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1996 Chevrolet Blazer suspension problems

149 complaints (13% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 75,000. 10 crashes reported.

owner complaints
149
of this car's complaints
13%
typical mileage
75,000
crashes
10
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Front: control arm: upper ball joint
    48
  • Front: control arm
    33
  • Front: control arm: lower ball joint
    28
  • Front
    25
  • Rear
    5
  • Front: wheel bearing
    4
  • Front: shock absorber
    3
  • Front: control arm: upper arm
    2

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 suspension problems in other years

19901995200020202025

Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer suspension

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

Ball joint 111

Related recalls

Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball jointReported June 28, 2001 · 48,600 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain sport utility vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, and wisconsin, and in the district of columbia. Failure of an upper control arm ball joint assembly could occur due to corrosion.
Risk
This can result in impaired steering or steering loss, or a partial or complete collapse of the front suspension, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace both upper ball joints. Owner notification began september 4, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020, gmc at 1‑800‑462‑8782, or oldsmobile at 1‑800‑442‑6537.

Recall number 01V200000 · Recall details

Related investigations

Upper and lower control arm ball jointOpened July 30, 1999, closed August 28, 2001

There is no summary currently available

EA99022

What 1996 Chevrolet Blazer owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 15, 2010 · Suspension · 11,287 miles · CO

Right side upper ball joint separation.

Filed Feb 18, 2010 · Suspension, Tires · IL

1996 chevrolet blazer right rear tire came off vehicle while driving on the ohio turnpike. *kb the right rear tire fell off, due to bad bearings. Ohio traffic report# 10-0020-89 updated letter 04/29/10

Filed Jun 15, 2009 · Steering, Suspension · 216,000 miles · WI

The front tires are worn, and I have been told that I need upper and lower ball joints. I have had these replaced in the past. This is a continual repair and getting costly. I called gm and they told me there was a recall but because of the time that has past that it is no longer covered. I am in fear of getting in an accident driving the way it is. It is very unsafe. I was told also that I need idler arm replacements.

Filed Oct 11, 2006 · Suspension · 60,500 miles · IA

The federal safety agency campaign id number: 01v200000 product campaign bulletin no: 01048 after nearly losing control on the interstate highway I decided to have the front end checked. The front ball joints need replaced. I further learned of the above mentioned references however, the dealership in ankeny was unhelpful, rude, and basically told me they don't have to do any work regardless of bulletins, etc... Each day the vehicle is harder to handle and a mechanic friend advised will start to cause additional problems with suspension. Why do we have policies both government and corporate when dealerships totally disregard all the rules. I have experienced this before and know of many others that dealerships left in dire straits. This is a problem I would like addressed for the good of all.

Filed Sep 10, 2006 · Suspension · 74,000 miles · IL

Ball joint on passenger side failed with no warning. Vehicle has under 75,000 and has been well maintained.

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 Feb 1, 2005 · Suspension · 90,850 miles · OH

Front upper ball joint failure, replacement required, parts not available

Filed Dec 14, 2004 · Brakes, Suspension · TX

Abs braking light appeared on the dashboard and remained on. While applying the brakes pedal went to the floor. A banging noise was heard coming from the front. Vehicle drove roughly. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer. Mechanic determined that both front driver's side and passenger's side ball joints, and ABS module needed to be replaced.

Filed Nov 15, 2004 · Suspension · OH

While driving the ball joints separated and broke. Consumer contacted the dealer. Was told she would have to pay. However, consumer found out through the manufacturer that her vehicle was included in the recall. Manufacturer contacted the dealer to let them know that consumer was included, and they need to repair the vehicle. However, the problem recurred, and the vehicle was still in the shop.

Filed Aug 11, 2004 · Suspension · 112,318 miles · MI · 1 injury

Ball joints were designated as possibly beginning defective, but were not replaced. Repairs would only be made after the joint failed, even with proper maintenance.

Questions about the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer suspension

Does the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer have suspension problems?

Owners have filed 149 complaints about the suspension of the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer, 13% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1996 Chevrolet Blazer suspension problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 75,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer suspension?

Yes, 1 recall: 01V200000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Chevrolet Blazer have bad suspension?

The Chevrolet Blazer model years with the most suspension complaints are 1996 (149 complaints), 1997 (105 complaints) and 2000 (100 complaints).

Other 1996 Chevrolet Blazer problems

Brakes 442Visibility 183Engine 150Transmission 96Electrical 62Airbags 56Fuel system 37Acceleration 29Body 29Seat belts 29Steering 28Lights 24Wheels 22Tires 14Locks 11Seats 11

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