Chevrolet Blazer Visibility Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 12, 2026 · 836 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 836 complaints with NHTSA about visibility problems on the Chevrolet Blazer across 12 model years. The 1998 model year has the most (256). The words owners use most often: “windshield wipers” (53% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Windshield wipers: mentioned in 441 of 836 complaints (53%)
  • Wiper motor: mentioned in 94 of 836 complaints (11%)
  • Work intermittently: mentioned in 65 of 836 complaints (8%)

How much does it cost to fix?

Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical visibility repair on the Chevrolet Blazer at $350, and half of them between $260 and $870.

Based on 18 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (1999–2009), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.

At what mileage do visibility problems happen?

Based on 238 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles10 · 4%
10k–25k miles7 · 3%
25k–50k miles38 · 16%
50k–75k miles73 · 31%
75k–100k miles60 · 25%
100k–150k miles41 · 17%
150k+ miles9 · 4%

How serious are the reports?

Of 836 complaints, 6 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 7 an injury.

Chevrolet Blazer visibility complaints by model year

Peak: 1998, with 256 complaints
1995: 17819951781996: 18219961821997: 12919971291998: 25619982561999: 241999242000: 282000282001: 152001152002: 162002162003: 4200342004: 2200422005: 1200512019: 120191

n = 836 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearVisibility complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2019 Blazer11%40,000
2005 Blazer17%—
2004 Blazer24%6,500
2003 Blazer45%23,750
2002 Blazer167%24,125
2001 Blazer155%35,500
2000 Blazer285%64,200
1999 Blazer246%70,000
1998 Blazer25636%70,000
1997 Blazer12917%94,000
1996 Blazer18216%78,500
1995 Blazer17815%86,225

When owners reported it

Peak: 2003, with 155 complaints
1995: 5199551996: 11111997: 611997611998: 74741999: 891999892000: 86862001: 692001692002: 74742003: 15520031552004: 96962005: 592005592006: 17172007: 182007182008: 992009: 8200982011: 112012: 2201222015: 112022: 120221

n = 836 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (3)

Visibility:windshield wiper/washerApr 28, 2003 · NHTSA campaign 03V159000 · 1,755,876 vehicles

Model years: 1996

Problem: On certain minivans, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles with certain model-engine combinations, the windshield wiper motor may fail due to cracked solder joints on the controller circuit board. The windshield wipers could work intermittently or not at all.

Risk: If this were to occur during bad weather, driver visibility would be reduced, which could result in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover. Owner notification began on june 19, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, gmc at 1-800-462-8782, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.

Visibility:rearview mirrors/devices:exteriorMar 7, 2003 · NHTSA campaign 03V093000 · 507,171 vehicles

Model years: 1997

Problem: Certain sport utility vehicles, mini vans, and pickup trucks may develop a short circuit in the electric outside rearview mirror switch.

Risk: If this were to happen, it could result in an inoperative switch, heat damage to the driver's door, and/or ignition of components in the driver's door and a subsequent vehicle fire without prior warning.

Fix: Dealers will install a fused jumper harness to the electric outside rearview mirror switch. Owner notification began on april 24, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or gmc at 1-800-462-8782.

Visibility:windshield wiper/washerJul 1, 1998 · NHTSA campaign 98V150001 · 1,557,585 vehicles

Model years: 1995, 1996

Problem: Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, 2 and 4-wheel drive. Solder joints near the wiring harness connector can crack causing the windshield wipers to work intermittently.

Risk: This condition can result in inoperative wipers, reducing a driver's visibility, and increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the wiper motor circuit board and cover.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that whenever it rained, water would leak into the vehicle from the gasket around the sunroof. The headliner would catch the water and disperse water down the interior pillars, forming puddles in the front and rear passenger’s…

Received May 27, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11466361

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 chevrolet blazer. While driving 60 mph, the windshield wiper blades stopped working without warning. The failure occurred intermittently. The windshield wipers were previously repaired by the dealer on two occasions. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The…

Received Jun 19, 2015 · NHTSA complaint 10726147

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 chevrolet blazer. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked when the interior caught on fire. The fire department came and extinguished the fire. The fire department informed the contact that the origin of the fire was from the heater. Three weeks prior to the fire…

Received Aug 21, 2012 · NHTSA complaint 10471689

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 chevrolet blazer. The vehicle was parked with the engine activated when the contact noticed that the rear tailgate window exploded. The dealer did not offer any assistance and the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. No repairs were performed. The current and…

Received Jan 30, 2012 · NHTSA complaint 10445901

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chevrolet blazer. The contact stated that the heat and air conditioner would not blow from the vents when set on low. The vehicle was inspected but the cause of the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 3,000 and the current…

Received Sep 12, 2011 · NHTSA complaint 10425069

Frequently asked questions

Do all Chevrolet Blazers have visibility problems?

No. NHTSA has 836 owner complaints about visibility for the Chevrolet Blazer. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the Chevrolet Blazer visibility?

Yes: 3 safety recalls list visibility. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

How much does it cost to fix visibility problems on the Chevrolet Blazer?

Owners report a typical cost of $350 (half paid between $260 and $870), from 18 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.

What do owners say about visibility problems on the Chevrolet Blazer?

The most frequent phrase is “windshield wipers”, in 441 of 836 complaints, followed by “wiper motor” (94).

Other Chevrolet Blazer problems

See all Chevrolet Blazer problems.