Chevrolet Blazer Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Chevrolet Blazer options? We analyzed 10 model years (2004–2026) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Chevrolet Blazer has 741 owner complaints and 12 safety recalls across model years 2004–2026. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2004 drew the most complaints; 2005 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Blazer
- Model years analyzed
- 2004–2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 741
- Safety recall campaigns
- 12
- Crash-related complaints
- 30
- Fire-related complaints
- 4
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2004 (50 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2005 (15 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Chevrolet Blazer: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe CHEVROLET BLAZER has 741 NHTSA complaints and 12 recalls on record. 30 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 741 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 12 federal recall campaigns
- 30 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Aug 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
12 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
SEATS
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
SEAT BELTS
TIRES
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TIRES
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN:INFLATOR
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2004–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 741 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
741 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that the Forward Collision Avoidance system had erroneously activated on several occasions. While driving very slowly, the braking system suddenly activated while leaving a dealer. Additionally, while driving approximately 30 MPH, the braking system erroneously activated, causing the vehicle to abruptly stop. The automatic braking system was turned off, and the vehicle was later driven to the local dealer. The local dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure and advised to deactivate the Collision Avoidance System. The contact sustained a neck injury during the failure while seated in the driver’s side rear seat. Medical attention was required. The failure mileage was 7,000.
I was going to park in a parking lot, when my car suddenly accelerated rapidly crashing into the building.
windshield leaking water inside of drivers compartment, headliner & side pillars (causing stained areas) as well as the top of onstar and electrical buttons on the overhead console . Found wet cup holder. Vehicle does not have a sun roof. GM is aware of this issue from the factory GM plant in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico. This defect is because of lack of not being sealed properly during the assembly process. The windshield has a factory OEM rubber seal attached to a NEW windshield. This rubber seal is NOT a part that can be purchased separately to fix the problem. By replacing the entire windshield with the new factory rubber seal and the channel that the entire windshield fits into is resealed with urethane should fix the issue.. Trying to reuse the current windshield & rubber seal and using sealer to reinstall it stretches out the rubber seal & will still leak. This leak can get into the electrical controls for safety system overhead controls. Extra care must be taken to remove the windshield as to not damage the roof line in anyway. Vehicle is going back into dealership to fix issue again. Vehicle was resealed with existing windshield and showing signs of leaking on L&R pillars.
Complete and total failure of the telematics module resulting in loss of self driving, onstar, WiFi, gps, and all connected services. Severe battery drain due to module forcing the vehicle to completely shut down while driving, resulting in loss of power steering and brakes.
Just purchased a used 2025 RS EV on 5/2/2026. When I got home I found out the Google maps and on star app wasn't working. Called on star and they can't connect to the car and that the telematics module is probably bad. Checked my Chevrolet app and it reports that it hasn't connected to the car for over 6 months. Now waiting for replacement part going 3 weeks now. A little pissed off that dealer did find before they sold me the car.
The Telematics Module failed and is on backorder. This is a known issue across the U.S. This makes it so OnStar doesn't work and I am paying for it. Not just that the safety concern of it not working. GPS, Maps, Level 3 Tesla doesn't work. Car is really not usable as we can't charge on a level 3 when going over 100 miles. We have loss access to navigation, Google Built-In services, the myChevrolet apps, and even core safety and convenience features tied to connectivity, including OnStar and Super Cruise.
Read 14 more owner reports
2025 Chevrolet Blazer EV AWD purchased 5/23/25 (under 3,100 miles) The vehicle's Telematics Control Module (TCM) has failed, disabling the built-in navigation system, OnStar services, remote start, and My Chevrolet app connectivity. The dealership confirmed the TCM needs replacement and the part is on backorder with no ETA. This is a known issue affecting this model. I am reporting this as a safety defect for the following reasons: The 2025 Blazer EV does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. With the built-in navigation disabled, the only way to navigate is by using a phone, which requires visual attention to a separate small screen while driving. Under Pennsylvania's hands-free law (75 Pa.C.S.A. § 3316.1), use of handheld devices while driving is a primary offense, making phone-based navigation both unsafe and legally problematic. On at least one occasion, the navigation system appeared to be functioning normally at the start of a trip but was providing materially inaccurate directions mid-route (e.g., instructing me to turn onto a road I had already been traveling on for miles). A system that displays as operational while delivering incorrect routing data is dangerous because the driver has no way to assess its reliability before departing. GM's EV Concierge characterized the loss of navigation as a non-safety feature issue and suggested using a phone holder. This response is inadequate given the vehicle's lack of CarPlay integration, which makes the built-in navigation the only safe, integrated means of route guidance. This vehicle has also required three prior unrelated warranty repairs in 10 months: a recall for a faulty rear parking brake harness (9/25), a 12V battery failure requiring flatbed towing (11/25), and a faulty tire pressure monitor (12/25). The pattern of recurring failures across unrelated systems at minimal mileage indicates a systemic quality issue with this vehicle.
The vehicle accelerated without input and the brakes failed to respond. I am notifying you that this vehicle is a life-threatening safety risk and should not be rented again until a master technician clears the electronic throttle control and breaking system. This condition presents a serious safety risk and could lead to a car crash or injury. Additionally, the vehicles, climate control system behaved erratically, alternating between extremely hot and extremely cold air without adjustment. This may indicate a broader electronic or system malfunction affecting vehicle city.
The onstar module is broken and on significant backorder. Without it, standard features in my car such as GPS, onstar safety, remote control, and other features do not work.
Bridgestone Alenza A/S 2.0 275/45R21 I stopped to charge my vehicle, and noticed a large bubble in the sidewall. The tire has just under 11,000 miles.
On two separate occasions the vehicle lost all power while driving. On December 5, 2025 turning on to a main road from parking lot the vehicle shut off with no prior warning lights. Shifted vehicle to park. No power to anything, unable to unlock doors, unable to turn on hazard flashers, stuck in the middle of the road at night. Waited a minute and pressed the start button and vehicle started with no problem. Again, on February 24 , 2026 making a left turn in intersection, without any warning the vehicle shut off… no power at all. Stuck in middle of road with no lights , no hazard flashers ,unable to get out of the car. Few minutes later vehicle started again. The vehicle did not stall while stopped, it completely lost power while moving. Reported problem to West Herr Chevrolet of Hamburg NY , brought vehicle in to dealership on February 25, 2026 and they were “unable to duplicate the concerns” The dealership paperwork states that the vehicle stalled while stopped, this vehicle lost all power while it was moving. We now have the vehicle back in our possession but are extremely concerned for our safety and the safety of others.
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V433000 (PARKING BRAKE). The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle vibrated abnormally. The contact exited the freeway and the front passenger’s side tie rod detached from the vehicle and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact was able to pull over to the curb. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was inspected the contact noticed that the front passenger’s side wheel was bent and the tire was deflated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle remained at the residence unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.
The engine started acting weird in traffic going down hill on freeway. Eventually turned off turning into my driveway. No warning or engine light. Towed to dealer and is in for inspection, not sure if they can repair or if they have to replace the engine. When it arrived to dealer the engine light was on with a couple misfires
On December 22, 2025, I purchased a brand-new Chevrolet Blazer EV SS from a dealership located approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes away from my home. Immediately after leaving the dealership lot, I noticed a grinding / grunting noise coming from the vehicle. This was not a minor rattle or normal “new car” sound—this was an alarming mechanical noise in a vehicle that had just been sold to me as new. Because the selling dealer is so far away, and because I was concerned about driving a potentially unsafe vehicle long distance, I took it to a closer Chevrolet dealer for evaluation. I first brought the vehicle to Ciocca Chevrolet in West Chester, PA. After assessing the issue, they advised me to open a ticket with General Motors (GM) because they believed there was a legitimate defect that required GM involvement. Shortly after that, I left for the Christmas holidays, but the issue did not go away and I remained extremely concerned that I had just bought a defective vehicle. When I returned, I took the Blazer EV to Del Chevrolet in Paoli, PA for a second opinion and a thorough evaluation. After keeping the car and spending an entire day assessing it, Del Chevrolet acknowledged the problem. Despite two separate dealers identifying and acknowledging the issue, I have been unable to get timely action toward a repair. I have been told that GM is requiring additional testing and, most importantly, that GM is not authorizing Del Chevrolet to order the necessary parts. The dealership has indicated they are essentially stuck waiting for GM approval, which means my brand-new vehicle is in limbo with no clear repair timeline. As of now, the vehicle has only about 140 miles on it. This is a brand-new car that developed a serious noise immediately upon delivery, and I have now been forced into a loaner vehicle. It is Jan 17th. The vehicle is still at Del Chevrolet service center. Del Chevrolet, Fred Beans Chevrolet and GM corporate are involved in resolving this issue.
The contact owns a 2025 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V433000 (Parking Brake); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact had stopped driving the vehicle due to safety concerns. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Telecommunications module failed - no Onstar, no Navigation which means no help to find charging station, and Mychevrolet app remote connection is not functional. Local dealer states this is a known issue but there is a significant backlog to investigate, and no loaner vehicles available. Wide spread issue across many GM vehicles. Very disappointing experience including service repair. Due to lack of loaner i am unable to drop off as this is my primary driven vehicle.
This issue is about "OnStar Telematics Control Module", since last 3 months.. mutiple services in my car stopped working. No GPS, TPS warning messages.. No internet..This issue has been reported all across US and GM, NHSTA needs to investigate this.
Telematics control module failure
2025 Chevy Blazer EV charging door frozen on the inside of door seal from snow storm
The visibity in sunlight is dangerously impaired with the reflection of the dashboard on the windshield . Hard to see and really distracting while driving .
Showing 20 of 741 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Chevrolet Blazer
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Chevrolet Blazer, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Chevrolet Blazer has 741 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Chevrolet Blazer has 12 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 30 of the Chevrolet Blazer's 741 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Chevrolet Blazer vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Chevrolet Blazer vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Chevrolet Blazer has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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By state
Check a Chevrolet Blazer by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Chevrolet Blazer.
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Chevrolet Blazer reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Chevrolet Blazer reliable?
Poor. The Chevrolet Blazer has 741 NHTSA owner complaints and 12 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Chevrolet Blazer years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2004 (50 complaints), 2005 (15 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Chevrolet Blazer problems?
Top reported issues: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (215 complaints); POWER TRAIN (182 complaints); ENGINE (177 complaints).
Does the Chevrolet Blazer have recalls?
Yes — 12 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Chevrolet Blazer. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.