Reliability
Chevrolet

Blazer (2002)

2002 · Midsize SUV · 3 engines
240 NHTSA Complaints
2 Recalls
5 Fire Reports
14 Crash Reports
View all 7 generations of the Chevrolet Blazer → Inspection checklist

Reliability Score

8.7 / 10

Reliability score

Fewer owner complaints than similar midsize SUVs

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 68 powertrain complaints. A typical midsize SUV fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 152.

Scores this high have held: three years on they had moved 0.2 points in the typical case.

Breakdown
Complaints overall68 complaints against about 152 for similar vehicles
8.7
Last three years
n/aNot enough data
Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced13 complaints against about 31 for similar vehicles
8.8
Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating
n/aNot enough data

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

On the record

No serious powertrain recall covering 5% or more of this generation and no escalated investigation in NHTSA's files. Warranty extensions and settlements have not been researched.

Complaints by Engine Code

L35

4.3L 6-cyl
132 complaints 132.0 per year
5 fire reports
View details

Chevrolet Blazer Unidentified Engine

61 complaints 61.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
13
brakes
10
safety systems
7
other
7
fuel system
5

Owner Complaints by System

Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Chevrolet Blazer, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.

Exterior: 54 owner complaints
Transmission: 33 owner complaints
Engine: 22 owner complaints
Brakes: 22 owner complaints
Electrical System: 21 owner complaints

What to check on a used 2002 Chevrolet Blazer

On a used 2002 Chevrolet Blazer, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the exterior lighting (54), the transmission and drivetrain (33) and the engine (22). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

  1. Check every exterior light, the wipers, the washers, the mirrors and the glass.Safety. NHTSA has 54 owner complaints on the 2002 Chevrolet Blazer about the exterior lighting.
  2. Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 33 owner complaints on the 2002 Chevrolet Blazer about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
  3. Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 22 owner complaints on the 2002 Chevrolet Blazer about the engine, all engines combined.
  4. On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 22 owner complaints on the 2002 Chevrolet Blazer about the brakes.
  5. Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 21 owner complaints on the 2002 Chevrolet Blazer about the electrical system.
Open the full inspection checklist for the 2002 Chevrolet Blazer

Recalls (2)

08V231000May 21, 2008serious
Exterior Lighting

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.

01V364000Dec 3, 2001serious
Exterior Lighting

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.

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
2/5
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
2/5
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No

Alternatives in Midsize SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2002-2002 Chevrolet Blazer complaints?

Owners have filed 240 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002-2002 Chevrolet Blazer. The systems they name most often are the exterior, the transmission and the engine.

Is the 2002-2002 Chevrolet Blazer a good used car?

That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 240 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002-2002 Chevrolet Blazer. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002-2002 Chevrolet Blazer have?

NHTSA has 240 owner complaints on file for the 2002-2002 Chevrolet Blazer as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

What recalls affect the 2002-2002 Chevrolet Blazer?

NHTSA lists 2 recalls covering some 2002-2002 Chevrolet Blazer vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.

What should I check before buying a used Chevrolet Blazer?

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the exterior, the transmission and the engine, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Blazer?

The 2002 Chevrolet Blazer received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 2 stars. Electronic Stability Control: No. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 240 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.

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