27th Oct 2004, 06:37

I couldn't believe my eyes while I was reading these comments - it's like I was reading about my own 1997 Chevy Blazer. I bought it new in August 1997. It now has 83,000 miles and died on the side of the road yesterday for the? how many times - I've lost count. I just had the computer "flashed" the day before. I agree with the previous comments - it does look good on a flat bed tow truck! My list of repairs is the same as everyone else - I'm on my 4th set of brakes, 3rd battery, new water pump, intake gasket, O2 sensor, plugs, wires, cap, rotor (3rd this year). I'm now having issues with transmission shifting hard and dash lights going nuts. I can't believe the amount of money I'm going to have to put into a vehicle in order to get rid of it!

22nd Nov 2004, 23:28

I have a 97 blazer. Got it with 50k. Tranny was rebuilt around 80k. Under warranty. Then it started to leak 10k later. Dealer said it was from a part of the tranny they didn't even work on and they wouldn't cover it. So I had to pay $900 to have a tranny shop seal it up good. Now I have 125k on it and 3rd and 4th gear clutches have burnt out. Needs another tranny rebuild. Will cost a lot I guess. It's in the shop now. I've read some post and it sounds like I need a tranny cooler. Even though I'm not pulling anything. I guess these trannies get too hot and the clutches break down fast. Anyway, I had the wiper recall problem too. Left me on the side of the road in a really bad seattle rain storm. Back wiper doesn't work at all now. Rear window hydraulics are crappy and don't seem to lift the window anymore. The AC compressor is shot and the dealer wants $1200 for that. I just had the cooling system replaced at $1300. Dexcool crap in there. Clogged it all up. I had no idea and the dealer that sold it to me didn't tell me.

The day I bought the thing a rock hit my windshield and cracked it. On the way home from the dealer!!! It was an omen and I should have sold it the next day.

Anyway, now I owe 12k on the thing and it's worth about 3k. So I can't get rid of it. I do have GAP insurance though. I pray to get hit every morning. I know any little fender bender will total it. Considering it's WORTHLESS!!! Someone hit me please...please...pleeeeeeeeease.

23rd Nov 2004, 08:27

Although there are many things wrong with the 97 S10 Blazer that GM should be held accountable for, this one is a major safety issue:

Picture this -- You get rear ended because the car behind you couldn't tell you were stopping because your brake lights went out (of course you didn't know this because you're driving). You pull over and hit your hazard switch to warn other traffic only to find that those lights don't work either.

There appears to be a faulty connection that causes the lower brake and hazard lights to fail (coincidentally the rear speakers went out at the same time -- don't know if that's related, but you never know).

GM has recalled the 00-01 Blazers as well as some of their cars for this same issue. GM rep says that recalls are done if enough owners report a problem.

97 S10 Blazer owners (and any other GM vehicle owners)

REPORT THIS!

24th Feb 2005, 13:01

Wow... Vibrating mirrors, gas gauges not working, replacing fuel pumps, electrical system problems?? Sounds like I found the right place to discuss the Chevy Blazer. I am the owner of a really sharp '98 ZR2, which is in the shop today to have O2 sensors replaced (it didn't pass NYS inspection). All of the problems I note above I have experienced. I have a couple of others to add as well:

1. Problems with the emergency brake. It seems like after several months, it doesn't want to work anymore. When I take it in for service, I find out that the cable has been stretched... And no, I am not forgetting that it is engaged, and driving around with it on.

2. Speaking of brakes, every couple of months I notice that the truck is pulling either to the left or the right. I think right away that it is tire pressure or an alignment. WRONG! One or two of the brakes keep freezing.

3. I have a manual transmission. When I am shifting into 2nd and 3rd gears, I have to wait for the RPM's to kick down before I shift. Otherwise, it sounds like I am trying to grind meat!!

4. Recently, the push button 4WD system has quit working. When I push the 4 HI button, both the 4 HI and 4 LO button lights flash together, then it switches back to 2 HI... not sure if this is an electrical or mechanical issue, OR if both problems 1 and 2 are interrelated.

I'm not saying that I don't love my Blazer, I do. It is a nice looking vehicle, and it does turn heads. I'm also not saying that nobody should buy one. What I am saying is to consider your purchase wisely. There is no such thing as a CHEAP repair on this vehicle. If you do purchase one, DEFINITELY spring for the extra bucks, and purchase an extended warranty!

31st Aug 2005, 16:44

I own a 97 Blazer. I just got my ignition switch replaced. The dealer tried to tell me it was because of my Remote starter. I have had that Remote Starter for 7 years on my truck. They disconnected all of my wires without telling me. I went back and told them to reconnect the wires. Has anyone ever heard of this? After reading all of these comments, it just seems like that replacing an ignition switch is just part of the process.

28th Sep 2005, 18:50

I have had my '97 Blazer LS for nearly 2 years. It had 70K miles. I have had to replace windshield wiper motor, upper and lower ball joints, pitman/idler arms, water pump, intake manifold gaskets, o-rings, etc., U-Joints, serpentine belt (2 times), wheel cylinders, flushed radiator and transmission, and the frosting on the cake came on Monday. Driving on Interstate 5 and heard loud rattling and then a BANG, and white smoke pouring out from under the hood. Lost control, went into a tailspin on the highway with 4 lanes of oncoming traffic, and got it to the side of the road without being hit! That was a miracle. Engine blown. Item police picked up off the ground came from engine block. looked like a connecting rod or something blew. I was told I needed new engine! Ain't that a bummer? They quoted $4500. I filed a claim with my insurance company. Don't know what will come of it.