1997 Chevrolet Blazer Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 93about this part
- Share
- 12%of 768 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 81,167miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 93 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 Chevrolet Blazer, 12% of the 768 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 81,167 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 5 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“For three years in the summers I could not drive far without smoke trickling up by the passenger side windshield. Never happened in the winter. Took it to several mechanics and transmission shops, no one could find the problem. This year it caught on fire and I had to junk the vehicle. My neighbors 2000 Blazer is doing the same thing now.”
NHTSA complaint #10347533, filed 2010-08, 130,000 miles“Driving south on I-5. Heard loud rattling noise which became loud banging noise, followed by boom and white smoke pouring out from under the hood. Car spun around several times before I could gain control. Engine blew. This car has cost me $4490 in repairs from 1/1/04 to 9/26/05. Car well maintained - I have all receipts for work. Aaa auto svcs team conducting independent investigation as to cause of this incident. Updated 12/12/05.”
NHTSA complaint #10138371, filed 2005-10, 80,334 miles“Ball joint upper control arm broke as I was driving today. Since I purchased this 1997 Blazer I have had nothing but problems-the windshield wipers fail,the water pump has been replaced the fuel pump has also been replaced. This vehicle has less than 60,000 miles. I just found out that most of these problem have been recalled I was never notified. I purchase the vehicle used at a local dealership,whom by the way did not tell me of any of these recalls. I have had very serious and dangerous problems with this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10098740, filed 2004-11, 59,000 miles“I have had coolant leakage in my 1997 cheverolet Blazer and have talked to people at different dealers to no avail no one recommended that I have a systems check now I find out there is a technical bulletin that I stumbled upon at jasper engines that shows that the 1992 through 1997 GM 4.3l VIN r&w engines have the problem that coolant loss has been associated with cracks that may develop in the lifter valley area of the block. Until I came upon this nobody could give me a answer is there any thing that can be done to help me resolve this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10054970, filed 2004-01, 83,878 miles“While driving at 35 MPH vehicle overheated and stalled, vehicle was towed to independent shop, technician diagnosed that coolant turned into acid and damaged the intake manifold/water pump/ thermostat, and radiator. Dealer notified.”
NHTSA complaint #10048775, filed 2003-11, 106,000 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 1997 Chevrolet Blazer
156 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
129 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
110 complaintsSuspension
105 complaintsElectrical system
89 complaintsFuel system
84 complaintsVehicle speed control
47 complaintsAir bags
38 complaintsOther or unknown
27 complaintsSeat belts
26 complaintsSteering
24 complaintsBody and structure
18 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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