2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Mar 29, 2021 · 100 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Trailblazer EXT years
Far fewer complaints than other years 4th of 4 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 100 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT. That ranks 4th out of 4 Trailblazer EXT model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is fuel system, gasoline (23 complaints, 23%), typically at around 75,000 miles. Complaints mention 3 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injury. There are 3 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 5 defect investigations involving it.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Fuel System, Gasoline23 · ~75,000 mi
Power Train20 · ~68,000 mi
Electrical System14 · ~64,000 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling14 · ~52,499 mi
Exterior Lighting10 · ~43,000 mi
Visibility9 · ~48,500 mi
Latches/locks/linkages6 · ~42,000 mi
Structure5 · ~92,500 mi
Equipment4 · ~36,750 mi
Suspension4 · ~61,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Fuel System, Gasoline2323%75,000——
Power Train2020%68,000——
Electrical System1414%64,000——
Engine and Engine Cooling1414%52,499——
Exterior Lighting1010%43,000——
Visibility99%48,500——
Latches/locks/linkages66%42,000——
Structure55%92,500——
Equipment44%36,750——
Suspension44%61,000——
Unknown or Other22%127,000——
Air Bags11%36,344——
Seat Belts11%———
Seats11%98,110——
Steering11%45,000——
Tires11%40,000——
Vehicle Speed Control11%12,000——
Visibility/wiper11%72,000——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2007, with 19 complaints
2004: 8200482005: 172005172006: 182006182007: 192007192008: 102008102009: 112009112010: 8201082011: 3201132013: 4201342014: 1201412017: 120171

n = 100 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT recalls (3)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latchOct 27, 2005 · NHTSA campaign 05V494000 · 98,007 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Exterior lighting:brake lightsNov 1, 2004 · NHTSA campaign 04V527000 · 871,473 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Visibility:windshield wiper/washerFeb 4, 2004 · NHTSA campaign 04V046000 · 581,394 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Loss of Headlights (RQ17002) — opened Apr 24, 2017, closed Mar 29, 2021.
  • Fuel pump module leaks gasoline (EA07009) — opened Jul 10, 2007, closed Aug 28, 2008.
  • Fuel tank leak (PE07014) — opened Mar 13, 2007, closed Jun 12, 2007.
  • Fuel pump module leaks gasoline (PE07013) — opened Mar 12, 2007, closed Jul 10, 2007.
  • Brake lamp failure (EA04021) — opened Aug 3, 2004, closed Nov 4, 2004, led to recall 04V527000.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

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.

Unknown or Other · received May 21, 2017 · NHTSA complaint 10990799

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…

Fuel System, Gasoline · received Feb 17, 2014 · NHTSA complaint 10564679

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…

Visibility/wiper · received Oct 15, 2013 · NHTSA complaint 10548004

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…

Electrical System · received Aug 13, 2013 · NHTSA complaint 10535148

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…

Electrical System · received Jul 19, 2013 · NHTSA complaint 10525761

Other Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT years

2003 Trailblazer EXT →

YearComplaintsRecalls
2006 Trailblazer EXT1896
2004 Trailblazer EXT2611
2003 Trailblazer EXT3133
20021003

See all Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT problems by year, every Chevrolet model, or the Chevrolet VIN decoder.

Similar Chevrolet models

Embed this 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT badge on your site

Copy this code into your blog or forum post. It shows live complaint and recall counts and links back here.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT?

Owners most often report fuel system, gasoline, power train, electrical system problems. The top one, fuel system, gasoline, accounts for 23 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT?

Yes, 3 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Trailblazer EXT model years, the 2002 has far fewer complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.