Comments: 1-15, 16-30, 31-45, 46-59
I bought my 99 blazer in 2001. I had the engine replaced 2 months later, 2 alternaters, 2 batteries, Brakes replaced more than I know, Idler arm has been replaced twice in 2yrs, both seat reclining handles broke off, check engine light has been on pretty much since I bought it (might need a new computer), lights on the radio don't work, my directional sounds like it's on constantly (it's not), just replaced the wheel bearings, needs new ball joints, drivers side window doesn't work, when applying the brakes it feels like the ABS is kicking in (it pulses as if on ice). I'm probably forgetting some. I'll NEVER buy another Blazer!!
Don't buy a Blazer in the model years indicated in these comments. I have a 2001 ZR2 and it is without a doubt the biggest piece of junk ever put on the market. I bought it 2 years ago with 50,000 miles on it and it now has just under 90,000. Since I bought it it has cost me $2500 in repairs. I have replaced both front axles, front idler arm, both sets of front ball joints and I had a bolt break in the steering knuckle which could have killed someone had my son not been smart enough to stop driving it as soon as he heard the noise. The suspension system in this car must be comprised of parts left over from a Yugo warehouse. I have also had the heater fail which required a heater core back-flush. Apparently the problems I am having are not unique. Suspension failures, heater failures and oil leaks are a common occurence in this car.
I just purchased a 1999 Chevy Blazer LS and I am not that satisfied. I bought it from a used car dealership "AS IS" so I am basically stuck... I took it to my mechanic to get the "Used car Overhaul Check" done and apparently... there is a loud rushing sound of water swirling around in my dash board and I can't figure out what it could be. My mechanic said that it is probably the Heater Coil and also that my A/C doesn't blow cold anymore... it did the day I bought it *weird huh*? Also, the muffler is really loud like I am riding a motorcycle, and the steering is awfully tight almost need three hands to turn it! My driver and passenger seats reclining lever is broken off, so I am stuck in a lean back position (have to use a pillow to prop me up) and yes I am a woman... If I was a guy, I probably would think these are small problems. Also, I was able to get my door panel tightened on the driver side. It was loose when I purchased the car. The miles are pretty high, but to my surprise everything under the hood, engine and transmission wise is in pretty good condition. I just wonder why it takes so much to get up to speed when I accelerate! I have senior citizens passing me on the highway!! I hate that! Maybe because it is a V6 but Geez!! Dodge Neon's Pass me too! I guess that is what happens when you have to buy a vehicle by any means necessary...
I have a 1999 Chevy Blazer and have fixed the ball joints on the right side. Now the left side is bad.
I went to get a inspection sticker (not knowing the ball joint was bad) and the truck failed because of the ball joint. I swear if it's not the ball joints in this truck, then it's the door breaking to where I couldn't shut the door, to other problems I have with it.
I will never buy another Chevy Blazer.
I would rather buy a dodge ram or ford then a chevy blazer.
Hello all and thank you very much for your comments and helping me to decide not to buy this car as a used 2nd vehicle. I did not realize Chevy was making cars like this since I have had older Chevy cars in the past, But good thing we have post like these to hopefully bring these issues to the makers to wake up and get on the ball.
Sorry that your battery went out, or that your alternator died, or that your brakes needed to be replaced, but c'mon - these parts will need to be replaced on *any* car after a certain period of time.
Oh, and sorry that you got ripped off on repair costs, too, but so what? You want it done cheaper, get a wrench, a car manual, and do it yourself!
I've had a 2001 Blazer for several years now, and no, it hasn't been a perfect vehicle, and yes, I've had to replace many of the same components as other posters, but I've done it all myself, and it's no big deal.
Maybe if my Blazer hadn't been completely abused by the previous owner I would be happier with it now, but really, I don't care. Cars get old, things break, life goes on.
The Blazer is still one of the best-looking and affordable mid-size SUV's on the market, and I totally love mine (except when I'm underneath it and it's dripping fluid on my head, haha)!
I have a 1999 Chev Blazer LS like all of you I have done many costly repairs I'm at 122000 miles and started hearing a buzzing sound sounds like it's coming from the front when Idle I hear no noise As I start driving the buzzing sound starts the faster the louder and start slowing down the noise starts going away can the fan clutch be doing this? sounds like a propeller Can anyone help???
E-Mail fredaz45@cox.net.
I got a 1999 Blazer LS 4X4 and it's at 71k.
I had to replace the battery at 68000, heater core and 69000, A/C compressor at 60000, right front hub bearing at 69000, radiator at 67000, and driver side hinge at 70000.
This car has been great over the year and I love it. All my gauges work perfect and the only other thing I get recently is the ABS light always coming on and staying on, which isn't a big deal.
I love the Blazer and I plan on keeping it for a while longer!
We bought a 2000 Trailblazer last year, with 120,000 km on it. The former owner looked after it well. We ran a Car-fax report before we bought it for $13. as well as took it to an independent mechanic to have it checked out in detail, $125.
We bought the unit with some confidence that there was nothing seriously wrong with it. We bought it as a second family vehicle. This week we put $800. into the unit for a new idler arm; replaced the oil cooler lines as they began leaking ($300.) and we were advised once they begin to leak they could let go at anytime, a problem indigenous to this model, as well as other more cosmetic problems, oil change and tune-up. I agree with the gentleman who stated you have to be prepared when you buy an older vehicle, to pay for repairs and pay when the problems first surface, not allow them to worsen. If you don't repair them, timely, then be prepared to "pay me later." We love the unit, and have taken it on holidays as well as use it for utility needs around the house. I could tell you just as many nightmarish stories about Fords or Dodges or foreign units I have had in the past. I'd buy another Chevy again. Oh, by the way, my other car is a tricked out 2003 Black Chevy Impala with the 3800cc and all the goodies. We've had it since new in December of 2002 and we love it, too, with no problems since off warranty.
I just bought a 99 blazer LS 2wd used, AS-IS from a small dealer. Had her about 2 weeks. She has 132k miles on her but was clean and runs great! I have always owned Chevy (with the exception of a Jeep Wagoneer when I was a teen).
This morning the AC started blowing a choking fog into the cabin. I took her right over to the repair shop, he didn't even look under the hood, just smelled the inside and said "heater core". Now reading thru these posts I see that is a pretty common occurrence on these trucks. But the guy who sold me the truck is a straight-up guy, one call to him from the repair guy and he is going to pay for it, even tho I bought it AS-IS.
I haven't had her long, but I LOVE her! I still believe Chevy makes a great car. I'll take a Chevy over my husband's money-pit Plymouth Neon ANY day! All used cars come with issues, it's something we have to live with, and eventually ALL cars need repairs, it's a fact of life. If vehicles were indestructible there would be no jobs for repair guys, and let's face it, they have families to feed as well! But this experience has completely changed my perception of used-car dealers, there actually ARE some good ones out there, and if anyone is in the south MS area and needs a used car, email me and I'll tell you who to talk to!
malice.immortallight@gmail.com
By the way, for the person who asked about the buzzing noise while driving, check your tires! Mine made the same noise when I first test drove it, took it to MY mechanic out of curiosity and he told me it was just the tires, they are some sort of NEW rain-safe tires with bigger tread so they buzz on the road.
I have a 1998 Chevy Blazer. I bought this truck 4 years ago. I have had to replace 3 fuel pumps, water pump, brake cylinder, radiator, and the stupid p1870 code keeps on showing. I have done everything; don't know what that is.
This truck has had its bad days; passenger side mirror broke, both handles for the seats broke.
It sounded like a sweet deal when I bought it though.
I have a 1999 Chevy Trailblazer and had the same small issues as the previous posts. All issues were repaired by myself. The heater core will go bad because of the Dex cool antifreeze. There is a settlement out right now for this issue http://www.dexcoolsettlement.com/. The buzzing noise is probably a wheel bearing on the left or right front. $100 per side for the whole assembly (includes ABS sensor) to repair it yourself. Very easy to replace. I have had no major problems with my Chevy Blazer and coming up to 10 years old on this vehicle I could not be more pleased with my purchase.
1999 Chevy Blazer LT - just climbed out from under it replacing fuel pump. Had to do the same on my 1996 Blazer. About a year ago I had to have the gasket on the intake manifold replaced. Again, something I had done on my 1996. Passenger side handles broke, rear windshield wiper motor went out. You'd think GM would pick up on these engineering flaws... time for a Toyota.
I also have a 99 Blazer. Um ya... I have replaced the water pump, fuel pump, front hubs, mass air flow sensor, alternator, muffler, spark plugs, idler pully and belts, rotors and brakes.
I know some of this stuff is basic maintenance, but it all happened about the same time!
I have only owned this truck for less than 3 years, and it has been a major money pit.
As of now truck needs front pass seat handle (broken), rear wiper motor and pump, shocks and I'm thinking the ball joints are on their way out.
Sunroof will not open!!!
I love my truck, but damn, enough is enough. I will fix the rest of the problems and dump this lemon.
Everyone I know and have talked to you who has Blazers say the same things, and have the same problems. Nice engineering GM!!!