2002 Chevrolet Blazer Headlight Problems

Which parts fail

• Brake lights › Switch
  20
• Brake lights
  9
• Hazard flashing warning lights › Switch
  9
• Hazard flashing warning lights
  3
• Headlights
  2
• Tail lights › Switch
  2

Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  510%
• 25k–50k
  714%
• 50k–75k
  1327%
• 75k–100k
  816%
• 100k–150k
  1122%
• 150k+
  510%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Chevrolet Blazer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

Rear brake lights & third light were staying on intermit. White smoke is now coming from steering wheel after the brake light switch was replaced today. This switch should have been to the subject prior recall of Blazer brake light and multi function break light switches. According to the repair shop, the old break light switch showed a burn mark. And, I kept the old part. We just drove it home and the break lights still stayed on and the smoking started which scared me so the shop has it once again this time to replace the multi- function switch. Note: that we were told by GM customer service that our Blazer was a few VIN numbers off the recall and wasn't effected by the break light recall.......... The problem was in at the time. The repair shop is now in the process of changing out the second switch at great cost to us.

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.

I drove to autozone on west colonial dr and had my vehicle computer diagnosed which produced a code that stated (stop lamp & rear hazardous lamp failure) there is a recall on certain 2002 Chevy blazers vehicles, however my 2002 Chevy Blazer VIN # [redacted] doesn't have this recall. Chevy should implement a recall for all 2002 Chevy blazers. Now the dealer wants over $500 to fix this issue.

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Blazer. While the vehicle was being inspected by a sheriff, it was discovered that the brake light failed to illuminate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 01V364000 and 08V231000 (exterior lighting). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 94,224.

I called Chevrolet ([phone]) about a recall on 2000-2002 Chevrolet Blazer id#08V231000. Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch. I told them my 2002 Blazer brake lights,hazard lights,dash lights,tail lights,head lights,interior lights,turn signal lights were not working properly. Brake lights,turn signal lights,and hazard lights only worked when you push red hazard pop-up button to the left and hold it there. Headlights,tail lights,dash lights,and interior lights were all flickering while driving. I was told this 2002 Blazer was not on the recall list, as it was built on September 5, 2001. The recall ended on August 20, 2001. I have researched this recall,and found it to be the difference between brass contacts and copper contacts in the multi-function switch. Also the grease used in the switch. …

I have a 2002 Chevrolet Blazer. The hazard lights and the brake lights on the body quit working. The brake light over the hatch still worked. The turn signals also were not affected. I checked fuses and light bulbs but both were fine. When I turned on the hazard lights there was a clicking sound coming out of my speaker, like there was a short in the wiring. I'm glad it didn't start a fire. I then did an online search for possible solutions to the problem and came across some recalls on my model describing the same problem. When I called Chevrolet they said that mine was not on any of the recall lists. I had to take it to the local Chevy dealer and they had to replace the multifunction switch which is what the recalls were for. I'm not sure why mine was not included either the original recall or the subsequent ones. …

Tl contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Blazer. The contact was stopped by a police officer for inoperative brake lights. The officer warned him and did not give him a ticket. He took the vehicle to a mechanic, who discovered NHTSA campaign id number 01V364000 (exterior lighting:brake lights:switch) when ordering the parts. The dealer stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall; however, they would perform a diagnostic at the cost of $90. The contact would not receive a reimbursement even if the VIN turned out to be included in the recall. The manufacturer gave him a file number and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The current mileage was approximately 34,300 and failure mileage was approximately 34,250. Updated 11/19/08. …

In March of 2010, my drivers side brake light went out but the bulb still lit up. It is a dual filament bulb, one for tail lights and the other for brake/turn signal. My mechanic investigated and the issue was a faulty switch for the brake light. This is a part that can only be purchased from the dealer. No aftermarket switches/circuit boards are available. The whole circuit board must be replaced. Again on 9/1/12, I was notified that both my brake lights are out. I called general motors and went to my local dealership only to be told my vehicle is not under a recall. I researched and found recall: 01073 issued by general motors for the exact issue my vehicle is having which was expanded to include more vehicles but still not mine. GM is profiting from selling these dealer only parts when they fail aside from saving money by not issuing the recall to all affected vehicles.

Brake lights work intermitently, can get them to work sometimes by pushing the hazard light switch on and off, but May still work on and off. Took to dealer and they were not showing any recall and would cost about $450 to replace hazard switch carrier if defective, if not it the cost would be $99.69 for labor to check it out. Called GM [phone] and they said that it should be covered recall #01073a. Gave number to dealer and was told that only some of the vehicles within ven # range were covered by recall and they would have to check into it. My problem with this is why did I not receive a recall notice for this problem when the NHTSA web site shows a recall and my vehicle fall within the range of VIN numbers? And why does'nt the dealer know about this?

Someone stopped me and said I had no brake lights. Saw there was a recall - id01v36400 - for a hazard switch carrier replacement. Had the switch fixed on October 11,2007 for $187.01 but was told that VIN # was not included in the recall. Contacted Chevrolet and they said the VIN # was not included and could not pay for the problem. In June, 2008 another recall was issued for the same problem - id 08v23100 - but VIN # was still not included. Have filled out the forms requesting reimbursement but nothing is being done. In the meantime, the dealership has been sold and Chevrolet says nothing can be done. At time of repair the Blazer only had 65,000 miles. This is the same problem that occurred in both the recalls.

Related recalls

NHTSA investigations

Headlight complaints in other Blazer years