2001 Chevrolet Blazer Problems

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often describe brake lights that stop working or stay on because of the multifunction switch in the steering column, and ABS problems where the system engages on its own during low-speed stops. Front-end and wheel bearing noise, fuel pump failures, and transmission trouble account for most of the rest, usually from roughly 40,000 to 100,000 miles.

1. 1
   Exterior lighting

   Brake lights out or staying on (multifunction switch)

   • 62 complaints (19%)
   • median 76,000 mi at 7.8 yrs old (29 state mileage)
   • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2001–2019

   Owners report that the brake lights quit working, or stay lit after the vehicle is shut off and run the battery down. Several describe the same multifunction switch in the steering column being the diagnosed part, and some mention smoke from the steering column area or loss of hazard and turn signals. Complaints frequently note that the vehicle's VIN was not included in a related recall campaign, or that the light failure returned after the recall work was done. Mostly reported between about 30,000 and 85,000 miles, often noticed when another driver points out the lights are out.

   Recall 08V231000Recall 01V3640001 related service bulletin

   What to check: With the key off, confirm the brake lights are dark and that they illuminate with the pedal; also test the hazards and turn signals. Ask whether the multifunction switch has been replaced and under which campaign.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “My 2001 chevy Blazer stop lights are not operable due to a known GM recall 08v231000 however they are not willing to fix this without me paying up front. Loss of the brake lights and turn signals have made my vehicle inoperable. There is a short in the switch that cause smoke to come from the steering column as well.”

   NHTSA complaint #10328240, filed 2010-04, 78,000 miles

   “My 2001 Blazer's brake lights stopped working during a recent drive, and another driver was kind enough to point this out at a stoplight. The next day the brake lights worked again, but remained on after I shut off the engine. My mechanic was able to determine the problem was the multifunction switch on the steering column. This was a known issue (GM recall number 01073) and GM recalled a number of the same make and model of vehicles, but my Blazer's VIN was not included in the official recall.”

   NHTSA complaint #10809342, filed 2015-12, 125,000 miles
2. 2
   Brakes

   ABS activates on its own during low-speed stops

   • 46 complaints (14%)
   • median 63,000 mi at 5.4 yrs old (27 state mileage)
   • 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 2001–2016

   Complaints describe the ABS kicking in when it should not, typically while braking gently at low speed or rolling to a stop, with a vibrating or pulsing pedal and longer stopping distance. Some owners say the ABS and brake warning lamps come on and go off, and a few were told the ABS module or valve needed replacement. Dealers often reported finding nothing wrong or that the brakes checked out. Reported across a wide mileage range, often from about 35,000 to 85,000 miles, and recurring multiple times a day for some owners.

   What to check: Test-drive and brake gently to a stop on a clear surface, feeling for pedal vibration or pulsing, and check whether the ABS lamp lights or stays on. Ask whether the ABS module or wheel sensors have been serviced.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “In three different occasions, 2 in 06 and 2 in 07 the brakes failed to stop it's an intermittent incident. In 06 after incident, master cylinder brake was changed (not keep old part). After third incident, I took it to dealer. Their response was nothing wrong. But on my interview with head technician, mentioned that could be the ABS activating, like reading false instructions. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10208878, filed 2007-11, 85,000 miles

   “Unwanted ABS activation and extended stopping distance during low-speed breaking on my s-10 2001 Blazer. The problem occurs numerous times a day on a daily basis. I have adjusted my stopping pattern to allow for the initiation of the unwanted ABS activation.”

   NHTSA complaint #10156617, filed 2006-05, 65,000 miles
3. 3
   Suspension

   Front-end noise, wheel bearings and ball joints

   • 65 complaints (20%)
   • median 46,321 mi at 3.6 yrs old (36 state mileage)
   • 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • owner-quoted repair $900 (median of 7 quotes)
   • filed 2001–2023

   Owners describe thumping, clunking or rattle noises from the front end, sometimes felt through the steering wheel, and dealers identifying worn wheel bearings, hub assemblies or lower ball joints. Several mention repeated bearing replacements for the same wheel, and one owner linked the noise to the front end needing a full rebuild. Mostly reported between roughly 26,000 and 80,000 miles.

   What to check: Listen for rattle or thump over bumps and on turns, and have the front end raised to check wheel bearing play and ball joint condition before purchase.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Since I bought my 2001 chevy Blazer, I've had to replace ball joints everytime I have a front end alignment. This year I've replaced 3 wheel bearings, fuel pump, and I just lost my transmission. I've had the light recall fixed. My service engine light stays on, but you cannot put a computer to it because it doesn't work. My ABS light comes and goes. Whats next?”

   NHTSA complaint #10177263, filed 2006-12, 159,097 miles

   “I am pregnant and very scared to drive this vehicle again. I was told by rick, service manager, toni hall at flow Chevrolet a year ago that this 4x2 and 4x4 wheel drive was corrected while under warranty. They refused to fix the major problem and changed out a switch. During this whole year I haven't been able to drive comfortablly. Now they have had to replace the whole front end. A brand new car now with only 39,000 miles. The noise is terrifying and I've been insulted by GM with a loyalty incentive for $700 to take off on a new vehicle. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10106173, filed 2005-01, 31,002 miles
4. 4
   Transmission and drivetrain

   Transmission slipping, lost gears or no reverse

   • 21 complaints (6%)
   • median 62,750 mi at 3.6 yrs old (14 state mileage)
   • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • owner-quoted repair $1,325 (median of 6 quotes)
   • filed 2001–2016

   Owners report clanking noises followed by loss of reverse or of higher gears, jerking in and out of gear, and slipping. A few note the transmission was replaced once already, and one complaint links a gear problem to a disconnected computer wire found by the dealer. Mostly reported between about 27,000 and 54,000 miles, though some complaints come in at higher mileage.

   What to check: Drive through all gears including reverse from a cold start, and ask for transmission service records or a fluid check.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Driving within the city I heard a clack noise and a loud noise came from the transmission, after that I couldn't use the reverse, and first gear was longer than usual, this vehicle only has 42,000 miles. I have spoken with mechanics and friends and this is a manufacturer failure with this type of vehicle, my mechanic. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10030954, filed 2003-08, 42,900 miles

   “My friends borrowed my vehicle, a 2001 chevy Blazer, and went camping in the mountains. The vehicle was parked at a location that could have been very dangerous due to this failure, it was near a creek bank with a drop of approximately 30 feet. When the vehicle was started and put into reverse all it would do is coast forward which could have been very dangerous if they did not react in time as it could have went over a cliff. Fortunately they were in an area where there was a pay phone. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10164810, filed 2006-08, 78,407 miles

Buying note. Check the brake lights, hazards and ABS lamps carefully on a test drive, since lighting-switch and ABS complaints are the most common here, and have the front end and transmission inspected before buying. Records showing recent brake, bearing and fuel pump work are worth asking about on a vehicle of this age.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.