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 1999 Chevrolet Blazer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt*: the consumer stated the vehicle caught fire and burned. After turning on the heater, smoke poured from the interior vents and visible flames were behind the dashboard. The fire department was contacted to extinguish the fire and determined the fire was electrical in nature. After the initial purchase, the check engine light and airbag light came on intermittently. The dealership suspected it could have be the transmission slipping signaling the check engine light and the airbag sensor indicating airbag failure. The dealership cleared the check engine light code and recommended the vehicle be seen by a transmission repair shop. Contrary to the dealers suggestion, the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop. The independent mechanic also recommended the vehicle be taken to a transmission shop. Two days later, the vehicle burned and was totaled by the extensive fire damage.
I had to have the driveshaft in my 1999 Chevy Blazer replaced in March 2011. Exactly one week later my son was driving to school cayuga-onondaga boces in aurban when the drive shaft fell out causing the Blazer entire rear-end to seize up throwing the vehicle almost making my son go down over the bridge. The school came and towed him back and looked at it' the bolt that holds the driveshaft in was not there, as if they forgot to tighten it or forget to put it on all together. There is no evidence that the bolt was pulled off or broken, you can clearly see by the treads. I had the trained auto mechanics at the school call over to pullen's and they were rude, said they did their job and there was nothing to do to help us.. Very rude' also, the driveshaft didn't have any grease fittings so it wouldn't have lasted 6 months top. …
Automatic transmission failed at 49,026 miles. While driving and applying pressure to the accelerator pedal, there is an audible sound of a gear "free wheeling". The transmission hesitates to shift gears when traveling forward. Although the gear shift level can be placed into reverse, the vehicle will not move in reverse. Lindsay Chevrolet (dealer where I purchased the vehicle 3 years, 2-1/2 months ago) conducted a preliminary diagnosis that involved no computer check, but based on the evident noise and performance of the transmission recommended replacement of the transmission. Beginning at 28,805 miles, this vehicle also experienced a recurring oil leak from the lower oil line/oil line adapter that took the dealer four attempts over four months to identify and repair. The right hub assembly also burned out at 38,190 miles. Ts
'99 Blazer zr2 my daughters first car, she paying for herself. Has the most annoying blinker noise under passenger side dash. In research have found that 100s of other people are having the same very expensive fix. It consists of a multifunction switch with the cost of upto $700. I feel that Chevrolet (GMC) should be responsible for some of this repair--it obviously is a problem with a design or a defected part. If you check the internet it is just loaded with people dealing with this. In addition to this that same year Blazer seems to have some transmission problems and bearings at the 70,000 MIL range.....something isn't right here. We just did the bearings for the $400 price tag. Please help this young girl, she is trying to the right thing, lets help her do it.
I am the owner of a 1999 Chevrolet Blazer (59000 miles) and one day I was driving down the interstate and my check engine light came on. After comming to a stop, my vehicle started having problems switching into 2nd gear. When I got home the truck was fine. Then a few days later it happened again and with no warning I could no longer go into reverse. I took my vehicle to a couple of shops and have been told by each one the the transmissions in these vehicles are known to have this problem. I no longer have a warrenty and it is going to cost me over $2,000 to have it fixed. After reviewing similar reports on this site, I am bothered that there is nothing being done about this issue.
Dt: the contact complained about multiple problems with this vehicle. The 4-wheel drive actuation motor was replaced. The heater core became blocked and was flushed by the dealer. The steering box and pitman arm were replaced. Also, the front wheel bearings were replaced. The headlights became dim. The rear windshield wiper stopped working. The dealer performed numerous repairs, and could not offer an explanation as to why these problems occurred at such low mileage. The vehicle is remained at the dealer awaiting repairs on the rear windshield wiper. Also, replaced loose front hubs.
My husband's was driving his 2000 Chevy Blazer (52,000 mi) out of a parking lot when he heard a bump and his transmission fell out of gear, from then on the car would not go in reverse. We spent $2,200.00 for a new transmission. A year I am driving my 1999 Chevrolet Blazer (56,000 mi.) up hill on a one lane, (each way) curvyroad and I hear a bang and grinding noise and, surprise, no more reverse. Coincidence - I think not. We had to get out and stop traffic to try to manually turn the car around so we could drive back forwad. Very dangerous situation.
Lower ball joints wear out prematurely. The consumer stated the vehicle was on its fifth set of lower ball joints and it sixth idler arm. The cruise control was inoperative, the grill guard was loose, the rear differential leaked, the door latch was inoperative, the sending unit was replaced, the battery was replaced, the door was readjusted due to a vibration, the left front hub assembly was replaced, the exhaust made a noise, the tensioner and serpentine belt was replaced, the front axle seal leaked and the intake gasket leaked.
I am in the process of having my transmission rebuilt. My Blazer has <75,000 miles, with no leaks or any indication there was a problem. I was backing out of my driveway and heard a very loud thump. I got out to see if I ran over something (like my cat), nothing was there so I got back in and tried to continue backing up but the Blazer would not move.
While driving 25-30 MPH vehicle jumped out of 2-wheel high into 4-wheel low. Conditions caused the vehicle to skid two car links before stopping. Vehicle was towed to a repair shop, and mechanic replaced the transfer case motor and the electronic module. Dealer and manufacturer were not notified.
Transmission complaints in other Blazer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1999 Chevrolet Blazer?
NHTSA has 54 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1999 Chevrolet Blazer, 12% of the model year's 436 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (25 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Chevrolet Blazer transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 0 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.