Most common 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT problems
Share of the 100 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT complaints by model year
Best Trailblazer EXT years: 2002, 2006. Years to avoid: 2003. Compare all years →
2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT recalls (3)
Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch
Certain sport utility vehicles have a rear side closure latch that May not latch or unlatch due to corrosion caused by road splash, such as water and road salt. These vehicles were originally sold in or currently registered in the following states: connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts,…
Remedy: Dealers will install a seal along the lower part of the rocker panel to prevent intrusion of corrosive material, and inspect the rear side closure latches. Functional latches will be cleaned and lubricated.
Exterior lighting › Brake lights
On certain sport utility vehicles, vibration and heat May cause the tail lamp/stop lamp bulb to loosen in its socket. If this occurs, the bulb May flicker and eventually become inoperative.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the tail lamp/stop lamp assemblies, and if necessary, replace them. The recall began on November 22, 2004.
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
Certain sport utility vehicles have windshield wiper systems that will not turn on, cease operation while in use, fail to turn off/on by themselves (moisture sensitive wiper system), or have continuous windshield washer pump operation because the presence of water within the wiper modules can either cause a short circuit or can…
Remedy: Dealers will cover the windshield wiper module vent hole with a patch. Also, the wiper motor, circuit board, and electrical connector will be inspected to signs of water intrusion and/or corrosion and be replaced as…
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 5 possible defects involving the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT:
Loss of Headlights
The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV.
Fuel tank leak
In June 2007, GM will expand its special policy to address fuel tank inlet check valve (icv) fractures on certain model year (my) trailblazer ext and GMC envoy xl vehicles.the expanded policy covers my 2002-2004 trailblazer ext, GMC envoy xl, and GMC envoy xuv vehicles and will extend for a period of 10 years or 150,000 miles (whichever comes first).GM will provide free repair of the fuel tank.
Fuel pump module leaks gasoline
Odi has received reports that the fuel pump module leaks fuel and or vapor underneath the vehicle.GM states, the failure mechanism is corrosion of the fuel pump module flange which May lead to a fuel leak.corrosion of the fuel pump module flange is the result of the vehicle operating in a corrosive environment.odi has upgraded this pe to engineering analysis (ea07-009) to further assess this issue.
Fuel pump module leaks gasoline
During the course of this ea investigation, odi observed that the majority of the complaints (88%) and warranty claims (94%) were reported for vehicles that are registered for use in the salt belt region of the us.this area includes 20 states in the northeast, mid atlantic and the midwest regions and the district of columbia.consumers in the salt belt region reported to odi that they could smell fuel vapors in their…
Brake lamp failure
GM states that some brake/tail lamp bulbs can prematurely become inoperative due to malfunctioning brake/tail lamp sockets.on March 2, 2004, GM initiated a 6-year/72,000 mile special policy for 989,487 subject vehicles to inspect and replace the rear brake/tail lamp bulb socket assemblies.on April 4, 2004, the office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe04-032) based on consumer…
What 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT owners say
Fuel & propulsion system all 23 →
There is rust all over the inside of my engine, two exhaust manifold bolts rusted off and I had an exhaust leak. I had to have it fixed so I took it into a Chevrolet dealer. While it was there they told me that the gas tank had a crack in it and had to be replaced, at a cost of over 700.00 dollars. I can't afford to have the manifold and tank fixed. Now I am faced with either exhaust leaking or gas leaking. They said the gas tank was cracked at the neck. I called general motors to state that I thought it was a manufacturers defect. GM called the dealer and they told them that the vehicle was in good shape and that there was no sign of misuse or neglect. GM called me back and stated that the crack was due to the age of the vehicle and wear and tear. I have never heard of a vehicle gas tank cracking for no reason unless there was a defect in the gas tank itself. …
After refilling fuel tank full of gasoline and driving until ~80% full, I smelled fuel vapors coming from the vehicle when standing outside. Outside temperature was ~70 f. After the next trip the vehicle MIL came on. Codes were related to EVAP leak p0442. Dealer replaced fuel tank and filler neck tube, cracked. Almost 1 year prior GM issued a notice that this issue might occur and would be covered at GM's expense. I recalled that I had received a letter regarding a MIL light that might appear. Dealer repaired vehicle under this letter / warranty. Vehicle had ~80K miles. Driven daily in 4 season area.
Transmission & drivetrain all 20 →
Transmission coolant pipes: on the afternoon of November 12, I was driving on a local freeway I began experiencing difficulties maintaining speed. While the engine had full power, I had to pull over as my vehicle effectively lost power to the wheels. At this time, I had the vehicle towed to the local Chevrolet dealer where I have the vehicle serviced. The vehicle has always been regularly services at GM dealers. The following Monday, my suspicion of a transmission failure was confirmed. Several days later, the old transmission was replaced. At that time, the transmission coolant pipe was discovered to have been rusted through and this was identified as the likely cause of my transmission failing. I ultimately had to have the transmission and that coolant pipe replaced at the cost of several thousand dollars. …
Tl contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT. While the vehicle was parked he attempted to shift gear out of park position and it shifted into a different gear. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who advised him that the gear shift needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure continued to occur. The dealer diagnosed the failure and advised him that the gear shift needed to be repaired. The contact referenced recall NHTSA campaign id number: 03V075000, power train:automatic transmission and was advised by the dealer that the recall repair had already been performed. The failure had been on-going for the last year. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 120,000 and the current mileage was 126,000.
Electrical system
Pulled into driveway, lights would not go off, a few minutes later smoke was coming out from under hood and it smelled like burning plastic. Popped hood and fuse block and relay we smoking and melting! Got fire extinguished and pulled the head light relay switch, but it had melted through the block!!!!
The headlight wiring inside of the lens assembly over heats and melts the electrical connector going to the bulb and the insulation on the wiring. This has happened to both headlights on more than one occasion. Had to go and have the electrical wiring plus connector replaced.
2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 4.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 19 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT a good car?
Based on 100 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Trailblazer EXT rates better than average: 58% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Trailblazer EXT at the same age. It is one of the best Trailblazer EXT years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT?
The fuel & propulsion system — 23 complaints, 23% of all complaints for this model year, most often about storage › tank assembly › filler pipe and cap. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (20) and electrical system (14).
How many recalls does the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, the most recent from October 27, 2005 (latch). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2002 and 2006. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2003. See the full Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 64,000 miles; 35% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.