Even the most popular cars that made a tremendous impact in the motoring world cannot escape serious mechanical problems. One of Chevrolet’s recognizable classics endured various defects and faulty mechanisms which almost ruined its emblematic image.
While the Chevy Blazer catapulted itself among the best automobiles in the industry, its manufacturer needed every bit of reconstructive approach to remedy a reliable reputation that was punctuated by numerous issues since its production in 1969.
Although the sturdy vehicle managed to rule numerous roads throughout the 80s and the 90s, Chevrolet’s showpiece hit a major snag in 1994. There were good years in between until a desolate spree persisted at the turn of the century and ended the Blazer production in 2005.
The common problems with the Chevy Blazer ranged from unsafe gear to convoluted engine disturbances. It started from small leaks to transmission hiccups. The complexity of these concerns drove the company into a quagmire of financial blowbacks. Add to that the criticisms and embarrassment it had to face from the general public.
Imprecise fuel gauge
Initially, an issue mostly shared by models manufactured from 1995 until the brand ceased operations affects the fuel system. Basic troubles like gauge defects have hampered the Blazer owners due to inaccuracies in the content of their fuel tanks.
Other cases have also shown stressful setbacks that manifested a reduction in acceleration and power. Engines often misfire or don’t start at all. Apparently, many fuel pump assemblies needed replacements as the connecting line from the tank to the machinery got dragged into an impediment.
Drivers complained about their engines stalling on the road. Others grumbled about cranking. While it was recommended to replace the fuel filters, the mileage limit for such adjustment had not even been reached yet.
Flawed distributor
Second, models produced around the year 2000 faced a disconcerting problem with the distributor. Notable among the brands is the effect on the 2001 Chevy Blazer. Owners shared how rough their engines worked when running.
Overhauling or replacing the faulty distributor was the immediate solution considering that prolonging the issue can damage the engine in the long run. Models built from 1990 up to 2005 also encountered this obstacle.
Transmission failure
Third, transmission defects have been a notorious burden, especially for cars built in 2000. A lot of people reported experiencing some rather dangerous stunts which included gear slippage, reverse foul-up, and the unit shutting down.
What makes this problem outrageous is the suggested repair for most cases. Some drivers have to get new transmissions to replace the old ones. One can just imagine the finances being shelled out by the affected parties especially when issues are no longer covered by insurance.
Unsound braking capability
Fourth, the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) was definitely a perplexing concern to deal with. Although the 2003 model got hit by this faulty feature, brands acquired from 1994 to 1998, between 2000 and 2002, and those from 2004 until 2005 were also affected.
It was troubling enough to know that the control module was the main cause of the blunder. This means that even with the sensors and other supporting accessories working, the likelihood of the brakes becoming uncontainable is high.
Erroneous speed sensors
Fifth, a more threatening defect that worried many owners of the Chevy Blazer was the failure of their unit’s front wheel speed sensors. A little too often, this part of the vehicle managed to break apart and imperil its passengers.
Without the readings from the sensors, the automobile may lose its stability when cruising. For the most part, it was the 1999 Blazer that was affected by this problem. It’s quite unsettling that the brakes would engage or disengage on their own.
Driving over slippery surfaces can definitely be challenging. Without full control of the wheel, the probability of accidents to happen is highly likely. Any abrupt engagement for the unit to stop can throw people overboard.
Busted intake gasket manifold
Sixth, another perilous fault that has put the Chevy in dire straits is a damaged intake gasket manifold. A common manifestation of this kind of problem usually occurred in the 2002 brand wherein owners sensed a burnt liquid in the engine.
It appeared that a performance issue is unraveling. Apparently, the air and fuel mixture got messed up which would soon result in a compromised acceleration and backfiring inside the machine. The sensitive smell is indicative of a spent coolant, by the way.
Engine vibration issue
Seventh, vibrating engines can turn out to be disastrous for vehicles with powerful engines like the Chevy Blazer. This disruptive occurrence has been limited to new editions like the 2019 and 2020 models.
Although it is easy to assume that V6 machines can overwhelm anything on the road with their speed, this defect is not largely about inducing a high acceleration. What happens is the deactivation of a couple of cylinders by the Active Fuel Management (AFM) system to limit fuel. This pertains to an engine incongruity wherein the speed is around 40mph but the RPM is already within the 1,500 range.
Instrument cluster complications
Eighth, an instrument cluster problem has been observed to be an emerging concern for Chevrolet’s modern SUV. The 2021 model has been mostly troubled by this wherein its digital dashboard malfunctions at some point while on a drive.
At fault here is the electronic panel where all sorts of features for the technology-driven vehicle are available. What complicated the functional capabilities on the board hinges on the uncontrollable auto shutting or tuning in of the applications.
Impaired parking brakes
Ninth, a lot of Chevy Blazers over the years had to deal with defective parking brakes. Periodic engagement of the system is usually based on specified conditions. However, it also serves as a safety mechanism to verify its proper functioning.
What makes some of those problematic models risky, especially the 2021 brand, is the fact that the braking system switches on for no apparent reason. Observers have cited that the possible cause of this random engagement could be traced to a bad Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM).
Shift-to-park error
Another brake problem that has been often experienced by Blazer drivers is ascribed to an error message regarding the act of shifting to “park”. This concern has likely been instigated by electrical trouble since the flaw remains in play even though “park” has already been engaged.
Considering the link between the electronic devices or accessories housed by the Chevy, other systems also get entangled in various questionable behaviors. For instance, the horn and the door locks, among others, unpredictably malfunction on their own.
On a closer look, the shifter likely triggered the faulty sequence. Although many have pointed to the associated button as the concern, there is also the probability that the entire shifter assembly has been damaged.
Malfunctioning cameras
Lastly, a common problem among the modern-day Chevy Blazers points to malfunctioning cameras. With tech-driven gadgets enhancing today’s SUV, the image tracking system is one sensitive tool that often goes bad.
Generally, these cameras simply stop working. In several cases, a blue or black display is seen on the screen. To most owners, the late response is the predicament. However, inspecting the functional state of the Video Processing Module (VPM) can restore the issue.
Problematic, but Resolvable
While both the classic and the modern Chevy Blazers have been plagued by various concerns over the years, the car continues to be a coveted mechanical piece in the automobile market. Since technical troubles vary, the better approach is to seek professional assistance when needed and to set a regular preventive maintenance schedule.
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