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 1998 Chevrolet Blazer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was a front seat passenger in a 1998 Chevy Blazer SUV belonging to my daughter,when an accident occurred the air bags did not deploy. It was a bad crash, but I was the only person injured. Afterwards it was a stunning revolution to find this out about the airbags and it has left me wondering how many people out there think they are protected with airbags, when they May or May not work anyway. This auto had a previous owner and it seems to me the dealership should be responsible for letting the new buyer know if the airbags work or don't work. Thanks.
I am writing concerning a 1998 Chevrolet Blazer that I owned until just recently. I was on my way home and was involved in an accident which destroyed the front end of the Blazer when it struck the median wall. When this happened, neither airbag deployed in the cab of the vehicle. I will be contacting general motors concerning this issue. I also have photos of the vehicle after the accident to verify that the air bags did not deploy.
1998 Blazer went out road into 2 ditches and had front end damage and bounced around . The frame was bent right where the right air bag sensor is located and it didn't go off. Fender,hood,cow,bumper,grill, motor mount had been replaced that I know of so far. Still at repair shop. I purchased this car because air bags and safety. The 2 people that were in car are okay, they waere bruised and sore.
I own a 1998 Blazer on 10-19-o3 it was hit from rear. Since this time the airbag light stays on and everything on that switcc malfunctions. I have noticed on one ocasion that smoke came from the steering wheel. I do not want to continue to drive it.
I was involved in a vehicle accident the 28th of August, on a two-lane road. I hit a Ford ranger that had rear-ended another vehicle causing the ranger to spin around hitting me head-on at 55m.p.h. The Ford's air-bags deployed on both driver and passenger sides, but neither side of my Chevrolet's deployed. I was wearing my seatbelt, but the force of the accident still caused my left knee to hit the dash board. I received back and knee pain and was taken to the hospital by ambulance. I had torn cartlidge in my knee, and I tore my mcl ligament, I have had surgery on my left knee to repair the damage, but I am still unable to work because of the injuries.I believe the air-bags should have deployed and so does the body shop that repaired my vehicle. …
Air bag warning light a first came on periodically but now stays on continuously. Dealer said vehicle was out of warranty and would cost me for repairs on a safety item. Windshield wipers now operate on their own. On, off setting, sometimes they operate. On different run settings they stop completely or vary speeds. Both are very serious safety hazards and should be recalled immediately. If an accident occurs by the windshield function or if someone is seriously injured because the airbags fail to deploy, there will be a serious lawsuit on someone's hands.
The supplemental inflatable restraint warning light illuminates periodically. Dealer is unable to diagnose. Dealer retrieved computer error code: b1036 sensor circuit short or open. Dealer states that problem cannot be reproduced. Dealer also states that the problem is unable to be resolved without extensive diagnostics. Dealer cannot give estimate of repair costs or guarantee repairs. Dealer states that when sir warning light is on, airbags will not deploy.
The air bag light comes on intermittently because the air bag sensor is bad and needs to be replaced. Also, at 30,000 miles the windshield wiper turns on and off intermittently without being engaged. There is a recall on this issue for the early model year. The dealership refused to replace the wiper control module. Consumer took the vehicle for replacement of the air bag sensor, which they performed but the air bag is still inoperative.
Consumer was traveling at approximately 45 MPH when another vehicle pulled out in front of consumer. Consumer's vehicle hit front driver's side of other vehicle which caused air bags in other vehicle to deploy. However, frontal air bags in consumer's vehicle failed to deploy. Consumer was wearing lap and shoulder belt, and needed 62 stitches for injuries. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
While driving 60mph vehicle was cut off by another vehicle. Anti-lock braking system malfunctioned, causing the wheels to lock up, and driver lost control. Vehicle went left to right and hit a hill with the front end. Then vehicle rolled over, and was hit by another vehicle in the front end. Driver's and passenger's airbags did no deploy, which did not protect the occupant. Please provide further information.
Airbag complaints in other Blazer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 1998 Chevrolet Blazer?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the air bags of the 1998 Chevrolet Blazer, 5% of the model year's 716 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (21 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chevrolet Blazer airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 1998 Chevrolet Blazer, though it has 3 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 1998 Chevrolet Blazer airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 26 crashes, 0 fires and 20 injuries and 3 deaths 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.