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 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Electrical under dash shorting out. Causing accessory plug to shoot sparks as well as causing dash lights to go out, and front panel to stop working. Ac electrical quit working after. 4wheel drive shifts randomly in and out of 2 and 4 wheel drive, causing the transmission to get stuck in neutral. Motor solenoids and sensors keep failing and shorting out due to electrical issues. Vehicle unsafe to drive.
Transmission cooling lines that run next to the catalytic converter/exhaust pipe are prone to 'rust-through' due to the insulation wrap that has been added because of being so close to the high heat source. This insulation traps moisture and salt in northern areas and causes the lines to corrode and leak transmission fluid. I feel this is a potential fire hazard as the fluid can drip directly onto the exhaust components. Fortunately I could smell this after I pulled into my garage otherwise I would not have know of the leak. Depending on when the leak actually takes place and the rate of leakage this could also result in transmission failure if the driver is unaware that the vehicle is losing fluid, ie: extended highway driving. From my understanding this corrosion and resultant leakage is very common and should be listed as a safety recall. Thank you
While driving 40 MPH, the engine light illuminated, then the vehicle stalled. This caused the consumer to lose control of the vehicle, hitting a wall. The consumer had the vehicle towed. The dealership tried to repair the vehicle 7 times, but did not resolve the problem. The air bag also failed to deploy during the accident. The PCM failed due to a circuit inside, fluid leaked from the power steering hose, the engine revved high and was loud when the vehicle was started, the consumer saw sparks under the hood fuse block at the same time the gauges fluctuated and shorted, the right rear tail lights were inoperative, and the fuel gauge made a whirring sound when the vehicle was started.
While driving at freeway speed, 65-70 MPH, a grinding, ratcheting sound was heard from the drivetrain and the lights on the transfer case switch moved back and forth from 2wd to 4hi and 4low. After the vehicle was towed to the dealer, they first completed the recall #01065 to reprogram the transfer case. When they road tested the car they could not duplicate the earlier complaint of grinding metal. The service advisor indicated that the recall probably corrected the problem. My question is, what did all that metal grinding noise do to the longevity of the transfer case, and what if it fails after the 3 year, 36 month warranty?
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While operating the vehicle, all the exterior lights randomly shut on and off. While driving at various speeds, the transmission would suddenly switch to first gear and caused the speed to suddenly reduce. The vehicle would not operate in reverse. After shutting the vehicle off and restarting the engine, the vehicle would operate normally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the cause of the failures. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 171,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the transmission shifted out of gear and the anti-theft lock and battery warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact also mentioned that the fuel gauge displayed an inaccurate reading when the fuel tank was full. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle violently jerked while shifting gears. The vehicle only shifted to first gear and failed to go into third and fourth gear. In addition, there was an increase in engine rpms while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 205,338.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While driving at various speeds, fluid was leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that there was rust in the transmission line and fluid leaked on the catalytic converter. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 120,000.
I started the Trailblazer and shifted it into reverse to back out of the parking stall and I heard a loud pop sound and when I tried to give the vehicle gas it didn't do anything but rev the motor. It won't move in reverse gear. The vehicle in front of me moved and I was able to shift into drive gear and it would move but it wouldn't shift from first gear.
2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer with 175,500 miles has leaking transmission cooler line on passenger side of vehicle near air filter box and windshield washer fluid reservoir. Of the two lines in this area, one is heavily corroded while the other appears fine. Only noticed after transmission had leaked >3 quarts of atf and was shifting rough.
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission
Certain sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 114, "theft protection." these vehicles are equipped with a mechanical override that could allow the ignition key to be removed with the shift lever in a position other than park.
Remedy: Dealers will eliminate these conditions by disabling the overrides. Owner notification began on May 29, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the…
Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles equipped with 4-wheel drive. The calibration of the transfer case control module could cause insufficient high speed gear engagement.
Remedy: Dealers will update the transfer case control module calibration to increase gear engagement. Owner notification began November 6, 2001.
Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles (4 wheel-drive). Some of these vehicles were built with a range shift collar in the transmission transfer case that contains cracks.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the transfer cases and update the control module calibration. Owner notification began September 6, 2001.
Transmission complaints in other Trailblazer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer?
NHTSA has 310 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer, 27% of the model year's 1,149 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (163 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-075 (automatic transmission, Mar 6, 2003); NHTSA recall 01V-334 (transfer case (4-wheel drive), Oct 17, 2001); NHTSA recall 01V-283 (transfer case (4-wheel drive), Sep 5, 2001). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 66,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 8 crashes, 4 fires and 18 injuries 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.