Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
On this occasion we had a heavy snow that day and as I was driving on the road I switched to 4 wheel drive. As I turned the corner, thinking I was in 4 wheel drive my car went out of control when it hit ice and I hit boulders and landed on a tree. Earlier when we purchased the car we noticed a light kept coming on that said 4wd. We called to have it looked at but were told it was nothing to worry about. My husband called GM and complained about the malfunction. After my car was taken to the dealership GM reps came out to see it and agreed there had been a malfunction in the 4wd system. They claim to have fixed it but my car has never been the same. I hurt my neck but since I don't have health insurance never did go to the doctor. They reimbursed us $600 for the repair. My problem is worrying that there are other vehicles out there that could have the same problem. …
I have a 2002 Blazer. Since I have owned the vehicle it has performed unsatisfactorily. The engine randomly makes roaring noise, the rpms rise and there is concomitant loss of power. I am told this is normal and that it is related to the fan clutch motor and a sensor that works erratically. The fan clutch has been replaced once and the vehicle has been in the shop several times. I have been involved in several near misses as the vehicle does not perform in a predictable manner. Chevrolet refuses to take any responsibility for this issue though I was offered $2000.00 toward the purchase/lease of another vehicle. In reviewing this website I note that there are several other complaints about this problem and in all cases GM/Chevrolet has refused to accept any responsibility. …
Drove from ohio to florida, 1040 miles. 250 miles into the trip, my console became extremely hot. The side of the console touches the drivers seat and it was making my seat very hot. The items inside my console melted, the hand wash burnt my hand when I took it out to use it. Now the console is getting hot only after 50 miles and sometimes less than that. Also, the cd player gets hot. The cd's occasionally become so hot that I drop them when they get spit out by the player by itself. I have no idea what the problem is and I am worried my Blazer May catch fire or blow up. Also, at times when I start up again from a red light, the transmission sounds so loud like it is working very hard to get moving. I know these things are not normal. Am I safe driving my Blazer? I bought it brand new in 2002. Now I am afraid of it.
Consumer started the vehicle and pressed the gas pedal but the vehicle did not move. The consumer applied pressure to the accelerator, and it took little while for the vehicle to start moving. The dealer inspected the vehicle three times and could not resolve the problem. The consumer stated the transmission made some noises, the dealer discovered some parts of the transmission were damaged, however days later the vehicle went back to not accelerating and the engine racing. The consumer was told that the manufacturer would extended the warranty on the transmission. The brake light was inoperative there was a clicking noise in the drivers seat.
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 local Chevy dealer and he immediately knew what had broken. (something called the sun shell casing or sun gear, I think). I only have 50K miles on that car and now have been told they wont just replace the part, they have to replace the entire tranny.
Tl* - the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet trail Blazer lp. The contact stated that transmission coolant lines design was flawed. The the coolant lines were close to the exhaust pipe manifold, and they heated up and cause damage to the coolant lines. The contact stated that this was very costly, and should be a safety recall. The current and failure mileage were both 69048.
2002 Chevrolet Blazer. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle flex plate issues. The consumer stated the flex plate had to be replaced twice. The manufacturer was notified and did not offer any assistance. Updated 11/27/2017
Not long after I purchased my 2002 Blazer, I started noticing that at random times the motor would start racing when I started the engine. It ran very loud for a period of time and then would finally slow down. While driving the vehicle this would also happen. The rpms rapidly increase when accelerating, and it would make a loud roaring noise, but the vehicle doesn't go any faster. I took it in to the shop and was told this was normal, that it was the clutch fan. It is extremely hard to believe that this is normal for a new vehicle. I have had the Blazer since April of 2002 and it continues to do this and has sometimes put me in very unsafe positions. This problem seems to me to be more of a transmission problem than a fan. I have also had problems with the fuel gauge. It will show empty when it has plenty of gas. …
Immediately following purchase of a 2002 Chevrolet Blazer in August 2002, I noticed a loud roaring noise coming from under the hood which occured mostly upon startup when engine was cold and put into drive gear. This noise was also intermittently noticed after coming to a stop and then accelerating. By the time I drove it back to the dealership, it was not doing it. Since purchase, 2 replacement batteries have been installed. Service dept at dealership said alternator was draining the battery and replaced the alternator. Car is still doing this but dealer is unable to duplicate and saying loud roar is most likely normal. Now several acquaintances have said they had the exact same problem with their blazers even though they were a different year model. Once the warranty runs out, this problem could add up to quite an expense.
Vehicle has a engine/drivetrain vibration that can be heard and felt throughout the cabin at speeds of 58-62 MPH. The vibration cycles on and off constantly, being on for 1-2 sec and then off for 3-5 sec. We fear eventual engine/drivetrain failure, especially after front suspension recall and transfer case recalls. GM unsure of cause, but said it is happening on numerous trailblazers with no fix yet but feel it is related to engine harmonic balance. A friend of ours lost the #5 piston on their engine while passing, nearly causing a severe accident. Local dealers confirm several other engines in 2002 trailblazers have blown - wondering if these problems are related. Our vibration/noise problem makes us very uneasy in terms of family safety while inside our new vehicle at these highway speeds.
Transmission complaints in other Blazer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2002 Chevrolet Blazer?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2002 Chevrolet Blazer, 13% of the model year's 246 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (19 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Chevrolet Blazer transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.