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 Trailblazer EXT owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
With no prior warning of defect, my 2002 Trailblazer would not accelerate while trying to merge into highway traffic. After initial look through for any obvious signs of what May be wrong, I was unable to drive my car and had it towed to nearest dealership where a transmission failure was quickly diagnosed and I was quoted a repair cost of just under $5,000 !!! My wife and I think this is pretty odd considering the regular maintenance and absence of signs of trouble, so we researched the internet only to find out that transmission problems (particularly on 2002 Trailblazer) are very common. It is believed that general motors is very much aware of this and the phrase "silent recall" kept coming up.
Small "clunking" noise from under vehicle when shifting from park to reverse or drive. "clunking also evident when slowing to a stop. Ultimate transmission failure occurred while accellerating from a stop. A very loud "clunck" was heard from under the vehicle followed by a loud wirring noise. The vehicle would not shift from first gear afterwards until about 40 MPH. The "wirring" noise continued when the vehicle was stopped and the transmission would not shift into reverse. The dealer's mechanic overhauled the transmission and replaced the following "worn" parts: sun gear shell, sun gear, 3-4 clutch. Vehicle had 40000 miles at time of failure.
I backed of the garage and heard a loud noise. As I pulled forward the truck moved very slowly for how far the gas pedal was pushed. I went to go in reverse again but the truck would not go into reverse and could hear a loud whining from the motor. I this just happened to day but I figure it's the transmission. Also, when I bought the truck I had problems with the temp. Sensor and the air conditioning the dealer took care of the problem with the air but the outside temp. Sensor is still broke. I don't know which is worse the failure of the transmission or, seeing all the like complaints on this site with no action.
I own a 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT which has been impeccably maintained by me. Prior to going on a vacation I brought the truck into my mechanic for an inspection as usual and he informed me the transmission fuel lines had to be replaced due to excessive corrosion. He also advised me that this was a common problem with this model which prompted Chevrolet to change the design. He checked to see if it was on a recall list but was not. I checked the NHTSA site and have noticed numerous complaints on this same issue. Why has this not been addressed with GM and placed on a recall list for replacement by a dealership?
Morning of incident, would here a "clunking" noise after engaging the accelerator. That afternoon, while driving in fast lane of interstate at 65 miles per hour, upon engaging the accelerator, the vehicle was going to have to down shift, and instead, heard a loud "whirring" noise, and vehicle slowed down. Upon evaluation, the vehicle will not go into reverse, and has trouble shifting. Repair shopped diagnosed that the transmission has gone out.
I was driving home when I heard a loud clunk. I turned down my street and the engine started whining and would not go any faster than 20 miles per hour. I pulled into my driveway and proceeded to look under the carriage expected to see oil dripping but, I saw nothing. I decided to start the car and drive around the block but I could not back out of my driveway the car would not go in reverse.
Loud clanking noise coming from the rear to center of the vehicle when shifting from park to forward or reverse, ieee when lack of or direction is changed. 36,000 miles, very poor quality vehicle as I have had several other issues. Good thing I have extended warranty, however I am very displeased with Chevrolet and will aviod purchasing any cheverolet products in the future.
While driving on the highway I lost power. I pulled over and found the transmission coolant lines had corroded. Transmission fluid had all leaked out and the transmission was ruined. The car was serviced at the dealer 2 days earlier at the dealer. I understand this is a typical problem with this vehicle and should be a recall.
Transmission complaints in other Trailblazer EXT years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, 20% of the model year's 100 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, though it has 3 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 Trailblazer EXT transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 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.