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KLUNK

2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer

The Verdict

5 Total Klunk

The 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer has 1,287 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are electrical (347 complaints) and engine (323 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 5/100, it earns a "Total Klunk" rating. If you're shopping for a Chevrolet Trailblazer, consider the 2025 model year which has 98% fewer complaints.

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The 2025 has 98% fewer complaints

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5

Klunk Score: Total Klunk

Among the most complained-about vehicle years on record. Strongly consider alternatives.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 10

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

04V201000 SEAT BELTS

CERTAIN LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." ONE OF THE TWO SENSORS IN THE DRIVER'S AND FRO...

Risk

IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE SAFETY BELT MAY NOT RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT AS INTENDED DURING A CRASH, AND COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SAFETY BELT RETRACTORS, AND REPLACE THEM IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 24, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-63...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

02V121000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, A FUEL FILTER FITTING CAN BECOME DISCONNECTED. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE ATTEMPTING TO START THE ENGINE, A NO-START CONDITION WOULD RESULT AND FUEL WOULD BE PU...

Risk

IF THE FITTING BECOMES DISCONNECTED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE ENGINE WOULD STOP DUE TO INADEQUATE FUEL SUPPLY AND CAUSE A LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESEN...

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL FILTER QUICK CONNECT RETAINERS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 20, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

03V096000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS NO. 101, "CONTROL LOCATION, IDENTIFICATION, AND ILLUMINATION" AND NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CR...

Risk

THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE STANDARD.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 29, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECE...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

06E025000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

CERTAIN POLI-AUTO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. 11-728, 11-728D, 11-710, 11-419, 11-713, 11-703, 11-704, 11-708P, 11-735, 11-725, 11-726, 11-716 (P&C), 11-721-1, 11-733, 11-729, 11-730, A...

Risk

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

POLI-AUTO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE HEADLAMPS AT ITS ORIGINAL PURCHASE PRICE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT POLI-AUTO AT 305-477-1356.

Reported Apr 10, 2026

01V334000 POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4-WHEEL DRIVE. THE CALIBRATION OF THE TRANSFER CASE CONTROL MODULE COULD CAUSE INSUFFICIENT HIGH SPEED GEAR ENGAGEMENT.

Risk

IF THE GEAR IS NOT ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE CAN ROLL WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS IN "PARK" AND A CRASH COULD RESULT WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE TRANSFER CASE CONTROL MODULE CALIBRATION TO INCREASE GEAR ENGAGEMENT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 6, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON...

Reported Apr 10, 2026

04V046000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

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 CONTIN...

Risk

DEPENDING ON THE OCCURRENCE AND WEATHER SITUATION, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

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...

Reported Apr 2, 2004

03V075000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A MECHANICAL OVERRIDE THA...

Risk

THESE OVERRIDES ARE NOT PERMITTED UNLESS THE VEHICLE HAS A LOCKING STEERING COLUMN.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL ELIMINATE THESE CONDITIONS BY DISABLING THE OVERRIDES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON MAY 29, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE...

Reported Jun 3, 2003

02V273000 STRUCTURE:BODY

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES ARE MISSING WELDS ON THE REAR FLOOR PLAN.

Risk

IN A CRASH, MISSING WELDS COULD DEGRADE PERFORMANCE OF THE THIRD ROW SEAT AND SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE AND OCCUPANTS COULD RECEIVE GREATER INJURIES.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE FOR MISSING WELDS. IF MISSING WELDS ARE FOUND, GM WILL EXCHANGE THE VEHICLE FOR AN EQUIVALENT VEHICLE OR PROVIDE A REFUND OF THE PURCHASE PRICE. OWNER NOTIFICATIO...

Reported Apr 10, 2002

01V126000 SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKETS MAY FRACTURE. THIS FRACTURE COULD RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL A...

Risk

A SEPARATION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, RESULTING IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKETS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN BY TELEPHONE ON APRIL 4, 2001. THE FOLLOWUP LETTER TO CONSUMERS WAS MAILED MAY 3, 2001. OWNE...

Reported Dec 4, 2001

01V283000 POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES (4 WHEEL-DRIVE). SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A RANGE SHIFT COLLAR IN THE TRANSMISSION TRANSFER CASE THAT CONTAINS CRACKS.

Risk

THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN A COMPLETE FRACTURE OF THE RANGE SHIFT COLLAR AND SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF VEHICLE FORWARD AND REVERSE GEARS, AND THE INABILITY TO MAINTAIN "PARK" POSITION. THIS INCREASES...

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSFER CASES AND UPDATE THE CONTROL MODULE CALIBRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 6, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREE...

Reported May 9, 2001

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
200226150347323306
200325839469370130
20041572283928069
20051432772878746
20061362234180443
2007861032334914
2008361594419
2009112141
20215726234330
20223211122026
2023101212189
202484893
202531735

By Category

Electrical
347
Engine
323
Transmission
306
Body
261
Brakes
50

By Severity

1
573
2
564
3
8
4
139
5
3

Worst Problems

Complaints

Brakes 4

I was driving on the highway going 65mph which is the legal speed limit. I got cut off by a driver and light tapped my brakes to slow the vehicle down. When I did so the vehicle then swerved to the left and started drifting sideways directly to a wall. I went head on with the wall. Then I bounced back across all lanes of traffic again still sideways and drifting hitting another wall. Which is where the vehicle ended at the stopping point of the accident. No airbags deployed in the accident. The driver behind me who witness the crash stated that the vehicle started to loose traction before I hit my brakes and me hitting my brakes caused the vehicle to them loose full control. I was in the process of buying this vehicle from Gresham Ford in Oregon. I was told the vehicle was 100% road safe and passed safety inspections. Which is false.

16mo ago
Engine 1

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!

47mo ago
Electrical 1

Airbag on drivers side deployed from the drivers seat without being hit. Opened my car door and the bag was deployed. Car was parked in my driveway.

56mo ago
Engine 2

A month a go

59mo ago
Electrical 4

The contact owned a 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph and not noticed that the vehicles ahead were stopped at a traffic light, causing him to crash into the vehicles in front. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and totaled. The contact received chest and head injuries. Medical attention was needed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.

61mo ago
Electrical 2

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS WITH AIR CONDITIONER ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HAD REPLACED THE CRANKSHAFT SOLENOID WHICH HE BELIEVED REPAIRED THE ISSUE. SOON AFTER THE INITIAL REPAIR, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE TAIL LIGHT AND INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED TO OPERATE AS NEEDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE REPLACED THE TAIL LIGHT FUSES AND INSTRUMENT PANEL CIRCUIT BOARD HOWEVER, THE REPAIRS FAILED TO FIX THE FAILURE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT LINKED THE FAILURES TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 03V096000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 04V527000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE CONTACT CALLED CORWIN MOTORS KALISPELL (2565 US-93, KALISPELL, MT 59901, (406) 755-5555) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 247,000.

63mo ago
Electrical 1

2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. NUMEROUS PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH CAR. WINDOWS DON'T COME DOWN, DOORS DON'T UNLOCK, AND OTHER ISSUES. *LD *JS

63mo ago
Electrical 4

CAUGHT IN FIRE DONT KNOW WHY BUT THE WIRE GOT FIRE

65mo ago
Body 2

MY KEY GETS STUCK IN MY IGNITION REPEATEDLY FOR THE LAST TWO WEEKS. AND NOW I HAVE TO LEAVE MY KEY IN THE IGNITION AND THE BATTERY WILL DIE.

65mo ago
Body 1

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT DROVE TO HIS DESTINATION AND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE THAT THE CHASSIS WAS EXTREMELY RUSTED AND HAD STARTED TO SEPARATE FROM THE SUBFRAME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER NOR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 118,000.

75mo ago
Body 2

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REVERSE OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE CONTACT HEARD A SQUEAKY NOISE EMERGING FROM THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE LOWER DRIVER'S SIDE CONTROL ARM FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT REFERENCED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 01V126000 (SUSPENSION). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000

78mo ago
Transmission 1

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, FLUID WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS RUST IN THE TRANSMISSION LINE AND FLUID LEAKED ON THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

79mo ago
Electrical 4

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WHILE DRIVING AND TURNING, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED AND STRUCK A CONCRETE WALL HEAD ON. THE VEHICLE THEN VEERED TO THE LEFT AND STRUCK THE CENTER DIVIDER TWICE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND TOWED. MOST OF THE DAMAGE WAS TO THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AND THE DRIVER'S DOOR COULD NOT BE CLOSED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BRUISES WHERE THE SEAT WAS LOCATED. THE DRIVER WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM FOR MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE DRIVER'S FACE WAS BRUISED AND A CAT SCAN WAS PERFORMED TO DETERMINE IF THERE WERE ANY BROKEN BONES, BUT THE TESTS WERE NEGATIVE. THE DRIVER ALSO TWISTED HER ANKLE AND THERE WAS A LITTLE BIT OF SWELLING ON HER KNEE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WANTED TO VISIT THE CONTACT'S HOME TO EXAMINE THE VEHICLE AND FIND OUT WHY THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

80mo ago
Body 1

THE FRAME IN MY TRAILBLAZER HAS BIG HOLES RUSTING THROUGH IT. A FRAME 100 YEARS OLD WILL NEVER RUST THROUGH. THE USE OF VERY CHEAP THIN STEEL MAY RESULT IN A ACCIDENT WHEN THE FRAME BREAKS IN HALF. I FIND THIS UNACCEPTABLE REGARDLESS OF HOW OLD THE CAR IS THE FRAME SHOULD NEVER RUST THROUGH

81mo ago
Body 1

I HAVE A 2002 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER WITH GOODYEAR WRANGLER SR-A TIRES. THESE TIRES ARE THE ABSOLUTE WORST TIRES I HAVE EVER OWNED IN MY 34 YEARS OF DRIVING! IN DRY CONDITIONS THEY ARE TOLERABLE BUT ONE CAN TELL THAT THEY'RE NOT STICKING WELL TO THE ROAD. WHEN IT RAINED SLIGHTLY IT BECOMES NEAR IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE WITH THESE TIRES. THE BEST WAY TO DESCRIBE IT IS AS IF YOU ARE TRYING TO DRIVE ON A SLICK ROADWAY ALMOST LIKE DRIVING ON OIL OR SIMILIAR TO DRIVING A RACE CAR ON SLICK TIRES TO DRIFT WITH.

81mo ago
Engine 4

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.

82mo ago
Body 1

STRUT TOWER RUSTED THROUGH AND SHOT THROUGH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT

82mo ago
Body 2

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER EQUIPPED WITH COOPER DISCOVERER HTP TIRES, SIZE: P275/45R20 (NA). WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE CONTACT BEGAN TO FEEL THE VEHICLE SHAKE AND WOBBLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE SIDEWALL. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIRE WAS ABNORMAL AND APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN A DEFECT. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE PLACE WHERE THE TIRES WERE PURCHASED AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIRES WERE NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. *TR CONSUMER STATED I FILED A SAFETY COMPLAINT FOR MY COOPER DISCOVERER H/T+ TIRES TODAY, 7/31/2019.*JB

84mo ago
Body 2

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN ROOF DID NOT CLOSE COMPLETELY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING THE SUN ROOF IN OCTOBER OF 2010 BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,394.

84mo ago
Engine 1

BAD FUEL LEAK COMING FROM DRIVERS SIDE OF VEHICLE, UNDER VEHICLE. MIDDLE OF VEHICLE. VERY DANGEROUS. PARKED ON STREET. BAD FUEL LEAKING.

85mo ago

1287 total

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