Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Chevrolet Blazer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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 dash during this incident. I hit a pickup truck who stopped suddenly to avoid a senior citizen who crossed lanes of traffic in a 65 MPH she was doing about 30 MPH. I was unable to reach emergancy brake in time. My wife rec'd two broken ribs and three cracked ribs and bruising. Pickup truck had minor damage. I had $6,700.00 damage. I had just recently had a command module put in the vehicle to repair faulty 4wd problem not going in and out of 4wd without playing around with controls. My ABS flat out did not work or slow me down. I could not downshift. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that the driver's side door hinge failed to close, an abnormal humming noise was detected, the vehicle rocked, and a tire blew out. In addition, the ABS, air bag, and parking brake warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to tom joyce automotive (18260 paulson dr, unit d3, port charlotte, fl 33954) where it was diagnosed that the door, pins, and hinge needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. While driving, the driver's door detached and the brake line was wrapped underneath the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 128,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Blazer. While the vehicle was stationary or while driving various speeds, the brake lights malfunctioned. Both brake lights failed to illuminate even after replacements were made. The contact informed an independent mechanic of the failure and the brake lights were replaced along with the brake pedal switch; however, the failure recurred. A dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in a steering recall. The failure mileage was 98,760.
When brake pedal was depressed at 20 MPH it failed to stop the vehicle. This resulted in an accident because the vehicle ran through a stop sign. Prior to this incident, which started at 400 miles, vehicle would either pull to the right/left while driving at any speed. The cause of both failures was undetermined.
2002 Blazer ls 4dr 4wd. Around 19,000 SUV was not stopping fully at slow speeds plus scraping noise from front right wheel that would come and go. I took it to a GM dealer, but they could not duplicate the condition nor sound on a test drive so they said to come back when it happen again. Next day same thing but it stopped the sound before I could go back to the dealer. Around 20,000 miles it was continues sound of scraping from front wheels. I took it back to GM dealership they said it was the brakes and rotors on the rear of SUV. They turned the rotors and put new pads on rear. Cost over $200. Then about 23,000 miles the SUV would not stop completely again at slow speeds and the scraping sound from the front wheels. Took it to the dealer again they said it was the anti lock brakes. They repaired them. …
The brakes did not work! I was driving down a 60mph speed limit road and there was a stop light ahead a car in front of me stopped short to avoid accident I tuned in to the other lane wile on my brakes there was a tractor trailer stopped at the light the brakes weren't working I put the brake pedal to the floor and stopped slowly I wound up about less than 1 foot of hitting the trailer at the next light I was coming to a stop and the car did it again this time I went threw the red light on about 5 feet into the intersection thank god no other drivers started to go yet from there green light .no injuries or damage just a crappy car :-(
I just saw the recall of GM trucks and SUV's for "unwanted application of the antilock brake system". I was disappointed to see that the Blazer is not included on this list because I own a 2002 Blazer, and I have experience this problem on two occasions. Traveling at about 30 miles per hour on dry pavement the antilock system activated as soon as I applied the brake pedal due to avoid turning traffic in front of me. The antilock system continued to chatter until I released the pedal about 5 seconds later. Braking was minimal during this time, and I might have hit the turning vehicle if it had stayed stopped.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Blazer s10. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the ABS and emergency brake warning lights. He then engaged the brakes and the anti-lock brakes were no longer functional. He stated the failure was intermittent for approximately three months. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for the failure and he was advised that the vehicle would need a new ABS module. The vehicle was not repaired for the failure. He contacted the manufacturer for assistance with the repairs and they refused. The failure mileage was 132,000 and the current mileage was 133,787. Updated 05/16/11
After refueling our 2002 Chevrolet Blazer, there was a strong smell of gasoline. After taking it into the shop for repairs, the diagnosis was that the fuel tank and lines were rusting away and need to be replaced. Shop called us back and advised that parking break drums are falling apart. Every time we have an issue with this vehicle it has always been a major repair. Never a simple fix. With all the complaints on this vehicle I don't understand why the government doesn't force GM into a recall. This vehicle even qualified under the cash for clunkers program.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that the brake lights failed to function. Also, the ABS and emergency brake warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ABS module and the multifunction switch needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000 and the current mileage was 76,000.
Brake complaints in other Blazer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2002 Chevrolet Blazer?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 Chevrolet Blazer, 9% of the model year's 246 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Chevrolet Blazer brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2002 Chevrolet Blazer, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2002 Chevrolet Blazer brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 37,000 miles, and 24% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.