Steering complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 3% | 22,000 miles |
| 2024 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2023 | 6 | 14% | 48,000 miles |
| 2022 | 8 | 15% | 121,000 miles |
| 2021 | 15 | 11% | 24,000 miles |
| 2020 | 42 | 19% | 9,000 miles |
| 2019 | 28 | 15% | 27,000 miles |
| 2008 | 1 | 20% | 78,000 miles |
| 2004 | 4 | 8% | 3,000 miles |
| 2003 | 3 | 4% | 36,000 miles |
| 2002 | 14 | 6% | 109,000 miles |
| 2001 | 12 | 4% | 60,000 miles |
| 2000 | 23 | 4% | 72,000 miles |
| 1999 | 18 | 4% | 20,000 miles |
| 1998 | 29 | 4% | 61,000 miles |
| 1997 | 24 | 3% | 89,000 miles |
| 1996 | 28 | 2% | 99,000 miles |
| 1995 | 19 | 2% | 93,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Lane Keep Assist feature steered the vehicle to the left while the vehicle was driving inside the lane. The Lane Keep Assist warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle also experienced a loss of power steering assist. The contact stated that the failure occurred after the vehicle drove over a pothole. The contact also stated that the dealer had previously replaced the front-end bracket after another vehicle struck the front end while the vehicle was parked and unoccupied in a parking lot. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Escude Chevrolet of Easley (5010 Old Easley Bridge Rd, Easley, SC 29642), but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact was informed that the tires were the incorrect size for the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that while driving, a code appeared on the dashboard P0128. When the vehicle's engine was switched off, the engine cooling fan continued to run. Warning light stating the steering would be disable.; however power steering was not lost. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a thermostat failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 48,000
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that upon stopping at a red traffic light, the vehicle's auto start/stop system activated and turned the engine off. The warning message "Brake System Failure - ESC- Steering Assistance Reduced". The driver was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway and turn the vehicle off. Upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure recurred. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 121,000.
While driving, the vehicle displayed a "Service Power Steering" warning message, and shortly after, the steering became noticeably heavier and less responsive. The issue occurs intermittently but has worsened over time, creating a serious safety concern because loss of steering assist could occur at any speed. The dealer diagnosed the problem as a failure of the electronic power steering module and rack-and-pinion assembly, quoting an estimated repair cost of approximately $2,500. The vehicle has only around 56,000 miles and has been maintained as recommended. The dealer confirmed the issue but stated that General Motors would not cover the repair under warranty or goodwill assistance. This defect poses a significant safety risk, as a sudden loss of power steering assist can make the vehicle difficult to control, especially during turns or emergency maneuvers. …
The contact owned a 2021 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated while driving 69-70 MPH, the steering wheel strongly pulled to the left side and into the roadway median. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle hit the median and bounced, facing incoming traffic. The contact slammed on the brakes and shifted into park (P). The air bags deployed. The contact was able to exit the vehicle with the assistance of bystanders. Emergency services arrived at the scene but the contact was not transported to the hospital at the time. The contact later received medical assistance and was informed she had sustained soreness on the neck, shoulders and bruises all over the body. Additionally, the contact was advised she had sustained post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. …
The failing component is the ESC/power steering. It is available for inspection. It is currently at Bayway Chevrolet in Pearland, Texas. My safety and the safety of others is at risk when the power steering fails not allowing me to turn out of the way from road hazards or even make legal turns. This could result in an auto accident causing bodily injury or death to me or other drivers. Yes, a service shop in Alvin was able to see/reproduce the errors. No, however the vehicle is currently in the shop being looked at by service techs. There were no warning lights, messages, or other indications prior to [redacted] around 2pm EST, when this happened. The vehicle was driven home from work that evening. The vehicle was not driven all day [redacted]. Today, [redacted], I drove the vehicle to the service shop in Alvin, Texas to replace the battery. …
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn with a reduced steering message displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the thermostat had failed, which caused the steering wheel to fail, and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 54,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that the transmission was slipping while driving in the lower gears. The contact stated that the message "Reduced Steering - Drive with Caution" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the vehicle became inoperable. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
NHTSA investigations
Steering shaft separations
Coupling bolts, joining the steering shaft, May separate.in some cases, total unforeseen, loss of steering control May result.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Blazer years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2020 (42), 1998 (29), 1996 (28), 2019 (28) and 1997 (24) model years. Steering complaints make up 19% of all complaints for the 2020.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Blazer steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for any Chevrolet Blazer model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Blazer steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles; 44% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the linkages › arm › idler and attachment (42 mentions), followed by the steering wheel/handle bar (17).
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.