting fine and to bring it back when it does it again. This was back on 08/19/02 and now I have a code 1870 on the computer and the transmission is shot. I found out the transmission is a 4l60e and it is very unreliable. Also I already had to change my water pump and alternator and my gas gauge does not work and there is a problem with my windshield wipers also.
The 1997 and 1998 Blazer has an inherent defect in the valve body in transmission. Code 1870 found after vehicle is warm the transmission slams into second gear causing the rear wheels to loose traction. I was told the transmission most likely needs a valve body. The Chevrolet dealer and a very reputable transmission repair shop advised that the 1997 and 1998 blazers are notorious for this inherent defect, and they have replaced the defective valve body with a larger one which fixes the problem. The dealer advised that there hasn't been a recall probably because no one has complained about the problem.
Automatic transmission not shifting from reverse to first gear. Causing the engine to race but moving as though it is in second or third gear to start from a dead stop. Once moving at second gear speed it is working fine. Service engine light is on. When scanned it shows codes p0740 and p1860 (p0740 is tcc sensor malfunction ---p1860 is shift plate d grounded to battery)when codes are cleared the codes come back. Transmission fluid and filter have been replaced .
The consumer experienced multiple problems with the vehicle. The wiper motor failed and was recalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for repairs but they didn't have the parts available. The radio would go off and on, the overhead display and map lights would go off and on, the cd player no longer worked, the rear window latch failed, the mirrors would only move to the left and there was rust in the transmission.
Had to replace transmission at 140,000 miles. Servicing per the owner's manual was always done, including dealers recommendations for transmission flush. Transmission suddenly failed to shift to 1st gear, then failed to shift to reverse shortly after that. 3rd party repair shop stated transmission was beyond economical repair, so replaced with 3rd party transmission to the tune of $2800.
Transmission complaints in other Blazer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1997 Chevrolet Blazer?
NHTSA has 110 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1997 Chevrolet Blazer, 14% of the model year's 768 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (83 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Chevrolet Blazer transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 4 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.