1998 Chevrolet Blazer LT 4.3

Summary:

Bought used - great vehicle for the price

Faults:

Air bag light sometimes just comes on - on the dash. The rear window washer leaks in side the rear door on occasion. Rear shocks very shaky! So, I put Bil-stein brand in and get great ride now.

General Comments:

I like my 1998 Chevy 4x4 Blazer. It runs good; and has been very reliable. I have been off road a little and had no 4 wheel problems so far. (I am a service nut - stuff gets serviced all the time. But, after all the other "bad" comments, like ball joint problems, I WILL see if there are recalls out there)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th April, 2004

12th Dec 2006, 09:43

I had the same problem with my airbag light when I bought my blazer a few months ago. It would go on and off when I was driving it and then it just stayed on. I had the dealership check it out and it was a faulty switch. It ran fine for a few months, now the windshield wiper switch or motor is going out. It barely moves and sometimes it's completely dead. Not a good start to the rainy season! I love my truck, but, be sure to have all of the electrical switches checked out before you purchase.

1998 Chevrolet Blazer LS 4.3 Vortek V6

Summary:

I will never purchase another Chevy Product

Faults:

Rear Windshield Wipers don't work.

Ball Bearings went out.

Goes back and forth from 2wd to 4wd by itself.

Odometer and Gear Gages on dash don't light up anymore (once in awhile when I hit a bump just right).

Seat adjusters broken off both front seats.

CD holder on roof broken, button fell off.

Transmission Slipping.

Previously had Transmission lines replaced because they were leaking.

Customer Service (Non-Existent).

General Comments:

I used to think that Chevy Products were the best in the world, but recently I've had nothing, but problems with my Blazer.

I've gotten no reply back from Chevrolet on any questions that I've submitted through their website.

I've been on a few websites regarding problems with Blazers, and it seems that many people are having the same problems that I'm having.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd February, 2004

12th Apr 2004, 19:38

You are soooo correct about NOT getting any help from the Chevy Help/Service line. They have no pride or integrity. They gave me - a sorta satisfied Chevy owner times 3 - the run a round. They kept saying the dealer is the best place to solve problems blah blah. They DID NOT offer any recall info, or any special deals. They are trained to just loop everything back around to "see the dealer" or just bore you so you will go pay to fix their production problem. (Chevy should be shamed to make them fix common problems & failures like windshield wipers, ball-joints, oil lines, etc. Hey Chevy - do you even care?)

23rd Jul 2004, 14:02

I'm not buying another GM truck. Bought my 98 blazer new. Bearings replaced at 10,000. Alternator at 15,000. The first transmission at 30,000. At 45,000 the 4wd vacuum under the battery. 60,000 power window regulator left my window down on a long trip. 65,000 power window regulator rattling (bad pop rivets). Rear passenger door hinge is bad (I'm sick of fixing things). Plastic accents all over the interior rub together and make noise all the time. Now 130,000 they put a new trans in. I've been back 5 times and its not fixed. All repairs done at the dealer.

1998 Chevrolet Blazer LS 4x4 4.3

Summary:

A never ending headache

Faults:

Battery, Alternator, Oxygen sensor, Muffler all in the first two years.

Since then the rear differential went out, the wipers don't work and the thermostat and fan quit at the same time. Wheel bearings and ball joints were next followed by the transmission.

Since going off warranty, the truck has needed new rotors every year.

General Comments:

After spending $4200 in two years, I was done. Just when you think it has taken your last dollar check that trade-in value. This baby grabs money from your wallet until the very last day.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 19th February, 2004

27th Jul 2004, 01:19

I've had an s10 blazer that did the job, and did it good. The transmission lasted forever it seemed. I used this vehicle for studying wildlife and has accumulated massive miles in 4 wheel drive. A transmission will only last if it is treated with care. When changing from reverse to forward, it is always a good practice to come to a complete stop before changing gears. Any car will fail if you treat it poorly. I traded in my last blazer just because it started looking pretty bad. I did the dammage by mud slinging and rough driving terrain. Did it still run after 197,000 miles? You bet it did. Like I said, I traded it because it started to look bad, paint job gone and my new job really calls for a good looking vehicle. That's why I again invested in another s10. In it's hey day, I would proudly pit it against any other brand of small SUV's. 1st fuel pump lasted for 124,000 miles. Not too shabby. 2nd fuel pump lasted for another 65,000 miles. Beat it up and it'll beat your wallet up, As with any car. Tranny was still good after 197,000 miles and would bank on it. Regular scheduled maintenance is good for any car. If you don't do so, then plan to start paying some big bucks.

16th Mar 2005, 13:01

I totally agree about Blazer being a never ending headache. I have had nothing, but problems, ball joints replaced twice (fortunately, I purchased an extended warranty). AC condensor is leaking, so recharge only lasted a month. The dealer said that they ran extensive tests and ran dye through the unit, found no leak. Now that it is out of warranty, they found a leak. Lucky me! Many of the plastic interior pieces have broken off, and I have always treated this vehicle with TLC. It seems that Chevy just uses inferior quality parts. The knobs to control the AC vents just fell off without even touching them. Seem to be dry-rotted. Windshield wipers never work the way they should. Have a mind of their own. Front end is a nightmare. Won't hold alignment for more than a month. I am tired of buying tires. I wish GM would have put as much thought into the powertrain and suspension as they did the interior. Even though the plastic parts of the interior are a poor quality, the layout and comfort is remarkable. Unfortunately, that is the only good thing about the Blazer.

P.S. To the person who is referring to the blazer as an S-10, I think you may be mistaking the 1998 for a prior year, as they were not called S-10 in 1998.