Is a Chevrolet Blazer expensive to maintain?

Generally, no—the Chevrolet Blazer is not considered expensive to maintain. Routine upkeep tends to be moderate and on par with other non-luxury midsize SUVs, with most annual costs driven by standard services, tires, and brakes.

Maintenance costs vary by model year, engine choice,驾驶 habits, and local labor rates. The Blazer offers a turbocharged four-cylinder or a V6 option in different trims, and some engines may require higher-quality fluids or slightly more frequent service items. While not a luxury label, upkeep still depends on how the vehicle is driven and how well its maintenance schedule is followed, as with most mainstream SUVs.

What drives maintenance costs

Below are the main cost drivers for routine upkeep on the Blazer, with typical U.S. price ranges for common services.

• Oil changes and filter replacements: about $60–$120 per service, every 5,000–7,500 miles (synthetic oil is common in newer models).


• Tire replacement and rotation: a full set of tires can cost roughly $800–$1,400 depending on size and brand; rotations are typically $15–$50 per visit.


• Brake service: brake pads usually run $150–$300 per axle; rotor resurfacing or replacement can add $200–$500 per axle if needed.


• Battery replacement: typically $100–$250, depending on battery type and vehicle specs.


• Spark plugs and ignition service: for engines that require plugs, expect roughly $150–$350 for parts and labor combined.


• Fluids, belts and other wear items: occasional coolant, transmission fluid, and belt service can add a few hundred dollars over several years.

Conclusion: Routine maintenance costs for the Blazer are predictable and comparable to other non-luxury midsize SUVs, with tires and brakes representing the largest recurring expenses and oil changes forming the core annual cost.

Engine options and maintenance implications

Maintenance needs can differ between the Blazer’s powertrains, influencing long-term costs a bit depending on whether you choose the turbocharged four-cylinder or the V6.

• 2.0L turbo engine: Turbo models require regular synthetic oil changes and may incur slightly higher service costs tied to fuel system care and turbo components, though routine service intervals remain similar to non-turbo engines.


• 3.6L V6 engine: A larger engine can mean higher labor costs for certain wear items and potentially higher fuel costs, but the standard maintenance schedule and part prices are generally in line with other mid-size SUVs.

Conclusion: Engine choice modestly affects maintenance costs, but both powertrains share similar routine service intervals. Overall, ownership costs remain in the same neighborhood as peers in the segment.

Reliability and ownership costs relative to rivals

To understand how the Blazer compares, it helps to look at reliability signals, depreciation, and insurance considerations alongside close rivals such as the Toyota Highlander, Honda Passport, Ford Edge, and Nissan Murano.

• Reliability: Blazer models typically land in the mid-pack for the segment, with some year-to-year variation. No widespread, systemic issues dominate across all years, but certain model years may have more infotainment or drivetrain quirks than others.


• Depreciation: value retention for the Blazer tracks with other mainstream midsize SUVs; it generally depreciates at a rate similar to peers rather than at the very top or bottom of the class.


• Insurance and maintenance costs: premiums and routine repair costs are broadly similar to rivals in the non-lux mid-size SUV category, influenced by driver profile, location, and claim history.

Conclusion: The Blazer offers ownership costs that align with its segment peers, making it a competitive choice for buyers who want a stylish midsize SUV without paying premium maintenance bills.

Buying used: what to watch for

Used Blazer models can provide good value, but smart buyers pay attention to maintenance history and current wear items to estimate future costs accurately.

• Maintenance history: look for a consistent record of oil changes, fluid top-offs, and scheduled services to gauge long-term reliability.


• Tire and brake wear: verify tire tread depth and brake pad/rotor condition to anticipate near-term spend.


• Turbo considerations (if applicable): if you’re looking at a turbo model, confirm proper turbo-related service history and absence of oil consumption issues.


• Warranty and maintenance plans: check if any remaining factory warranty or certified pre-owned benefits apply, and consider extended plans if desired.

Conclusion: A well-documented maintenance history and a clean wear item profile make a used Blazer a reasonable bet for moderate ongoing costs, especially when compared with older or luxury-brand rivals.

Summary

For most buyers, the Chevrolet Blazer represents a sensible balance between value and ongoing upkeep. Routine maintenance costs are in line with mid-size non-luxury SUVs, with tires and brakes driving the largest non-discretionary expenses. Engine choice modestly influences costs, while reliability and depreciation sit in the typical mid-pack for the segment. When shopping used, prioritize documented service history to keep future maintenance predictable and affordable.

Are Chevy Blazers expensive to maintain?

The annual maintenance cost of a Chevrolet Blazer is $431. Repair and maintenance costs vary depending on age, mileage, location and shop.

What year Blazer to stay away from?

Years to avoid for the Chevy Blazer include 1994, 2000, and 2001 due to widespread engine and fuel system problems. Additionally, the 2021, 2022, and 2023 models should be approached with caution because of various electrical, engine, and electronic issues. 
Classic Blazer (1983–2005)

• 1994: Considered by some to be the worst year due to numerous engine problems, with high complaint and recall numbers. 
• 2000: Logged a high number of complaints and recalls, with issues including fuel gauge problems, transmission failures, and powertrain issues. 
• 2001: Experienced engine and ignition problems caused by a faulty distributor. 
• 2002: Prone to coolant leaks and intake manifold gasket failures, which could lead to long-term engine damage if unaddressed. 

Modern Blazer (2019–present) 

• 2021: Has been flagged by sources like Consumer Reports as an SUV to avoid, though specific issues are less detailed in the provided snippets. 
• 2022: Common problems reported by owners include electrical system failures (dashboard/display issues, power loss), and issues with the service brakes. 
• 2023: Recalls and owner-reported problems include engine issues (cylinder head, head gasket) and problems with the in-car electronics, like the display freezing. 
• 2024: Is predicted by some sources to be less reliable than the average new car. 

Are Chevy Blazers a reliable car?

The reliability of the Chevy Blazer is mixed, with sources like Consumer Reports giving it worse than average ratings while others like RepairPal give it a high score. Common issues across various model years include problems with the transmission, fuel pump, engine, and brakes, and older models like the 2019 and 2020 have had numerous complaints and recalls. The 2025 model has a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and 1 recall mentioned.
 
This video provides a comprehensive review of the 2025 Chevy Blazer, including details on its quality and potential issues: 57sCars SimplifiedYouTube · Nov 15, 2025
Potential issues by model year

• Modern models (2019-2025):
  • Transmission and fuel system: Issues like hard shifts, fuel pump failure, and inaccurate fuel gauges have been reported.
  • Engine: Overheating and other engine problems have been noted.
  • Electrical system: Some owners have reported issues with warning lights and potential electrical or computer-related problems.
  • Recalls: The 2024 model had one recall, while the 2019 and 2020 models had multiple recalls and numerous consumer complaints.
• Classic Blazer:
  • The 1994 model year is frequently cited as one of the worst due to engine problems, complaints, and recalls. 

What to consider

• Conflicting ratings: Be aware that reliability ratings are mixed depending on the source. 
• Preventative maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial to keep the Blazer in good running condition. 
• Warranty: The 2025 model comes with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. 

This video discusses some of the problems encountered by owners of the Chevy Blazer over a two-year period: 1mQue_The_ChaoticYouTube · Oct 19, 2023

What are the disadvantages of a Chevy Blazer?

The main cons of the Chevy Blazer include reliability issues, particularly with the transmission and engine, and potentially overly sensitive safety features. Some owners have also reported problems with sensors, the infotainment system, and premature brake wear. Older models may have issues like faulty fuel gauges, while newer models, especially the EV, may have concerns about the advanced driver-assistance systems.
 
Reliability and mechanical issues

• Transmission problems: Some owners report hard shifts, hesitation, or sudden acceleration, potentially caused by issues like a loose pin on the piston or problems with the engine control module. 
• Engine problems: Reports include overheating issues and other engine problems linked to components like the distributor. 
• Brake concerns: Premature wear on brake pads and rotors, along with potential issues with the anti-lock brake system, have been reported. 
• Fuel system issues: Some older models have had problems with the fuel gauge or fuel pump, and newer models may experience issues with the fuel filter or sensors. 
• Climate control problems: Some owners have reported issues with the heating system not working correctly. 

Technology and safety features

• Over-sensitive safety systems: The pedestrian and bicyclist warning system in the Blazer EV has been described as overly sensitive and annoying, sometimes leading to the desire to turn it off. 
• Unexpected warnings: The automatic reverse braking system has reportedly engaged unexpectedly when there was no obstacle. 
• Infotainment system issues: Some owners have reported problems with the sound system. 

Other drawbacks

• Dated design: Some reviews note that after several years, the design is starting to feel a bit dated despite updates to keep up with competition. 
• Variable reliability: Reliability ratings are inconsistent between different sources, so it is advisable to look at a specific model year's history.