2002 Chevrolet Blazer Reliability
The 2002 Chevrolet Blazer has 259 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA, most often about exterior lighting and powertrain / transmission. Compared with nearby Blazer model years (2000–2004), it rates as a solid year: complaints are in line with the Blazer's typical year, while the 2000 drew 600 complaints.
By CarWhere Research · Updated 2026-11-04 · Source: NHTSA
259
NHTSA owner complaints
2
Recall campaigns
16
Complaints citing a crash
6
Complaints citing a fire
2002 Chevrolet Blazer complaints by component
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 model year, filed between 2001 and 2023. A complaint can name more than one component.
| Component | Complaints | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior lighting | 56 | 22% |
| Powertrain / transmission | 35 | 14% |
| Electrical system | 25 | 10% |
| Service brakes | 24 | 9% |
| Engine & cooling | 21 | 8% |
| Air bags | 19 | 7% |
| Fuel system | 17 | 7% |
| Steering | 16 | 6% |
2002 Chevrolet Blazer recalls
2 recall campaigns on NHTSA record for the 2002 model year, by the date NHTSA received the manufacturer's report. Recall repairs are free at a dealer.
| NHTSA campaign | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01V364000 | Dec 3, 2001 | Exterior lighting — brake lights / switch | 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… |
| 08V231000 | May 21, 2008 | Exterior lighting — brake lights / switch | 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… |
How the 2002 compares with nearby Blazer years
Verdicts compare these Blazer model years with each other.
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | 600 | 4 | Suspension | Avoid |
| 2001 | 331 | 3 | Exterior lighting | Caution |
| 2002 (this page) | 259 | 2 | Exterior lighting | Solid |
| 2003 | 104 | 1 | Electrical system | Better year |
| 2004 | 50 | 1 | Electrical system | Better year |
Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA and are not adjusted for how many of each year were sold, so they compare years of the same model rather than different models.
What to check on a used 2002 Chevrolet Blazer
- Lights: check headlights (low and high), brake lights and turn signals; condensation inside the housings is worth noting.
- Transmission: test-drive from cold through every gear, feel for slipping, harsh or delayed shifts and shudder, and ask whether the fluid has been serviced.
- Electrical: test every light, window, lock, the infotainment screen and the charging system; scan for stored fault codes.
- Brakes: check pedal feel, pulling and grinding, and look at rotor and pad wear; ask when the brake fluid was last changed.
- Recalls: confirm each of the 2 campaigns above was completed on this VIN; open recalls are repaired free at a dealer.
- History: run the VIN for salvage, theft and odometer records, and have an independent mechanic inspect the car before you pay.
Check this exact car
Any 2002 Chevrolet Blazer can be better or worse than its model year. The CarWhere Used Car Report checks one VIN for salvage records, salvage-auction records (with damage photos when the auction published them), stolen-vehicle records, the odometer trail and its listing and price history since 2015. Free preview first; the full report is $12.99, one time.
2002 Chevrolet Blazer reliability FAQ
Is the 2002 Chevrolet Blazer reliable?
The 2002 Chevrolet Blazer has 259 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA, most often about exterior lighting and powertrain / transmission. Compared with nearby Blazer model years (2000–2004), it rates as a solid year: complaints are in line with the Blazer's typical year, while the 2000 drew 600 complaints.
What are the most common 2002 Chevrolet Blazer problems?
The most-reported problem areas in NHTSA owner complaints for the 2002 Chevrolet Blazer are exterior lighting (56), powertrain / transmission (35), electrical system (25), service brakes (24). One complaint can name more than one component.
Does the 2002 Chevrolet Blazer have recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2002 Chevrolet Blazer, including 01V364000 (exterior lighting — brake lights / switch) and 08V231000 (exterior lighting — brake lights / switch). Recall repairs are free at a dealer, and whether one was done is tracked by VIN.
How does the 2002 Chevrolet Blazer compare with the 2001 and 2003 models?
By NHTSA records, the 2001 has 331 complaints and 3 recalls (caution); the 2003 has 104 complaints and 1 recall (better year). The 2002 has 259 complaints and 2 recalls.
How do I check a specific used 2002 Chevrolet Blazer?
Run its VIN. The CarWhere Used Car Report checks one VIN for salvage records, salvage-auction records (with damage photos when the auction published them), stolen-vehicle records, the odometer trail and its listing and price history since 2015, with a free preview first and the full report at $12.99, one time. Pair it with an independent pre-purchase inspection.
More Chevrolet Blazer research
Other Chevrolet Blazer model years:
Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation owner complaints (all body-style listings for the 2002 Blazer, de-duplicated by complaint number) and NHTSA recall campaigns, retrieved 2026-11-04.