2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer Fuel System, Gasoline Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Mar 21, 2025 · 101 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 101 complaints with NHTSA about fuel system, gasoline problems on the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer, 9% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 76,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “fuel tank” (26% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Fuel tank: mentioned in 26 of 101 complaints (26%)
  • Sending unit: mentioned in 10 of 101 complaints (10%)
  • Smell gas: mentioned in 8 of 101 complaints (8%)
  • Strong odor: mentioned in 7 of 101 complaints (7%)

How much does it cost to fix?

Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical fuel system, gasoline repair on the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer at $1,250, and half of them between $1,100 and $1,350.

Based on 9 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2006–2012), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.

At what mileage do fuel system, gasoline problems happen?

Based on 71 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles6 · 8%
10k–25k miles5 · 7%
25k–50k miles11 · 15%
50k–75k miles12 · 17%
75k–100k miles11 · 15%
100k–150k miles16 · 23%
150k+ miles10 · 14%

How serious are the reports?

Of 101 complaints, 1 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 1 an injury.

Chevrolet Trailblazer fuel system, gasoline complaints by model year

Peak: 2006, with 437 complaints
2002: 10120021012003: 11420031142004: 932004932005: 43520054352006: 43720064372007: 21520072152008: 3200832021: 1202112022: 220222

n = 1,401 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearFuel System, Gasoline complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2022 Trailblazer22%31,450
2021 Trailblazer11%21,000
2008 Trailblazer32%57,300
2007 Trailblazer21529%53,900
2006 Trailblazer43739%58,000
2005 Trailblazer43530%69,982
2004 Trailblazer939%69,000
2003 Trailblazer11413%73,222
2002 Trailblazer1019%76,000

When owners reported it

Peak: 2007, with 18 complaints
2002: 7200272003: 4200342004: 5200452005: 9200592006: 122006122007: 182007182008: 142008142009: 5200952010: 8201082011: 9201192012: 2201222013: 1201312014: 6201462015: 120151

n = 101 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (1)

Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsAug 23, 2002 · NHTSA campaign 02V121000 · 136,511 vehicles

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles, a fuel filter fitting can become disconnected. If this were to occur while attempting to start the engine, a no-start condition would result and fuel would be pumped out the fuel filter onto the ground.

Risk: If the fitting becomes disconnected while the vehicle is in motion, the engine would stop due to inadequate fuel supply and cause a loss of power steering assist. If an ignition source were present, fuel leakage from a disconnected fuel filter fitting could result in a fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel filter quick connect retainers. Owner notification began september 20, 2002. 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, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

2002 chevrolet trailblazer. Numerous problems associated with car. Windows don't come down, doors don't unlock, and other issues. *ta the consumer stated when he turned the key in the ignition, the windows would not roll down, unless it was done manually. There was a locking and unlocking sound…

Received Feb 9, 2015 · NHTSA complaint 10661702

I was driving home one night from work on a back road in south carolina going 35mph when my headlights shut off and the car completly stalled, i quickly turned on my hazard lights on to warn the oncoming traffic the car that was coming up on me had to swerve into the grass because the area was so…

Received Aug 4, 2014 · NHTSA complaint 10618737

When you stand by suv you smell gas fumes bad. *tr

Received Jun 2, 2014 · NHTSA complaint 10595555
Chevrolet Trailblazer
2002-2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer photographed in Marshall Hall, Maryland , USA.. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently asked questions

Do all 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazers have fuel system, gasoline problems?

No. NHTSA has 101 owner complaints about fuel system, gasoline for the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer (9% of the 1,149 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer fuel system, gasoline?

Yes: 1 safety recall list fuel system, gasoline. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

At what mileage do fuel system, gasoline problems start?

The median reported mileage is 76,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.

How much does it cost to fix fuel system, gasoline problems on the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer?

Owners report a typical cost of $1,250 (half paid between $1,100 and $1,350), from 9 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.

What do owners say about fuel system, gasoline problems on the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer?

The most frequent phrase is “fuel tank”, in 26 of 101 complaints, followed by “sending unit” (10).

Other 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer problems

See all 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer problems or fuel system, gasoline problems across all Trailblazer years.