Chevrolet

Blazer (2002)

2002 · Midsize SUV · 3 engines
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (3.1)
245 NHTSA Complaints
2 Recalls
5 Fire Reports
16 Crash Reports
View all 7 generations of the Chevrolet Blazer → 📋 Inspection checklist

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

Engine Reliability Ratings

LL8

4.2L 6-cyl
⚠️ Caution (3.1)
47 complaints 47.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Chevrolet Blazer Unidentified Engine

⚠️ Caution (3.0)
65 complaints 65.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
13
brakes
11
safety systems
9
other
7
steering
6

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (13 complaints)
Brakes Issues (11 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (9 complaints)

L35

4.3L 6-cyl
Avoid (1.1)
132 complaints 132.0 per year
5 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

exterior
50
electrical
13
fuel system
12
engine
10
brakes
10

Known Issues

Exterior Issues (50 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (13 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (12 complaints)
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Chevrolet Blazer regardless of engine variant.

Exterior Issues (50 complaints)
exterior critical
Transmission Issues (25 complaints)
transmission critical
Brakes Issues (22 complaints)
brakes critical
Engine Issues (17 complaints)
engine critical
Electrical System Issues (14 complaints)
electrical critical

Recalls (2)

08V231000May 20, 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.

01V364000Mar 11, 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.

Alternatives in Midsize SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The 2002-2002 Chevrolet Blazer has accumulated 245 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Exterior, Transmission, Brakes. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Chevrolet Blazer engine is most reliable?

The 2002-2002 Chevrolet Blazer was offered with 4 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 4.2L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

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

The 2002-2002 Chevrolet Blazer can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 245 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

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

The 2002-2002 Chevrolet Blazer has 245 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2002-2002 Chevrolet Blazer?

There are 2 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2002-2002 Chevrolet Blazer vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Chevrolet Blazer?

Before buying a used Chevrolet Blazer, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Exterior, Transmission, Brakes, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or 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. 245 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-07-24.

© 2026 The Weekly Driver