Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact stated that while his sister was driving at 20 MPH, the engine cooling fan exploded and there was smoke. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was driven to the contact's sister's residence. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The contact's brother inspected the vehicle and determined that the radiator and the fan needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired by her brother. The manufacturer was not contacted and was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.
The intake manifold gasket is leaking the intake manifold gasket was leaking on my Chevrolet silverado last year I have been told by 4 ase certified mechanics that chevrolets have extremely too many intake manifold gasket leaking problems because of the dexron antifreeze and the gaskets they used.
While driving, the temperature gauge spiked and the check gauges light came on. One of the bolts that holds the thermostat housing to the manifold had sheared off due to bolt brittleness. This caused a serve loss of coolant and the remainder of the thermostat housing bolts to become broken off in the intake manifold. Resulting in a repair of at least $1,000 due to having to replace the manifold. The shop was only able to extract one broken bolt from the manifold. This vehicle is a lemon. We have replaced everything on it, some things more than once including the engine, transmission, and multiple radiators all under 75,000 miles. We have replaced the gas cap to the radiator cap and even the windshield too. …
After engine has warmed up, there is a constant enging/tapping/rattle noise similar to the sound that bad lifters make. This sound is prevalent under all conditions and more pronounced on acceleration. I brought it to the dealership several times and they indicated it was a normal sound per detroit. Detroit has a document id#843248 that addresses this problem. I complained to GM and they have extended the warranty on the engine to 100,000 miles or 11/27/07 whichever comes first. I am still not satisfied as the noise is consistent and an irritant. I have looked at your site for other similar complaints and do not see any. There must be a mechanical fix to this problem but it is being ignored. The engine sound has increased since it was first noticed indecember, 2002 and reported to the dealership.
The heater and defroster failed to generate heat. No events leading up to failure. This fall when we needed the heat and window defroster just luke warm air was coming out. The intake hose to the heater was hot the out take hose was cold. This failure causes a major safety issue because the front window will not un-fog and the ice and snow will not melt off the front window. The driver can not see out of the front window. There is no warning to this problem. Research this problem on the web and there are numerous other people and vehicles with the same problem. It appears to be caused dex-cool coolant. This web site http://www.geocities.com/b_gillie/dexcool_problems.html has more information on this problem.
Dt*: 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 fractured, the sparks plugs had melted and the pistons had failed. The dealer and manufacturer were alerted.
While driving, dirt and dust particles come through the ventilation system. The exhaust system and catalytic converters is backing up through the air and heat ventilation system. This problem was due to the vehicle being rear ended
I m buying a 2002 Chevrolet Blazer now the emission exhaust system has begun to let out dust heat out of the air vent. And making my head hurt and body hurt. The warranty said that it is the emissions control system warranty.
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
While driving my trailblazer the engine failed as I was stoping for a red light. Luckily there were no cars near me and I was able to safely bring the car to a stop and force it to the curb. After about 15 minutes I was able to re-start the engine and I drove it to the dealership. They inspected the car, called Chevrolet with their diagnosis and were immeadiately informed by Chevrolet to the amazment of the serivce manager at the dealership that a new engine was needed. It seems they knew that a new engine was needed so quickly as this is a major problem. A search on your web site and the trailblazer forum at edmunds.com shows that this is a wide spread problem. It is apparent that GM has knowingly placed "defective" engines in the 2002 trailblazer. What would have happended if my engine failed on the highway going 70 miles an hour? …
Engine complaints in other Blazer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2002 Chevrolet Blazer?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2002 Chevrolet Blazer, 9% of the model year's 246 complaints. The component named most often is engine (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Chevrolet Blazer engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 31% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 2 injuries to engine & cooling 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.