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1996 Chevrolet Blazer visibility problems

183 complaints (16% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 86,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
183
of this car's complaints
16%
typical mileage
86,000
crashes
1
recalls
2

Which part fails

  • Windshield wiper/washer: motor
    78
  • Windshield wiper/washer
    66
  • Defroster/defogger/HVAC system: heater core
    11
  • Windshield
    7
  • Defroster/defogger/HVAC system
    6
  • Rearview mirrors/devices: exterior
    5
  • Power window devices and controls
    5
  • Glass, side/rear
    5

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 visibility problems in other years

19901995200020052025

Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer visibility

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

Wipers 140

Related recalls

Visibility: windshield wiper/washerReported April 28, 2003 · 1,755,876 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain minivans, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles with certain model-engine combinations, the windshield wiper motor may fail due to cracked solder joints on the controller circuit board. The windshield wipers could work intermittently or not at all.
Risk
If this were to occur during bad weather, driver visibility would be reduced, which could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover. Owner notification began on june 19, 2003. 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 03V159000 · Recall details

Visibility: windshield wiper/washerReported July 1, 1998 · 1,557,585 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, 2 and 4-wheel drive. Solder joints near the wiring harness connector can crack causing the windshield wipers to work intermittently.
Risk
This condition can result in inoperative wipers, reducing a driver's visibility, and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover.

Recall number 98V150001 · Recall details

Related investigations

Windshield wiper failureOpened May 31, 2002, closed July 23, 2003

As a result of this, and the precedinginvestigation, rq99-003, gm has expanded the population of safety recall 98v‑150 (replacement of the windshield wiper control module) to include an additional 1.77 million vehicles.included are various 1994-1997 my m/l vans, s/t trucks and suvs, & c/k trucks and suvs.see attached technical report for details.

EA02006

What 1996 Chevrolet Blazer owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 21, 2012 · Visibility · NC · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet blazer. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked when the interior caught on fire. The fire department came and extinguished the fire. The fire department informed the contact that the origin of the fire was from the heater. Three weeks prior to the fire, the vehicle had regular maintenance performed. There were no injuries and the vehicle was destroyed. A fire report was filed. The manufacturer was not notified of the incident. The failure mileage was unknown.

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 1, 2007 · Visibility · 50,000 miles · AZ

Gm has a safety recall on my 1996 blazer that they will not honor for me. They have indicated the recall was a long time ago and my car is 10 years old. I had the exact problem for the last 5-6 years or more, but never received a notice, and never got it fixed. I was aware of the problem and took measures and limited my driving when it might be a problem. I felt comfortable with the problem as low risk when I drive. Now I am selling the car as is. I feel there could be a safety hazard if someone else is driving that is not as aware and cautious as I am. The recall is the windshield washer motor is intermittent. Sometimes the wipers won't work. This has been scary in a down pour and when a passing car splashed a muddy wave on the windshield while I was driving in traffic. I have been using rain-x or driving my wifes car when it is raining. I have had the car in to the dealer a couple of times after the recall and even had them look at it once. They never notified me of the recall. This is a gm recognized safety issue that they should correct (at least once) regardless how old my car is. A the original owner, I should have the right to one free repair, and can cash it in anytime. Please let me know if you can help me. Otherwise will notify whoever I sell the car to, and hope they don't have an accident.

Filed Aug 17, 2006 · Visibility · 197,000 miles · OH

Dt*: the contact stated the windshield wipers did not work. The windshield wipers worked intermittently prior to the incident. There was a the federal safety agency recall, # 03v159000, regarding the visibility: windshield wiper/washer. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN.

Filed Mar 14, 2006 · Visibility · MT

Have 96 blazer with intermittent windshield wipers----dealer refused to repair and said that there is a 70,000 mile limit.

Filed Sep 14, 2004 · Brakes, Fuel system · 45,000 miles · OK

The ABS light illuminated and there was a smell of gas. The manufacturer has been contacted and there was a recall on these items and they have been repaired per the manufacturer. *jb the windshield wiper motor was intermittent, the hatchback light was intermittent and the internal light was intermittent. Recall# 03v159000 and 96v234000.

Filed Apr 5, 2004 · Visibility · 75,000 miles · IL

Recall no.#98v150001, windshield wiper wiring: the consumer took the vehicle in for a recall repair. Less than two weeks have past and the recalled work needs to be redone.

Filed Mar 31, 2004 · Visibility · OH

Windshield wipers... Recentley I have been having many problems with the wipers working. The other night I was in tionesta pa. Driving up a mountain in a bad rain storm...the wipers completely stopped and this time I could not get them to come back on. I hit my brakes just in time before I went down over the mountain. Since I can not drive this vehicle. It has been raining and the wipers now do not work. I checked on recalls and seen that my vehicle was on the list for windshield wiper defects. How do I get this problem resolved?

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Brakes, Suspension · 71,331 miles · CA · crash · 1 injury

Brake failure. Brake work done several times including recall of ABS. Which is not included in repair cost. The vehicle was involved in an accident on july 9 2002. The brakes failed without warning at slow speed on surface street resulting in a three car collision one vehicle was totaled. Accident costs not included. Minor injury to drivers of two of the vehicles. Contacted gm and was told that recall work had been done and so would not take any responsiblily etc. Vehicle has been parked since as unable to verify what actual problem is. Brakes failed again when the autobody repair shop took it in for brake check prior to returning to us.

Filed Dec 22, 2003 · Visibility · NE

Good morning, I am writing in regards to the issue outlined below. I have cut and pasted the email I received from general motors in regards to my inquiry about intermittent wipers on our 1996 s-10 blazer. As I emailed back to general motors, our vehicle has over 70,000 miles (exclusion of special policy 02054); however, I a few concerns: 1) general motors replaced a defective part with another defective part. 2) general motors is using the age/mileage of a vehicle to avoid replacing a defective item that is a major safety issue - causing reduced visibility. I would appreciate your clarification on this issue. Thank you for your assistance! Best regards, charles beck email from general motors: thank you for contacting the chevrolet customer assistance center. We appreciate your owning a 1996 blazer and we apologize for your dissatisfaction and frustration over the repairs that have been needed on the windshield wipers. Your blazer was included in the recall for the windshield wipers that was issued in 1998. This repair was completed on your vehicle in december of 1998. Now it appears that your blazer may be included in special policy #02054, which covers wiper failure due to a cracked circuit board: some customers of 1996-1997 chevrolet blazer, s10 pickup vehicles not involved in recall 98043 may experience a windshield wiper failure due to cracked solder joints on the controller circuit board. This special policy covers the condition described above for a period of 7 years or 70,000 miles (112,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership, or for those vehicles currently outside of this coverage, until february 29, 2004. The repairs will be made at no charge to the customer. We have created a computer file, 1-172249532, to notate your concerns.

Questions about the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer visibility

Does the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer have visibility problems?

Owners have filed 183 complaints about the visibility of the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer, 16% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1996 Chevrolet Blazer visibility problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 86,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer visibility?

Yes, 2 recalls: 03V159000, 98V150001. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Chevrolet Blazer have the most visibility problems?

The Chevrolet Blazer model years with the most visibility complaints are 1998 (259 complaints), 1996 (183 complaints) and 1995 (178 complaints).

Other 1996 Chevrolet Blazer problems

Brakes 442Engine 150Suspension 149Transmission 96Electrical 62Airbags 56Fuel system 37Acceleration 29Body 29Seat belts 29Steering 28Lights 24Wheels 22Tires 14Locks 11Seats 11

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