2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT recalls and problems

3 recalls and 100 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT.

3
recalls
100
owner complaints
3
complaints mentioning a crash
2
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT recalls

Latches/locks/linkages: doors, latch

NHTSA campaign 05V494000 · reported October 27, 2005 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 98,007 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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: connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia.
The risk
If the door is not latched properly and it goes unnoticed, it may open while the vehicle is in motion. If an unbelted occupant fell out of the vehicle, personal injuries could occur.
The fix
Dealers will install a seal along the lower part of the rocker panel to prevent intrusion of corrosive material, and inspect the rear side closure latches. Functional latches will be cleaned and lubricated. Non-functioning latches will be replaced. The recall began on february 24, 2006. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, or isuzu at 1-800-255-6727.

Exterior lighting: brake lights

NHTSA campaign 04V527000 · reported November 1, 2004 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 871,473 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
An inoperative brake lamp will not convey the driver's intention of stopping to drivers in following vehicles, and an inoperative rear turn signal lamp will not convey the driver's intention to turn to drivers in following vehicles. Both of these failures can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the tail lamp/stop lamp assemblies, and if necessary, replace them. The recall began on november 22, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537, buick at 1-866-608-8080, or gmc at 1-866-996-9463.

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer

NHTSA campaign 04V046000 · reported February 4, 2004 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 581,394 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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 water within the wiper modules can either cause a short circuit or can lead to the corrosion of components within the module.
The risk
Depending on the occurrence and weather situation, driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a crash.
The fix
Dealers will cover the windshield wiper module vent hole with a patch. Also, the wiper motor, circuit board, and electrical connector will be inspected to signs of water intrusion and/or corrosion and be replaced as required. The recall began july 6, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438; oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537; or gmc at 1-866-996-9463.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

May 21, 2017 · Unknown or other · 140,000 miles

SMELLING GAS EVEN THOUGH NO GAS WAS SPILLED. THE CAR IS STATIONARY IN GARAGE. I FEEL IT IS UNSAFE TO KEEP IN THE GARAGE AND I AM PARKING IT OUTSIDE. I AM ALSO WORRIED ABOUT DRIVING.

Feb 17, 2014 · Fuel system, gasoline · 117,150 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.

Oct 15, 2013 · Visibility/wiper · 72,000 miles

THE WIPERS STOP HALF WAY ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE WHEN IT IS RAINING. REGARDLESS OF THE SPEED OF THE WIPERS. THIS IS GOING TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE ONLY HAD THIS VEHICLE FOR ABOUT 2 MONTHS. MY DISABLED SON HAS TO RIDE IN THIS VEHICLE. IT NEEDS TO BE SAFE AND GM COULD CARE LESS. SOMETHING…

Aug 13, 2013 · Electrical system · 65,000 miles

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…

Jul 19, 2013 · Electrical system · 177,000 miles · fire reported

PULLED INTO DRIVEWAY, LIGHTS WOULD NOT GO OFF, A FEW MINUTES LATER SMOKE WAS COMING OUT FROM UNDER HOOD AND IT SMELLED LIKE BURNING PLASTIC. POPPED HOOD AND FUSE BLOCK AND RELAY WE SMOKING AND MELTING! GOT FIRE EXTINGUISHED AND PULLED THE HEAD LIGHT RELAY SWITCH, BUT IT HAD MELTED THROUGH THE BLOCK!!!!

Trailblazer EXT model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2002 310032
2003 331376
2004 126163

Across all years, the 2003 Trailblazer EXT has the most complaints (313). All Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT, the most recent reported on October 27, 2005 (Latches/locks/linkages: doors, latch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT?
Owners have filed 100 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is fuel system, gasoline (23 complaints), followed by power train (20).
How many 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT complaints mention a crash or fire?
3 of 100 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received May 21, 2017.