2002 Chevrolet Blazer: common problems and reliability

· 2nd generation

An average Blazer year.

259 owner complaints, most about exterior lighting. 2 recalls.

Should I buy a 2002 Blazer?

The 2002 Chevrolet Blazer has 259 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are exterior lighting and power train. Owners most often flag lower intake manifold gasket failure.

Safety record for the 2002 model year

259
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
16
Crash reports
6
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2002 Chevrolet Blazer vehicles (US, public record).

The Year Score compares this year with other Blazer years only. How we score it

Is 2002 a good year for the Blazer?

Across the 18 Blazer model years we track, complaint volume runs from 15 (2005) to 1,280 (1996). With 259 complaints, the 2002 Blazer sits above the model's median of 186.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

exterior lighting
56
power train
35
electrical system
25
service brakes
24
engine and engine cooling
21

Recalls affecting the 2002 Blazer

exterior lighting:brake lights:switch

Campaign 08V231000

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.

exterior lighting:brake lights:switch

Campaign 01V364000

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.

What owners report on the 2nd generation Blazer

Owners of the 1994-2005 Blazer generally describe it as a tough, simple, and reliable vehicle whose 4.3 engine and body-on-frame platform can run for very high miles, while criticizing brittle plastic interiors, rattles, poor fuel economy, and a transmission that often needs attention.

  • Very frequentLower intake manifold gasket failure
  • Very frequent4L60E transmission wear or failure, often between 150,000 and 200,000 miles
  • Very frequentBrittle, cracking plastic interior parts and trim
  • RecurrentInterior rattles and squeaks
  • RecurrentFuel pump failure, requiring tank drop

Owner insights for the 2nd generation Blazer. Read the full 2nd generation owner report.

Typical used price

Used Blazer listings typically run $22,199–$27,220.

Other Blazer model years

Compare every Blazer year side by side to see how 2002 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Blazer against its rivals

Looking at a specific car?

We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.

One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy