2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer transmission problems

310 complaints (27% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 66,000. 9 crashes reported.

owner complaints: 310
of this car's complaints: 27%
typical mileage: 66,000
crashes: 9
recalls: 3

Which part fails

Automatic transmission
163
Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
66
Automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
10
Automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shift
9
Manual transmission
4
Driveline
4
Clutch assembly
4
Driveline: differential unit
3

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k

25k-50k

50k-75k

75k-100k

100k-125k

125k-150k

150k-175k

175k-200k

200k+

Chevrolet Trailblazer transmission problems in other years

Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer transmission

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Transmission failure 56 Won't shift 29 Jerking 20 Whining noise 15 Harsh shifting 12 Slipping 11 Hesitation 5

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmissionReported March 6, 2003 · 511,167 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 114, "theft protection." these vehicles are equipped with a mechanical override that could allow the ignition key to be removed with the shift lever in a position other than park. In addition, these vehicles have an override that can allow the transmission to be shifted out of park with the ignition in the off position.
Risk: These overrides are not permitted unless the vehicle has a locking steering column.
Remedy: Dealers will eliminate these conditions by disabling the overrides. Owner notification began on may 29, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020, gmc at 1‑800‑462‑8782, oldsmobile at 1‑800‑442‑6537, or hummer at 1‑866‑486‑6376.

Recall number 03V075000 · Recall details

Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)Reported October 17, 2001 · 78,004 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles equipped with 4-wheel drive. The calibration of the transfer case control module could cause insufficient high speed gear engagement.
Risk: If the gear is not engaged, the vehicle can roll when the transmission is in "park" and a crash could result without warning.
Remedy: Dealers will update the transfer case control module calibration to increase gear engagement. Owner notification began november 6, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or gmc at 1‑800‑462‑8782.

Recall number 01V334000 · Recall details

Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)Reported September 5, 2001 · 895 vehicles affected

What is wrong: Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles (4 wheel-drive). Some of these vehicles were built with a range shift collar in the transmission transfer case that contains cracks.
Risk: This condition could result in a complete fracture of the range shift collar and subsequent loss of vehicle forward and reverse gears, and the inability to maintain "park" position. This increases the risk of a vehicle crash resulting from unintended movement of a parked vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the transfer cases and update the control module calibration. Owner notification began september 6, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or gmc at 1‑800‑462‑8782.

Recall number 01V283000 · Recall details

What 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 8, 2020 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet trailblazer. While driving at various speeds, fluid was leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that there was rust in the transmission line and fluid leaked on the catalytic converter. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Oct 10, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 220,000 miles · AR · fire

Electrical under dash shorting out. Causing accessory plug to shoot sparks as well as causing dash lights to go out, and front panel to stop working. Ac electrical quit working after. 4wheel drive shifts randomly in and out of 2 and 4 wheel drive, causing the transmission to get stuck in neutral. Motor solenoids and sensors keep failing and shorting out due to electrical issues. Vehicle unsafe to drive.

Filed Oct 20, 2016 · Electrical, Fuel system · 143,000 miles · AR

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet trailblazer. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the transmission shifted out of gear and the anti-theft lock and battery warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact also mentioned that the fuel gauge displayed an inaccurate reading when the fuel tank was full. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.

Filed Mar 23, 2016 · Airbags, Transmission · 81,099 miles · DC · 1 injury

N/a

Filed Dec 31, 2015 · Lights, Transmission · 171,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet trailblazer. While operating the vehicle, all the exterior lights randomly shut on and off. While driving at various speeds, the transmission would suddenly switch to first gear and caused the speed to suddenly reduce. The vehicle would not operate in reverse. After shutting the vehicle off and restarting the engine, the vehicle would operate normally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the cause of the failures. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 171,000.

Filed Dec 13, 2015 · Transmission · 112,000 miles · VA

The cooling lines from the transmission of the 2002 chevrolet trailblazer exit the transmission next to the catalytic converter. A portion of the lines are covered with a protective and loose fitting cover which appears to be aluminum almost like a tin foil. This covering creates an area where moisture collects causing the lines to rust. Eventually the lines start to leak transmission fluid. When the vehicle is in motion the fluid is blown onto the catalytic converter and could start a fire under the vehicle exposing the vehicle occupants to extreme danger. At first I thought the leak was oil from the engine, but upon checking closer, I found the transmission lines leaking. The placement of the transmission cooling lines are very close to the converter and if excessive fluid is splattered on the converter, a fire could result. The vehicle was stationary when the leak was noticed. However, the fluid was found after being on the highway at 70mph splattered on the undercarriage and surrounding area of the vehicle. Speaking with aamco mechanics who replaced the lines, they felt it is a real fire hazard. This seems to be a design defect. What brought my attention to this is the fact I had a 1995 jimmy and had noticed a similar leak when it was 8 years old. I had given the truck to my son. After he had driven it on an interstate, another driver yelled at him that his car was on fire. The entire underside was on fire. Fortunately he was able to exit the vehicle and get his family out before the entire truck was engulfed in flames. The fire marshal at the time thought a line of some type had burst. I suspect it was the transmission line similar to the trailblazer transmission line.

Filed Nov 16, 2015 · Transmission · 205,338 miles · ME

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet trailblazer. While driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle violently jerked while shifting gears. The vehicle only shifted to first gear and failed to go into third and fourth gear. In addition, there was an increase in engine rpms while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 205,338.

Filed Aug 21, 2015 · Transmission · 175,500 miles · MN

2002 chevrolet trailblazer with 175,500 miles has leaking transmission cooler line on passenger side of vehicle near air filter box and windshield washer fluid reservoir. Of the two lines in this area, one is heavily corroded while the other appears fine. Only noticed after transmission had leaked >3 quarts of atf and was shifting rough.

Filed Apr 4, 2015 · Transmission · 160,000 miles · RI

Driving on highway transmission blew, leaked 10 out of 12 quarts of transmission fluid... Very common in 2002 trailblazers I feel chevy should have recalled the 2002 transmissions due to how many complaints people have had.

Filed Apr 3, 2015 · Transmission · 90,000 miles · OH

Transmission cooling lines that run next to the catalytic converter/exhaust pipe are prone to 'rust-through' due to the insulation wrap that has been added because of being so close to the high heat source. This insulation traps moisture and salt in northern areas and causes the lines to corrode and leak transmission fluid. I feel this is a potential fire hazard as the fluid can drip directly onto the exhaust components. Fortunately I could smell this after I pulled into my garage otherwise I would not have know of the leak. Depending on when the leak actually takes place and the rate of leakage this could also result in transmission failure if the driver is unaware that the vehicle is losing fluid, ie: extended highway driving. From my understanding this corrosion and resultant leakage is very common and should be listed as a safety recall. Thank you

Questions about the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer transmission

Does the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 310 complaints about the transmission of the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer, 27% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 66,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer transmission?

Yes, 3 recalls: 03V075000, 01V334000, 01V283000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Chevrolet Trailblazer have bad transmission?

The Chevrolet Trailblazer model years with the most transmission complaints are 2002 (310 complaints), 2003 (103 complaints) and 2004 (62 complaints).