2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT Problems
- Complaints
- 100filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 64,000miles, 85 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 16 mpgcombined, 4.2L 6-cyl RWD · 14 city / 19 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write about a cracked fuel tank or fuel filler neck, which shows up as a gasoline smell, a check-engine light and sometimes fuel loss, and about transmission failures that leave the vehicle without reverse. Electrical gremlins — erratic gauges, an outside temperature display that reads wrong and affects how the air conditioning and heater respond, plus wiper and lighting faults — are the next most common theme. Many of these reports come in between roughly 40,000 and 120,000 miles.
- Fuel system
Cracked fuel tank or filler neck (gas smell, leak)
- 17 complaints (17%)
- median 72,500 mi at 5.1 yrs old (14 state mileage)
- filed 2005–2014
Complaints describe a gasoline smell around the vehicle, a check-engine light, and sometimes reduced fuel economy or a loss of power on inclines. Shops and dealers traced it to a crack in the fuel tank at the filler neck or a loose connection between the filler pipe and the tank, and replaced the tank or sending unit. Several owners mention a GM special policy that covered the repair only up to a set mileage, after which they paid out of pocket; a few report the tank being replaced more than once. Mostly reported between roughly 40,000 and 120,000 miles, with some tanks replaced at very low mileage and some repeat failures.
What to check: Smell around the filler area after fueling and look for staining or cracks where the filler neck meets the tank; ask whether the tank or sending unit has already been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I own 2002 trailblazer and twice the fuel tank had broken around the filler neck letting fuel leak out. The problem is several other owners have had the same problem. The second time it broke I replaced it my self and I am sure it is a manufacturing defect. If a owner had this problem it could cause fire/explosion.”
NHTSA complaint #10176312, filed 2006-12, 40,200 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10564679, filed 2014-02, 117,150 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission failure, no reverse or loud whine
- 23 complaints (23%)
- median 61,000 mi at 5.3 yrs old (21 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2004–2011
Owners describe a loud clunk or bang, then the vehicle losing power or refusing to go into reverse, often with a whining or grinding noise and slow engagement. Complaints say shops and dealers diagnosed internal transmission failure — the sun gear and sunshell are named in several — and quoted rebuilds or replacements. Some report the same failure happening again after an earlier repair, and a few mention corroded transmission cooler lines that leaked fluid and left the unit unusable. Reported from about 35,000 to 120,000 miles, with many clustered around 50,000 to 85,000 miles.
What to check: Drive it cold and hot, check that reverse engages promptly and quietly, and ask for transmission service records; inspect the cooler lines for corrosion and leaks.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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 !!! …”
NHTSA complaint #10220846, filed 2008-03, 83,145 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10148861, filed 2006-01, 35,000 miles - Electrical system
Erratic gauges and outside temperature reading
- 14 complaints (14%)
- median 66,500 mi at 5.7 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- filed 2004–2013
Complaints describe the instrument cluster or individual gauges — speedometer, fuel, temperature, charging — stopping and starting at random, and a speedometer that sticks at the last reading until the vehicle is shut off and restarted. A frequent separate item is the outside temperature display reading a fixed or wrong value, which owners link to the air conditioning or heater responding incorrectly for the actual weather. Others mention inoperative radio, rear window regulators and heated seats, and a battery leaking at the terminals. Spread from about 15,000 to 120,000 miles, with several reports under 50,000 miles.
What to check: With the engine running, watch the speedometer and fuel gauge for dropouts and compare the outside temperature reading with the actual temperature; test the radio and every power window and seat.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10535148, filed 2013-08, 65,000 miles“Electrical problem rear view mirror compass not reading right and outside temp. Not reading correct on a hot 80 degree day. Reads -33 and now my A/C wont work because it saying that's its too cold for the A/C to be on.”
NHTSA complaint #10102796, filed 2004-12, 15,000 miles - Exterior lighting
Tail lamp and brake lamp failures
- 18 complaints (18%)
- median 42,000 mi at 6.0 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2004–2013
Owners report brake and tail lamp bulbs failing repeatedly, sometimes both sides within a short period, and in some cases the lamps flickering or not lighting until a few seconds after the brake is pressed. Complaints mention condensation inside the lamp housings and, on one vehicle, headlamp wiring and connectors overheating and melting inside the assembly. Several report the dealer replacing bulbs under warranty and then declining further repairs. Most reports fall between roughly 12,000 and 92,000 miles.
Recall 04V5270002 related service bulletins
What to check: Have someone press the brake while you watch both tail lamps, and check the housings for moisture or cloudy lenses; ask whether bulbs or lamp assemblies have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“2002 chevy trailblazer left brake light out after two repairs. There is a problem with this vehicle type other trailblazers have left light out as well. Dealer has repaired twice, now warranty is expired and police have pulled me over informing me that I need to get it fixed,again! I bought new lights still left won't work.”
NHTSA complaint #10138078, filed 2005-09, 20,000 miles“The taillights are delayed when needing to turn on. If you apply the brake, blinker or place vehicle in reverse, the lights will not come on until a few seconds have passed. Also condensation builds up on the inside lens. It happens ever time I drive or use the vehicle. A previous recall on the taillights did not cover the delay or condensation according to the dealer and GM. So far I have not taken any corrective steps, I am going to try replacing the assembly and hope that resolves it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10272536, filed 2009-06, 92,000 miles
Buying note. Check the fuel filler area and tank for cracks or a fuel smell, and drive the vehicle long enough to confirm the transmission shifts and engages reverse normally before committing. Also test the gauges, power windows, lamps and wipers, and ask for records showing any related recall or special policy work was done.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 100 consumer complaints for the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT. 85 of the complaints include a mileage, and 35% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 64,000 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 85 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Fuel system23 23%
- Electrical system14 14%
- Engine cooling14 14%
- Exterior lighting10 10%
- Body and structure5 5.0%
- Equipment4 4.0%
- Suspension4 4.0%
Also reported: Other or unknown (2), Air bags (1), Seat belts (1), Seats (1), Steering (1), Tires (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Fuel system: “The fuel tank on my vehicle has leaked or had an evap leak detected and had needed a replacement 4 times in 7 years of ownership. First replacement at 2288 miles on10/04/02, then 18474 miles on 10/17/03, then 34782 miles on 08/21/04 and 96121 miles on 01/21/09.the car dealership has completed the replacements each time and were previously covered by my extended warranty. It is now not covered by the warranty and needs replacing again at $1000 expense.”
NHTSA complaint #10285061, filed 2009-09, 2,288 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #10238365, filed 2008-08, 84,000 milesElectrical system: “Larger occurring issues which could effect safety include the vehicle randomly deciding to change from 2wd/a4wd/4wdh4wdl whenever it wants to under various weather/road conditions (including perfect weather and road surface) and occasional random ignition system failure this is not safe at all I have taken it to the chevy dealership and they said it is a safety issue and that they need to do a recall on it they have had several rigs like this one come in for the same issue .. I believe that chevy GM needs to do a recall and have this fixed before I or someone else is injured or killed..”
NHTSA complaint #10392216, filed 2011-03, 130,000 milesEngine cooling: “Our 2002 Chevrolet trailblazer loses power and the trouble lights flash including the service light and reduced power light come on. I have changed the 02 sensor, flushed the transmission, replaced spark plugs and had the emission system checked all to no avail. Our mechanic cannot isolate the problem and all things we have tried has failed. We have reset the computer several times to no avail. This is a problem and safety issue. We have had no help from GM.”
NHTSA complaint #10330061, filed 2010-05, 100,004 milesMileage when problems were reported
35% of the 85 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 40,439 and 91,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TrailBlazer Ext 2WD | 4.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| TrailBlazer Ext 4WD | 4.2L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 15 | $4,450 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 05V494000Oct 27, 2005Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › LatchCovers: Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT 2002–2003, GMC Envoy XL 2002–2003, Isuzu Ascender 2003
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…
- 04V527000Nov 1, 2004Exterior lighting › Brake lightsCovers: Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT 2002–2004, Oldsmobile Bravada 2002–2004, Chevrolet Trailblazer 2002–2004 +2 more
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.
- 04V046000Feb 4, 2004Visibility › Windshield wiper/washerCovers: Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT 2002–2003, Oldsmobile Bravada 2002–2003, GMC Envoy 2002–2003 +2 more
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…
Recall details for the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE07014FUEL TANK LEAKClosed · Mar 13, 2007
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 85 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Electrical system. Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging…
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024Fuel system, Engine. This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with…
- 11004557Jun 17, 2024Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312Jun 6, 2024Electrical system. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492…
- 10252735Mar 28, 2024Electrical system. This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10251887Mar 14, 2024Engine cooling. This bulletin advises the technician of possible location of an internal coolant leak from a specific cylinder head and location.
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024Engine cooling. This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024Engine cooling. This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has…
Other model years of the Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 189 | 56,500 | 6 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 261 | 63,000 | 1 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 313 | 68,250 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 100 | 64,000 | 3 | — | 16 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT?
Owners of this model year most often write about a cracked fuel tank or fuel filler neck, which shows up as a gasoline smell, a check-engine light and sometimes fuel loss, and about transmission failures that leave the vehicle without reverse. The issues reported most often: Cracked fuel tank or filler neck (gas smell, leak); Transmission failure, no reverse or loud whine; Erratic gauges and outside temperature reading.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT have?
NHTSA recorded 100 consumer complaints for the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT is reported most often?
Fuel system is named most often, in 23 complaints (23% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 20.
Has the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT get?
The EPA rates the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT (TrailBlazer Ext 2WD, 4.2L 6-cyl) at 16 mpg combined, 14 city and 19 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT reported?
Among the 85 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 64,000 miles and the middle half falls between 40,439 and 91,000 miles; 35% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.