Skip to content
Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
20about this part
Share
20%of 100 total for the year
Median mileage
68,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, 20% of the 100 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,000 miles.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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 miles

“No warning at all. Sounded like I hit something when pulling into a parking spot. I put the truck in reverse and heard the same thing. At 85,000 the transmission was shot and I had to spend almost 1,300.00 to have a rebuilt put in. This truck has been well-maintained and is in very good condition. I am very angry.”

NHTSA complaint #10226326, filed 2008-04, 85,000 miles

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #10214221, filed 2008-01, 20 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

“My transmission went in january of 2005. It is now july and the same thing happened again. I had to fight with the dealership then because I only had the vehicle for 4 months and I am fighting with them again. It is the same problem. It won't shif out of 1st and it won't go in reverse and the loud noise is horrible.”

NHTSA complaint #10128173, filed 2005-07, 51,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
200663%
2004177%
20034916%
20022020%

Other parts of the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT

Fuel system
23 complaints
Electrical system
14 complaints
Engine cooling
14 complaints
Exterior lighting
10 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaints
Latches, locks and linkages
6 complaints
Body and structure
5 complaints
Equipment
4 complaints
Suspension
4 complaints
Other or unknown
2 complaints
Air bags
1 complaints
Seat belts
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology