1996 Chevrolet Blazer Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 96about this part
- Share
- 8%of 1,153 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 81,638miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 96 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer, 8% of the 1,153 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 81,638 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 4 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“Normal driving , hard shifting, eventual transmission burn up. If caught in time simple repair for about 300 if you can find shop that will do it. I left alone. Transmission will burn up and depending on vehicle, 1500 to 2700. Hundreds of thousands vehicles are affected.”
NHTSA complaint #10166659, filed 2006-08, 75,000 miles“1996 Chevrolet Blazer tcc valve on transmission failed while driving on highway once vehicle warmed up after driving for a distance. Appears that the same transmission on many models have similar failures and issues where it switches hard from 1st to 2nd on at. Ses engine service code 1870.”
NHTSA complaint #10023395, filed 2003-06, 85,000 miles“Both rear wheels and axles separated from the rear differential while traveling at 55 MPH on highway. Loss of vehicle control and braking due to severed brake lines and rear wheels separated from rear differential.body damage incurred when rear wheel and axle jammed under rear bumper.”
NHTSA complaint #10029299, filed 2003-07, 85,000 miles“Windshield wipers front & rear failed, water pump quit, drive shaft broke, ball joints right front broke, heater quit, air conditioner quit. Drivers side rear view mirror fell off, steering problems, brake problems, universal joints worn out, cracked front rotors,etc.”
NHTSA complaint #10016198, filed 2003-04, 99,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10013572Apr 21, 20054wd models with noise, vibration on dry pavement.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 8 | 15% |
| 2023 | 10 | 23% |
| 2022 | 12 | 22% |
| 2021 | 19 | 13% |
| 2020 | 75 | 33% |
| 2019 | 64 | 34% |
| 2004 | 4 | 8% |
| 2003 | 12 | 16% |
| 2002 | 33 | 13% |
| 2001 | 31 | 10% |
| 2000 | 84 | 14% |
| 1999 | 54 | 12% |
| 1998 | 74 | 10% |
| 1997 | 110 | 14% |
| 1996 | 96 | 8% |
| 1995 | 68 | 6% |
| 1994 | 12 | 2% |
| 1993 | 19 | 4% |
| 1992 | 3 | 1% |
| 1991 | 8 | 4% |
| 1990 | 3 | 9% |
| 1989 | 1 | 3% |
| 1988 | 2 | 5% |
| 1987 | 4 | 13% |
| 1986 | 1 | 5% |
| 1985 | 4 | 14% |
Other parts of the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer
443 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
182 complaintsEngine cooling
149 complaintsSuspension
149 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 31, 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