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CarComplaints.com Notes: The Trailblazer emerged from an "upscale trim line" of the Blazer, but there's nothing upscale about its transmission problems or its wonky, unpredictable headlights.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 7
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
96,548 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer engine problems

engine problem

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2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Comments

problem #17

Aug 282022

Trailblazer

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The car rmp goes high when accelerating it's a common problem with the cooling fan which the company is aware of it but aren't held reliable! It's a shame that nhtsa hade many complaining about the issue but aren't holding the manufacturer responsible this could of hade me and my family in an accident!

- Kendallville, IN, USA

problem #16

Apr 232019

Trailblazer

  • 220,000 miles
Electrical under dash shorting out. Causing accessory plug to shoot sparks as well as causing dash lights to go out, and front panel to stop working. Ac electrical quit working after. 4wheel drive shifts randomly in and out of 2 and 4 wheel drive, causing the transmission to get stuck in neutral. Motor solenoids and sensors keep failing and shorting out due to electrical issues. Vehicle unsafe to drive.

- Batesville, AR, USA

problem #15

Jan 232018

Trailblazer

  • 0 miles
B lazer hesitates when driving and notice a gas smell when I turn on Blazer at the beginning and I noticed a leak inside but was not sure where its coming from. I contacted chevorlet dealer on possible recall they stated its not on there system and I would have to pay for diagnose and because of the mileage maybe they may not be able to fix this. Why would I have to pay for diagnose if its something on their end and its online as a recall on Blazer. I think this can be a hazard to be smelling gas that flows in to air system of the Blazer while driving.

- San Angelo, TX, USA

problem #14

May 202016

Trailblazer

  • 112,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While highway driving with cruise control engaged I heard a loud whining sound and experienced a sudden loss of power. I was almost hit from behind several times before I could get the vehicle over into the right lane. When I took the vehicle to my mechanic I was told the cooling fan clutch assemble had failed. I have had this fan replaced three times now and am not at all pleased that this vehicle has not been recalled for this problem. I have read that this is a "common" problem on this vehicle that can cause a severe accident. I have receipts for the repairs but have no way to upload them.

- Deltona, FL, USA

problem #13

Jan 152016

Trailblazer

  • 181,000 miles
I was attempting to brake at 60mph. As the vehicle slowed it suddenly accelerated despite my applying the brakes as hard as I could. Finally, I was able to stop by shifting into neutral while still braking hard. I stopped just inches from the stopped vehicle in front of me. This was a harrowing few moments and if I had been unable to stop or slowdown the result could have been tragic. My guess is that this is an issue with some sort of electronic accelerator assist or some computer problem which has to do with engine speed or braking.

- Minneapolis, MN, USA

problem #12

Oct 142015

Trailblazer

  • 148,000 miles
The contact owned a 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While driving at approximately 65 mph, there was an abnormal noise and smoke appeared from the hood. The vehicle suddenly caught fire. A police and a fire report were filed and no injuries were reported. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the engine was replaced. On another occasion, while driving at approximately 40 mph, the contact attempted to change lanes and another vehicle attempted to make a U-turn resulting in the contact crashing into the driver side of the vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The hood caught on fire. The fire was extinguished by an individual. A police and a fire report were filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 148,000.

- Pilesgrove, NJ, USA

problem #11

May 012015

Trailblazer

  • 85,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While driving at approximately 20 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact merged over to the right shoulder. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.

- Westorange, NJ, USA

problem #10

Oct 162014

Trailblazer

  • miles
I was simply trying to clean my windshield with the wiper blades. When I flicked the switch the car shut off. I immediately got over and turned truck back on. A couple days later I was leaving out for work when I tried to start the car, it stalled and I heard a hissing noise. I couldn't get it to turn over or make any noise other than hissing. The speedometer started moving back and forth erotically. The radio and power windows works but the engine would not turn over. I had it towed to my repair man and he told me there was a electric problem and to call the GM dealership for further assistance. The truck will not start up. There is a short. It shuts off constantly while driving and sometimes I have to push it to avoid oncoming traffic. It won't sped up past 60 without troubling the transmission. While driving sometimes the speedometer doesn't work at all or it jumps, around without reading my correct speed. When I try turn signals it cuts off. When I turn my lights on and off it hisses. Something has to be done. Its my only means of transportation and I really need to find a solution.

- Roseville, MI, USA

problem #9

Mar 042015

Trailblazer

  • 192,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 mph, a smoke odor emitted into the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the residence and parked when the contact discovered black smoke coming from under the hood. The contact stated that although the key was not in the ignition the headlights would not go off and the vehicle sounded as if it was trying to start without the key in the ignition. The contact extinguished the fire with a fire extinguisher. The fire department came and filed a report. Prior to this incident the contact stated that while stopped at a red light with the brakes engaged, the engine rpms increased and the vehicle jerked without warning. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 192,000.

- Baton Rouge, LA, USA

problem #8

Sep 222002

Trailblazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • miles
2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Numerous problems associated with car. Windows don't come down, doors don't unlock, and other issues. The consumer stated when he turned the key in the ignition, the windows would not roll down, unless it was done manually. There was a locking and unlocking sound coming from the doors. The consumer was informed there was an issue with the wiring inside the doors. Also, the check engine light illuminated due to a small evap leak and after market fuel cap. The windshield wipers were inoperative, the instrument panel lights were flicking on and off, the inside dome light would not come on. Updated 04/13/15. Updated 07/20/15.

- South Windsor, CT, USA

problem #7

Aug 012014

Trailblazer 6-cyl

  • 27,300 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was driving home one night from work on a back road in South Carolina going 35mph when my headlights shut off and the car completly stalled, I quickly turned on my hazard lights on to warn the oncoming traffic the car that was coming up on me had to swerve into the grass because the area was so dark he didnt see my hazard lights until he got close to me. This isnt the first time this has happen there really should be a recall on these 2002 trail Blazer because this is not safe at all im worried my child will be in the truck with me and it happens again.

- Spartnburg , SC, USA

problem #6

Apr 302014

Trailblazer 6-cyl

  • 176,920 miles
I was coming to a stop light my brakes did not want to work, then they did. I stopped my vehicle, my lights in my dash went out within a few seconds smoke started to roll from under my hood and cover my windshield. I immediately got out of the vehicle, and called 911. The vehicle was not running at this time, it stopped running. A bystander stopped to assist, he looked from the passenger front tire view and stated he seen flames that appeared to be blue. He wanted to lift the hood but I advised him not to do so, due to my job training I knew oxygen promotes fire. We got away from the vehicle, saint albans fire arrived on scene, the flames were out by the time they arrived, the car continues to smoke. The vehicle was moved to a lot, the key was put in the ignition by the fire department the dash lights did not work even with just turning the battery on. Triple H towing, towed the vehicle to davis smith's auto body. Geico is my insurer, I had full coverage however they will not cover stating it was mechanical failure. I have no without a vehicle, and no insurance funds to replace the vehicle. I have read online this is a common problem with this vehicle, I just do not want anyone to get hurt in a vehicle fire. Thank you for your time.

- Saint Albans, WV, USA

problem #5

May 142014

Trailblazer

  • 160,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, a strong odor of fuel emitted inside of the vehicle. The vehicle also stalled without warning. Additionally, the gear lever would not secure into park until after numerous attempts. Upon restarting, the vehicle began to function normally. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who tightened the shift cable. The vehicle was not repaired for the additional defects. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

- Richardson, TX, USA

problem #4

Mar 252014

Trailblazer 6-cyl

  • 139,000 miles
I was driving my '02 Chevy Trailblazer on the interstate. The vehicle slipped and fishtailed a bit and I pressed the brakes to bring the vehicle to a stop. When the vehicle came to a stop, I tried to accelerate forward, but it would not move. The vehicle had not turned off on its own. I manually shut off the engine and restarted the vehicle and proceeded to move onto the shoulder of the interstate. I then noticed smoke and a small flame coming from under the hood near the front passenger tire/wheelhouse. The flames got bigger and soon it spread to the entire engine. The flames started near the right passenger wheelhouse and moved to the left driver wheelhouse. In about 20 minutes the entire vehicle was engulfed in flames. I have no idea how or why a fire started. I looked at forums online and many vehicles like mine have caught on fire while driving.

- Sterling Heights, MI, USA

problem #3

Feb 242014

Trailblazer

  • 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet trail Blazer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle suddenly began to decelerated. The contact stopped the vehicle and smoke and flames were billowing from under the hood. The flames were extinguished by the fire department. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and no solution was offered. The failure mileage was 100,000.

- Honolulu, HI, USA

problem #2

Jul 262013

Trailblazer

  • miles
Was driving about an hour or so, when I smelled and seen smoke coming from vehicle. Gauges indicated nothing wrong with vehicle. As I pulled over, I noticed fire underneath the front of the vehicle and also coming out of hood of vehicle around the engine. As I was waiting for fire department, it burned vehicle inside and out half way through vehicle. No injuries but vehicle was junked due to fire damage.

- Kenosha, WI, USA

problem #1

Dec 162012

Trailblazer 6-cyl

  • 100,100 miles
I started my Trailblazer and let it warm for a few minutes. The truck idle was louder then normal but did not knock or miss. I put the truck into drive and pulled out of my driveway. As I was driving down the street I noticed the rpms shoot up and the truck slow, I pulled over and put it into park, the truck idled loudly. I put the truck into drive again and the RPM would rise with little power to the wheels. I nursed it up to highway speed and at higher speeds around 60 the problem seems to not be there. The truck continues to do this in the lower gears and at lower speeds. I notice the oil pressure goes up when this happens and I worry of doing more damage. I have already had a wiper module replaced that was recalled but never replaced before the vehicle was sold to me.

- Snohomish, WA, USA

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