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 1998 Chevrolet Blazer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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 …
Am the original owner of the vehicle. First factory automatic trans went out at 1 year 10 months/28,877 miles. Per certified cheverolet dealer's repair notes: "removed trans...found 3-4 clutch burned severely and no possible cause for 3-4 clutch failure...". "...found leaking at trans cooler line...replaced lower trans cooler line...". Replaced with certified re-built (srta). Now, 2nd re-built trans failed at 77,867 miles (but only 48,990 on 2nd trans). Per dealership analysis, "r.t. Found to slip in all gears PCM storing p1870 convertor is overheaded and atf burnt bad...". Dealership and cheverolet district rep act as if trans problems are unheard of. Cheverolet customer service case opened, cheverolet district rep refuses to provide any assistance. Sounds just like service bulletin #020421005
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?
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.
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.
Consumer was at a stop light rear tires started spinning as he pulled off. As consumer went up the bridge he looked though rearview mirror and saw white smoke coming from rear. Vehicle pulled over and consumer lifted hood up and noticed that engine was on fire. Dealership was aware of problem.*akthe nylon retainer ring that locks the transmission oil cooler line into the radiator failed, it broke and slid down the cooler line allowing the oil cooler line to disconnect spraying the engine with transmission fluid which caught fire. Nlm
After turning a corner, the vehicle intermittently shut off, causing me to coast through a red light. In doing so, I was struck by an oncoming vehicle. Both vehicles were totaled in the accident. Three people involved in this accident were injured, including myself. In a seperate incident, the radiator blew apart, leaking coolant and transmission fluid. Dealership found vehicle leaking from top of transmission line from radiator. They replaced coupler fitting and o-ring and added 6 quarts of transmission fluid (at their expense).
The sun shell breaks on blazers, mine broke and when I took it to the dealer he said it happens all the time. Now the ABS light comes on and the vehicle wont shift out of second and the speedometer will not work when this is happening, only after driving for about 30+ minutes. Why are there no recalls when the dealerships says these things happen all the time and there are forums online with hundreds of other Blazer owner who have had the same problem.
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.
Loud sound during acceleration (catalytic converter shot again not replaced, contacting GM, no assistance), oil leak on front of engine (power steering pully shaft seal), noisy ac compressor(replace), fluid leak on front of rear differential (replace yoke and seal [2nd seal]), rear differential clunks on acceleration (change case and shaft bearing), dash grill cracked, ideler arm replaced again.
Transmission complaints in other Blazer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1998 Chevrolet Blazer?
NHTSA has 74 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1998 Chevrolet Blazer, 10% of the model year's 716 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (39 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Chevrolet Blazer transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 5 injuries 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.