1990 Chevrolet Blazer Problems
- Complaints
- 32filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 13 mpgcombined, 5.7L 8-cyl 4WD/AWD · 11 city / 15 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1990 Chevrolet Blazer (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 32 consumer complaints for the 1990 Chevrolet Blazer. The part named most often is brakes, with 8 complaints (25% of the total), followed by engine cooling (5) and seat belts (5). Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 7 a fire, 7 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Brakes complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the rotor filed under the same part. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 1 NHTSA investigation filed under the same part.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes8 25%
- Engine cooling5 16%
- Seat belts5 16%
- Electrical system4 13%
- Seats3 9.4%
- Other or unknown2 6.3%
- Suspension2 6.3%
- Tires2 6.3%
- Vehicle speed control2 6.3%
Also reported: Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Body and structure (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “Consumer was driving approx. 15 MPH when he pressed the brakes to slow down for vehicle in front making a turn, and the brakes failed. Consumer crashed into the car in front of him, then he was hit from behind during the same crash. There was drizzles of rain at time of incident. Consumer has experienced brake failure more than five times.”
NHTSA complaint #817861, filed 1997-10Engine cooling: “While driving the vehicle began to experience engine trouble, the driver pulled the vehicle over, the vehicle started smoking then became engulfed in flames (ohio traffic crash report). Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #560375, filed 2001-03Seat belts: “Seatbelt buckle jammed into seat handle recess and cannot extracate; believe this is design defect, buckle should be larger to avoid fitting into seat lock recess. Cannot use safety belt, cannot raise/lower seat.”
NHTSA complaint #729175, filed 2000-08Electrical system: “Consumer pulled vehicle in driveway and there was black smoke coming from underneath hood and the dashboard. Fire department was called out to put fire out.”
NHTSA complaint #8002626, filed 2002-01Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1990 Chevrolet Blazer. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blazer · coupe | not rated | 1 / – | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1990 Chevrolet Blazer version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blazer V1500 4WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 11 | 15 | 13 | $5,150 |
| Blazer V1500 4WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed manual | 11 | 13 | 12 | $5,600 |
| Blazer V1500 4WD | 6.2L 8-cyl · diesel | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $5,650 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 93V119000Aug 2, 1993Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › RotorCovers: Chevrolet Blazer 1988–1992, Suburban 1988–1992, GMC Safari 1988–1992 +6 more
Severe corrosion due to road salt at the joint of the stamped steel center section and the cast outer section can cause the sections to separate.
Recall details for the 1990 Chevrolet Blazer → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA94029Engine compartment firesClosed · Jul 29, 1994
- EA92015High idle flareClosed · May 22, 1992
- PE92001High idle flareClosed · Jan 7, 1992
- PE91057Headlight switch failureClosed · Mar 6, 1991
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1990 Chevrolet Blazer.
Other model years of the Chevrolet Blazer
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 34 | 14,500 | 1 | 5 | 25 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 52 | 29,000 | 1 | 5 | 25 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 44 | 20,000 | 2 | 5 | 25 | 50 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 54 | 66,250 | 1 | 5 | 25 | 17 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 141 | 36,232 | 1 | 5 | 23 | 53 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 224 | 49,500 | 3 | 5 | 23 | 70 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 189 | 26,700 | 2 | 5 | 24 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2008 | 5 | 80,364 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2007 | 9 | 62,000 | 0 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2006 | 19 | 75,200 | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2005 | 15 | 75,000 | 0 | — | 17 | — | Stable |
| 2004 | 50 | 38,000 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 77 | 44,500 | 1 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 246 | 59,000 | 2 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 326 | 62,102 | 3 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 589 | 65,000 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 436 | 76,000 | 0 | — | 17 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 716 | 70,000 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 768 | 85,000 | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1996 | 1,153 | 83,900 | 6 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1995 | 1,224 | 97,610 | 6 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 620 | 118,000 | 2 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 511 | 120,000 | 2 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 278 | 84,000 | 2 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1991 | 222 | 110,000 | 4 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1990 | 32 | — | 1 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 38 | — | 1 | — | 14 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 40 | 85,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 30 | 106,000 | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 19 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1985 | 29 | — | 0 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1984 | 9 | — | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Blazer model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1990 Chevrolet Blazer have?
NHTSA recorded 32 consumer complaints for the 1990 Chevrolet Blazer as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1990 Chevrolet Blazer is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 8 complaints (25% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 5.
Has the 1990 Chevrolet Blazer been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1990 Chevrolet Blazer get?
The EPA rates the 1990 Chevrolet Blazer (Blazer V1500 4WD, 5.7L 8-cyl) at 13 mpg combined, 11 city and 15 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $5,150 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.