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Engine coolingPart report

2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer Engine cooling Problems

Complaints
143about this part
Share
12%of 1,149 total for the year
Median mileage
55,350miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 143 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer, 12% of the 1,149 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,350 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

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

“My 2002 Trailblazer sounds like a jet engine when preparing to start out in the drive position at all times no matter when speed you start out in. The auto mechanic I took it to several times said it would cost hundreds to replace the clutch fan to see if this would fix the problem possibly more and it is using way too much gas now.”

NHTSA complaint #10168337, filed 2006-09, 46,000 miles

“Our motor came to part. We've only had a few visits to the dealership which was not recorded. When we notified the dealership he gave us papers of a special warranty put on our vehicle. One that last until 100,000. Problem being we've never received one page of this. We have a 2002 chevy Trailblazer.”

NHTSA complaint #10173162, filed 2006-11, 113,000 miles

“The clutch fan on our Chevrolet 2002 Trailblazer went out and the fan stayed on. It resulted in reduced engine power because the fan was pulling so much power from the motor. When our mechanic called for parts, the Chevrolet dealership had 15 on stock. Apparently chevy is aware of this problem but has not recalled it.”

NHTSA complaint #10096040, filed 2004-10, 53,362 miles

“Since shortly after purchase, (feb. '02) to present (july '03) my 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer ltz 2wd has frequent-to-constant pinging in engine while accelerating; flat surfaces and inclines. Higher octane gasoline does not remedy. Representative at dealer's service dept. States this is normal with trai*blazers. I am concerned that it is causing damage to the heads.”

NHTSA complaint #10025454, filed 2003-07, 100 miles

“I was driving home from work and started hearing the trucks undercarriage start to rattle and grind on the bumps of the road. I had a sudden loss of power on engine and it wouldnt respond to my pressing on the gas. I believed that I had gas in the truck because the gauge read half full and apparently I was out of gas. So I proceeded to pull into a gas station and as soon as we filled up, the truck would not start! I saw that my check engine light was on and had to ask for a jumpstart to get it started again. …”

NHTSA complaint #10430409, filed 2011-10, 40 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine cooling: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202345%
202222%
202121%
2008126%
2007122%
2006242%
2005443%
2004394%
2003657%
200214312%
2001525%
200028%

Other parts of the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Transmission and drivetrain
310 complaints
Electrical system
181 complaints
Exterior lighting
143 complaints
Fuel system
132 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
106 complaints
Air bags
102 complaints
Brakes
55 complaints
Seat belts
48 complaints
Steering
42 complaints
Body and structure
40 complaints
Other or unknown
36 complaints
Equipment
34 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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