2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT recalls and problems

The 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT has 3 safety recalls and 100 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
100
Crashes / fires
3 / 2
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT recalls

Recall 05V-494: Latches/Locks/Linkages

Reported Oct 27, 2005 · 98,007 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia.

Risk: If the door is not latched properly and it goes unnoticed, it may open while the vehicle is in motion. If an unbelted occupant fell out of the vehicle, personal injuries could occur.

Fix: 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. Non-functioning latches will be replaced. The recall began on february 24, 2006. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, or isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.

Recall 04V-527: Exterior Lighting

Reported Nov 1, 2004 · 871,473 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Risk: An inoperative brake lamp will not convey the driver's intention of stopping to drivers in following vehicles, and an inoperative rear turn signal lamp will not convey the driver's intention to turn to drivers in following vehicles. Both of these failures can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the tail lamp/stop lamp assemblies, and if necessary, replace them. The recall began on november 22, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537, buick at 1-866-608-8080, or gmc at 1-866-996-9463.

Recall 04V-046: Visibility

Reported Feb 4, 2004 · 581,394 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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 lead to the corrosion of components within the module.

Risk: Depending on the occurrence and weather situation, driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a crash.

Fix: 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 required. The recall began july 6, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537; or gmc at 1-866-996-9463.

2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Fuel System, Gasoline23
Power Train20
Electrical System14
Engine and Engine Cooling14
Exterior Lighting11
Visibility10
Latches/Locks/Linkages6
Structure5
Equipment4
Suspension4
Unknown or Other2
Vehicle Speed Control1

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 18
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap — 8
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Fan — 6
  • Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights — 5
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly — 5
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 4
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 4
  • Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 3

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 64,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Unknown or Other · at 140,000 miles · reported May 21, 2017
Smelling gas even though no gas was spilled. The car is stationary in garage. I feel it is unsafe to keep in the garage and I AM parking it outside. I AM also worried about driving.
Fuel System, Gasoline · at 117,150 miles · reported Feb 17, 2014
My check engine turned on inside the car it was smelling like gas . I went to a local shop they did a diagnostic test and its a fuel tank leak . Its leaking right were the fuel goes in the tank . I called chevrolet and they said there is no recall . But I found a recall for this vehicle action #eao7009.
Visibility/Wiper · at 72,000 miles · reported Oct 15, 2013
The wipers stop half way across the windshield making it impossible to see when it is raining. Regardless of the speed of the wipers. This is going to cause an accident. I have only had this vehicle for about 2 months. My disabled son has to ride in this vehicle. It needs to be safe and GM could care less. Something needs done. This is an on going issue with all trailblazers. Gm will not acknowledge this fact.
Electrical System · at 65,000 miles · reported Aug 13, 2013
Outside temperature displaying 50 degrees regardless of actual outside temperature. When actual temperatures below freezing this represents a hazard. When temperatures above 50 degrees air conditioning not responsive (Even when temperatures in excess of 100 degrees, "heater" comes on due to erroneous outdoor temperature reading). Poor fuel mileage results from incorrect air/fuel mixture at actual air temperatures more than 20 degrees +/- 50 degree system temperature.
Electrical System · at 177,000 miles · reported Jul 19, 2013
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!!!!

Other Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT years

Compare all Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT years · All Chevrolet models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT: 05V-494 (latches/locks/linkages), 04V-527 (exterior lighting), 04V-046 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT?

Owners report fuel system, gasoline problems most often (23 reports), followed by power train (20). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 64,000 miles.

Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.