Chevrolet Blazer Problems Common Issues and Repair Costs
Introduction
The Chevrolet Blazer is a stylish and capable mid-size SUV that blends practicality with strong performance. Available as a petrol model and now as a full EV, the Blazer has become a popular option for those seeking American flair and comfort. However, like any vehicle, it has a few reliability issues that owners should know about. This guide covers the most common Chevrolet Blazer problems found on both petrol and electric models, along with UK repair cost estimates to help you plan your maintenance budget.
1. Fuel Pump and Fuel System Failures
Symptoms: Stalling, rough idle, or fuel gauge reading incorrectly.
Common Models: Older petrol and diesel Blazers.
Cause: Worn pump motor, clogged fuel filter, or sensor failure.
Repair Solution: Replace fuel pump and inspect lines and filter.
Estimated UK Repair Cost: £300 to £800.
This is one of the most common issues seen on imported Chevrolet Blazers. Regular filter changes and quality fuel can help prevent future problems.
2. Transmission Problems
Symptoms: Hard shifts, jerking between gears, or delayed acceleration.
Common Models: 2019–2023 petrol Blazer.
Cause: Torque converter wear, fluid breakdown, or software error.
Repair Solution: Transmission flush, ECU reprogramming, or torque converter replacement.
Estimated UK Repair Cost: £600 to £2,000.
Some Blazers suffer from rough-shifting automatics. Updating transmission software often reduces the issue, but major faults can be costly to fix.
3. Electrical and Infotainment Glitches
Symptoms: Frozen touchscreen, Bluetooth disconnection, or random warning lights.
Common Models: 2020–2024 petrol and EV Blazers.
Cause: Faulty wiring, control module faults, or software bugs.
Repair Solution: Perform software update or replace faulty module.
Estimated UK Repair Cost: £200 to £1,000.
These issues are frequent in newer Blazer EVs, where system resets and software updates usually resolve most faults.
4. Brake and ABS System Issues
Symptoms: Warning lights, spongy pedal, or loss of braking power.
Common Models: 2019–2023 petrol Blazers.
Cause: ABS module malfunction, worn pads, or warped discs.
Repair Solution: Replace ABS unit, brake lines, or pads and discs.
Estimated UK Repair Cost: £250 to £1,000.
Routine brake inspections every 12,000 miles help catch problems early and avoid bigger expenses.
5. Cooling and Overheating Problems
Symptoms: Rising temperature gauge or coolant leaks.
Common Models: Petrol V6 models.
Cause: Weak water pump, thermostat failure, or radiator leak.
Repair Solution: Replace faulty part and flush the cooling system.
Estimated UK Repair Cost: £300 to £900.
Using high-quality coolant and changing it at regular intervals keeps the Blazer running at optimal temperature.
6. Suspension and Steering Noises
Symptoms: Clunking or creaking when turning or driving over bumps.
Common Models: 2019–2023 petrol Blazers.
Cause: Worn control arms, bushings, or ball joints.
Repair Solution: Replace worn components or steering rack.
Estimated UK Repair Cost: £400 to £1,200.
UK roads can accelerate suspension wear on imported American vehicles due to their weight and setup.
7. HVAC (Heating and Cooling System) Failures
Symptoms: No cold air, weak airflow, or temperature fluctuations.
Common Models: 2018–2022 petrol Blazers.
Cause: Blocked condenser, low refrigerant, or faulty blower motor.
Repair Solution: Recharge or replace air conditioning system components.
Estimated UK Repair Cost: £250 to £700.
Keeping the cabin filter clean can improve airflow and reduce strain on the blower system.
8. Structural and Build Quality Issues
Symptoms: Creaking or rattling from doors or dashboard.
Common Models: 2020–2023 petrol Blazers.
Cause: Loose body panels or interior fittings.
Repair Solution: Tighten fittings, add insulation, or adjust mounts.
Estimated UK Repair Cost: £200 to £800.
While not serious, these noises can be annoying, especially in higher-mileage models.
9. Battery and Charging Faults (Blazer EV)
Symptoms: Charging errors, warning lights, or failure to start.
Common Models: 2024–present Blazer EV.
Cause: Software faults or 12V battery drain.
Repair Solution: Replace 12V battery, reset charging module, or update firmware.
Estimated UK Repair Cost: £150 to £1,500.
The Blazer EV’s advanced systems can sometimes trigger false fault codes that require specialist attention.
10. Sensor and Communication Module Failures (Blazer EV)
Symptoms: Random warning messages, door sensor malfunctions, or system errors.
Cause: Faulty communication between modules.
Repair Solution: Replace affected module and reprogram system.
Estimated UK Repair Cost: £200 to £1,000.
Keeping software up to date helps prevent recurring sensor issues on the EV variant.
Typical Annual Maintenance Costs (UK)
| Service Type | Recommended Interval | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Minor Service (Oil & Filter) | Every 10,000 miles | £200 – £300 |
| Major Service (Fluids, Filters, Plugs) | Every 20,000 miles | £450 – £700 |
| Brake Pads & Discs | Every 20,000 miles | £400 – £800 |
| Tyre Replacement | Every 15,000 miles | £600 – £1,200 |
| Coolant Flush | Every 30,000 miles | £250 – £500 |
While service costs are moderate for a large SUV, parts for imported Blazers can take longer to source in the UK.
How to Prevent Chevrolet Blazer Problems
- Update software regularly for both ICE and EV models.
- Check transmission fluid every 20,000 miles to prevent torque converter issues.
- Inspect the cooling system annually to avoid overheating.
- Keep the battery maintained, especially for the Blazer EV.
- Use an American car specialist familiar with Chevrolet imports for accurate diagnostics.
Summary of Common Chevrolet Blazer Problems
| Problem | Likely Cause | UK Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel system failure | Worn pump or sensor | £300–£800 |
| Transmission fault | Torque converter wear | £600–£2,000 |
| Electrical fault | Software or wiring issue | £200–£1,000 |
| Brake issue | ABS or discs | £250–£1,000 |
| Cooling problem | Thermostat or radiator | £300–£900 |
| Suspension noise | Worn bushings | £400–£1,200 |
| Air conditioning fault | Condenser leak | £250–£700 |
| Build quality issue | Loose panels | £200–£800 |
| Battery or charging fault | Module error | £150–£1,500 |
| Sensor failure | Communication issue | £200–£1,000 |
Conclusion
The Chevrolet Blazer is a comfortable and stylish SUV that combines American power with modern practicality. But like many imported models, it comes with a few reliability concerns. The most common issues include transmission shudder, electrical faults, brake wear, and software glitches on newer EV models.
Typical UK repair costs range from £150 for small electrical fixes to over £2,000 for major transmission or battery repairs. With proper servicing, software updates, and early fault diagnosis, the Blazer can remain reliable for years to come.
Before buying or importing a Blazer, arrange a CAREXAMER pre-purchase inspection to uncover hidden problems and avoid unexpected costs later.
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