Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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).
Blinker noise persists even when blinkers are turned off. Sound disapears after engaging brake pedal then persists when break pedal is released. In a heavy rain storm, had to use windshield wipers and after a few minutes of use white smoke came from the steering column. Talked to a GM mechanic who told me that this problem could cause my airbag to deploy - a real liability. Called GM to explain the problem & possible liability of airbag deployment (case #1-333564043) & was told that because of the Blazer being a 1998 there May be nonthing they can do. The same multi-function switch was made in Mexico for 1998-2001 models and if it disfunctions can cause break lights not to work as well as major electrical issues like airbag deployment or fire - wouldn't this be a recall for all models that have the part?
Issues one would not expect from a 20K plus vehicle including windshield wiper blade failure today ("near miss" accident from heavy rain and traffic), smoke emitting from steering column, continuous intermittent repetitive sounds emitting from turn signal controller(s). Signs and symptoms have all previously been described in great detail by other owners as: an instrument cluster issue, wiper control board, various connectors and or harness, multi-function switch, smoke concerns etc. Listed from complaints from odi case numbers: 743685, 10014026, 10023129, 10030946, 10036610, 10045357, 10060630, 10066061, 10086138, 10086896, 10098912, 10103977, 10112458, 10137415, 549079, 847885, 866953, 874993.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start and would stall intermittently. In addition, the power door locks would lock and unlock and the windshield wipers activated independently while the vehicle was in motion. The contact further stated that the dimmer switch failed to work, which resulted in a lack of visibility when using the low beam headlights. The VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign number: 00V220000 (exterior lighting). The vehicle was not repaired or diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that the multi-function switch continues to operate after she manually turns off the switch. The failure could prevent her from warning the driver's in the rear that the vehicle is braking and/or stopped, which could cause a crash. The manufacturer would not assume responsibility because the VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign id number 08V231000 (exterior lighting:brake lights:switch). The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 120,000.
The turn signal switch would not shut off and the consumer could still hear the clicking noise. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. The heater was leaking, the windshield wiper were inoperative, the rear end had gone out and the 4 wheel drive was not working properly. A new switch was placed onto the transfer case and the differential assembly was removed and replaced.
I have a 1998 Chevy Blazer 2-door s10. I have a problem w/ my turn signals. The turn signals work fine, but the clicking sound that goes w/ the turn signal is constantly clicking, it began when the truck only had about 35,000 miles on it, just after the warranty ended. I've replaced 2 different parts on it and it has still continued.
There was a recall on our 1995 s-10 truck and our 1998 Chevrolet blazier has the exact same part and is also defective also. The windshield wipers on our 1998 blazier donot work some times they won't work other times and sometimes they won't shut off. Our gas pedal sticks when you try to take off.
Turn signal indicator continues to "click" after turn signal has been shut off. It clicks randomly while driving when the turn signal has not been activated. As with other 1998 blazers, the windsheild wipers work intermittently, usually they do not shut off for several minutes.
Attempted to drive vehicle in light rain. Wipers would not turn on. On a later occasion, friends were following behind my vehicle and noticed that the brake lights were inoperative (third brake light was working). Also noticed that hazards lamps were not working either.
1998 Chevy Blazer flashers malfunctioning. The "clicking" sound made while flashers are operating continues even after flashers are turned off. The clicking sound is constant while operating the vehicle.
Related recalls
Exterior lighting
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the daytime running lights built with a candela value greater than 3,000 cannot be mounted higher than 864mm above the road…
Remedy: Dealers will install a revised wiring harness that changes the drl's from high beam to low beam drl's, and install new long-life low beam bulbs.
Headlight complaints in other Blazer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 1998 Chevrolet Blazer?
NHTSA has 42 complaints about the lights of the 1998 Chevrolet Blazer, 6% of the model year's 716 complaints. The component named most often is turn signal › flasher unit (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chevrolet Blazer headlight problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V-220 (exterior lighting, Aug 11, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 Chevrolet Blazer headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 118,000 miles.
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.