2000 Chevrolet Blazer: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Aug 26, 2013 · Acceleration, Electrical · 93,732 miles · CA · fire

Fortunately, I had just gotten off the freeway and was looking for an address at a slow speed. All of a sudden the car lurched; I had no steering; I lost all electrical control; the car ground to a halt; smoke came out from under the hood. I and a friend got out of the car. Fortuitously, fire trucks appeared. It turned out they were returning from another incident as I could not believe the immediacy of their response. They took over preventing further aggravation of this situation. The battery was boiling. All the electrical wire harnesses were melted. The upper suspension control arm was broken. The firemen's observation was, if I had been going any faster, the car could have flipped. After being towed to a nearby mechanic, I learned the upper control arm had broken. It impailed the starter which shorted. That melted the wiring harnesses to and from the battery, as well as being the cause of the battery boiling. The key issue is that general motors would build a vehicle where the upper control arm is so flimsy it would break. I have read other incidents of the same thing with the chevrolet blazer where, for example, a person was going 30mph, the car flipped, and the person was knocked unconscious. A repeated corporate failure of this nature should have consequences.

Filed Jun 19, 2012 · Suspension · 50,000 miles · MD

Noise from engine. Diagnosed as ball joints need replacing or wheels will fall off. Replaced upper and lower ball joints and idler arm for about 1200.00. Now(june 19, 2012) at 100,000 miles, same noise coming from engine compartment. Looks like another ball joint replacement.

Filed Nov 3, 2008 · Steering, Suspension · 25,000 miles · MA

Ball joints this vehicle has failed massachusetts yearly inspection 2 years in a row due to sloppy ball joints. If the vehicle was not inspected the result could be rather hazardous to me and people on the highway.

Filed Sep 9, 2008 · Body, Brakes · 15,000 miles · WV

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 chevrolet blazer. The contact took her vehicle to an authorized dealer and they stated that the frame, control arm, and torsion bar had excessive rust. The technician stated that in order for the vehicle to be classified as safe, she would have to replace the entire frame and members at her expense because the vehicle exceeded its warranty. The vehicle has not been repaired. The manufacturer did not assist. The failure mileage was 15,000 and current mileage was 24,000. Updated 10/14/08 *bf the rotors had to be replaced due to rust build-up. The driver side door pins, bushings and retainer had to be replaced due to rust. Updated 10/15/08.

Filed Jul 15, 2007 · Engine, Fuel system · 60,000 miles · VA

2000 blazer transmission failed, cost $3000 to repair. Left ball joint failed and replaced all $500, pitman arm, idler arm, tie rods right and left needed replacement. Left front wheel bearing hub failed and was replaced, both $800. Overheating due to dexcool leak at intake needed replacement. I have a $20,000 piece of junk sitting in my driveway.this was ongoing from earlier year models but no recalls for this year ,why no body died ? Fuel gauge bounced.

Filed Dec 11, 2006 · Transmission · 130,000 miles · MI

2nd chevy blazer I've owned that had ball joints go bad. I've owned several vehicles for as long or longer with more miles & never had to replace ball joints on those. 1st blazer was a 1997 that I replaced ball joints on in 2003, now I have a 2000 blazer and have to replace the ball joints on it.

Filed Jul 17, 2006 · Suspension · 72,000 miles · RI

Drivers side upper ball joint separated while making a right turn off of a main street onto a side street. The wheel folded into the wheel well causing the 2000 worth of damage. Chevy blazer came to a sudden halt. My family was very lucky we were not going at highway speeds when this occurred. The vehicle has approximately 72,000 miles. I had just lubed the front end and changed the oil change the day before.

Filed May 3, 2006 · Lights, Locks · VA

We have owned 2000 blazer since 0/6/2001 2nd owner bought with less than 19000 miles on it. Multi-function switch replaced because of recall acts up when bulbs are weak. We are on the third set of upper ball joints none paid for by warranty. Left hub assembly failure which resulted in ABS malfunction fixed by extended warranty. Driver door hinge assembly rusted would not close without force fixed but not covered by any warranty. Suspect driver side is starting to fail again because of the loud squeaking. Most important! Passenger side door has developed same problem and will not shut correctly. On may 01,2006 after picking up my 12 year old nephew we were to starting to down the street when passenger door flew open!!!! I am afraid to let anyone sit in front until this is fixed! The hinges and pins appear to be getting wet and rusting . Also all rotors have had to be replaced on this vehicle . This blazer has only 88,000 miles on it. I have decided to include all problems but am most concerned about doors, if we had been going faster I am afraid my nephew would have fallen out of vehicle!!!

Filed Jan 25, 2006 · Body, Electrical · 50,000 miles · MI

Owns a 2000 chevrolet blazer zr2 with 68000 miles. The heater blows cold air only. The alternator has been replaced at least twice. I replaced it once, and previous owner replaced it once . Battery has been replaced at least twice. All ball joints replaced at least once to my knowledge. Fuel gauge broke before 50000 miles. Seat handle on passenger's side broken before 50000 miles. Tailgate won't open. Passenger side windshield wiper only moves half the time. That is all that I can recall right now.

Filed Nov 29, 2005 · Fuel system, Suspension · 140,000 miles · WV

Ball joints upper and lower replaced at 40k and 100k miles. Will be needing to be replaced again very soon at 140k miles. The replacement at 40k was a total failure of passenger side ball joints to wit: vehicle was incapacitated as wheel was left 'bent'. Fuel gauge fluctuated wildly if less than 1/3 tank of gas. Fuel pump failed.

Filed Aug 30, 2005 · Suspension · OH

2000 chevrolet blazer ball joint broke on the driver's side.***no answer required***. *mr the ABS light illuminated on the dashboard.

Filed Aug 15, 2005 · Suspension · 80,000 miles · OH

Dt: the ball joints on drivers side broke sent head on august 13, 2005. Contacted the dealer, they were of no help. Contacted gmc, they took a complaint. Did not hear any type of noise or any type of warning. This seemed to be a problem on the 4x4 vehicles.