Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
Tl contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that the vehicle accelerated on its own and made a rattling noise. The vehicle failed to stop when the brakes were applied. The contact placed the vehicle in neutral in order to slow it down and noticed that the throttle had become stuck. The dealer was unable to diagnose the cause of failure. The purchase date was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 90,000. Updated 02-04-08. The consumer stated wheels were smoking as a result of the brake pads having been worn. Updated 02/01/08
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Blazer. While driving with the cruise control activated at 50 MPH, the contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to stop. Instead, the vehicle accelerated on its own. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road, turned off the engine, and restarted the vehicle. In addition, while the vehicle was in park, it unintentionally accelerated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000. The VIN was not available.
Front driver's side door does not latch due to the body of the strike plate on driver's side caving in. There was a crack around the sticker plate. The dealer adjusted the driver side sticker plate. The problem remained the same after adjustments were made. Two months after purchase the consumer would hear rattling on the passenger and the drivers side door. The seat belt would not release, the encoder motor had become inoperative after the module shorted, the stabilizer link nuts were missing, the left door would rattle when driven over bumps, when braking, a squealing noise was heard, there was a hesitation in the transmission when changing the reverse, the "trip meter" was inoperative, the was a rattle in the dash when driven over bumps, there was an oil leak, there was a rattle in the front suspension when driven over bumps, the left rear door would open by itself, and the tail gate …
My wife and I have had to make major repairs to our 1998 Blazer. We had to replace the water pump ($294.55) in October 2002. Then, the transmission started slipping and got worse. We took it to aamco, where we were informed that it had to be rebuilt. This was in July of 2002. The total cost was ($2077.37). I inquired that same month at Chevrolet about recalls, and they said that there were none. Since then, we have had numerous minor problems with the lame SUV, including broken recliner handles, steering that pulls and grinds, and a malfunctioning electrical system (clicking sounds from under the glove box, three batteries replaced). I saw a report last week about the use of dexcool and its possible link to problems in GM vehicles. Are there any remedies available at this time?
No heat at 50,000 miles --vehicle cooling system flushed by independent garage 12-31-02. Dex-cool renewed at this time. Cost $160.00. In April 2003 no heat again. I drained dex-cool and used system cleaner twice for approximately 6 hours each time with heater on. I filled system with regular prestone glycol based antifreeze. No problems to date. The original dex-cool was a muddy sludge when replaced and the second charge of dex-cool was already changing colors and thickening after only 4 months when it too was replaced. Dex-cool does not live up to the manufacturers claims or the dealers representations. I am a federally licensed aircraft maintenance technician working for a major airline for 14 years and would be happy to give a deposition in regards to this matter.
My wife was in danger driving the truck when she brought it to another route (another shop), which was hutchens Chevrolet. They told my wife and gave her the paper work stating that, the truck was unsafe and she could have been in danger if continued driving it. When he was told of the brake problems, (the car dealership owner) he instructed my wife to take it to his own auto repair shop, when my wife got the truck back, it was in the same state not everything was fixed. The work was completed at hutchens. The work had to have cost about $378.00. And there are more troubles with the truck, I see signs of rust and corrosion, there are vibrations when the vehicle is in excess of 60 miles.
Dt: the contact complained about a multiple problems with vehicle. The vehicle overheated. She took the vehicle to an independent repair shop, and the mechanic replaced the water pump. Afterwards, the thermostat continued to elevate, and she returned the vehicle to the repair shop. The mechanic replaced the thermostat and added coolant. The vehicle continued to run hot. The contact took vehicle to a different repair shop, and mechanic determined a leak in the intake manifold gasket. The dealer attempted to repair it by flushing the intake and adding more coolant. Although multiple attempts have been made to remedy this problem it continued to persist.
On 9/16/02 we had gurgling noise coming from the dash of car in the heater core area. Lucas Chevrolet tech replaced radiator cap under warranty. But charged us $56.95 for coolant and additive. On 10/09/03 had no heat coming from the heater core. I checked the radiator and coolant tank overflow and found a mineral sludge type substance. Also found a bulletin on the cooling system problem, took Blazer into lucas Chevrolet. Assistant service manager lorrie cottrell she said we were over the extended warranty on time but not miles and said we should contact GM on this coolant problem issue. She is not aware of any bulletin on the coolant system.
My 1998 Chevrolet Blazer has had regular problems with the cooling system not providing heat to the passenger compartment even though the engine is running at proper temp. The heater core is continually clogging up requiring regular trips to the dealer to "flush" the heater core that is plugged. I understand from searching the internet this is due to the dex-cool antifreeze that GM puts in the car and that there are lawsuits against GM regarding this. The last time I had this done the dealer told me if it happened again that a new core would have to be installed at a cost of $650+. The core is now plugged once again.
1998 Chevrolet Blazer, lt model instrument panel cluster suddenly lost readings on fuel gauge, temperature gauge, and shift selection. Before this happened, the rear window relay stopped working and so did the first speed of the rear windshield wiper. Had vehicle diagnosed and replaced instrument panel cluster. This did not solve problem. Took vehicle for another diagnosis and found computer and wiring harness to be OK. All grounds were checked. Vehicle operates but without a fuel gauge, and temperature gauge and most importantly shift selector.
Engine complaints in other Blazer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1998 Chevrolet Blazer?
NHTSA has 66 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1998 Chevrolet Blazer, 9% of the model year's 716 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chevrolet Blazer engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 3 fires and 3 injuries to engine & cooling 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.