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2002 Chevrolet Blazer Problems and Recalls

Owners filed 246 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Chevrolet Blazer, most often about the lights (22% of complaints, typically around 73,500 miles). It is the 3rd most complained-about Blazer model year since 2000 and has 2 recalls.

Complaints246
Recalls2
Crashes reported14
Fires reported6
Injuries reported19

Most common 2002 Chevrolet Blazer problems

  1. Lights

    54 complaints · 22%

    Half of these problems showed up before 73,500 miles. Parts named most often: brake lights, hazard flashing warning lights, tail lights, headlights.

    2002 Chevrolet Blazer defective hazard switch. Because of faulty switch, I have no brake lights and no hazard lights. This defect is discussed on the internet. I have called Chevrolet only to be told they won't cover it. This switch is mentioned in an NHTSA recall. This is a dangerous situation. The hazard switch did…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2010, at 73,698 miles
    My brake lights and the hazard light was found defective and repaired on november 24, 2008 at rinke Chevrolet. I had to pay for the repair because the listed defect & recall for this exact problem was not listed on my VIN#. I want my money refunded from Chevrolet because a 2002 Blazer is made the same no matter what…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2008, at 72,551 miles
  2. Transmission

    33 complaints · 13%

    Half of these problems showed up before 40,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, axle assembly, manual transmission, axle hubs.

    While driving, engine cut out. Unable to drive except in third gear despite being automatic transmission. Otherwise, engine cuts out.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2006, at 40,000 miles
    No warning signs. Just put my 2002 Blazer in reverse, heard a loud pop. Wasn't sure what happened, so I got out on the road and couldn't accelerate fast enough up a hill and almost got rearended by a car going 60-65 MPH. Pulled over and finally figured out that it wouldn't shift out of 2nd and I had no reverse. Called…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2005, at 51,000 miles
  3. Brakes

    23 complaints · 9%

    Half of these problems showed up before 37,000 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, foundation components, pedals and linkages, antilock.

    It sounded like tin cans were tied to the back of our 2002 Blazer today (with around 37,000 miles) - we were told that the emergency parking brake pads exploded (the service manager's word) and ruined our rotors and rear brake pads, it will cost around $1200 to fix.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2004, at 37,000 miles
    To avoid accident on 2002 chev Blazer 4WD. I was in 2wd I hit the brakes. Nothing happened. I pushed brake pedal as far as it would go. Seat belts did not tighten, I downshifted but nothing happened. I heard two clunks in the rear end. I was unable to slow down from my speed at 30 MPH. I saw a warning light on the…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2004, at 35,000 miles
  4. Engine

    23 complaints · 9%

    Half of these problems showed up before 70,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system, cooling system.

    : the contact stated after parking the vehicle for a few minutes, the vehicle would not restart. When the key was turned in the ignition the engine would not turn over but only made a whining noise. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop, upon inspection the engine had seized. The timing chain had…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2006, at 70,100 miles
    I have had to replace the intake manifold gasket on 3 chevrolets in the past 3 three years today being the the third. If there is a problem with the gaskets or coolant <dexcool> the repair should be done at no cost to the consumer
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2004, at 74,555 miles
  5. Fuel system

    22 complaints · 9%

    Half of these problems showed up before 88,500 miles. Parts named most often: delivery, storage.

    The fuel gauge sensor system becomes faulty after 74,000 miles. Mine started at approx. 90,000 miles. I have learned online this has happened to many 2002 Blazer owners & gm will not address the issue. Because of this the cars will not pass emissions due to a diagnostic trouble code & costs over $1,000 to repair on a…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 90,000 miles
    Tl contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Blazer. While driving approximately 5 MPH the contact noticed the fuel gauge reading fluctuating. The contact was unable to determine the accurate fuel amount that was in the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostics. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2011, at 75,000 miles
  6. Electrical

    21 complaints · 9%

    Half of these problems showed up before 36,000 miles. Parts named most often: ignition, wiring.

    Air bag light on 33,000 miles,dealer replaced air bag control module under center console. 33,500 miles air bag light on again,dealer reset light.at 35,100 miles air bag light on again and goes on and off every 5-minutes to this day with 54,000 miles. This needs a recall for gm asap. Please investigate!
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2011, at 33,000 miles
    Electrical failure--pulled in to get some gas, after restarting vehicle I had no radio,no dash lights for gear selector or mileage,fuel guage did not work or temp gauge did not work,cruise control did not work, cigarette lighter did not work. Seems to have a pause when transmission shifts sometimes. We need a recall…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2003, at 39,127 miles
  7. Air bags

    17 complaints · 7%

    Half of these problems showed up before 42,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal, side/window.

    Consumer states "lost control of vehicle while trying avoid hitting another car. Vehiclel flipped 7 times before landing in a ditch. Upon impact, air bags failed to deploy.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2003, at 42,000 miles
    The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that due to the air bag warning indicator being illuminated, the vehicle was unable to pass inspection. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2019, at 37,450 miles
  8. Suspension

    16 complaints · 7%

    Half of these problems showed up before 48,000 miles. Parts named most often: front, rear.

    Front wheel bearing failure after only 48,000 miles of normal use. Replaced bearings myself to the cost of $300. I have saved the old parts. I'll never buy another gm vehicle again!
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2006, at 48,000 miles
    The wheel bearings on my 2002 2-door chevy Blazer went at just under 54,000 miles. Both front wheel bearings had to be replaced. It was suggested that I report this because this should not happen to a vehicle with so little mileage.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2007, at 54,000 miles

Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

2002 Chevrolet Blazer recalls

  1. Lights: switch

    NHTSA 08V231000 · May 21, 2008 · 5,862 vehicles

    Risk: The loss of stop lamps and rear hazard lamps could fail to warn a following driver that the vehicle is braking and/or is stopped and could result in a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will replace the hazard switch carrier. The recall began on june 17, 2008. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537, or through their website at <a href=http://www.gmownercenter.com>http://www.gmownercenter.com</a> . Note: this campaign is an expansion of a previous recall (please see 01v364).

    Full defect summary

    General motors is recalling 5,862 my 2000-2002 chevrolet blazer, my 2000-2001 gmc jimmy, and my 2000 oldsmobile bravada sport utility vehicles. The multifunction switch could develop an open circuit condition that results in the stop lamps and the rear hazard lamps becoming inoperative. The center high mounted stop lamp and turn signal functions are not affected.

  2. Lights: switch

    NHTSA 01V364000 · December 3, 2001 · 506,377 vehicles

    Risk: The loss of stop lamps and rear hazard lamps could fail to warn a following driver that the vehicle is braking and/or is stopped and could result in a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will replace the hazard switch carrier. Owner notification will be conducted in two phases. The first phase began april 15, 2002, with mailings to owners of 2000 and early 2001 vehicles. The second mailing phase will be to remaining 2001 and 2002 vehicles. 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.

    Full defect summary

    Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The multifunction switch could develop an open circuit condition that results in the stop lamps and the rear hazard lamps becoming inoperative. The center high mounted stop lamp and turn signal functions are not affected.

Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.

NHTSA defect investigations

Questions about the 2002 Chevrolet Blazer

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Chevrolet Blazer?
By NHTSA owner complaints: lights (54 complaints, typically around 73,500 miles); transmission (33 complaints, typically around 40,000 miles); brakes (23 complaints, typically around 37,000 miles).
How many recalls does the 2002 Chevrolet Blazer have?
2 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from May 21, 2008 (lights). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
Is the 2002 a bad year for the Chevrolet Blazer?
It is the 3rd most complained-about Blazer model year since 2000, with 246 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.

Other Chevrolet Blazer years

Chevrolet Blazer problems by year