Right side upper ball joint separation.
1996 Chevrolet Blazer: ball joint or control arm failure
111 of the 1,152 complaints about the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer describe ball joint or control arm failure.
- owner complaints
- 111
- of this car's complaints
- 10%
- typical mileage
- 75,000
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 3 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Ball joint or control arm failure by model year
What owners say
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.
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.
Ball joint on passenger side failed with no warning. Vehicle has under 75,000 and has been well maintained.
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.
Drivers side door always sagged down a bit. Hinges eventually failed requiring hinges to be replaced. Due to this problem, the latch catch also failed. Both required new parts and welding to make the door operable as door would no longer latch shut. I literally had to tie the door shut to take it for repairs. In reviewing your site, I also have had similar problems as many other blazer owners (hood latch mechanism failed; upper ball joints needed replaced; too many problems with this vehicle to list here). I am told by the repair shop that the door hinge issue is quite common among chevrolet/gm products.
Front upper ball joint failure, replacement required, parts not available
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.
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.
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.
Upper ball joint breakage at 55mph.
Upper ball joint collasped, luckily the car was being driven @ low speed or this could have been a very serious accident!!!!
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint
- 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
Questions about the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer ball joint
Is ball joint or control arm failure a common problem on the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer?
111 of 1,152 owner complaints about the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer (10%) mention ball joint or control arm failure. 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 132No deployment 43Grinding brakes 28Overheating 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
VIN decoder
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