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1996 Chevrolet Blazer: grinding or squealing brakes

28 of the 1,152 complaints about the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer describe grinding or squealing brakes.

owner complaints
28
of this car's complaints
2%
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 3 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Grinding or squealing brakes by model year

What owners say

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 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 Oct 11, 2005 · Brakes · 130,000 miles · GA

Dt: the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet blazer. There were problems with the ABS system. A loud squeaking noise came from the brakes , and when the brake pedal was pressed the noise became louder. There was extended stopping distance that was caused by the ABS. Also, the ABS light illuminated until the back brake pads and cylinders were replaced. This remedied the ABS light from being illuminated, but the consumer was still hearing the loud squeaking noise, and was still having extended stopping distances. While the brakes were being repaired the second time the brake specialist referred him to general motors for the brake problem. There is recall 99i006000 safety improvement campaign for this year, make, and model of vehicle, for the service brakes, hydraulic: anti lock brakes. However, this vehicle is not included due to VIN.

Filed Sep 26, 2002 · Brakes, Steering · NY

Consumer states ball joints are constantly failing. Consumer has had to replace them twice. A recall was initiated, but consumer's VIN was not included. Related recalls 01v200000 and 01i018000. *ak right front wheel fell off as a result of the faulty ball joints. There was squeaking noise on turns due to idler arm failure. Front pads worn out and rotors failed, both were replaced.

Filed Nov 6, 2001 · Brakes · TX

When stepping on brakes pedal would go to floor and vehicle would not stop. In december of 1996 there was a grinding noise and brakes failed again. *ak consumer was in an accident on mov-1, 2001 the vehicle was toatalled due to not being able to stop vehicle.

Filed Jun 7, 2001 · Body · VA

Due to front frame of the vehicle breaking behind left front wheel vehicle was rocking back and forth during operation; in addition, to a popping and grinding noise being emitted from the vehicle. Dealership has examined vehicle and was in process of repairing defect. Please provide any additional information/attachments.

Filed Mar 8, 2001 · Brakes · WA

Abs brakes lock up sporadically, with no warning. Can happen at any time brake pressure is applied. Brakes also have a high pitched squeal/squeek when braking to stop. The locking up problem is only occasionally, while the squealing/squeeking noise is there all the time.

Filed Dec 6, 2000 · Body, Brakes · MD

While driving in the rain, consumer put on brakes and felt ABS kicking in, but there was a delay in stopping, consumer has also been to the dealer regarding an excessive brake squeak, dealer had replaced brake pads twice and rotors once. Right rear door won't always unlock from inside, dealer found no problem, pins at driver's door hinges rusted. The seal around right rear window holds water after rain. Rear passenger seat will not fold down, dealer found cable binding up. Water collects in rear light lense when washing vehicle, dealer replaced taillight lense, center high mount lense collects moisture, dealer replaced 3rd light brake assembly. Consumer flushed radiator and 12 months later it needed flushed again, dealer performed, consumer paid to have the first flush down and is requesting reimbursement.

Filed Nov 29, 2000 · Brakes · KY

While driving 45 MPH consumer heard gears grinding while putting on brakes. Pedal went to the floorboard without stopping.

Filed Aug 9, 2000 · Airbags, Brakes · WV · crash · 1 injury

Was driving 45mph on wet road when another vehicle cut in front. Applied brakes & slid into rear of vehicle. Upon impact with other vehicle, air bags failed to deploy. Problem repaired. Second time, road dry & applied brakes quickly. Heard squealing of brakes & tires. Brakes (ABS) failed to stop vehicle. Ran into ambulance. Once again air bags failed to deploy. Went to emergency room for treatment.

Filed Aug 8, 2000 · Transmission · CT

We have experienced transmission problems starting in 12/98. At this time, our truck was still under warranty, and we mentioned that the transmission was slipping when our truck was serviced at wilton motors. The mechanics insisted it was fine. In fact, we are not even sure if they checked since our service invoice indicates that checking the transmission was a "deleted operation". On 2/25/00, the transmission failed while driving on the highway. It was constantly slipping and could not handle highway speeds (the truck was having trouble shifting gears and made a grinding noise). We brought the truck into an independent specialist on 3/2/00. The entire transmission needed to be rebuilt and several bands were replaced. The entire repair cost $1,800. We were not satisfied with the service at the gm dealership, and were concerned that they would now find a problem with the transmission and charge an even higher amount than an independent specialist. At this point, our truck was no longer under warranty. However, we felt the problem had developed while the truck was still covered under warranty, and the gm mechanics failed to find the problem. We have filed a complaint with general motors on 4/12, a complaint with the better business bureau on 6/12, and are now filing a complaint with the federal safety agency. We have spoken with other owners of 1995 and 1996 blazers, and many have complained of transmission problems. We are hoping that gm realizes there is a problem with this part and will investigate other complaints on the transmission. We have already had 5 recalls for our 1996 blazer, and we are hoping there will be a recall for the transmission.

Filed Jan 22, 2000 · Brakes · WI

On july 18, 1999 I experienced a loss of power assisted brakes and a hissing noise coming from the master cylinder area. Vehicle was delivered to braeger chevrolet on july 19, 1999 and cause was reported as "internal vacuum leakage from booster assy h1220 booster assembly, vacuum power brake - replace 510 wpt4 1.90, 1 18029999 booster, fc: 2k, part#: 18029999". I contacted chevrolet and they covered 50% one time good will/ safety item. My cost $170.99. On august 17, 1999 I discovered a leak from the positive battery terminal which had been leaking small quanities of liquid for approximately a two month period of time on the garage floor, progressively becoming a worse leak based on the quanity of fluid found on floor. New battery was purchased on 08/21/99 and installed by myself, no further problems with leakage. Major concern follows: on nov 30, 1999 I observed a squeaking noise from the right front disc brakes and pads. On dec 01, 2000 I delivered my vehicle for a brake inspection and cause was reported as "premature wear to right front disc brakes and pads only". Brakes were serviced by machining rotors and installing new pads, and I was instucted to pay close attention to the right front disc brakes and pads in the future reference the same problem reoccurring and if this occures major front brake work would be necessary. In conclusion, I feel the premature brake wear to the right front only was caused by the battery leakage which also was located at the right front corner of the vehicle. Thank you.

Service bulletins that may apply

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

Questions about the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer grinding brakes

Is grinding or squealing brakes a common problem on the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer?

28 of 1,152 owner complaints about the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer (2%) mention grinding or squealing brakes. The model year with the most reports is 1996.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer?

There is 1 recall and 3 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer

ABS 173Wipers 140Brake failure 132Ball joint 111No deployment 43Overheating 18Fire or smoke 17Transmission failure 15Premature wear 12Seat belt 12Headlights 11Stalling 11Power steering loss 10Fuel pump 9Slipping 9Fuel smell 8Loss of power 8Engine failure 7Harsh shifting 7Sudden acceleration 7Spongy pedal 6Pulling 6Check engine light 5

All model years of the Chevrolet Blazer

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