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Vehicle safety record

2002 Chevrolet Blazer Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 259 complaints about the 2002 Chevrolet Blazer with NHTSA, most often about the lights (57) and the transmission & drivetrain (35). Those complaints describe 16 crashes, 6 fires and 20 injuries. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in May 2008 for the switch. For comparison, the 2001 has 331 and the 2003 has 104.

NHTSA data checked

FFar more problems than a typical Blazer year, for its age

#47 most complained-about 2002 vehicle

Complaints
259
Recalls
2
Crashes
16
Fires
6
Injuries
20
Deaths
0

Most common 2002 Chevrolet Blazer problems

Share of all 259 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2002 Chevrolet Blazer recalls 2

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Exterior lighting: switch

08V2310005,862 vehicles affected

The problem
General motors is recalling 5,862 my 2000-2002 chevrolet blazer, my 2000-2001 gmc jimmy, and my 2000 oldsmobile bravada sport utility vehicles. The multifunction switch could develop an open circuit condition that results in the stop lamps and the rear hazard lamps becoming inoperative. The center high mounted stop lamp and turn signal functions are not affected.
The risk
The loss of stop lamps and rear hazard lamps could fail to warn a following driver that the vehicle is braking and/or is stopped and could result in a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the hazard switch carrier. The recall began on june 17, 2008. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537, or through their website at <a href=http://www.Gmownercenter.Com>http://www.Gmownercenter.Com</a> . Note: this campaign is an expansion of a previous recall (please see 01v364).

Exterior lighting: switch

01V364000506,377 vehicles affected

The problem
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The multifunction switch could develop an open circuit condition that results in the stop lamps and the rear hazard lamps becoming inoperative. The center high mounted stop lamp and turn signal functions are not affected.
The risk
The loss of stop lamps and rear hazard lamps could fail to warn a following driver that the vehicle is braking and/or is stopped and could result in a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the hazard switch carrier. Owner notification will be conducted in two phases. The first phase began april 15, 2002, with mailings to owners of 2000 and early 2001 vehicles. The second mailing phase will be to remaining 2001 and 2002 vehicles. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, gmc at 1-800-462-8782, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.

What owners say

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259 complaints about the 2002 Chevrolet Blazer

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 11.

Electrical system

The Blazer is showing many codes in the ECM, even though it seems to be running properly. The codes include: p0171, p0174, p0101, p0128, p0155, p0300, p1870, p0128, p0155. The dash recently showed warning lights for parking brake, ABS, and Service Engine soon. It was checked a few days ago by a local repair shop. Two previous recalls showed multifunction switch failures which affected many vehicles.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11553900
Engine & cooling

WHY DOES THIS WORK ON MY 1999 CHEVY & NOT MY 2002 CHEVY?

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11376478
Electrical systemLights

My brake lights went out. The third brake light. As I owed a 2001 gmc jimmy that had the same problem that was covered under a recall I knew that the multifunction switch in the steering column was the problem. I went to my local chev dealership (koehne chev) in marinette wi. They said there was no recall one my vehicle. I asked about the three tsb and they said they don't have to do anything with a tsb. I know this is a ongoing and a safety issue (no brake lights). The part number on the switch that I took out is 26096832. There has to be hundreds of thousands of gm vehicles with these switches in them with the potential fatal accidents waiting to happen!!!

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lightingNHTSA 11318861
AirbagsBody, doors & structureBrakes

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet blazer. The contact stated that the driver's side door hinge failed to close, an abnormal humming noise was detected, the vehicle rocked, and a tire blew out. In addition, the abs, air bag, and parking brake warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to tom joyce automotive (18260 paulson dr, unit d3, port charlotte, fl 33954) where it was diagnosed that the door, pins, and hinge needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. While driving, the driver's door detached and the brake line was wrapped underneath the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 128,000.

Filed Incident Air bags · Structure · Service brakesNHTSA 11278381
Airbags

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet blazer. The contact stated that due to the air bag warning indicator being illuminated, the vehicle was unable to pass inspection. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 37,450.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11235161
LightsBrakes

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.

Filed Incident Exterior lighting · Service brakesNHTSA 11076378
Transmission & drivetrain

2002 Chevrolet blazer. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle flex plate issues. *Smd 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*js

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 10703663
Engine & coolingFire

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet blazer. The contact stated that while his sister was driving at 20 mph, the engine cooling fan exploded and there was smoke. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was driven to the contact's sister's residence. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The contact's brother inspected the vehicle and determined that the radiator and the fan needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired by her brother. The manufacturer was not contacted and was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11018891
Electrical systemFuel system

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet blazer. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled and the low fuel and security warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the fuel pump was replaced, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 169,272.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 10980478
Other & unknown

The blazer looses power and surges back and forth, I can see the rpm needle go up and down and the vehicle feels like is rocking back and forth. This happens a various speeds, 40 mph, 45 mph or 55 and above 65 mph. I never know when will start doing it. "This happens all the time every day"

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 10864956
Fuel system

Received a recall last october 2015 about strong gas small. Got appointment at chevy dealer to fix problem in november. Dealer says I need a gas tank,but they can't get any from company. They have other recalls also with the same problem that are waiting. Now vehicle has become hard to start. Still waiting for dealer to fix. Why does chevrolet send recalls if they have no intention of fixing the problem?? This is a dangerous situation with gas dripping, and the strong gas smell. It is a lawsuit waiting to happen if someone accidently drops a cigarette around the car.

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 10862778
SteeringSuspensionAirbagsCrash

"Takata recall" vehicle acted like it wanted to only go right and I couldn't turn left and ended up hitting the guardrail on the right side of the road and almost totalled the vehicle. Didn't know about any recall so I went to junkyard to get whole front end, fenders, hood and pretty much every thing on front of vehicle except for motor. But did replace fan on motor. Cost in parts only was approx. $700.00 (Have receipts). Not including labor! & Time and cost spent not having a vehicle until fixed. Also no airbags deployed!

Filed Incident Steering · Suspension · Air bagsNHTSA 10840408
Lights

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.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 10762128
Lights

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. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 10746506
Airbags

Parked car in driveway overnight. Awoke this morning to find the passenger side air bag deployed. No other cars were in front or back of it. This is a single family dwelling.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10690782
Engine & cooling

The intake manifold gasket is leaking the intake manifold gasket was leaking on my chevrolet silverado last year I have been told by 4 ase certified mechanics that chevrolets have extremely too many intake manifold gasket leaking problems because of the dexron antifreeze and the gaskets they used. *Tr

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10671582
Fuel system

The fuel gauge sensor system becomes faulty after 74,000 miles. Mine started at approx. 90,000 Miles. I have learned online this has happened to many 2002 blazer owners & gm will not address the issue. Because of this the cars will not pass emissions due to a diagnostic trouble code & costs over $1,000 to repair on a 12 year old vehicle even thought it has nothing to do with the actual emission output. It is one thing to have parts break down with age and quite another to have the same part become faulty on a large...

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scale. I cannot renew my plates due to the emission failure and cannot afford to fix a gage for a $1,000. Gm needs to recall the vehicles and admit their fault using a cheap faulty part to save $$. I know this may not be a "safety" concern per say but gm advised me to make a complaint with nhtsa. My vehicle is my lively hood & I don't know what else to do. *Tr

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 10660541
Fuel system

Vehicle was originally purchased 10/08/12 from car world, 3400 north oracle road, tucson, arizona, 85706. Began to experience starting and stalling problems in first week of january 2013. I took blazer to h & m auto, 138 south veterans blvd, 85713, tucson, arizona. Vehicle was tested and it was determined that fuel pump was problem. Fuel pump was replaced at a cost of $250.00. In march of 2013 fuel pump failed. Pump was returned to store where it was purchased, sundown distributing ii d.B.A. "Costless auto...

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parts". A new pump was installed. January 13, 2014- again fuel pump failed. One year warranty had expired. I was required to purchase a new fuel pump at a cost of $185.99. I along with my son replaced the fuel pump. October 2014- began to experience starting problems. Blazer was inspected by tucson radiator and muffler , inc. 410 West irvington road, tucson arizona,85714. It was determined that fuel pump was failing. *Tr

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 10641888
Lights

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet blazer. The contact stated that the tail lights failed. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number 08v231000 (exterior lighting). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.

Filed Incident Exterior lightingNHTSA 10618607
Electrical system

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet blazer. The contact stated that the failed to turn off when the key was removed out the ignition switch. The contact had to disconnect the battery in order to shut the vehicle off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the ignition switch. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 241,000.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10604532
Body, doors & structure

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet blazer. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the drivers side door opened independently. The contact stated that he stopped the vehicle and noticed that the bracket was inoperative. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000. The vin was unavailable. Updated 5/29/14*cn *tr

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 10575408
Brakes

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet blazer. The contact stated while driving approximately 5 mph, she approached a stop sign and the abs seized for a few seconds without any warning. The vehicle resumed normal operation; however, the failure occurred while driving 5 mph. The failure was not diagnosed nor was the vehicle repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 196,000. *Tr

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 10567755
Seats & seat belts

The dorel child infant safety seat that was made on 10/10/2011. The product number is 22-391 mlo. The restraints on the seat are not safe for a child to be placed in the seat due to the restraints coming off or undone. All you have to do is simply pull on the restraints and they will come undone. And it is really unsafe if you have a infant in the seat that likes to hold the restraints or even play with them while you are trying to drive and cant always see what they are doing. I have had this happen multiple times...

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while even just trying to place my son into the seat. The consequences of this happening are that I have to then either take him out of the seat and fix the restraints or I have to try and fix it while he is in his seat. The only thing I was able to do is fix the problem myself is to place velcro on the restraints on the back of the seat to make sure that they do not move at all when I place my son in the seat. I have tried to contact the company to see what can be done, but every time, I call there is a hold time or they are closed. *Tr

Filed Incident Child seatNHTSA 10558387
Brakes

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet blazer. The contact stated that the brake lights failed to function. Also, the abs and emergency brake warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was diagnosed that the abs module and the multifunction switch needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 74,000 and the current mileage was 76,000.

Filed Incident Service brakesNHTSA 10552698
LightsBrakes

I have a 2002 chevrolet blazer with brake lights and flashers that do not work. The center brake light and turn signals work ok. There is a recall for this same problem description but I was told that my vin number is not covered by it. The problem I have and the recall problem are identical. Is there any way I can plead my case? *Tr

Filed Incident Exterior lighting · Service brakesNHTSA 10524641

Chevrolet Blazer: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
200619021Fuel systemA
200515002Fuel systemA
200450140Electrical systemC
20031041150Electrical systemD
20022592166LightsF
20013313365LightsF
20006004478SuspensionF
19994420369BrakesF
199873434915Visibility & wipersF
All Blazer years

2002 Chevrolet Blazer vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2002 Chevrolet Blazer

Does the 2002 Chevrolet Blazer have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Chevrolet Blazer: switch (May 2008); switch (December 2001). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Chevrolet Blazer?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the lights (57), transmission & drivetrain (35), brakes (27).

How many complaints has the 2002 Chevrolet Blazer had?

259 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on May 4, 2001 and the latest on November 6, 2023. Of these, 16 describe a crash and 6 a fire, and together they report 20 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2002 Chevrolet Blazer a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 9 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Chevrolet Blazer year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Chevrolet Blazer years have the most complaints?

1995 (1,233), 1996 (1,161), 1997 (774). See every Chevrolet Blazer year compared.

What should I do if my 2002 Chevrolet Blazer has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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