Chevrolet Blazer Reliability and Common Problems

The Chevrolet Blazer is a good choice for a stylish-looking yet reliable vehicle. While the newest model year comes with the latest features (such as additional active safety systems), an older vehicle manufactured during 2005 or earlier can give you a lot of bang for your buck if you know how to take care of it. CarEdge.com reported that the price tag of a well-maintained Blazer will depreciate by 47% after five years.

Are Chevrolet Blazers Reliable SUVs?

J.D. Power gave the 2019 Chevrolet Blazer a Quality and Reliability rating of 85 out of 100 and ranked it #1 out of the top 10 SUV models rated by consumers. In comparison, Consumer Reports gave the same Blazer model year a predicted reliability score of 2 out of 5. Its overall rating is 68 out of 100.

A Blazer can easily reach 100,000 miles. Sticking to Chevrolet’s recommended maintenance schedule and staying on top of any problem that shows up will keep the SUV running smoothly for many years and miles.

Top Chevrolet Blazer Problems

The original Chevy Blazer saw production from 1969 to 2005. In 2019, Chevrolet revived the Blazer as a midsize crossover SUV. Depending on the model year, certain problems can develop more frequently or severely.

After evaluating both the classic and revamped designs, CarComplaints.com identified the 2004 Chevrolet Blazer as the model year that received the most overall complaints. However, the 1994 Blazer was considered the worst model year for various problems.

You can also add the 2000 and 1994 models on your list of Chevy Blazer years to avoid because of issues like defective seat handles and gear shifting troubles.

Chevrolet Blazer engine problems are considered the worst category for the model. The most commonly reported issue is a faulty fuel gauge, which tends to show up in the 2000 Blazer.

Here are the most commonly reported Chevrolet Blazer problems:

“Shift to Park” Error Message On Display

A frequent Chevy Blazer issue that keeps popping up on the 2019 redesign is a “Shift to Park” error message that’s almost always on display even when the shifter is in park.

This issue is usually accompanied by other problems like an activated horn, defective door locks, and a malfunctioning electrical system.

Fuel Pump Failure

The owners of certain 2005 Chevrolet Blazer did not appreciate how their vehicle’s fuel pump could fail. Without an uninterrupted supply of fuel from the fuel tank, the engine would either stall or crank over without starting.

Some Chevrolet Blazer units manufactured from 1990 to 2005 developed issues with their fuel pump. Experts recommended replacing the fuel filter every 30,000 miles to help keep the pump running smoothly.

Faulty Distributor

Internal defects within the 2001 Chevy Blazer distributor could affect the way the engine operates. Some drivers reported that their vehicle ran rough or stalled, which could damage the engine. They were forced to either overhaul the distributor or replace the faulty ignition part as soon as possible.

Aside from the 2001 Chevy Blazer, the faulty distributor could be found in some units produced during 1990-2005.

Fuel Gauge Doesn’t Show Accurate Readings

Normally, the fuel gauge kept the driver apprised about just how much fuel remains in the 2000 Chevrolet Blazer fuel tank. But a few owners reported that the gauge showed inaccurate readings when the fuel level sensor went bad.

Replacing the bad 2000 Chevrolet Blazer fuel level sensor resolved the issue in most cases. On older vehicles with high mileage, it’s recommended to replace the entire fuel pump module assembly.

This problem was reported by people who drove 1996-2005 Chevrolet Blazers. The 2000 model year accounted for the highest number of complaints.

Cooling System Issues

A leaking coolant and intake gasket failure are some of the most common Chevy Blazer 2002 problems.

Some owners have reported smelling burning coolant from the engine itself, which was caused by a damaged intake manifold gasket.

If left unaddressed, a bad intake manifold gasket can affect the engine’s air-fuel mixture, resulting in performance problems like reduced acceleration and backfiring.

Transmission Failure

In some 2000 Chevrolet Blazer units, the transmission could develop serious problems that made driving the vehicle much more difficult and dangerous. Owners have reported issues like gear slippage, failure to go in reverse, strange noises, the transmission shutting down, and even catastrophic failure.

In some cases, the entire transmission may need to be rebuilt or replaced to make the vehicle safe to drive again.

Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) System Control Module Failure

The 2003 Chevrolet Blazer ABS control module decides when to engage and disengage the anti-lock brakes to prevent skidding. Some drivers were highly displeased and concerned to learn that the reason for the ABS light turning on was a failed control module. Even if the wheel speed sensors worked perfectly, a bad control module could not issue the commands to activate and deactivate the brakes.

This problem also showed up in Chevrolet Blazer units built during 1994-1998, 2000-2002, and 2004-2005.

Gas Cap Issues

Even a part as simple and unassuming as the gap cap is vital when it comes to keeping the 2002 Chevrolet Blazer running smoothly. A loose or worn gas cap couldn’t seal the fuel tank properly. Not only would fuel vapor escape the tank and cause problems, but contaminants like dirt and moisture could enter the fuel system. Contaminated fuel would reduce the engine’s performance and might even damage the engine.

A bad gas cap could also trigger the check engine light, and the driver or technician might take a while before they tracked down the actual cause of the issue.

ABS Front Wheel Speed Sensor Failure

The 1999 Chevrolet Blazer ABS speed sensors always kept a lookout for the wheels spinning too fast, which was a sign of the tires losing their grip on the road surface. Unfortunately, the front wheel speed sensors showed a distressing habit of breaking down. Without the readings from these sensors, the ABS control module might activate the brakes when it shouldn’t.

ABS System Activates While Driving Slowly on Wet Surfaces

The 1994 Chevrolet Blazer comes with an ABS that helps the driver retain control while driving over slippery surfaces. However, some owners reported that the ABS could engage even when their vehicle was moving slowly over wet surfaces. The unexpected activation could take drivers by surprise and put them at higher risk of getting in a road accident.

With regular maintenance and the right care, the Chevy Blazer can give you many years of superb driving experience. Whether you’re a new driver or a veteran of the road, it pays to read up on the most common Chevrolet Blazer problems. They’ll help you keep issues from escalating and make the most of your car’s service life.

How to Get Replacement Parts for Your Chevrolet Blazer

If you want to keep driving your Chevrolet Blazer for a long time, you’ll have to replace faulty parts as soon as possible. Ignoring important repairs is likely to wreak havoc on your Chevy’s system and lead to damage that can be expensive to fix. Luckily, getting replacement parts for your Chevrolet Blazer is fast and easy with CarParts.com. 

CarParts.com offers a wide selection of distributors, fuel gauges, and other replacement parts for your Chevrolet Blazer. Be sure to use our vehicle selector and search filters, so you can easily browse through available parts that are compatible with your ride. If you’re eager to get back on the road, you’ll be pleased to know that CarParts.com also guarantees fast shipping. Thanks to our strategically located warehouses around the US, you can even expect your package to arrive in as fast as two business days, as long as you order by 12 p.m. ET.

Don’t wait until your Chevrolet Blazer starts acting up before replacing defective parts. Check out our catalog of high-quality fuel pumps, distributors, fuel gauges, and more at CarParts.com today!