1996 Chevrolet Blazer Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 149about this part
- Share
- 13%of 1,153 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 83,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 149 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer, 13% of the 1,153 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 83,500 miles. 8 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 1996 Chevrolet Blazer with less than 53,000 miles has no heat and started overheating. I took it for service and was informed that the dexcool that was guaranteed for 100,000 miles had failed. The radiator was partially blocked and the heater core was blocked. Both the radiator and the heater core need to be replaced because of the sludge and rust that was in the cooling system.”
NHTSA complaint #10047224, filed 2003-11, 52,535 miles“I purchase my vehicle used on 12/4/01 , I have had to replace the temperature gauge every year because it indicates it is overheating. 3 weeks ago it started saying it was overheating and smoke filled the interior of my vehicle with fumes. It was repaired. At 3:15 p.m. Today, my car indicates it is overheating and now the service car light is on. This has been an ongoing issue with the coolant system. As soon as I turn the car on it indicates it is overheathing. Happening too many times.”
NHTSA complaint #10266538, filed 2009-04, 97,745 miles“I have a 96 chevy Blazer with cooling problems. I have replaced the water pump 2 times in the last yr. The radiator needs to be flushed and clean about every 2 months due to slugged and rust build up. I have also had the upper ball joints break on me.”
NHTSA complaint #10039038, filed 2003-09, 50,000 miles“Just brought 96 blazerls with 82,000 in dec.02. Was told that the only problem was they had to have the transmission replaced at 20,000. Well,83,000 miles the heater was on hot blowing when I noticed that it turn cold and the gage went to the red zone. I immediately turn swiches off on the blower it went back to normal. Two days later it happen again but I turn off the heater and blower completely it went back to normal. We thought the termostact got stuck and replaced it . …”
NHTSA complaint #10003428, filed 2003-01, 83,500 miles“I own a 1996 Chevrolet Blazer which I purchased new in 1996. It now has 59,000 miles on it. We have regularly scheduled maintenance done on the car, along with scheduled oil changes, checking belts, hoses, etc. We are constantly having our brakes repaired/replaced. Last year we needed to have a brake booster replaced which cost us over $700 and today we were told that our entire cooling system is corroded...$1,900. At 59,000 miles I certainly don't think this should have happened.”
NHTSA complaint #10018551, filed 2003-05, 59,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10246631Sep 1, 2013Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10139019May 3, 2013This preliminary informational bulletin provides information on High Oil Pressure on Startup After Engine Replacement Concern.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 | 4% |
| 2023 | 2 | 5% |
| 2022 | 1 | 2% |
| 2021 | 3 | 2% |
| 2020 | 3 | 1% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 1 | 20% |
| 2005 | 1 | 7% |
| 2004 | 4 | 8% |
| 2003 | 6 | 8% |
| 2002 | 20 | 8% |
| 2001 | 23 | 7% |
| 2000 | 63 | 11% |
| 1999 | 62 | 14% |
| 1998 | 64 | 9% |
| 1997 | 93 | 12% |
| 1996 | 149 | 13% |
| 1995 | 213 | 17% |
| 1994 | 42 | 7% |
| 1993 | 51 | 10% |
| 1992 | 9 | 3% |
| 1991 | 12 | 5% |
| 1990 | 5 | 16% |
| 1989 | 4 | 11% |
| 1988 | 7 | 18% |
| 1987 | 2 | 7% |
| 1986 | 5 | 26% |
| 1985 | 5 | 17% |
| 1984 | 1 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
443 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
182 complaintsSuspension
149 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
96 complaintsElectrical system
62 complaintsAir bags
56 complaintsFuel system
36 complaintsSeat belts
30 complaintsEquipment
29 complaintsBody and structure
29 complaintsSteering
28 complaintsVehicle speed control
28 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology