Model year guide

1998 Chevrolet Blazer

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1998 Chevrolet Blazer is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 31 on record.

1998 Chevrolet Blazer — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

1998 Chevrolet Blazer at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints782
Combined16 mpg
Typical price$1,042

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

1998 Chevrolet Blazer recalls 3

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #00V220000 · 11/08/2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS BUILT WITH A CANDELA VALUE GREATER THAN 3,000 CANNOT BE MOUNTED HIGHER THAN 864MM ABOVE THE ROAD SURFACE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED WIRING HARNESS THAT CHANGES THE DRL'S FROM HIGH BEAM TO LOW BEAM DRL'S, AND INSTALL NEW LONG-LIFE LOW BEAM BULBS.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings NHTSA Campaign #97V218000 · 24/11/1997

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. A FATIGUE FRACTURE OF THE REAR AXLE RIGHT-HAND BRAKE PIPE CAN OCCUR CAUSING A SLOW BRAKE FLUID LEAK RESULTING IN A SOFT BRAKE PEDAL. IF THE BRAKE PIPE BREAKS, THE DRIVER WOULD EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN DROP IN THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BRAKE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE, AND THERE WOULD BE A LOSS OF REAR BRAKE PERFORMANCE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE BRAKE PIPE.

Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm NHTSA Campaign #98V053000 · 09/03/1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL DRIVE OR ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE. ONE OR BOTH OF THE ATTACHING NUTS FOR THE RIGHT-HAND LOWER CONTROL ARM ARE UNDER TORQUED. THIS CAN ALLOW THE ATTACHMENT BOLT TO LOOSEN AND SUBSEQUENT BREAK RESULTING IN SEPARATION OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM FROM THE FRAME.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND RETIGHTEN THE RIGHT-HAND LOWER CONTROL ARM NUTS TO THE PROPER TORQUE SPECIFICATION.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

1998 Chevrolet Blazer common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 782 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Visibility/wiper
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

1998 Chevrolet Blazer MPG & running costs

Combined16 mpg
City14 mpg
Highway20 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,760

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 1998 Chevrolet Blazer worth?

Low
$550
Typical price
$1,042
High
$1,900

From 20 comparable 1998 Chevrolet Blazer listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1998 Chevrolet Blazer costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$18,800
Depreciation (5 yrs)$550
Total$19,350
Per mile$0.26

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($1,042) with the same model 3 model-years older ($717), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1998 Chevrolet Blazer trims & engines on record

Trims
LS · LT · Base
Engines
4.3L 6-cyl

1998 Chevrolet Blazer vehicles on record

Other Chevrolet Blazer model years

1998 Chevrolet Blazer — frequently asked questions

Does the 1998 Chevrolet Blazer have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 1998 Chevrolet Blazer. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Chevrolet Blazer?

Based on 782 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are vehicle speed control, service brakes, visibility/wiper.

What gas mileage does the 1998 Chevrolet Blazer get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 1998 Chevrolet Blazer at about 16 mpg combined (14 city / 20 highway).

How much is a 1998 Chevrolet Blazer worth?

Comparable 1998 Chevrolet Blazer listings run roughly $550–$1,900, typically around $1,042 (from 20 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.