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CarComplaints.com Notes: The Trailblazer emerged from an "upscale trim line" of the Blazer, but there's nothing upscale about its transmission problems or its wonky, unpredictable headlights.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
6 / 10
Injuries / Deaths:
6 / 0
Average Mileage:
65,091 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer electrical problems

electrical problem

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2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer Owner Comments (Page 1 of 6)

problem #120

Mar 012021

Trailblazer

  • 247,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Kalispell, MT, USA

problem #119

Dec 012014

Trailblazer

  • miles
2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Numerous problems associated with car. Windows don't come down, doors don't unlock, and other issues.

- South Windsor, CT, USA

problem #118

Mar 052021

Trailblazer

  • 5 miles
Caught in fire dont know why but the wire got fire

- Lincoln Park, MI, USA

problem #117

Apr 232019

Trailblazer

  • 220,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Batesville, AR, USA

problem #116

Apr 012008

Trailblazer

  • miles
Chevrolet dealer began recall repairs but GM filed bankruptcy and dealer refused to repair citing inability to get paid by GM for recall, returning the vehicle to me unrepaired. Next dealer said records showed repairs were completed. They were not.

- Loleta, CA, USA

problem #115

Jul 052018

Trailblazer

  • 220,000 miles
Recently bought a car that I believe they are illegally passing the inspections on. They proclaimed that fixed a major part to keep the tires on my car tie rods and cv axel. Just short time after it looked like the part was never replaced just tightened up and shortly after we had all kinds of issues with the brakes and anything that keeps the car driveing safely the brakes went out on me so I called to see what they did and why they never fixed it the berry next day they repo the car as if they are trying to hide and cover up the scams they have on people my kids are in that car daily it should be never passed the inspection we have had to pay for most of that. I believe all the cars in there lot need to be inspected by a federal agent or something I've found alot of the same complaints online about same issues and I even know other people who have bought from them all with the same issues they are fraud and you need to stop them before someone gets killed and dies from one of there faulty vehicles my issue happened and happens while driveing they also took both of the brake caliber pins that hold it in place to the point to where it came off completely I almost died guys they are bad people to buy from

- Radford, VA, USA

problem #114

Sep 072017

Trailblazer

  • 823,036 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have an intermittent instrument gage failure, this causes the gage cluster to go out and unable to read vital engine operating specifications. This includes all gauges except for speedometer for now. This typical clears up within 5 mins and sooner if you pull car over and restart vehicle. This can happen at anytime and includes the lighting up of the following lights ABS, brake, security, seatbelt, SRS and all the other dashboard lights. This happens at different dates and times.

- Mansfield, PA, USA

problem #113

Jul 292017

Trailblazer

  • miles
I pulled into my garage and shut my truck off but my doors wouldn't unlock. Then it started making funny ticking sounds and all my lights inside started flicking and my windows all rolled up and wouldn't go back down so I could get out. After about 20 minutes or so I turned it back on and was finally able to get my door unlocked to get out. Now when I touch anything my other windows go up and my seat starts to move on its own. My driver's window is stuck up and won't come back down. I have 5 kids and can not chance something happening and us not being able to get out safely.

- Zanesville, OH, USA

problem #112

Dec 152015

Trailblazer

  • 195,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While driving 30 mph, the headlights failed and turned off independently. When the contact exited the vehicle, the locks independently engaged and locked the contact out. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for that incident. Later, the electrical components on the front driver's side door, including the side view mirror, power window, and power lock switches, failed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the driver's door master power window switch module failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer rebooted the module as a temporary repair, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer and pay for the repairs. The approximate failure mileage was 195,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Weston, MO, USA

problem #111

Mar 092017

Trailblazer

  • 185,000 miles
My entire instrument panel is inoperative. I am unable to tell my speed, fuel level, oil level and pressure, temperature, whether or not my high beams are on or off, or whether the cruise control is engaged. I use my gps as a speedometer and have run out of gas on high-speed limited access highways 4 times. The dealer wants nearly $500 to fix this although it's a common problem (see google). Running out of gas on the interstate is a matter of life and death. I've asked to speak with a zone rep and gotten nowhere. The two photos were taken on 3/9/2017. One with the engine running and one with the engine off. There's no difference!!!

- Dover, DE, USA

problem #110

Dec 202016

Trailblazer

  • 170,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Instrument cluster keeps going out than lights back

- Wellsville, OH, USA

problem #109

Sep 212012

Trailblazer

  • 143,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer. While driving approximately 35 mph, the transmission shifted out of gear and the anti-theft lock and battery warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact also mentioned that the fuel gauge displayed an inaccurate reading when the fuel tank was full. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.

- Jonesboro, AR, USA

problem #108

May 052016

Trailblazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • miles
2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Consumer writes in regards to ignition key recall notice repair problems the consumer stated the key would not come out of the ignition. The consumer stated all the dealer did was spray a chemical in the key hole. However, the problem continued. The consumer found a remedy on the internet, to resolve the problem.

- Munster, IN, USA

problem #107

Apr 022016

Trailblazer

  • 198,000 miles
Faulty gauges. Gauges sometimes work, sometimes don't. when not working, service engine light comes on first and then nothing works on dash panel except signal lights. When it does work, normal startup of lights. Being the odometer is digital, no way of knowing how many miles I have gone which goes hand in hand with gas gauge not working so not a clue how much I have.

- Lakeland, FL, USA

problem #106

May 202016

Trailblazer

  • 112,000 miles
While highway driving with cruise control engaged I heard a loud whining sound and experienced a sudden loss of power. I was almost hit from behind several times before I could get the vehicle over into the right lane. When I took the vehicle to my mechanic I was told the cooling fan clutch assemble had failed. I have had this fan replaced three times now and am not at all pleased that this vehicle has not been recalled for this problem. I have read that this is a "common" problem on this vehicle that can cause a severe accident. I have receipts for the repairs but have no way to upload them.

- Deltona, FL, USA

problem #105

Mar 042016

Trailblazer

  • 155,000 miles
1. my drivers side window and door lock is shorted out and wont operate at all. While driving causing the window to remain down during a rain storm and impeding my visibility. I see they have recalls on other years for this exact same problem. 2. my seat belt cathes really tight and wont release casusing me pain. 3. my headlights regular beams keep coming loose and blowing out.ive had to fix this three times and I have only owned the vehicle for a week. Twice during driving at night once I am not sure when it blew. 4. the front suspension is having problems and I believe may be a recall issue. It makes loud noise like its cracking or breaking, while driving.

- Ft. Worth, TX, USA

problem #104

Dec 042012

Trailblazer

  • 145,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving at 10 mph, the oil indicator indicated low oil pressure and the check gauges warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there was also a loss of power steering. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic but the failure was unknown. The failure recurred intermittently. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 145,000. The VIN was not available.

- Kennewick, WA, USA

problem #103

Oct 162014

Trailblazer

  • miles
I was simply trying to clean my windshield with the wiper blades. When I flicked the switch the car shut off. I immediately got over and turned truck back on. A couple days later I was leaving out for work when I tried to start the car, it stalled and I heard a hissing noise. I couldn't get it to turn over or make any noise other than hissing. The speedometer started moving back and forth erotically. The radio and power windows works but the engine would not turn over. I had it towed to my repair man and he told me there was a electric problem and to call the GM dealership for further assistance. The truck will not start up. There is a short. It shuts off constantly while driving and sometimes I have to push it to avoid oncoming traffic. It won't sped up past 60 without troubling the transmission. While driving sometimes the speedometer doesn't work at all or it jumps, around without reading my correct speed. When I try turn signals it cuts off. When I turn my lights on and off it hisses. Something has to be done. Its my only means of transportation and I really need to find a solution.

- Roseville, MI, USA

problem #102

Mar 042015

Trailblazer

  • 192,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 mph, a smoke odor emitted into the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the residence and parked when the contact discovered black smoke coming from under the hood. The contact stated that although the key was not in the ignition the headlights would not go off and the vehicle sounded as if it was trying to start without the key in the ignition. The contact extinguished the fire with a fire extinguisher. The fire department came and filed a report. Prior to this incident the contact stated that while stopped at a red light with the brakes engaged, the engine rpms increased and the vehicle jerked without warning. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 192,000.

- Baton Rouge, LA, USA

problem #101

Sep 222002

Trailblazer 4WD 6-cyl

  • miles
2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer. Numerous problems associated with car. Windows don't come down, doors don't unlock, and other issues. The consumer stated when he turned the key in the ignition, the windows would not roll down, unless it was done manually. There was a locking and unlocking sound coming from the doors. The consumer was informed there was an issue with the wiring inside the doors. Also, the check engine light illuminated due to a small evap leak and after market fuel cap. The windshield wipers were inoperative, the instrument panel lights were flicking on and off, the inside dome light would not come on. Updated 04/13/15. Updated 07/20/15.

- South Windsor, CT, USA

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