2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 100 |
| 2003 | 313 |
| 2004 | 261 |
| 2006 | 189 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
18% of complaints: power train — 18 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: electrical system — 12 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
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!
NHTSA ODI report, 20130719
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130628
9% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 9 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 8 distinct reports on file.
6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 6 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 CONTINUOU
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 AN
Campaign 04V046000 — check if this car was fixed
BRAKE LAMP FAILURE
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.
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 1-8
Campaign 04V527000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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 LUBR
Campaign 05V494000 — check if this car was fixed
FUEL PUMP MODULE LEAKS GASOLINE
FUEL TANK LEAK
FUEL PUMP MODULE LEAKS GASOLINE
Loss of Headlights
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (12 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V046000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V527000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V494000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT?
The most-reported component is power train:automatic transmission, accounting for 18% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.