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1996 Chevrolet Blazer brakes problems

442 complaints (38% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 82,000. 107 crashes reported.

owner complaints
442
of this car's complaints
38%
typical mileage
82,000
crashes
107
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
    334
  • Foundation components
    27
  • Power assist: vacuum
    19
  • Foundation components: disc: pads
    19
  • Foundation components: disc
    16
  • Foundation components: disc: rotor
    14
  • Antilock
    14
  • Foundation components: master cylinder
    8

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Chevrolet Blazer brakes problems in other years

19901995200020202025

Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer brakes

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

ABS 173Brake failure 132Grinding brakes 28Premature wear 12Spongy pedal 6

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipReported July 19, 1999 · 1,125,749 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: certain 4-wheel drive pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles equipped with ABS (antilock braking system) manufactured from september 1989 through august 1996. Under certain driving conditions the switch which signals the ABS system whether the vehicle is in 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive can malfunction causing increased stopping distances during ABS stops while in the two-wheel drive mode.
Risk
If this occurred at a time when minimum stopping distance was required, a vehicle crash could occur without prior warning.
Remedy
Dealers will replace or repair the 4-wheel/2-wheel drive switch.

Recall number 99V193000 · Recall details

Related investigations

Abs braking systemOpened October 31, 1994, closed February 28, 2000

This investigation resulted in a safety recall, 99v‑193, and a service campaign, 99i-006.

EA94038

What 1996 Chevrolet Blazer owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 28, 2023 · Brakes · UT

On March 23, 2023 ABS Extended Stopping Distance on snow / slush surface proceeding downhill on a 4 lane highway (7200 South Wasatch Blvd. Midvale Utah). Other vehicles around me were stopping without issue. I noticed my ABS brakes were making the (typical operating sound a type of grinding) and I wasn't stopping. I changed lanes twice to provide for more stopping distance and eventually stopped in the left turn lane within 2 feet from rear-ending other cars had I remained in the inside lane. Located Investigation EA94-038 noting 10,000 complaints, 2000 accidents, 600 injuries. Chevrolet Safety campaign 99I006000 addressing a PCM coding change and replacing the Kelsey Hayes ABS actuator unit. Chevrolet at 800‑222‑1020 declined to say whether this recall was in force, was a valid recall or had ever existed.

Filed May 31, 2016 · Brakes, Electrical · 142,185 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet blazer. While driving at various speeds, an abnormal noise was heard from the brakes when the brake pedal was depressed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The steering wheel began to seize and the turn signals began to malfunction. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the struts, and both driver and passenger side brake pads and rotors failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred numerous times. The manufacturer was not aware of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 142,185.

Filed Jul 9, 2015 · Brakes, Electrical · 150,000 miles · OH · crash · 1 injury

Car accident was may 2008 was reported to usaa insurance and nc commissioner. I am former us army spouse and contractor 15 years. I am back at home of record. I have lost over $5000 to this incident and I deal with added medical disabilities from this dealing with chronic back, tbi ptsd and brain injury to left side. Confirmed with cat scan and army womack hospital. Did not have health care at the time. I have had ignition switch. The light bulb dealing with nc testing issues costing me with testing. Ohio thanks goodness not. But brights don't come on. Radio clock stays on drained battery in the past. Also, there was a problem with the brakes. I tried to get a service but didn't know where in dayton , ohio.....updated10/20/15

Filed Mar 18, 2015 · Brakes · 81,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet blazer. The contact stated that the brakes failed and the brake pedal traveled to the floor. The ABS light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and it was determined that the pressure modulator valve needed to be replaced. The manufacturer stated that the part was not under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 81,000. Updated 5/4/15*cn the consumer stated the ABS midule shorted out. Updated 05/07/15

Filed Oct 11, 2013 · Brakes · 174,000 miles · MN

Brake performance had started to degrade on last trip to lake place (200 miles round trip). Pedal seemed softer than normal brake warning light came on and stayed lit.. Once at home check fluid which was low. Added some fluid. Brake light went out tried several hard stops in drive way and pedal travel went almost to floor. Observed brake fluid on the ground adjacent to fuel tank on drivers side. Drivers side frame rail was wet with brake fluid. Further investigation revealed dirt packed around rear brake line on top of ramp rail. Brake line was found to be severely degraded on top of the frame rail extending all the way to the junction with the rubber rear splitter line. Had to replace line from junction at rear splitter up to the junction at the frame rail near the front drivers side tire. Very disturbing to have a two foot section of brake line so severely compromised. This seems to be a common problem and related to the build up of compacted dirt on the frame rail carrying the rear brake line. Should be a recall or at least a notification to have the area inspected for compromised bake lines.

Filed Feb 20, 2008 · Brakes, Lights · MO

There are several different issues with this truck: 1. The wheels are making a squeaking noise while driving; replaced brakes, rotors, had tires rotated, balanced and new alignment done with no help 2. Brakes go to floor while braking..this just started 3. Back windshield wiper makes a loud noise and doesn't work...ever! 4. Seat control gets stuck and won't move 5. No reverse light(s) and cannot figure out issue 6. Final and biggest issue is that all the lights (including headlights) flicker both while driving and idling) I have had the alternator tested and replaced as well as the battery..still happening I bought this truck december 8, 2007 used from a local dealer. I purchased a small warranty but one that won't cover anything mentioned above. If there are any recalls will someone please contact me!

Filed Mar 18, 2007 · Brakes · MA

In rainy, wet or snowy weather the brakes on my 1996 chevrolet blazer fail to work. When I put my foot on the brake pedal it is very stiff and it feels like the brakes aren't going to work at all. Then finally the vehicle does stop but it takes a very long time to happen. Also in other times with the same weather conditions the brakes will be very touchy. So much so that when I put my foot on the brake it jerks me forward and stops very abruptly.

Filed Oct 31, 2006 · Brakes · AR · crash · fire · 4 injuries

On friday october 20, 2006. My son and 3 friends were leaving a friends house. When my son applied his brake to slow, the brakes failed. When they failed the engine revved completely up, throttled out and shut down the vehicle. He of course had no brakes, but now no steering, and the engine was off. Not having any control, the vehicle hit a loose rock, slid into a ditch which then sent them into a series of rollovers no less than 5 no more then 7. The airbags did not deploy. When they landed 3 of the 4 doors were jammed shut. As they climb out of the vehicle, they noticed it was burning. It burned from behind the dash through the engine. I have pictures if you would like to see. The worst injury at the time was my son's shoulder, they were concerned it had a worse tear. Nothing can be done to fix this vehicle. I have notified chevy and gm. I am also talking to an attorney next week. The service brake hydraulic antilock recall has caused me concern. We don't know if it was ever taken for it's repair. Now gm can't even find or trace yet the VIN number. He had only had it 2 weeks when we had to put it in the shop because it had to be jumped to start. Then a week and a half almost 2 weeks later the brakes go out. Something major went wrong, and he hadn't even had it 30 days yet. It could have killed 4 kids. I want to know what malfunctioned.

Filed Aug 4, 2006 · Brakes, Engine · VA

Purchased vehicle 12/03 since then have replaced: water pump 3 times, radiator, thermostat, left upper ball joint, upper manifold gasket, main real seal. Over the past 6-8 months I have noticed the braking issue several times (more than 10.) luckily none were emergency stops, however when braking due to traffic light change or stopping while going downhill, the brakes "chatter," an audible whine is produced, and it is necessary to pump the brakes before it will regain pressure and stop.

Filed Aug 1, 2006 · Brakes · 82,000 miles · MD

Dt*: the contact stated that the vehicle's brake lines were rusted. An independent repair shop discovered the rusted brake lines and suggested the vehicle be taken to an authorized service dealer. The vehicle was towed to the service dealer who determined that the vehicle was leaking brake fluid. The auto insurer inspected the vehicle for possible damage caused by the towing company and determined that the leakage was due to the rusting. The brake lines were replaced and the manufacturer was contacted after the complaint was taken.

Questions about the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer brakes

Does the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer have brakes problems?

Owners have filed 442 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer, 38% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 1996 Chevrolet Blazer brakes problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 82,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer brakes?

Yes, 1 recall: 99V193000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Chevrolet Blazer have bad brakes?

The Chevrolet Blazer model years with the most brakes complaints are 1995 (531 complaints), 1996 (442 complaints) and 1994 (434 complaints).

Other 1996 Chevrolet Blazer problems

Visibility 183Engine 150Suspension 149Transmission 96Electrical 62Airbags 56Fuel system 37Acceleration 29Body 29Seat belts 29Steering 28Lights 24Wheels 22Tires 14Locks 11Seats 11

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