Radiator problems of the 1996 Chevrolet Blazer

The contact owns a 1996 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that the air conditioner would not function. In addition, the radiator hose was leaking and the vehicle was taken to a repair shop for inspection. The contact was informed that there was a crack on the block (heater core) of the radiator. The radiator hose was leaking at the connection of the hose. The vehicle also overheated at times, in which the mechanic stated that this failure was included in NHTSA campaign id number 06e043000 (fuel system, gasoline). The dealer refused to perform the recall repair because other work needed to be done at the contact's expense. The current mileage was 169,123 and failure mileage was approximately 165,000. Updated 09/15/08 the consumer stated brown sludge was found in the radiator. Updated 09/18/08.

I have a 96 chevy Blazer with cooling problems. I have replaced the water pump 2 times in the last yr. The radiator needs to be flushed and clean about every 2 months due to slugged and rust build up. I have also had the upper ball joints break on me.

After the consumer parked the vehicle it was discovered that anti freeze had a thick muddy texture in the radiator. This condition caused the vehicle to overheat on numerous occasions. Consumer has flushed the radiator three times within the last six months. The dealer examined the vehicle, could not find the cause of the problem.

Dealer replaced heater core due to leak and found sludge in cooling system (dex cool). Heater core replaced and system flushed 4 times. Heater core replaced again on 1/19/03, water pump replaced in 2/03. Radiator has large leak 5/22/03. Sludge visible in radiator and overflow bottle. Dealer/gm indicates problem with sludge build up caused by owner not maintaining system. Head gasket replaced in 2001 and windshield wiper circuit board in 2001 (bad solder joint) - gm indicated the windshield wiper problem not associated with VIN number. All costs out of pocket.

In Jan 99, thermostat appeared to fail and when I opened the radiator cap, noticed what looked like mud/grit in cap. Took the truck to the Chevrolet dealer, they said they did not know what it was. Ended up replacing intake manifold gasket, pulling and repairing/cleaning radiator and replacing thermostat. In July 2002, truck overheated again. Took it to firestone where they recommended $1200 in repairs to flush out "coagulated" coolant (dexcool). Ended up replacing radiator, radiator cap, and thermostat (again) and flushing entire coolant system. Firestone personnel said this was a recurring problem on the Blazers with the dexcool breaking down and turning into a brown, muddy, gummy substance. Accoding to firestone, gm has several tech bulletins out on this, but they refuse to do anything about it. This dexcool broke down after only 30,000 miles. Why has nothing been done about this? gm is knowingly selling a deficient product and they refuse to stand behind it. Please, can someone out there help us!?!?!?!.

After recently buying this vehicle we noticed the air coming from the vents was not exactly warm. Took it to be repaired and was told it was probably a thermostat problem since the vehicle was so "new". Unfortunately, it ended up being the heater core(which from what I am hearing is extremely rare for a vehicle of this age).

Coolant formed a clay in the radiator at 86,000 miles. According to Chevrolet, the engine coolant does not require maintenance for 5 years or 100,000 miles if a silicate free orange coolant (meeting gm spec 6277m) is used. There is a notice on the engine that states this information. We have monitored the coolant level and have followed these instructions. In July, the engine overheated. We had the radiator flushed and were informed that the coolant had solidified in the radiator. The service technician informed us that the coolant had formed a clay in the radiator. Shortly afterwards, the engine developed a sloshing/water noise. We had the radiator flushed again and were informed that we needed to have the radiator removed and manually cleaned. We took the vehicle to a trent, a GMC dealer (as the local Chevrolet dealer would not repair the vehicle for 3 weeks) and were informed that the coolant system had been stopped up and clogged the heater core. According trent, the intake was clogged and leaking, which caused the entire radiator system to stop up. The radiator was plugged so badly that the flues could not be unstopped when the radiator was manually cleaned. The intake manifold gasket set, radiator, upper and lower radiator hoses, and thermostat had to be replaced. The heater core was flushed to remove the sludge. According to trent, all problems were caused by faulty coolant.  the vehicle was within 5 years and 100,000 miles, and we followed Chevrolets service instructions for maintenance.

Dexcool in radiator cooling system had turned to a rusty sludge. Had coolant flush done at 60,000 miles by the dealer. Had dealer reinspect vehicle as I was going on a long road. I have copy of 27 point inspection stating my vehicle was in good condition with no noted problems. 261 miles later I was stranded in the desert with a plugged and blown radiator and heater core. The radiator cap was completely rusted. The fluid in the overflow tank was a rusty brown thick mess. The hoses going into the radiator had to be replaced due to a coating of rust on the inside. I had a new radiator put on, new hoses, and the radiator and engine block reflushed, new coolant added and overflow tank washed. 1,500 miles later (to the current mileage I am at now) the dexcool fluid is already discoloring and particles of rust are starting to reappear. Which tells me the corrosion is deep inside the system. Gm will not acknowledge a problem of rusting and corrosion, dealer will take no responsibility for their work or inspections. Gm never warned the consumers that this had to be carefully watched or major engine damage would occur. Gm has a training video that was sent to dealers that specifically deals with the dexcool corrosion problem. It is called gm training video understanding radiator cap and cooling system contamination. They are claiming the radiator caps may have a problem properly sealing the radiator thus causing high evaporation and thus contaminating the cooling system. If they are aware of this why was the consumer not informed? how can gm not take responsibility for the damage that is being done to a large amount on their vehicles. They also claim that the radiator design on certain types of their vehicles make them more prone to the corrosion contamination, such as the Blazer, jimmy, st pickups, camaros. That is why not all gm products that were delivered originally with dexcool has had a problem.

I am writing to complain about the fact that my 1996 Chevrolet Blazer required major repairs to its radiator that has a sticker on it stating that there should be no maintenance for 100,000 miles. The dealer informed me that they recommend I replace the radiator, for additional money. This was noted on the receipt. I declined, due to the fact that the manufacturer notes that the radiator should be good for 100,00 miles. I then noticed a service bulletin number referenced on the receipt. I then researched this item to determine why this item was referenced. In my research I have found that Chevrolet was aware of a problem with the coolant in the Blazer radiator and issued a service bulletin to its dealers to inform them of what to do to correct the problem and also to recommend replacement. I am appalled that the manufacturer would be aware of such a major problem with the engine of one of its automobiles and not inform the consumer. And if they felt consumer information was not warranted, they could at least pay for repairs to those automobile that have problems with the radiator they discovered themselves, does not function correctly. I paid $ 661. 00 approx. To repair my radiator and was pressured, and reminded on my receipt that I did not purchase a new one as recommended. I am infuriated that Chevrolet did not repair my car free of charge. I am writing to complain and hopefully recoup some of the money I paid for the repairs. Please let me know what the process is and if I have any recourse. I am writing to all of the consumer groups.

Radiator was defective, and temperature gauge was on red. Contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything.

Geeral motors reccommended coolant for Chevrolet Blazer's clogged the radiator and thermostat resulting in the replacement of almost the entire cooling system. This occured well before the manufacturer's suggested simple coolant replacement. 100,000 mile c.

Anti-freeze coolant clogged engine. The dex-coolant was replaced with regular anti freezer but the problem was not solved.

While driving in the rain, consumer put on brakes and felt abs kicking in, but there was a delay in stopping, consumer has also been to the dealer regarding an excessive brake squeak, dealer had replaced brake pads twice and rotors once. Right rear door won't always unlock from inside, dealer found no problem, pins at driver's door hinges rusted. The seal around right rear window holds water after rain. Rear passenger seat will not fold down, dealer found cable binding up. Water collects in rear light lense when washing vehicle, dealer replaced taillight lense, center high mount lense collects moisture, dealer replaced 3rd light brake assembly. Consumer flushed radiator and 12 months later it needed flushed again, dealer performed, consumer paid to have the first flush down and is requesting reimbursement.

Radiator has excessive rust. Dealer is aware of problem, and advised consumer to change dex coolant on a regular basis. Please provide furthur details.

Radiator clogged at 75000 miles(car is 4 years old). Radiator fluid is not scheduled to be replaced until 100000 based on owners manual.

Radiator plugged with rust and grit, causing car to overheat. Consumer told by dealer that the rust and grit could be due to a manufacturing error in which foundry core sand was left in the block after castings. Correction of problem not under warranty, but consumer wants Chevrolet to cover the cost of repairs.

I know of four other people with the same complaint of their vehicle radiator core being plugged. They were all serviced at shottenkirk's and upset about having to pay a cost of $294. 09. I had previously had the same vehicle to shottenkirk's because of no heat and they put in a new thermostat. That did not solve the problem, and I had to pay $64. 00 for the thermostat and labor. Besides taking two days off ,driving sixty miles one way to shottenkirk's and having to pay for the services because the extended warranty would not cover the cost, I am a little upset with Chevrolet. I went thru the proper channels to give my complaints and this is where joel, from the executive office at general motors instucted me to complain. It is not fair to the consumer to have to pay for a faulty core.

Heater failure; heater/defroster blows cold air; thermostat, sensor, and connector replaced with no improvement; hoses and coolant levels tested ok.

Michelin tires did not last 20,000 miles, they lasted 17,000 miles, radiator cooling system clogged up at about 25,000 miles, door light will come on and off at times, possible electrical problem, dealer found not problem.

Car sputtered and lost power on two occasions. First time engine was replaced. Second time distibutor was replaced. Third diagnosis for the "check engine soon" light being on was that the cateletic converter is no good. Dealer is replacing it. This dealer also indicates that both lower ball joints are worn out. Must be replaced. This seems outrageous for a 3. 5 yr old truck which has not been off-road. Summary: new radiator system, new engine, new distributor, new cateletic convertor, and soon to have new ball joints -- all prior to 45000 miles. I fear this vehicle may be dangerous.

I have been told by the dealership that I purchased my vehicle new from that my entire engine needs to be replaced because of head gasket problems, overheating and rust in my radiator. The SUV is only 3 years old and I have done the best to maintain this vehicle properly. Gm/Chevrolet motors said that the warranty on the vehicle was only for 3 yrs/36,000miles. I cannot see paying for a new engine for a 3 year old vehicle when it clearly seems to be defective or a bad design from the beginning if the engine is shot. It has 76,000 miles on it and again only 3 years old. I would like this matter to be investigated and hope to have gm/Chevrolet cover this problem that is not my fault whatsoever. Is this issue a reality of "chevy suvs last only 3 years then the engine goes bad?".

Radiator dip stick and tubing is rusting out, and causing rust to go into the radiator. Dealer contacted, there is no recall and cannot duplicate the problem.

Radiator clogged with gunk caused vehicle to overheat. This has reoccurred within a year after dealership repaired the problem. Please describe details.

Radiator/cooling system plugged up, causing engine light to come on (2 times).