Here Are The 5 Chevrolet Blazer Years to Avoid

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: May 10, 2023

Are you considering purchasing a Chevrolet Blazer? Before you make a decision, it's important to know about the years to avoid. The Blazer has faced some serious issues over the years, including problems with the anti-lock/traction control system, automatic transmission, electrical system, and more. In this post, we'll break down the years and models to avoid and why, so you can make an informed decision about your next SUV.

Worst Years of Chevrolet Blazer by Complaints, Severity of Issues Reported, and Recalls

2000 583 1999 435 2001 322 2002 242 2003 77

What are the Biggest Problems with Chevrolet Blazer?

1999 Chevrolet Blazer

ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP > SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 28 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN 25 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 20 RECLINER > FRONT ASSEMBLY > SEATS 20 ENGINE > ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 18

The Chevy Blazer has faced some serious issues over the years. The most common problems include the anti-lock/traction control/electronic limited slip service brakes, hydraulic, automatic transmission power train, electrical system, recliner front assembly seats, and engine and engine cooling. These issues have been reported by real owners and have been officially recalled. In my opinion, these problems are quite severe and can lead to safety hazards if not addressed promptly. It's important for Chevy to take these issues seriously and work towards finding a solution for the sake of their customers' safety.

2000 Chevrolet Blazer

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN 46 RECLINER > FRONT ASSEMBLY > SEATS 31 ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP > SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 28 FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM > STORAGE > FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER 27 WHEEL BEARING > FRONT > SUSPENSION 27

As someone who's been around cars for a while, I can tell you that the Chevrolet Blazer has some serious issues. The automatic transmission is a real problem, and it's not just the shifting that's the issue. The power train is also a mess, and it can be hard to diagnose what's going on. Then there's the recliner on the front seats - it's prone to breaking, which is a real pain. The anti-lock/traction control/electronic limited slip system is also prone to failure, which can be a real safety hazard. Finally, the fuel gauge system is notoriously unreliable, and the front wheel bearings are prone to wearing out quickly. All in all, the Blazer is a car that's best avoided.

2001 Chevrolet Blazer

ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP > SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 22 SWITCH > BRAKE LIGHTS > EXTERIOR LIGHTING 21 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN 19 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 18 EXTERIOR LIGHTING 17

What do we have here? A 2001 Chevrolet Blazer with some issues, huh? Let's break it down. The antilock and traction control systems, as well as the electronic limited slip, are all affected. That's not good news for your service brakes, hydraulic system. And what's this? A switch that controls your brake lights and exterior lighting is also impacted. On top of that, we've got problems with the automatic transmission and power train, as well as the electrical system and exterior lighting. Yikes, that's a laundry list of problems. Time to call in the experts.

2002 Chevrolet Blazer

SWITCH > BRAKE LIGHTS > EXTERIOR LIGHTING 20 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN 19 EXTERIOR LIGHTING 18 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 16 AIR BAGS 10

Now, this 2002 Chevrolet Blazer is a fine example of American engineering. However, it does have a few weak spots. The switch for the brake lights and exterior lighting has been known to give out, as well as the automatic transmission and power train. Additionally, the electrical system and air bags can be a bit finicky. But don't let that deter you, the Blazer's rugged design and impressive off-road capabilities make it a solid choice for any adventure-seeking driver.

2003 Chevrolet Blazer

AIR BAGS 10 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION > POWER TRAIN 7 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 6 BODY > STRUCTURE 4 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 4

This 2003 Chevrolet Blazer has a laundry list of problems, including issues with the air bags, power train, electrical system, body structure, and gasoline fuel system. Despite these issues, this car still has a lot to offer for those in need of a reliable and versatile SUV. With its spacious interior and rugged exterior, the Blazer is perfect for family road trips or off-road adventures. Plus, with a little TLC from a skilled mechanic, this car can be restored to its former glory.

Common Issues with Chevrolet Blazer

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 92 EXTERIOR LIGHTING 62 AIR BAGS 56 SUSPENSION 51 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 50 UNKNOWN OR OTHER 40 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 35 SEATS 31 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 30 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 28

Source

Conclusion

The Chevrolet Blazer has had a number of reported issues across multiple years. One of the most common complaints is related to the ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP system, specifically in the service brakes, hydraulic. Automatic transmission problems have also been reported. Electrical system issues, recliner problems with the front assembly seats, and engine and engine cooling issues have been reported in earlier models. In later models, switch problems with brake lights and exterior lighting have been reported, as well as issues with the airbags, body structure, and fuel system.