Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Chevrolet Blazer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
There was a manufacturer's recall in August 20, 1999 for 2000 Chevy blazers: the brake pipe union fittings that feed the various brake system components May leak and cause a loss of braking function and need an additional stopping time. Dealers will inspect the brake pipe union for signs of leaking brake fluid and replace the union if necessary. Our vehicle is a 1999 Blazer that appears to have the same problem, but Chevrolet claims there wasn't a recall issued for our vehicle. We think it should have been included. Our vehicle doesn't stop when the brakes are applied, but needs a longer stopping time and distance. It is an unsafe condition. Original recall from the NHTSA manufacturer's report date: August 20, 1999 NHTSA campaign id number: 99V220000
The ABS systemm is not working and the is a short in the front end,..causing the battery to die. Amazingly after the battery was removed from the vehicle the lights on the bumper that are supposed to light up the liceness plate was still on. Long with other lights under the hood. How is this possible.,,unless there is an alternate power source that I was never made aware of. The is police documitaton on this.
Front wheel speed sensors failing, causing activation of ABS and near accident, several times. I avoided the accident in one occasion. In another occasion I slid into the side of a garage causing minor damage to my vehicle. The incident occurred at 10 MPH that time.
I am shocked to find out that there are so many other people having problems with the ABS brakes and the front end ball joints. I am actually afraid to drive my Blazer after reading about the problems. I live in a small town in the mountains and have to drive mountain roads and along a river to get to a bigger city. I average about once a month this trip and if I my Blazer was to have a wheel fall off because of a bad ball joint system I and maybe others would be dead or seriously hurt. I have over the years replaced my ball joints several times as they keep going bad, much more than just normal wear it appears. I also have for the last 6 months or so have had the ABS light come on and the ABS brakes come into play when slowing down or coming to a stop on dry roads. There are times the light is on when I first start my Blazer and haven't even moved yet. …
ABS light came on, then brake light came on. When I tried to stop I almost rear-ended car in front of me because brakes were not properly working. Brake pedal was hard to push down. Happened twice within 4 blocks of my home and I have not driven vehicle since even though a mechanic told me it should still be safe to drive. I had new brakes (including parking brake repairs) and new bearings done less than 2 years ago. I spoke with a Chevy mechanic who told me modifications had been made to 99 Blazer ABS because of problems. We have owned this vehicle since late 1999/early 2000 (it had 16,000 miles when we purchased it) and have never received notice of this problem. We also have had additional problems with electrical system (dealer repaired), the wheel bearings as stated above, and the seat reclining levers breaking off (which dealer repaired once but then would not repair again). …
While driving in slippery conditions, such as on wet grass or in packed snow and applying the brakes on my 1999 Chevrolet Blazer, I invariable experience a jolting from the ABS system as the breaks grab and release repeatedly with my foot applying steady pressure on the brake pedal. This most often occurs while traveling at speeds under 30mph or while slowing to a stop. I was able to get the vehicle to stop each time by taking my foot off the pedal and braking again several times. Inspection of the system revealed no obvious defects or damage that would have caused this to happen.
Today I took my 1999 Chevy. Blazer xl in for a state safety inspection-I just got a call from merchants tire and auto in culpeper, va that it's going to cost: $1200.00 to pass inspection. Up to this point I've never had a problem braking? Of any kind? Then for my vehicle to "flunk" due to brake issues? I went online -typed 1999 Chevy Blazer---recalls etc... Comes to find out---these problems should have been taken care many years ago according to the highway safety commission. Do I have a legal claim here-since problem was never fixed w/recall?
Tl contact owns a 1999 Chevrolet Blazer ls. The contact was driving approximately 5 MPH and approaching a traffic stop. As the contact applied the brakes, there was an abnormal grinding. In order to stop the vehicle the contact would have to apply the brakes abruptly. The failure would occur intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 110,000 and the current mileage was 116,000.
Applied brakes & pedal suddenly started sinking to the floor. Was able to stop due to slow speed. Scared me to death & nearly hit a car. If happened on freeway it could have killed someone. Later found that a rear driver side steel brake line mounted metal on metal, hard to find behind wheel well & on frame, had rusted through. All others near it are also in equally bad condition. No moving part to wear out & there's no excuse for such cheapness on such a safety related item.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 5 MPH and applying the brakes the ABS activated. While the brakes were applied the brake pedal pulsated and there was a grinding nose coming from the front of the vehicle. When the ABS activated the stopping distance was increased. There is a NHTSA recall, # 05V379000, regarding the service brakes, antilock. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the model and VIN.
Brake complaints in other Blazer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1999 Chevrolet Blazer?
NHTSA has 70 complaints about the brakes of the 1999 Chevrolet Blazer, 16% of the model year's 436 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (28 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Chevrolet Blazer brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1999 Chevrolet Blazer. 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 1999 Chevrolet Blazer brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 86,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries to brakes 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.