The Chevy Blazer is a good choice vehicle because of its stylish looks and reliability. While newer models of the Blazer have been added with the latest features, older versions manufactured in the year 2005 and earlier may encounter common issues.
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Take note that not all Blazer models face common issues. But the 2004 Chevy Blazer is the one known to receive complaints.
The following are the most common issues, explained, and reported for a Chevy Blazer
Before we start, make sure to see our article about how long the Chevy Blazer lasts.
Staying on top of maintaining your Chevy will keep it running smoothly for years to come. Such that even a blazer reaching 100,000 miles will run smoothly.
The first Chevy Blazer was in production from the year 1969 to the year 2005. The latest models have been revived in 2019 as midsize crossover SUVs.
Failure in The Transmission
A transmission issue has been reported in some 2000 Chevy Blazer models, which makes driving a bit difficult. People said they experienced incidences of gear slippage, strange noises, the car not reversing, and switching off the transmission.
The Chevy Blazer is admired for its reliability and durability.
Therefore, you should expect transmission issues to be few and far between. The 4L60-E transmission was used in specific Blazer models. It is one of the common issues that can cause intermittent shifting, especially while changing from the first gear to the second.
This issue is negligible in and of itself, because the shifting won’t affect the normal operation of the car.
However, it is important to take the vehicle for maintenance to avoid bigger transmission issues emerging later on.
Another issue you shouldn’t worry much about in the transmission unit is a fluid leak that may develop from the transmission output shaft seal.
This may result in the mount becoming oil soaked. This likely occurs on 2WD models. On 4WD models, when the seal leaks, the fluid goes through into the transfer case, leading it to become overfull.
ABS Control Module Failure
The Anti-Lock Brake system control in the 2003 Chevy Blazer chooses when to engage and disengage to avert slithering.
Some drivers have complained they are not satisfied and are concerned that the reason for the ABS light switching on was a failed control module.
The wheel speed sensors can work perfectly, and the breaks too could work just fine.
The issue is the computer is reporting a problem that is not there. Since the beaks could be working just fine and you are trying to save money to fix the issue, you can just let the problem go or ignore the problem.
The ABS light typically shows while driving. It kicks on for no reason. A driver can come to a stop on a dry paved road and there you go, the light kicks on.
An Issue with the Fuel Pump
Drivers of specific 2005 Chevy Blazers were disappointed that their car’s fuel pump wouldn’t work. In this situation, there would be an uninterrupted supply of fuel from the tank, causing the engine to stop and crank without initiating it.
When the problem first occurs, the gas gauge can fluctuate from full to empty every now and then.
Another time, it stays above three-quarters of a tank when idling, then shits all the way down to empty, and the low fuel light comes on.
Fuel Sensor Not Showing Precise Readings
In the 2000 Chevy Blazer, you might be surprised the fuel gauge does not show accurately what fuel is remaining in the fuel tank.
This is attributed to a faulty fuel level sensor.
Another potential issue is the fuel sensor in the 1997 Chevy Blazer. The gauge can fail to read accurately once it gets down to eight or nine gallons of gas in the fuel tank. The location of the tank is at the very back of the car.
After driving for a while, the gauge may sneak its way down to the empty level and stays there. Once the engine is shut off and restarted, the reading of the gauge moves closer to where it should be but is still not accurate by an eighth of the tank.
When the key to start the engine is turned on, the fuel gauge can speedily spike all the way past the full mark and then drops down to its current precise reading.
Replacing the faulty fuel level sensor resolves the issue entirely. No need to replace the fuel pump module assembly.
Issues with The Gas Cap
A loose or worn gas cap won’t seal the fuel tank properly in the 2002 Chevy Blazer, preventing the engine from running smoothly.
This would lead to the escape of fuel vapor from the tank and would cause dirt and other contaminants to enter the fuel unit.
Fuel pollution reduces an engine’s performance.
The engine light can turn on, mistakenly making you think it’s the engine that has a problem. But the actual issue would be an over-tightened gas cap that sets off the engine light.
This is not a huge deal, but rather inconvenient and sometimes costly, because you have to pay for the problem to be checked just to make sure it’s not something more serious.
ABS System Activation Driving Slowly on Wet Surface
In the 1994 Chevy Blazer, the ABS helps the driver retain control while driving over slippery surfaces.
However, some drivers complained that the ABS unit failed to engage even when the car was moving slowly over a wet surface.
However, with regular maintenance and the right care, owners shouldn’t worry, since the Chevy Blazer provides many years of superb driving experience.
Internal Distributor Fault
When the distributor faults, this results in the engine not running smoothly, and the engine may even stall. The 2001 Chevy Blazer is reported to have experienced a distributor fault effect. Replacing the faulty ignition part fixes the problem and avoids the engine light coming on.
This typically occurs when it is raining, making the distributor cap and rotor without a spark to turn the engine on.
In the 1994 Chevy Blazer, the vehicle starts running and drives well until it warms, then it cuts out, losing power.
General Pros and Con for Chevy Blazer
At first sight, the Chevy Blazer resembles the Camaro of SUVs.
The Chevy Blazer does certain things well, specifically in the styling and power departments.
However, just like any other SUV, the car is not perfect.
You don’t need a keen eye to spot the differences between the new blazer models and the old ones. In the old ones, the 1995 model pros make it a winner, including in its S-10 pickup with a rear hatch, which is rugged and utilitarian.
Among the new models, the 2019 Chevy Blazer pros make it one of the winners with its sporty RS trim—Chevy’s most successful designs of late.
What makes the Chevy Blazer unique is its powerful performance and agile handling. Equipped with the right engine, the Blazer is one of the fastest mid-sized SUVs on the market. It borrows some cues from the Camaro—a practical vehicle that is stylish and fun to drive.
The Chevy Blazers’ sharp styling and innovative design make it look better than a lot of SUVs on the market today.
It looks like it belongs to a more expensive model. The biggest advantages of the vehicle are its cargo capacity, towing power, and interior comfort.
Blazer is for users looking for an SUV that will haul a lot of stuff from place to place efficiently.
When it comes to performance, it is good but not incredible. The power produced by the four-cylinder engine is plenty, but some models can feel less maneuverable on the roads.
Design Driven, and Stylish, Luxurious Interior
The Chevy Blazer, although its design is impressive in driving, does not let go of utility use.
Once past impressive designs like the infotainment system, smart rotating HVAC vents, four-spoke steering wheel, stubby shifter, and more unique horizontal lines, you will also be impressed by its comfort and flexibility.
Passengers in the back get to enjoy reclining rear seats and a flat floor. In case more space is needed for cargo, you can fold the seats flat at the pull of a handle in the cargo area.
The 2019 Chevy Blazer is a more premium interior finish, including a digital compass, 8-inch touchscreen, dual rear charge-only USB ports, premium cloth seating, HD rearview camera, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Impressive Powertrains on the Blazer
Powertrains on Chevy Blazers are impressive. One of the powertrains is the front-drive, only 2.5-liter l-4, and the all-wheel drive 3.6 liters.
Newer models deliver sporty performance resembling their sheet metal promises. It doesn’t lack acceleration either.
Spacious Interiors and Comfortable
The Chevy Blazer doesn’t disappoint in the interior space.
It is spacious, comfortable, and with enough features to make it an effective commuter vehicle. The vehicle packs noticeably more capacity in the cabin compared to other SUVs in its category.
This means more legroom, more headroom, and overall a more comfortable design.
Overall, newer models of the Blazer are equipped with a trendier package. For example, overlapping rear pillars provide for a contemporary look.
The vehicle is nicer to handle just about anywhere. Its smaller footprint and lighter weight make users enjoy crisper handling and less body roll compared to other SUVs.
Cons
- Failure in The Transmission
- ABS Control Module Failure
- An Issue with the Fuel Pump
- Fuel Sensor Not Showing Precise Readings
- Issues with The Gas Cap
- ABS System Activation Driving Slowly on Wet Surface
- Internal Distributor Fault
What Do the Reviews Say?
The Chevy Blazer has evolved from a truck-based SUV to a car-based model.
https://www.motortrend.com/cars/chevrolet/blazer/2021/
Today’s Chevy Blazers have a Camaro-like design and finish, including seating for five people.
The goal for the car has changed to on-road performance as its main mission. Users now looking for a midsize SUV to buy that possesses a class with a premier trim will find today’s models a satisfactory choice.
The V-6 powered RS model is a sporty and powerful performance option, and attracts attention, thanks in part to higher trims.
With All-Wheel-Drive, traction control, stability control, and ABS, the Blazer can handle snow well.
The Chevy Blazer’s rugged build and decent ground clearance ensure the car will not get stuck in snow and ice.
This is one of the reasons why it is the most sought-after SUV in the auto market. The impressive All-Wheel Drive System (AWD) helps cruise the vehicle effortlessly through the snow.
You have the option to activate the rear wheels when the front wheels are close to giving out because of excess snow.
What’s the Resale Value of a Chevy Blazer?
A Chevy Blazer after five years can reduce 50% in sales price to a price of $20,275 from a price of $40,316 when new.
When you buy a Chevy Blazer for two years, you are bound to save $13,728 compared to buying a new one. You will still enjoy a relatively new model with lots of durability remaining.
Try other ownership duration combinations, or various Chevy Blazer models to find depreciation hotspots where cost could favor you.
If the vehicle is only a few years old or brand new and buying a few-year-old vehicle is not in your favor, you can consider looking to buy another kind of vehicle.
Or you wait until more used Blazer models become available.
Final Thoughts
Staying up to date in maintenance, and with the right kind of care, the Chevy Blazer will provide you with many years of excellent driving experience.
It won’t matter if you are a veteran of the road or an amateur driver—it will pay to read up on common issues the Chevy Blazers face.
You will be helped to keep issues at bay, and from becoming worse, to make the most of your vehicle’s service duration.
While new models come packaged with new technology and additional features, old models provide a lot of saving in savings for your money.
Go back to see problems for all Chevrolet models.


ⓘ The information in this article is based on data from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall reports, consumer complaints submitted to the NHTSA, reliability ratings from J.D. Power, auto review and rating sites such as Edmunds, specialist forums, etc. We analyzed this data to provide insights into the best and worst years for these vehicle models.