Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
POWER TRAIN
990730016A10/01/2002990730016B10007838Diagnostic information for intermittent transmission downshift, slip, busy/cycling tcc or noisy cooling fan. *tt07/12/2004
0159901/01/2004100072374l60e, 4l65e forward and low reverse waved steel clutch plate appearance change. *tt06/04/2004
020421005A02/01/200302042100510001110Slips in 4-wheel drive, noise, vibration, leaks, hot odor. *tt04/15/2003
02042100506/01/2002634905Some vehicles will not move when 4-wheel drive is requested, noise, shudder, poor performance, transmission / transfer case slips, transmission will not upshift, slips in 4-wheel drive. *tt10/10/2002
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
03073005611/01/2003100055664l60-e automatic transmission oil pump first and second design identification. *tt03/04/2004
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - COLUMN SHIFT
020730024A08/01/2005020730024B634999Diagnosis of cracked or broken transmission case. *tt 2006 and prior cars and light duty trucks. *tt10/11/2002
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE
33003300A100135724wd models with noise, vibration on dry pavement. *eh04/21/2005
POWER TRAIN - TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
3349100148094wd inoperative and diagnostic trouble code (dtc) u1026 atc fuse open. *tt05/10/2005

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
POWER TRAIN
11/15/200393000
 My wife was in danger driving the truck when she brought it to another route (another shop), which was hutchens chevrolet. they told my wife and gave her the paper work stating that, the truck was unsafe and she could have been in danger if continued driving it. when he was told of the brake problems, (the car dealership owner) he instructed my wife to take it to his own auto repair shop, when my wife got the truck back, it was in the same state not everything was fixed. the work was completed at hutchens. the work had to have cost about $378.00. and there are more troubles with the truck, i see signs of rust and corrosion, there are vibrations when the vehicle is in excess of 60 miles.
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
09/10/200794108111/15/2001
 Transmission will not engage, slips. cannot move vehicle without tow. diagnostic test shows code 1870. *jb
10/14/200598000111/15/1997
 Dt: contact states that while at a stop light then tried to accelerate the vehicle would not move. he was able to get vehicle home ,and there he could not shift gears. this happened without warning. dealer and manufacturer have not been contacted yet. *ak
05/01/2000650001008/01/1998
 My 1998 chevy blazer has needed extensive repairs to the transmission and ultimately i had to have a new transmission placed in the vehicle. i have spoken with a few other chevy blazer owners and they have informed me of the same problem with their vehicles. also problematic is the rear windshield wiper -- never has worked and i've had to get it repaired twice. *jb
04/20/2004100
 I have had a problem with the transmission slipping and overheating in my 1998 chevy blazer. i installed a transmission cooler hoping that would stop the problem, but it hasn't even touched the problem. i would like something none about the transmission problems in blazers.
04/01/200557000402/28/2005
 The turn signal switch would not shut off and the consumer could still hear the clicking noise. the dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak the heater was leaking, the windshield wiper were inoperative, the rear end had gone out and the 4 wheel drive was not working properly. a new switch was placed onto the transfer case and the differential assembly was removed and replaced. *sc *jb
03/10/200590000305/15/1999
 Purchased suv in 1999, drove car for 4 years til 2004 when transmission failed. there was less than 90,000 miles on the transmission. had transmission built, failed 3 months later. had transmission rebuilt failed again today 9 months after last rebuild.*ak
12/01/2004695001
 Transmission slips when truck is in motion, if accelerator is pressed it stops but then resumes after it comes back to a steady pull why .*ak
07/17/200273939511/01/1997
 My wife and i have had to make major repairs to our 1998 blazer. we had to replace the water pump ($294.55) in october 2002. then, the transmission started slipping and got worse. we took it to aamco, where we were informed that it had to be rebuilt. this was in july of 2002. the total cost was ($2077.37). i inquired that same month at chevrolet about recalls, and they said that there were none. since then, we have had numerous minor problems with the lame suv, including broken recliner handles, steering that pulls and grinds, and a malfunctioning electrical system (clicking sounds from under the glove box, three batteries replaced). i saw a report last week about the use of dexcool and its possible link to problems in gm vehicles. are there any remedies available at this time? *ak
03/12/20044001503/21/1998
 Front driver's side door does not latch due to the body of the strike plate on driver's side caving in. *ak there was a crack around the sticker plate. the dealer adjusted the driver side sticker plate. the problem remained the same after adjustments were made. two months after purchase the consumer would hear rattling on the passenger and the drivers side door. the seat belt would not release, the encoder motor had become inoperative after the module shorted, the stabilizer link nuts were missing, the left door would rattle when driven over bumps, when braking, a squealing noise was heard, there was a hesitation in the transmission when changing the reverse, the trip meter was inoperative, the was a rattle in the dash when driven over bumps, there was an oil leak, there was a rattle in the front suspension when driven over bumps, the left rear door would open by itself, and the tail gate rattled. *sc *jb
02/14/20023200010012/12/2000
 1998 chevrolet blazer - transmission fails to lock up between 3rd and 4th gear on the highway - web research shows this is so common after market prodcuts have been created to address it... gmc should fix for free. *ak
05/03/200370850011/25/2000
 Transmission shifts extremely rough, problem is even worse when vehicle is warm. problem started at 70,000 miles. found out through research that this problem is extremely common in chevrolet trucks, vans, and suvs from 1995-1999. why no recall yet?
07/05/2003810001
 Vehicle transmission let loose without any warning. the service engine soon light didn`t come on. this happened while pulling out of a resturaunt into traffic. *ak
05/21/2003008/01/1998
 Bought car brand new. drivers side mirror consistently vibrates - had replaced twice - dealer would not replace a third time due to bug shield being installed. it still vibrates. june 2001 - door locks went nuts. they would lock and unlock themselves while driving down the road or while parked - with keys in it. march 2003 - blinker switch went crazy. it would not stop clicking - whole dash had to be taken out to replace switch - not a cheap thing! may 2003 - alternator went out and ruined battery. almost caused a car fire. transmission fluid leak. not yet fixed because of unknown cause of problem. *nlm
01/22/200348990111/25/1997
 Am the original owner of the vehicle. first factory automatic trans went out at 1 year 10 months/28,877 miles. per certified cheverolet dealer's repair notes: removed trans...found 3-4 clutch burned severely and no possible cause for 3-4 clutch failure.... ...found leaking at trans cooler line...replaced lower trans cooler line.... replaced with certified re-built (srta). now, 2nd re-built trans failed at 77,867 miles (but only 48,990 on 2nd trans). per dealership analysis, r.t. found to slip in all gears pcm storing p1870 convertor is overheaded and atf burnt bad.... dealership and cheverolet district rep act as if trans problems are unheard of. cheverolet customer service case opened, cheverolet district rep refuses to provide any assistance. sounds just like service bulletin #020421005
07/30/2002110/01/2098
 Transmission line coupler failed on highway causing transmission fluid to flow out on undercarriage and up and over tailgate. fortunately no fire occurred. mechanic said snap-on coupler to transmission line failed.*ak
05/01/2001103/01/2098
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
04/09/1998104/09/1998
 While driving engine check light was on and transmission was slipping. took vehicle to the dealer, they checked vehicle, but engine check light was still on. *ak consumer has a warranty on the transmission and complained to dealer 9 months after the date of purchase about the service engine light illuminating. no reasonable explanation was given except probable gas cap. while having the oil changed consumer found out the light was for the power train. consumer took vehicle to a transmission specialist who confirmed that there was a defective part in the transmission. consumer was also informed that the transmission code proved that an after market part was used to replace the defective part previously. *jg
11/21/2001102/01/2001
 Side gears and case and side bearings failed at 48,300 miles. replaced front differential assembly, installed new side gear set and case and side bearings. repair cost was $1,154.00 dollars. bought the car used in feb. 2001, bearings failed in nov. 2001. only 5,000 miles were put on the vehicle in that time frame. *ak
08/01/2001101/01/2099
 Transmission replaced after 2 years of hassle, new transmission shifts hard but dealer states all transmissions run that way. turn signal/windshield wiper module replaced twice, turn signal continued to click after turned off, windshield wipers turned on by itself. driver's mirror replaced twice due to vibration and continues to vibrate, dealer refused to replace a third time due to a bugshield being installed even though mirror vibrated before bugshield was installed. vehicle was bought at grubbs chevrolet but has been serviced for the past two years at lowe chevrolet in waynesville mo.
11/20/2001104/01/2000
 After turning a corner, the vehicle intermittently shut off, causing me to coast through a red light. in doing so, i was struck by an oncoming vehicle. both vehicles were totaled in the accident. three people involved in this accident were injured, including myself. in a seperate incident, the radiator blew apart, leaking coolant and transmission fluid. dealership found vehicle leaking from top of transmission line from radiator. they replaced coupler fitting and o-ring and added 6 quarts of transmission fluid (at their expense).
11/01/2001202/01/1998
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
08/24/20003
 While driving in 2-wheel drive vehicle will jumps into 4-wheel intermittently. dealership has examined vehicle, and replaced wiring harness for the first incident, and then replaced transfer case shift modular. vehicle has not been examined for third incident. please provide any additional information / attachments.*ak
09/01/2001107/01/1998
 Mechanic expressed that the auto's mileage was very low to have this kind of problem, and feels strongly that this hose must be defective. *ak
06/03/2001201/01/2001
 Transmission whines gears, load grinding noise. i must stop, shift into park and go but sometimes that doesn't work. transmission shifts by itself into neutral. problem #2 seat reclining arms on both front driver and passenger seats broke off with little pressure. problem #3 heat only works when it wants to. sometimes cool air comes out when heat is on. problem #4 sometimes when applying brakes grinding noise is heard and and steering locks up. problem #5 straps on sun visors sag considerably, blocks view. *ak
05/07/2001
 Had taken vehicle to transmission specialist due to transmission not shifting properly. mechanic indicated that it was a design flaw that causing poor shifting problem.*ak
204/01/1998
 I bought a new vehicle so i would not have major problems like this. the mechanics said that there is a work order out on the torque converters. it will cost me $1600 for tranmission plus rental car and $618 for the two wheel bearings. the torque converter knocks when i shift gears and causes pressure build up in the engine. the wheel bearings cause loud noise when the vehicle is moving and i was told that the wheel may come off. i should not have these major problems with a vehicle, that is why i bought a new one...i never had problems like this with other 4x4 vehicles. gmc should be made to recall these vehicles for these problems. there is to be work orders out on both problems..so the company is aware of the problems. this is my first chevy and i think it will be my last. *ak
10/01/2000
 While driving vehicle will come out of gear and drop into neutral for no reason. dealer/mechanic states that this is a computer malfunction. this occurs at any speed. please provide any additional information. *ak
03/18/1999112/01/1998
 The original automatic transmission failed while driving on a crowded highway (march 1999/10878 miles). the replacement transmission failed while accelerating to merge with freeway traffic (august 2000/33500 miles). the second replacement transmission is now beginning to shift into 4wd lo by itself (december 2000/40000 miles).
09/21/2000103/01/1998
 Was driving down the road, felt the engine give. drove home while noticing the engine was having a hard time shifting from first to second. parked the truck at home. went to leave and had no reverse gear. drove truck to dealership. they inspected the next day and found the sun shell broken. technician told me this is a problem they have noticed on gm trucks from this year. he said it usually is associated with snowplowing. my truck doesn't do any snowplowing or towing. *ak
09/06/2000110/01/1997
 Transmission failed no 2nd or 3rd reverse failed had to push car brought to shop shell broke
08/26/200001/01/1999
 We have (2) 1998 gm products that have had failed transmissions this month, both just recently hit the 50,000 mile mark
08/30/2000110/01/1997
 Vehicle's trans started slipping at 45mph. when stopped, i found out i had no reverse with all other forward gears slipping to where it is undriveable. vehicle has high highway mileage, rarely was the 4 wheel drive used, and is on lease for $440 a month for another year. i know a few other people who have experienced the same transmission problems on newer blazers with lower milage (still under warranty) that were repaired. it seems odd that the same problem occured to a few people i talked to, and makes me wonder how many more problem transes are out there. what should i do???
09/01/1999108/11/1998
 Transmission failed. mjs
10/13/199904/15/1998
 Entering highway and getting prepared to move into another lane, another truck pulling a trailer pulled in front of the car ahead of the consumer's vehicle. he hit the brakes and so did the consumer, but brakes failed. consumer was on her way to the cobbs chevrolet because of transmission problems. contacted the dealer. *ak
12/15/199809/01/1998
 Vehicle burned over 9 qts of oil in 3-4 months. first noticed 12/98, dealer began checking and testing. finally, in april - may 1999, it was determined that vehicle was burning about 1 qt every 300-400 miles. they finally agreed to replace entire engine because they could not locate source of problem. the night before carrying it for service, vehicle lost transmission power. the dealer had to tow the vehicle in the next day. at this time, they not only replaced the engine, but also the entire drive train/transmission system. they still have no idea what caused the failures on such a new vehicle. i tried to get a replacement vehicle since the first failure was around 5,000 miles, but the gm representative refused and only offered to replace the engine and transmission. i don't think i'll ever fully trust my vehicle now, but can't afford to trade at the moment. *ak
10/20/199912/01/1997
 Driving shell defective, car won't go into reverse ans skips 2nd gear.
08/01/1998109/01/1997
 Transmission failed. yh
06/01/1998
 Trnsmission clunks. *ak
07/03/1998606/29/1998
 Due to a faulty wiring and transmission problems, the vehicle while driving, will shift lower gears unexpectedly, lurching the vehicle and may cause an accident. been to dealer several times. dealer cannot determine the problem.
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)
02/17/200466000111/07/2003
 The sun shell breaks on blazers, mine broke and when i took it to the dealer he said it happens all the time. now the abs light comes on and the vehicle wont shift out of second and the speedometer will not work when this is happening, only after driving for about 30+ minutes. why are there no recalls when the dealerships says these things happen all the time and there are forums online with hundreds of other blazer owner who have had the same problem.*ak
09/03/1999
 While going around a turn at 13 mph rear tires lost traction. abs kicked in, but did not stop vehicle. vehicle hit a curb and flipped over. the vehicle has been repaired. please provide any further details. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - COOLING UNIT AND LINES
06/26/1999
 At 12300 miles consumer noticed fluid leaking from vehicle, dealer replaced transmission cooling lines that had been leaking. on 3 sep 2001, consumer noticed another leak. dealer again replaced leaking transmission cooling lines.*ak
03/01/19980
 Vehicle was leaking transmission fluid. also, doors on driver's side rattle like they are going to fall apart. vehicle shuts off without prior warning. dealership was aware of the problems. *ak
09/04/20011
 Consumer was at a stop light rear tires started spinning as he pulled off. as consumer went up the bridge he looked though rearview mirror and saw white smoke coming from rear. vehicle pulled over and consumer lifted hood up and noticed that engine was on fire. dealership was aware of problem.*akthe nylon retainer ring that locks the transmission oil cooler line into the radiator failed, it broke and slid down the cooler line allowing the oil cooler line to disconnect spraying the engine with transmission fluid which caught fire. nlm
05/19/2001101/15/1998
 Transmission cooling lines are defected because of plasticouter retainer connector failing, and causes oil leakages. dealer was notified, and made repairs at consumer cost. *ak *slc
11/22/200012/01/1997
 No warning on transmission---could result in fire -- silent recall on transmission coolant line on larger blazer models---suspect same supplier. *ak
06/16/2000107/01/1998
 I discovered a leak from the truck and noticed the rear hatch of the truck was covered by an oily substance, when i parked the car my garage filled with smoke. i brought the car to the service station i always use for my blazer (not the dealer). as soon as they looked at the blazer they said i was very lucky i didn't have a fire, it was transmission fluid that leaked from a defective transmission fluid line. the connector from the transmission to the transmission line was defective. since the blazer is 1700 miles over warranty, chevy would not give me any satisfaction. the service station said the blazer was not drivable and very dangerous. i have had the blazer repaired and for a simple connector (because of where the connection is) is was $237.00 to repair.*ak
10/07/1999
 While taking off from a stop bolts that hold transmission cooling unit and lines compartment broke, causing transmission hose to bust and fluid to leak everywhere. blazer was towed to the dealership for repairs. please provide any further information. *ak
06/27/1999
 Transmission cooling line melted from heat that came from the exhaust system, causing fluid to leak onto the exhaust pipe which could lead to a fire. dealer/manufacturer notified, and informed consumerthat they are aware of this problem, but have no solution. can nhtsa help or provide addtional information at this time. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
09/01/200497000108/10/2001
 1998 chevrolet blazer, lt model instrument panel cluster suddenly lost readings on fuel gauge, temperature gauge, and shift selection. before this happened, the rear window relay stopped working and so did the first speed of the rear windshield wiper. had vehicle diagnosed and replaced instrument panel cluster. this did not solve problem. took vehicle for another diagnosis and found computer and wiring harness to be ok. all grounds were checked. vehicle operates but without a fuel gauge, and temperature gauge and most importantly shift selector.*ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - LEVER AND LINKAGE - COLUMN SHIFT
02/21/200205/01/1998
 Replaced both seat adjusters. replaced battery after it broke and leaked on the cable operating the 4wd. replaced the cable operating the 4wd. replaced both back windows, (2-door) the seals kept coming out in front of the doors making it hard to open the doors. replaced drivers side mirror. seat belt warning light was staying on. lastly the lower ball joints, tie rod ends, pittman arm and idler arm have been replaced. all done under warranty except the front end components. what a crappy car!
12/21/1999
 Consumer put vehicle in 4 wheel drive, slid off road and had to be towed. at that time consumer noticed only 2-wheels were turning, even though 4-wheel drive was clearly engaged. ak
POWER TRAIN - AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - TORQUE CONVERTER
06/23/2001109/01/1998
 The torque converter on the transmission does not lock out at highway speeds and the transmission overheated.*ak
204/01/1998
 I bought a new vehicle so i would not have major problems like this. the mechanics said that there is a work order out on the torque converters. it will cost me $1600 for tranmission plus rental car and $618 for the two wheel bearings. the torque converter knocks when i shift gears and causes pressure build up in the engine. the wheel bearings cause loud noise when the vehicle is moving and i was told that the wheel may come off. i should not have these major problems with a vehicle, that is why i bought a new one...i never had problems like this with other 4x4 vehicles. gmc should be made to recall these vehicles for these problems. there is to be work orders out on both problems..so the company is aware of the problems. this is my first chevy and i think it will be my last. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AXLE ASSEMBLY
12/03/2003610001
 While turning the steering wheel at 5 mph axle broke.*ak
08/22/1998
 The steering system malfunctioned, causing the steering system to be inoperative and almost caused an accident. also, problems with the brake booster and rear axle. please provide details. *ak
POWER TRAIN - AXLE HUBS
06/29/2001107/01/1998
 Both front hub/wheel bearings needed to be replaced at 70500. dealer advised this was normal wear and could happen at any time.
05/19/20001
 Defective hub was leaking grease onto the sensor causing it to fail and resulting in the abs light illminating. nlm
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE
1006/01/1999
 Front end went out had it replace, it is still going into 4 wheel drive without pushing it in as fair as it will go, into 4wheel drive while doing 60 r 70 miles an hour, i will crash
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - CONSTANT VELOCITY JOINT
10/30/200110/01/2001
 When turn left or right or stopping or going driving foward makes clunking noise sometime it really load...i have taken vehicle to my mechanic and he said its my front joints and said it should be covered under my warranty.. so i took it to my dealer .. and he said it wasn't, so i called chevrolet. *ak
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DIFFERENTIAL UNIT
01/20/200033631108/16/1998
 Temperature changes to celcius when raining (replaced outside sensor), rear axel noise (not found), binding in front end (not found), shifting concern (not found), coolent missing (pressure tested,no leaks), loud noise when starting (replace starter), left mirror vibrates (replace mirror). *ak
08/26/200388736308/16/1998
 Loud sound during acceleration (catalytic converter shot again not replaced, contacting gm, no assistance), oil leak on front of engine (power steering pully shaft seal), noisy ac compressor(replace), fluid leak on front of rear differential (replace yoke and seal [2nd seal]), rear differential clunks on acceleration (change case and shaft bearing), dash grill cracked, ideler arm replaced again. *la
01/28/199921498108/26/1998
 Driver's seat recliner lever broke, rear differential leaking. *la
03/06/200035600108/26/1998
 Passenger seat recliner lever broke off, rear differential front seal leaking, temperature display changes to celsius when raining, tailgate cover broke. *la
11/21/2001102/01/2001
 Side gears and case and side bearings failed at 48,300 miles. replaced front differential assembly, installed new side gear set and case and side bearings. repair cost was $1,154.00 dollars. bought the car used in feb. 2001, bearings failed in nov. 2001. only 5,000 miles were put on the vehicle in that time frame. *ak
09/11/2000112/01/1997
 Planetary gear shell, among other internal components broken - $1650 damage. *ak
09/15/1999
 Ring and pinion gear and rear differential were replaced twice. also steering idler arm and the speed sensor hav e been replaced. please provide further information. *ak
POWER TRAIN - DRIVELINE - DRIVESHAFT
02/19/19991
 While driving driveshaft fell off. lost total control of vehicle. had managed to ease vehicle to side of the road. finally had vehicle towed to dealer & informed plastic bag wrapped around driveshaft & worked itself inside of pipe. *ak
POWER TRAIN - MANUAL TRANSMISSION
03/12/20011
 While driving on freeway transmission exploded into pieces, the force of the exploding parts caused case to crack wide open, there were no signs of distress or trouble, mechanic advisec consumer of the inexpensive and cheap quality nature of the factory transmission parts inside vehicle, transmission was rebuilt with quality parts. *jb
1
 Transmission failed prematurely, consumer request reimbursement. nlm
POWER TRAIN - TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
09/16/200270193108/16/1998
 Passenger seat recliner lever broke, 4 wheel drive will not engage (encoder motor) altenator light is on (replace). *la
05/29/200335000106/16/1998
 The seat back, transfer case, and windshield wiper motor all failed. *ak *cb the parking brake was adjusted, the air condition blew warm air, and the oil cooler lines were replaced.*jb
204/19/1999
 The vehicle would occasionally shift into four wheel drive without the driver pushing the transfer buttons, sometimes it went into four wheel high and sometimes four wheel low, the consumer first thought he was accidentally hitting the button with his fist while shifting from drive to reverse, the dealer has been unable to duplicate and repair the problem. nlm
112/30/2000
 While driving the vehicle shifted down in 4 wheel drive from wheel drive while sitting still. nlm
08/12/1999
 While driving in 4-wheel drive vehicle suddenly jerked hard and went into 2-wheel drive low which may result in a crash. the vehicle got stuck in 2-wheel drive low. when dealer took vehicle out of 2- wheel drive low, dealer could not determine the cause of the problem. please provide further information. *ak