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2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT problems

The most common problem on the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT is fuel and propulsion system, typically around 75,000 miles. It has fewer complaints than a typical Trailblazer EXT model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
88/100
Owner complaints
100
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
94
Worst area
Fuel system

The worst 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT

Check engine light 7Fuel leak 5Fuel smell 5Power windows 5Transmission failure 5Wipers 5

Recalls 3

Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latchReported October 27, 2005 · 98,007 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain sport utility vehicles have a rear side closure latch that may not latch or unlatch due to corrosion caused by road splash, such as water and road salt. These vehicles were originally sold in or currently registered in the following states: connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia.
Risk
If the door is not latched properly and it goes unnoticed, it may open while the vehicle is in motion. If an unbelted occupant fell out of the vehicle, personal injuries could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will install a seal along the lower part of the rocker panel to prevent intrusion of corrosive material, and inspect the rear side closure latches. Functional latches will be cleaned and lubricated. Non-functioning latches will be replaced. The recall began on february 24, 2006. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463, or isuzu at 1‑800‑255‑6727.

Recall number 05V494000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: brake lightsReported November 1, 2004 · 871,473 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain sport utility vehicles, vibration and heat may cause the tail lamp/stop lamp bulb to loosen in its socket. If this occurs, the bulb may flicker and eventually become inoperative.
Risk
An inoperative brake lamp will not convey the driver's intention of stopping to drivers in following vehicles, and an inoperative rear turn signal lamp will not convey the driver's intention to turn to drivers in following vehicles. Both of these failures can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the tail lamp/stop lamp assemblies, and if necessary, replace them. The recall began on november 22, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, oldsmobile at 1‑800‑630‑6537, buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080, or gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463.

Recall number 04V527000 · Recall details

Visibility: windshield wiper/washerReported February 4, 2004 · 581,394 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain sport utility vehicles have windshield wiper systems that will not turn on, cease operation while in use, fail to turn off/on by themselves (moisture sensitive wiper system), or have continuous windshield washer pump operation because the presence of water within the wiper modules can either cause a short circuit or can lead to the corrosion of components within the module.
Risk
Depending on the occurrence and weather situation, driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will cover the windshield wiper module vent hole with a patch. Also, the wiper motor, circuit board, and electrical connector will be inspected to signs of water intrusion and/or corrosion and be replaced as required. The recall began july 6, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438; oldsmobile at 1‑800‑630‑6537; or gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463.

Recall number 04V046000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT

Defect investigations

Loss of HeadlightsOpened April 24, 2017, closed March 29, 2021

The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV. The original scope of this investigation was expanded to include all vehicles equipped with the subject Headlight Driver Module (HDM). The focus of the investigation was to determine whether actions performed by General Motors adequately addressed any unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety in the subject vehicles concerning the headlights and the HDM that controls them.Under normal electrical load and environmental conditions, the HDM can overheat inside the Underhood Electrical Center (UEC). This can cause the module to fail and result in a simultaneous loss of both low beam headlights and both daytime running lights (DRLs), often with no warning or prior detectability to the driver. This failure can be intermittent or permanent. No other exterior lights are affected. High beams, turn signals, brake lights, and reverse lights are still operational.General Motors addressed this issue with 2 recalls (14V755 & 15V519) and a special coverage program (N172091910). In view of the recalls and special coverage program implemented by GM and the vehicle high beams continuing to operate, ODI has tentatively concluded that the actions taken by GM mitigate any unreasonable risk to safety posed by HDM failure in the subject vehicles.Accordingly, the investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at under the identification numbers in the attached document.

RQ17002

Fuel pump module leaks gasolineOpened July 10, 2007, closed August 28, 2008

During the course of this ea investigation, odi observed that the majority of the complaints (88%) and warranty claims (94%) were reported for vehicles that are registered for use in the salt belt region of the us.this area includes 20 states in the northeast, mid atlantic and the midwest regions and the district of columbia.consumers in the salt belt region reported to odi that they could smell fuel vapors in their vehicles while driving.upon further examination of their vehicles, they discovered that fuel vapors were coming out of the top of the fuel tank. This condition is caused by corrosion of the return and sender lines of the fuel pump module.water and road salt collect on top of the fuel pump leading to small pinholes appearing on the fuel lines.fuel may leak and collect on top of the module and/or spill onto the ground.the data evaluated under this investigation reflect a relatively low frequency of occurrence that largely arises in salt belt states.gm has extended the warranty on the subject component to ten years or 120,000 miles.further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted at this time; accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.for additional information select document search.

EA07009

Fuel tank leakOpened March 13, 2007, closed June 12, 2007

In june 2007, gm will expand its special policy to address fuel tank inlet check valve (icv) fractures on certain model year (my) trailblazer ext and gmc envoy xl vehicles.the expanded policy covers my 2002-2004 trailblazer ext, gmc envoy xl, and gmc envoy xuv vehicles and will extend for a period of 10 years or 150,000 miles (whichever comes first).gm will provide free repair of the fuel tank. It is sending letters to owners beginning in june of 2007.this action supersedes gm's previous 7 year/70,000 mile special policy for my 2002 trailblazer ext and envoy xl vehicles.the condition is most often reported as illumination of the service engine soon (ses) light.the vehicle's diagnostic system detects the presence of a fuel system pressure leak and illuminates the ses light.other owners report smelling gasoline fumes. The action taken by the manufacturer is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.

PE07014

Fuel pump module leaks gasolineOpened March 12, 2007, closed July 10, 2007

Odi has received reports that the fuel pump module leaks fuel and or vapor underneath the vehicle.gm states, the failure mechanism is corrosion of the fuel pump module flange which may lead to a fuel leak.corrosion of the fuel pump module flange is the result of the vehicle operating in a corrosive environment.odi has upgraded this pe to engineering analysis (ea07-009) to further assess this issue.

PE07013

Brake lamp failureOpened August 3, 2004, closed November 4, 2004

Gm states that some brake/tail lamp bulbs can prematurely become inoperative due to malfunctioning brake/tail lamp sockets.on march 2, 2004, gm initiated a 6-year/72,000 mile special policy for 989,487 subject vehicles to inspect and replace the rear brake/tail lamp bulb socket assemblies.on april 4, 2004, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe04-032) based on consumer complaints alleging brake lights not operating when the brake pedal is depressed.on august 3, 2004 odi upgraded pe04-032 to an engineering analysis (ea04-021).by letter dated october 27, 2004 gm notified the federal safety agency that it will conduct a safety recall (the federal safety agency # 04v527) covering subject vehicles that were not already repaired under gm's special policy.my 2004 subject vehicles built after august 8, 2003 contain improved brake lamp assemblies and are not included in the recall.gm dealers will install the improved brake lamp assembly on subject vehicles built on august 8, 2003 and earlier.the action taken by gm is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.accordingly, this investigation is closed.

EA04021

Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT 94

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 94 bulletins for the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT

What 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 21, 2017 · 140,000 miles · MI

Smelling gas even though no gas was spilled. The car is stationary in garage. I feel it is unsafe to keep in the garage and I am parking it outside. I am also worried about driving.

Filed Feb 17, 2014 · Fuel system · 117,150 miles · NJ

My check engine turned on inside the car it was smelling like gas . I went to a local shop they did a diagnostic test and its a fuel tank leak . Its leaking right were the fuel goes in the tank . I called chevrolet and they said there is no recall . But I found a recall for this vehicle action #eao7009.

Filed Oct 15, 2013 · Visibility · 72,000 miles · OH

The wipers stop half way across the windshield making it impossible to see when it is raining. Regardless of the speed of the wipers. This is going to cause an accident. I have only had this vehicle for about 2 months. My disabled son has to ride in this vehicle. It needs to be safe and gm could care less. Something needs done. This is an on going issue with all trailblazers. Gm will not acknowledge this fact.

Filed Aug 13, 2013 · Electrical · 65,000 miles · NM

Outside temperature displaying 50 degrees regardless of actual outside temperature. When actual temperatures below freezing this represents a hazard. When temperatures above 50 degrees air conditioning not responsive (even when temperatures in excess of 100 degrees, "heater" comes on due to erroneous outdoor temperature reading). Poor fuel mileage results from incorrect air/fuel mixture at actual air temperatures more than 20 degrees +/- 50 degree system temperature.

Filed Jul 19, 2013 · Electrical, Lights · 177,000 miles · CA · fire

Pulled into driveway, lights would not go off, a few minutes later smoke was coming out from under hood and it smelled like burning plastic. Popped hood and fuse block and relay we smoking and melting! Got fire extinguished and pulled the head light relay switch, but it had melted through the block!!!!

Filed Jun 28, 2013 · Electrical, Lights · 128,000 miles · MI · fire

The headlight wiring inside of the lens assembly over heats and melts the electrical connector going to the bulb and the insulation on the wiring. This has happened to both headlights on more than one occasion. Had to go and have the electrical wiring plus connector replaced.

Filed Mar 19, 2011 · Electrical · 130,000 miles · WY

Larger occurring issues which could effect safety include the vehicle randomly deciding to change from 2wd/a4wd/4wdh4wdl whenever it wants to under various weather/road conditions (including perfect weather and road surface) and occasional random ignition system failure this is not safe at all I have taken it to the chevy dealership and they said it is a safety issue and that they need to do a recall on it they have had several rigs like this one come in for the same issue .. I believe that chevy gm needs to do a recall and have this fixed before I or someone else is injured or killed..

Filed Feb 1, 2011 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · IN

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet trailblazer ext. While the vehicle was parked he attempted to shift gear out of park position and it shifted into a different gear. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who advised him that the gear shift needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure continued to occur. The dealer diagnosed the failure and advised him that the gear shift needed to be repaired. The contact referenced recall the federal safety agency campaign id number: 03v075000, power train:automatic transmission and was advised by the dealer that the recall repair had already been performed. The failure had been on-going for the last year. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000 and the current mileage was 126,000.

Filed Jan 16, 2011 · Electrical · 19,000 miles · CO

Intrument panel quits functioning at any given time and may start working at anytime, accuracy is questionable. This includes speedometer, temperature, charging and fuel gauges.

Filed Aug 31, 2010 · Electrical, Visibility · 30,000 miles · ID

Our 2002 chevy trailblazer mirrors will not reset to the memory positions. The mirrors change positions by themselves and have to be readjusted everytime the car ignition is turned off.

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Other model years

2002200320042006

Questions about the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT

Is the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT reliable?

Owners have filed 100 complaints about the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, fewer than a typical Trailblazer EXT model year.

What is the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT year score?

The 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT scores 88 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT?

Fuel and propulsion system, with 23 complaints, typically around 75,000 miles. Next is transmission (20).

How many recalls does the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT have?

3 recalls, covering latches/locks/linkages, exterior lighting and visibility.

What year does the Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT have the most fuel system problems?

The Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT model years with the most fuel system complaints are 2006 (129 complaints), 2003 (89 complaints) and 2004 (46 complaints).

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