Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
Dt: without warning the cruise control stuck and increased in speed over about two miles. He tried to stop the car, and it would not slow down. Driver burned up the brakes trying to stop, and crashed into a house. The speed censor wires burned. Manufacturer sent an inspector to look at the car, and he indicated because of wheel bearing problem he could not drive it. They never looked at the cruise control ,and they said there was nothing wrong with the car. Caller took someone from dealership out in car and it happened again.
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 …
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Chevrolet Blazer. While driving 50 MPH, the contact heard a loud banging sound and discovered that the rear passenger side tire detached from the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle dropped to the pavement. In addition, all of the bolts sheared off, the lug nut was missing, and the rotor was destroyed. The quarter panel and the bumper were bent. The vehicle was not diagnosed, but the contact was able to re-attach the tire to the vehicle and replace the studs. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000. Updated 10/03/14 updated 3/10/2015
When turning the steering wheel, there is a vibration and a loud groaning sound. This began in March 01, and continues. At this point it is almost constant. A GM service manager said it was the ball joint and that he was surprised that there was not a recall. We have tried to keep up with the recalls, but there haven't been any regarding this matter. We are concerned that it might be a safety hazard, but at this point we have no other option than to drive this vehicle.
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.
Suspension - rides rough: replaced shocks electrical - interior/exterior problems with the horn, headlights, directional, windshield wipers, and caution lights. Replaced: electrical unit inside steering column and oxgen sensor. Steering - replaced: wheels, tires, rotors, ball joints, and several attempts to balance tires and front end alignments with no real difference. Idles - rough.
Upper and lower ball joint failure. If the upper or lower ball joint fail on a 1997 prior to 8 years or 100,000 miles they will be replaced according to your system. This would lead me to believe that they should not fail within 100,000 miles. My Chevrolet Blazer has failed at aproxamately 87,000 miles.
Right side front wheel hub needed to be replaced a 3rd time d/t bearing wear. Mechanic felt that the number of replacements in this short period of time was not common. Suggested that I report to GM. Phoned GM, took report. Stated that this was not a recall-able issue.
Two things: 1. Consistant knocking noise in front end. Had it fixed while under warranty, but it continued at a later date. 2. Windshield wiper motor malfunction. Windshield wipers at times will not turn off making driving in snow or rain dangerous.
1. Two days ago, at 50 MPH, I started having steering problems (quickly steering from left to right to stay on road). It is in the shop (only 84K miles) to the tune of $600 to replace both ball joints.
Related recalls
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm
Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicle equipped with 4-wheel drive or all-wheel-drive. One or both of the attaching nuts for the right-hand lower control arm are under torqued. This can allow the attachment bolt to loosen and subsequent break resulting in separation of the lower control arm from the frame.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and retighten the right-hand lower control arm nuts to the proper torque specification.
NHTSA investigations
Front control arm ball joints
See attached page.
Suspension complaints in other Blazer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1998 Chevrolet Blazer?
NHTSA has 60 complaints about the suspension of the 1998 Chevrolet Blazer, 8% of the model year's 716 complaints. The component named most often is front (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chevrolet Blazer suspension problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 98V-053 (lower arm, Mar 9, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 Chevrolet Blazer suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to suspension 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.