Page 3 of 23 · complaints 101–150 of 1,149

2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2002 record →

Electrical System
Filed Aug 6, 2014CA

IGNITION DOES NOT START AFTER DRIVING VEHICLE. IT IS INTERMITTENT. IS THERE A RECALL FOR IT? *TR

Engine
Filed Aug 4, 201427,300 milesSC

I WAS DRIVING HOME ONE NIGHT FROM WORK ON A BACK ROAD IN SOUTH CAROLINA GOING 35MPH WHEN MY HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF AND THE CAR COMPLETLY STALLED, I QUICKLY TURNED ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS ON TO WARN THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC THE CAR THAT WAS COMING UP ON ME HAD TO SWERVE INTO THE GRASS BECAUSE THE AREA WAS SO DARK HE DIDNT SEE MY HAZARD LIGHTS UNTIL HE GOT CLOSE TO ME. THIS ISNT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS HAPPEN THERE REALLY SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THESE 2002 TRAIL BLAZER BECAUSE THIS IS NOT SAFE AT ALL IM WORRIED MY CHILD WILL BE IN THE TRUCK WITH ME AND IT HAPPENS AGAIN. *TR

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jul 26, 2014145,000 milesIA

WHEN I START MY VEHICLE, THE ABS AND BRAKES LIGHTS GO ON, SECURITY LIGHT, AND RADIO SHUTS OFF, OR IS ON WITH NO SOUND, THE 4 WHEEL DRIVE LIGHT FLASHES BACK AND FOURTH BETWEEN 4 WHEEL AND 2 WHEEL DRIVE, ENGINE SHUTS OFF, WHILE DRIVING, THEN TURNS BACK ON, THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM ALL THE RECALLED GM CARS ARE HAVING WHY IS THE 2002 TRAILBLAZER NOT PART OF THE RECALL? *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 30, 201495,000 milesIL

THE FIBERGLASS COWLING ON TOP OF THE REAR HATCH FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING, DANGLING ONLY BY THE BRAKE LIGHT CABLE. I HAD TO CUT THE WIRE AND REMOVE THE PIECE OF BODY AND LIGHT. WENT TO DEALER ASKING ABOUT REPAIR, THEY SAID IT WAS CAUSED BY "USE OF THE TAILGATE DURING WINTER CONDITIONS OF SNOW AND ICE." THEY SAID "WE SEE IT ALL THE TIME." I ASKED, SINCE IT OCCURS WITH HIGH FREQUENCY, IF IT IS COVERED BY WARRANTY, BULLETIN OR RECALL AND THEY SAID "NO, GM CONSIDERS THIS AN OWNER/OPERATOR ERROR." IN OTHER WORDS, ON THIS VEHICLE, A 4X4, THE TAILGATE CANNOT NOR SHOULD NOT BE USED, IN THE MIDWEST, DURING PERIODS OF SNOW OR ICE? ALAS, I AM DRIVING WITHOUT THE MANDATORY CENTER BRAKE LIGHT. PLEASE REMEDY THIS SITUATION WITH PROPER REPLACEMENT. SADLY, I SEE THIS CONDITION ON THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL MORE OFTEN THAN NOT. *TR

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jun 19, 2014153,200 milesMI

ANYTIME THE WIPERS ARE SET ON INTERMITTENT, THEY COMPLETELY STOP AT ANY GIVEN TIME. YOU CAN BE DRIVING ALONG AND THE WIPERS WILL JUST STOP WITH THE BLADES POSITIONED PERPENDICULAR TO THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE WIPERS SOMETIMES RESUME WITHIN A FEW SECONDS OR THERE IS UP TO A SEVERAL SECOND DELAY. I HAVE TO MOVE THE STALK TO LOW OR HIGH TO GET THE WIPERS TO MOVE AGAIN. I WOULDN'T NORMALLY COMPLAIN BECAUSE OF THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE, BUT IT WAS RECALLED FOR WIPER PROBLEMS IN ITS INFANCY DUE TO WATER GETTING ONTO THE CIRCUIT BOARD. I CAN ONLY ASSUME THE FIX DID NOT KEEP THE WATER OUT AND THE CIRCUIT BOARD WAS DAMAGED. *TR

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jun 15, 2014CA

IT HAS THE "MEMORY" MIRROR OPTION WHICH INCLUDES FEATURING MEMORY SET OPTIONS FOR DRIVER 1 AND DRIVER 2, AS WELL AS REARVIEW CURB ASSISTANCE (THE MIRRORS WILL TILT DOWN TO YOUR SETTING TO HELP PARALLEL PARK WHEN IN REVERSE). THIS OPTION WORKED GREAT FOR A WHILE. THEN, IN 2003, THE MIRRORS STARTED ACTING CRAZY. THEY WOULD CLICK EXCESSIVELY, TILT TOWARDS THE SKY OR DOWN AT THE GROUND. THE LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE ACTUATORS (UNDER WARRANTY) TO SEE IF IT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM. THEY WORKED AGAIN FOR A WHILE. THEN, THE MIRRORS QUIT HOLDING THEIR MEMORY, CAUSING ME ONCE AGAIN TO HAVE TO RESET THE MIRRORS EVERY TIME I GOT IN THE CAR. ALSO, THE MIRRORS APPEARED TO MOVE AT SOME POINT WHILE I WAS DRIVING. ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, I THOUGHT MY MIRRORS WERE RESET, AND THEN I WOULD LOOK TO CHANGE LANES AND FIND MY MIRROR TILTED UP TOWARDS THE SKY OR SOME ERRATIC PLACE. *JS

Suspension
Filed Jun 12, 2014148,000 milesME

I WAS DRIVING ON HIGHLAND AVE. IN SOUTH PORTLAND MAINE , WHEN, SUDDENLY, THE CAR SEEMED TO LURCH AND TRY TO GO IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS. WHEN I EXAMINED THE STEERING I FOUND THAT THE FRONT WHEELS WERE INDEED POINTED OUTWARD. I CALLED AAA AND HAD THEM TOW IT TO BLACK POINT AUTO, WHERE IT STILL SITS WAITING FOR REPAIRS. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jun 6, 2014SC

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jun 2, 2014152,000 milesNY

WHEN YOU STAND BY SUV YOU SMELL GAS FUMES BAD. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Column Shift
Filed May 20, 201485,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY OVER TWELVE YEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO REPAIRED THE AIR BAG SENSOR ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT BROKE AND HE WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT INTO THE PROPER GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE SHIFT CABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

EngineCrashFire
Filed May 20, 2014176,920 milesWV

I WAS COMING TO A STOP LIGHT MY BRAKES DID NOT WANT TO WORK , THEN THEY DID. I STOPPED MY VEHICLE, MY LIGHTS IN MY DASH WENT OUT WITHIN A FEW SECONDS SMOKE STARTED TO ROLL FROM UNDER MY HOOD AND COVER MY WINDSHIELD. I IMMEDIATELY GOT OUT OF THE VEHICLE, AND CALLED 911. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RUNNING AT THIS TIME, IT STOPPED RUNNING. A BYSTANDER STOPPED TO ASSIST, HE LOOKED FROM THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE VIEW AND STATED HE SEEN FLAMES THAT APPEARED TO BE BLUE. HE WANTED TO LIFT THE HOOD BUT I ADVISED HIM NOT TO DO SO, DUE TO MY JOB TRAINING I KNEW OXYGEN PROMOTES FIRE. WE GOT AWAY FROM THE VEHICLE, SAINT ALBANS FIRE ARRIVED ON SCENE, THE FLAMES WERE OUT BY THE TIME THEY ARRIVED, THE CAR CONTINUES TO SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS MOVED TO A LOT, THE KEY WAS PUT IN THE IGNITION BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT THE DASH LIGHTS DID NOT WORK EVEN WITH JUST TURNING THE BATTERY ON. TRIPLE H TOWING, TOWED THE VEHICLE TO DAVIS SMITH'S AUTO BODY. GEICO IS MY INSURER, I HAD FULL COVERAGE HOWEVER THEY WILL NOT COVER STATING IT WAS MECHANICAL FAILURE. I HAVE NO WITHOUT A VEHICLE, AND NO INSURANCE FUNDS TO REPLACE THE VEHICLE. I HAVE READ ONLINE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE, I JUST DO NOT WANT ANYONE TO GET HURT IN A VEHICLE FIRE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR

Service BrakesCrash
Filed May 20, 2014140,000 milesPA

DRIVING WITH MY 5 YR OLD SON AND MY CAR JUST TURNED OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING CAUSING BRAKES TO LOCK AND STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK, CRASHING INTO AN ABANDON TRUCK. I CONTACTED GENERAL MOTORS REGARDING AND WAS TOLD THAT MY CAR IS NOT ON THEIR CURRENT RECALL LIST ALTHOUGH THE PROBLEMS ARE SIMILAR TO THOSE OF ALL THE RECALLS CURRENTLY ASSOCIATED TO THE RECALLS. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT BC NO ONE WAS INJURED AND MY CAR WAS NOT VERY DAMAGED THEY CAN NOT DO ANYTHING BECAUSE IT IS NOT A MECHANICAL PROBLEM, IF EITHER OF THE ABOVE WOULD HAVE HAPPEN THEN IT WOULD HAVE BEEN THEIR FAULT. WHAT THAT TELLS ME IS THAT I NEED TO DRIVE ME CAR AND IF THAT HAPPENS AGAIN A GOD FORBID THAT WAS TO HAPPEN AGAIN AND MYSELF OR MY CHILDREN ARE SEVERELY INJURED THEY WILL THEN ADDRESS THE MATTER. *TR

Engine
Filed May 14, 2014160,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL EMITTED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ALSO STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. ADDITIONALLY, THE GEAR LEVER WOULD NOT SECURE INTO PARK UNTIL AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. UPON RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO TIGHTENED THE SHIFT CABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE ADDITIONAL DEFECTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

WheelsCrash
Filed May 12, 2014AL

I WAS DRIVING AND A GUY IN A CAR CAME OVER IN MY LANE AND HIT ME HEAD ON CAUSING ME TO FLIP MY VEHICLE 4 TIMES, MY AIRBAGS DIDN'T COME OUT AND THE GUY THAT HIT ME WAS UNDER THE INFLUENCE, MY VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Apr 28, 2014112,658 milesOK

VERY STRONG GASOLINE SMELL! THE WHOLE GARAGE AND ENTRANCE TO MY KITCHEN STRONGLY SMELLED OF GASOLINE ONE MORNING WHEN I WENT OUT TO TAKE MY CHILDREN TO SCHOOL. I TOOK IT IN IMMEDIATELY AND THE STEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT THE FUEL TANK FILLER NECK HAD BROKEN LOOSE FROM THE TANK AND THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR AND SEALS WERE LEAKING, THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM THAT GM HAD A RECALL ON FOR THE TRAILBLAZER EXT. I NOTIFIED GM ABOUT THE ISSUE ASKING FOR ANY HELP AT ALL WITH THE SITUATION, BUT SINCE MY TRAILBLAZER WAS NOT UNDER THE RECALL THEY WERE UNABLE TO DO ANYTHING FOR ME. IT IS A SAD DAY WHEN PEOPLES LIVES ARE BEING THREATENED BY POORLY DESIGNED VEHICLES ALL IN THE NAME OF MAKING A BUCK. YOU CAN GO ON LINE ALL DAY LONG AND FIND THE SAME COMPLAINTS FROM GM CUSTOMERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM I AM. WITH THE PUBLICITY THEY'VE HAD IN THE NEWS LATELY AND THE CURRENT LAWSUITS AGAINST THEM, WE ALL KNOW HOW GM FEELS ABOUT HELPING PEOPLE WHO HAVE BOUGHT THEIR DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS. THEY WOULD JUST AS SOON SWEEP THE PROBLEM UNDER THE RUG WHILE INNOCENT PEOPLE DIE BECAUSE OF THEIR DISHONESTY. WOULD SOMEONE WITH ENOUGH POWER AND $$$ PLEASE STEP UP AND FORCE THEM TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROBLEMS THEY HAVE CREATED? *JS

SteeringCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 12, 2014180,000 milesNC

IT WAS DRIZZLING THAT MORNING. I WAS DRIVING IN THE FAR RIGHT LANE. WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY STEERING WHEEL WAS TAKING OVER MY DRIVING. MY TRUCK WENT LEFT INTO ANOTHER LANE ON ITS ON. I SAW ANOTHER VEHICLE COMING UP IN THAT LEFT LANE. ALL I COULD DO WAS ASK MY TRUCK WHAT WAS WRONG. AND I STARTED TALKING TO THE LORD. PLEASE DON'T LET ME HIT THIS TRUCK. PLEASE HELP ME. NEXT THING I WAS PULLED BACK TO THE RIGHT HAND LANE AND THEN OFF THE ROAD I WENT. I WENT THROUGH THE WOODS OVER STOMPS AND BUMPS. AND THEN CRASHED INTO A HUGE TREE. I FAINTED.I HEARD SOMEONE YELLING. I OPENED MY EYES TO LIFE. THE POLICE CAME OUT. AND THE AMBULANCE. THANK GOD I'M NOT TO COOL FOR A SAFE BELT. CAUSE MY AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY. I WAS TOLD THEY MAY DEPLOY AT ANYTIME SO I NEEDED TO GET OUT OF TRUCK. MY SEATBELT LEFT ITS PRINT ON MY NECK AND CHEST. THE TRUCK WAS CRUSHED IN. WHEELS ON PASSENGER SIDE WERE BENT UNDER TRUCK. A TOTAL LOSS .. *JS

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 9, 2014102,000 milesMN

WHEN TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE, THE MOLDING PIECE THAT SURROUNDS THE REAR THIRD BRAKE LIGHT FLEW OFF AND THE BRAKE LIGHT WAS LEFT DANGLING AGAINST THE READ WINDOW. THANKFULLY THERE WAS NO ONE IMMEDIATELY BEHIND US, SO THE PART DID NOT HIT A VEHICLE. AFTER MANY CALLS TO AREA BODY SHOPS I'M BEING TOLD THIS IS A "KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS PART" AND OUR ONLY OPTION IS TO PAY HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS FOR A NEW PART FROM CHEVROLET AND THEN PAY HUNDREDS MORE TO HAVE IT PAINTED AND INSTALLED! *TR

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Apr 1, 2014139,000 milesMI

I WAS DRIVING MY '02 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER ON THE INTERSTATE. THE VEHICLE SLIPPED AND FISHTAILED A BIT AND I PRESSED THE BRAKES TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A STOP. WHEN THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP, I TRIED TO ACCELERATE FORWARD, BUT IT WOULD NOT MOVE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT TURNED OFF ON ITS OWN. I MANUALLY SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND PROCEEDED TO MOVE ONTO THE SHOULDER OF THE INTERSTATE. I THEN NOTICED SMOKE AND A SMALL FLAME COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD NEAR THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE/WHEELHOUSE. THE FLAMES GOT BIGGER AND SOON IT SPREAD TO THE ENTIRE ENGINE. THE FLAMES STARTED NEAR THE RIGHT PASSENGER WHEELHOUSE AND MOVED TO THE LEFT DRIVER WHEELHOUSE. IN ABOUT 20 MINUTES THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW OR WHY A FIRE STARTED. I LOOKED AT FORUMS ONLINE AND MANY VEHICLES LIKE MINE HAVE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Apr 1, 201482,812 milesIL

I APPROACHED A STOP LIGHT. AS I STOPPED, THE WHOLE CAR SHUT DOWN. I TURNED THE IGNITION "OFF", PUT THE CAR IN "PARK", AND TURNED THE "IGNITION SWITCH" TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. IT DID START. A COUPLE DAYS LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED. I TOOK IT TO MY DEALER ON SEPT. 15 2008.THEY ASKED IF I HAD A LOT OF STUFF HANGING ON THE KEY RING, I DID NOT. THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH. ON JAN. 21, 2011 , I WAS DRIVING, AND, AFTER STOPPING, THE CAR WAS RUNNING BUT WOULD NOT ENGAGE (MOVE). HAD THE CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. THEY AGAIN REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH AND ANOTHER SWITCH. ON FEB. 11, 2011, I WAS AT A "DRIVE-UP" WINDOW, MY CAR JUST QUIT RUNNING. I HAD TO PUSH IT OFF TO THE SIDE AND HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALER. THIS TIME THEY AGAIN REPLACED THE "IGNITION SWITCH" ALONG WITH A TRANSFER CASE SWITCH AND A TRANSFER CASE MODULE. THEY SAID THEY HAD TO REPLACE ALL OF THEM SINCE THERE WAS NO WAY TO KNOW FOR SURE IF IT WAS STILL RELATED TO THE "IGNITION SWITCH". I FEEL ALL MY ISSUES WERE RELATE TO THE "IGNITION SWITCH", AND ALL REPAIRS SHOULD HAVE BEEN PAID BY GM.THEY NEW THEY HAD AN ISSUE, OR THE DEALER WOULD NOT HAVE ASKED ABOUT "EXCESS WEIGHT HANGING ON THE KEY FOB".. I BELIEVE THE "IGNITION SWITCH ISSUE" GOES BACK FARTHER, AND AFFECTS EVEN MORE MODELS, THAN THEY ARE CURRENTLY OWNING UP TO. I STILL HAVE ALL PAPERWORK PERTAINING TO MY REPAIRS. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 28, 2014MI

MY 02 TRAILBLAZER I BOUGHT USED 4 DAYS AFTER I BOUGHT IT THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL WOULD FLASH QUICK IF I HIT THE BRAKE BUT WOULD BE NORMAL WITHOUT PUSHING BREAK. THAN MY BRAKE LIGHTS STARTED FLICKERING AND STOPPED WORKING EXCEPT FOR THE MIDDLE ONE. NOW WHEN I TURN MY RIGHT TURN SIGNAL ON MY REVERSE LIGHTS COME ON LEFT TURN SIGNAL FLICKERS ALMOST ALL THE TAILLIGHTS FLICKER WHEN ON. I DID RESEARCH AND FOUND A RECALL FOR THAT PROBLEM AND WAS WONDERING IF MY VEHICLE IS ONE THAT WAS RECALLED THE NUMBER IS- GM RECALL NO. 04087. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Mar 14, 201410,000 milesTX

GM IGNITION SWITCH RECALL NEEDS TO BE EXPANDED. MY MOTHER PURCHASED A 2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER NEW. APPROXIMATELY 5,000 MILES INTO OWNERSHIP, THE CAR WOULD "DROP" VARIOUS ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. FOR INSTANCE, WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE WOULD CONTINUE TO RUN, BUT THE WIPERS WOULD STOP WORKING, HVAC WOULD TURN OFF, AIR BAG AND ABS WARNING LIGHTS WOULD ILLUMINATE, ETC. DEALER HAD NO IDEA HOW TO FIX. EVENTUALLY THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH AND THE PROBLEM WAS SOLVED. TO MY KNOWLEDGE, GM NEVER ISSUED A RECALL, BUT I'M SURE THE ISSUE IS NOT ISOLATED. THESE SWITCHES WERE UNRELIABLE ACROSS SEVERAL VEHICLE LINES, PLEASE INVESTIGATE GMT 360 PLATFORM WELL. *TR

EngineFire
Filed Mar 5, 2014100,000 milesHI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET TRAIL BLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO DECELERATED. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND SMOKE AND FLAMES WERE BILLOWING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE FLAMES WERE EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 27, 2014CA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL FUMES EMITTED IN AND AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER; HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE AND REFUSED TO PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER AN UNKNOWN MANUFACTURERS RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jan 21, 2014152,000 milesOH

MY 2002 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER STARTED RUNNING SLUGGISH AND GETTING TERRIBLE GAS MILEAGE, THEN I STARTED SMELLING GAS WHILE I WAS DRIVING, PULLED OVER AND THERE WAS GAS POURING OUT OF THE TANK UNDERNEATH THE CAR! VERY DANGEROUS! *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jan 20, 2014211,080 milesPA

I JUST PURCHASED THE 2002 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER FROM MASANO AUTO RETAILERS, AS IS, IN READING, PENNSYLVANIA. UPON STOPPING AT A GAS STATION BECAUSE I NOTICED THE REAR LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING, I SMELLED GAS, AND UPON LOOKING UNDER THE VEHICLE I SAW GAS DRIPPING DOWN FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE GAS TANK. I COULD NOT SEE EXACTLY WHERE THE GAS IS LEAKING FROM, AND ONLY NOTICED THAT GAS WAS RUNNING DOWN THE GAS TANK. I WENT ONLINE AND NOTICED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2002 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER, AND WONDERED WHY SUCH A DANGEROUS ISSUE THAT COULD RESULT IN A CATASTROPHE WAS NOT THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL. REALLY! ITS OK TO ALLOW PEOPLE TO DRIVE IN CITIES AND PARK NEAR HOMES, SCHOOLS AND BUSINESSES WITH LEAKING GAS TANKS, NOT TO MENTION THE ENVIRONMENT FOR CRYING OUT LOUD. WHERE IS THE RECALL? *TR

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jan 10, 2014156,000 milesMI

ALL TRAILBLAZER TAHOES AND ENVOYS HAVE THE PROBLEM WHEN YOU DISCONNECT THE BATTERY IT CAUSES THESES ACTUATORS TO SLAM OPEN AND SHUT BREAKING THEM. THE DEALERSHIP IS TELLING ME ALMOST 2000 DOLLARS TO FIX THIS SAFETY ISSUE. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE I LIVE IN MICHIGAN AND DEPEND ON THE HEAT TO UNTHAW MY WINDSHIELD. CONSIDERING THIS IS A MANUFACTURES PROBLEM AND ANY MECHANIC KNOWS TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY TO WORK ON THE VEHICLE. SO WHAT IS THIS CRAP? DO I HAVE TO RETAIN A LAWYER FOR THIS ISSUE IF SOMEONE COULD PLEASE CONTACT ME AT [XXX] MY NAME IS [XXX] I WOULD LIKE TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE WITH A RECALL. HEAT IN WINTER I WOULD SAY IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. I WILL BE PERSISTENT WITH THIS. THANK YOU INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Nov 22, 201315,657 milesMI

THERE WAS A VEHICLE RECALL CAMPAIGN REGARDING THE WIPER MOTOR ON MY 2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. WATER WOULD WORK IT'S WAY INTO THE WIPER MOTOR ON CERTAIN MODELS AND SHORT THE MOTOR AND CIRCUIT BOARD OUT. GENERAL MOTOR'S FIX WAS TO INSPECT AND RESEAL THE MOTOR. NOT LONG AFTER GENERAL MOTOR'S SUPPOSED FIX, THE WIPERS ON MY TRAILBLAZER WOULD STOP IN MID WIPE AND THEN RESTART AGAIN A FEW SECONDS LATER, WHICH I REGARD AS A SERIOUS SAFETY RELATED ISSUE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE CIRCUIT BOARD HAD SHORTED OUT AND THE WIPER MOTOR WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED AT $332.67. THIS WAS THE SAME PROBLEM THE RECALL WAS SUPPOSED ADDRESS. IN MY OPINION, GENERAL MOTOR'S (FIX) WAS A STOPGAP MEASURE AND NOT A PERMANENT SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM AND A ONGOING SAFETY RELATED ISSUE. NOT TO MENTION THE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS THAT CUSTOMERS HAVE HAD TO SHELL OUT FOR THIS REPAIR OVER THE YEARS. I FEEL THAT THE NHTSA SHOULD MAKE GENERAL MOTOR'S RECALL THIS VEHICLE ONCE AGAIN FOR A PERMANENT SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM. I ALSO FEEL THAT ANYONE WHO HAS PAID FOR THIS REPAIR SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR THEIR OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Oct 3, 2013208,565 milesMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN THE ENGINE WAS STARTED AND THE HEAT ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 208,565. UPDATED 12/03/13 *BF

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Sep 30, 2013122,000 milesTN

WHILE DRIVING I NOTICED A BURNING SMELL OUTSIDE OF MY VEHICLE BUT ASSUMED IT WAS COMING FROM THE AREA AROUND ME NOT MY CAR. WHEN I GOT TO MY DESTINATION I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE LEFT SIDE OF THE HOOD AND ABOVE THE DRIVERS SIDE TIRE. I RAISED MY HOOD AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM AROUND MY FUSE BOX. I HAD THE CAR TOWED AND HAVE BEEN TOLD BY MY MECHANIC MY FUSE BOX AND WIRING HARNESS BURNED. HE ALSO STATED THERE COULD BE OTHER DAMAGED RELATED TO THIS FIRE. THE MECHANIC ALSO ASKED IF I HAD PROBLEMS OUT OF MY HEADLIGHTS BECAUSE THE PROBLEM SEEMED TO HAVE STARTED WITH THE HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS SINCE BEING GIVEN THIS INFORMATION AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS SEEM HAVE BEEN A PROBLEM WITH TRAILBLAZERS. I FOUND SEVERAL INSTANCES ON THIS SITE AND ALSO ONLINE RELATED TO ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ON THE TRAILBLAZERS. COMPLAINT #10487846 IS IDENTICAL TO MINE AND ITS A SHAME NOTHING GETS DONE ABOUT THESE MECHANICAL FAILURES UNTIL THERE IS A TRAGEDY. *TR

Seat Belts
Filed Sep 18, 2013AZ

THE 2ND ROW CENTER SEAT BELT RETRACT HAS LOCKED INTO PLACE THE SEAT BELT IS FULLY REELED IN AND WILL NOT UNLOCK. I RESEARCHED THIS FOR THE LAST 24 HOURS AND COME TO FIND OUT HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE MIDDLE SEAT IN 2ND ROW NOT JUST THE FRONT PASSENGER OF CHEVY TRAILBLAZERS 2002-2004 THAT WAS RECALLED PREVIOUSLY. EITHER WAY THIS IS A MASSIVE SAFETY ISSUE! SEAT BELTS ARE MEANT TO LAST 30+ YEAR BEFORE THEY EVEN SHOW ANY KIND OF WEAR AND TEAR, NOT 11 YEARS. PLEASE ISSUE THE RECALL SO WE CAN SAFELY STRAP OUR CHILDREN INTO THE BACK SEAT AND NOT HAVE TO WORRY IF THE SEAT BELT IS GOING TO MAINTAIN ITS FUNCTION OR NOT. OUR CHILDREN'S LIVES ARE AT STAKE HERE.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 8, 2013LA

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER STARTED TO ACT ERRATICALLY AND THEN WENT OUT COMPLETELY. NO ODOMETER, SHIFT POSTION OR GAUGES. CRUISE CONTROL WORKS FINE. I HAVE TO USE MY GPS TO JUDGE SPEED.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 7, 201390,000 milesPA

ABOVE DATE & MILEAGE IS APPROXIMATE. I AM ONLY ABLE TO ACTIVATE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW. NO OTHER WINDOWS OPERATE FROM DRIVER'S DOOR PANEL. I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS A RECALL, BUT I NEVER RECEIVED ANY INFORMATION ABOUT THE RECALL. I HAVE OWNED THE CAR SINCE AROUND 2004.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Aug 28, 2013146,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS SEVERE CORROSION THROUGHOUT THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRAME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,000. *TT

Power Train
Filed Aug 27, 2013122,924 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS LEAKING ONTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FROM THE TRANSMISSION LINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE TRANSMISSION COOLER LINES WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CORROSION ON THE INSULATED HEAT SHIELD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 122,924. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 26, 201374,000 milesNY

TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PERFORMING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS FOUND TO HAVE DANGEROUS LEVELS OF RUST AND CORROSION. PARTS OF THE VEHICLE WERE BREAKING OFF WITH A SLIGHT TOUCH OF HAND. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,000. DT

Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields
Filed Aug 23, 2013122,000 milesMA

WHEN MY MECHANIC PUT MY TRUCK ON THE LIFT YESTERDAY TO CHANGE THE WATER PUMP, HE NOTICED THAT THE FRAME IS SO ROTTED THAT HE ADVISED ME NOT TO DRIVE IT.AND FOR WHO KNOWS HOW LONG, MY WIFE AND MYSELF, WHO ARE BOTH DISABLED, HAVE BEEN DRIVING THIS, PUTTING OURSELVES AND THE PUBLIC AT RISK. WHEN I BROUGHT IT TO A CHEVROLET DEALER, THEY JUST SAID, NO RECALLS ON IT, SORRY! SO NOW I HAVE TO FIGURE OUT A WAY TO GET MY WIFE AND MYSELF TO DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS, SHOPPING, AND ALL THE OTHER THINGS WE NEED A DEPENDABLE VEHICLE FOR. WE CAN'T DRIVE THIS, OR AFFORD TO FIX IT, AND WE HAVE NO MONEY TO BUY ANOTHER ONE. DID I MENTION THAT WE ARE FILING FOR BANKRUPTCY BECAUSE MY WIFE WAS MIS-DIAGNOSED BY A DOCTOR, LOST HER JOB, AND NOW IS IN A WHEELCHAIR? OR THAT OUR MORTGAGE IS GOING ON 18 MOS. OVERDUE?OR THAT WE HAVE A NEW HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE HOME TO MOVE INTO, BUT WE CAN'T GET OUR CURRENT HOUSE PACKED TO BE ABLE TO PUT IT ON THE MARKET? *TR

Power Train
Filed Aug 9, 2013142,000 milesKY

THE FIRST MAJOR PROBLEM I HAD WITH THIS TRAILBLAZER I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 65 MPH WHEN FOR SOME REASON THE 4WD DECIDED TO SHIFT INTO 4 LOW ON ITS OWN. WELL, THIS RIPPED OUT THE CV JOINT HALF SHAFT ON ONE SIDE, DESTROYED THE TRANSFER CASE INTERNALS AND BROKE OFF THE AXLE HOUSING FROM THE ALUMINUM OIL PAN ON THE ENGINE. OK, I GOT THAT FIXED, ADDED A NEW SELECTOR SWITCH, THEN A FEW THOUSAND MILES LATER THE TRANSMISSION GOES OUT WHILE I'M ON THE INTERSTATE. IT WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED INSIDE. THE TRANSMISSION SHOP HAD TO FIND A NEW CORE BECAUSE MINE LOOKED LIKE A BOMB HAD WENT OFF INSIDE IT. SO , I'M THINKING IT COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY THE FIRST PROBLEM, MAYBE A DELAYED REACTION? OK, WE GET A REBUILT TRANSMISSION IN IT AND JUST OUT OF WARRANTY IT GOES OUT AGAIN. NO TOWING MIND YOU, JUST EASY HIGHWAY MILES WITH A MIND ON TRYING TO GET THE BEST FUEL MILEAGE POSSIBLE BY DRIVING LIKE THERE WAS AN EGG BETWEEN MY FOOT AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. SO, I GO TO ANOTHER TRANSMISSION SHOP THIS TIME. MAYBE THE FIRST GUY DIDN'T DO A GOOD JOB I'M THINKING. SO THE 2ND TRANSMISSION GUY TELLS ME THAT'S NOT UNCOMMON FOR THE 4L60E TO GO OUT LIKE THAT, THEY'RE GARBAGE. SO HE PUTS ME IN A NEW TRANNY. WELL, SURE ENOUGH 6 MONTHS LATER IT LOST 3RD AND 4TH GEARS. THE LOCAL SHOP IS NOT TO BLAME, THESE TRANSMISSIONS ARE JUNK. MANY HAVE FLAWS IN THEM AND GM KNOWS IT. SO WHAT ARE THEY GOING TO DO? UNLESS I RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE ON THE TRANSMISSION, THE TRAILBLAZER WILL KEEP ITS PLACE IN THE BACKYAR

EngineFire
Filed Jul 31, 2013WI

WAS DRIVING ABOUT AN HOUR OR SO, WHEN I SMELLED AND SEEN SMOKE COMING FROM VEHICLE. GAUGES INDICATED NOTHING WRONG WITH VEHICLE. AS I PULLED OVER, I NOTICED FIRE UNDERNEATH THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND ALSO COMING OUT OF HOOD OF VEHICLE AROUND THE ENGINE. AS I WAS WAITING FOR FIRE DEPARTMENT, IT BURNED VEHICLE INSIDE AND OUT HALF WAY THROUGH VEHICLE. NO INJURIES BUT VEHICLE WAS JUNKED DUE TO FIRE DAMAGE. *TR

Power Train
Filed Jul 14, 201398,911 milesMI

THE INDICATED VEHICLE IS MY WIFE'S. WE BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW ON 09/26/2001. SHE HAS NEVER TOWED ANYTHING AND HAS CITY AND HIGHWAY MILES. WE HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, REAR TAILGATE STRAP, RIGHT REAR BRAKE LIGHT, (3) SOLENOIDS, SPARE TIRE DROPDOWN AND DETERIORATED TRANSMISSION LINES. I HAVE REPAIRED ALL OF THE PREVIOUS OUT OF POCKET (EXCEPT FOR THE STRAP AND THE SPARE TIRE DROPDOWN). NOW, MY WIFE WAS ON THE WAY TO THE BICYCLE STORE IN HER TRUCK, WITH THE BICYCLE ON THE BACK. SHE WAS MAKING A TURN ONTO THE MAIN ROAD WHEN SHE HEARD GRINDING AND SQUEALING, AND THE SPEED DROPPED DRASTICALLY. LUCKILY, IT WAS AROUND 10AM WHEN THERE IS NOT MUCH TRAFFIC ON THE ROAD. READING NUMEROUS POSTS ON THIS WEBSITE, IT IS THE SAME PROBLEM EVERYONE HAS HAD, THE TRANSMISSION SUN SHELL, AND NO REVERSE. WITH 98911 MILES, I WAS ABOUT TO SPEND THE WEEKEND CHANGING THE FLUID IN THE TRANSMISSION TO KEEP IT TO SPEC. NOW, I'M LOOKING AT A VERY EXPENSIVE BILL OF WHICH I CANNOT AFFORD. $30 IS EASIER THAN $1200. AND, I'M A MANUFACTURING ENGINEER, SO I CHECK FLUIDS REGULARLY, EVEN THOUGH THE OIL CHANGE STATIONS CHECK THEM. SEEING THAT THERE ARE PROBLEMS WITH THESE COMPONENTS, I THINK THAT GENERAL MOTORS SHOULD PRODUCE A RECALL. I'M VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT WITH ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS, NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO REMEDY THE SITUATION. WE WILL BE CALLING THE DEALER THAT WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FROM FIRST THING MONDAY MORNING. *TR

Service BrakesFire
Filed May 20, 2013170,000 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OVER TO THE SHOULDER WHERE THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE WAS CONTAINED BY THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND WAS NOT INSPECTED FOR THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed May 11, 2013110,000 milesIL

I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT AND THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. EVERYTHING ELSE WAS WORKING, I HAD DASH BOARD LIGHTS. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF ON A SIDE ROAD AND TRY TO DETERMINE FROM THE MANUAL IF IT WAS A FUSE. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND WHEN I STARTED IT AGAIN, THE LIGHTS CAME BACK ON. THIS HAPPEN AGAIN 2 WEEKS LATER. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ON LINE AS I FELT THIS WAS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND FOUND THAT I WAS NOT THE ONLY ONE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM WITH TRAILBLAZERS. I JUST SAW WHERE CORVETTE OWNERS WERE EXPERIENCING A SIMILAR PROBLEM AND THAT THIS AGENCY WAS INVESTIGATING. I WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF YOU COULD INCLUDE OTHER CHEVROLET MODELS IN THIS INVESTIGATION. *TR

Power Train
Filed Mar 30, 2013162,417 milesIN

WE JUST LEFT THE HOUSE TO TAKE THE KIDS TO GET SO FOOD AND WE MADE IT LIKE FIFTY YARDS FROM THE HOUSE AND THE TRANNY MADE A POPPING SOUND AND SO WE STOPPED AND TRIED TO GO AND IT WONT MOVE EITHER WAY SO I PULL IT BACK TO THE HOUSE AND I START IT UP AND THE TRANNY IS WHINING AND I PUT IT IN REVERSE NOTHING HAPPENS SO I PUT IT IN DRIVE AND IT GOES FORWARD BUT WONT SHIFT. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Mar 7, 201330,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THERE WAS A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE FUEL OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DID NOT DETECT A FUEL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE A FUEL LEAK WAS DETECTED AFTER THE FUEL TANK WAS REMOVED. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK MODULE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. ...UPDATED 04-03-13 *BF

Electrical System
Filed Feb 28, 2013137,000 milesTX

WHEN DRIVING THE CHECK GAUGES LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE WAS AT ZERO. THIS OCCURRED WHEN I SLOWED AND THEN STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AFTER HAVING DRIVEN FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES (THE VEHICLE SOUNDED AS IF IT WERE ABOUT TO TURN OFF SO I PULLED OVER AND TURNED IT OFF). WHEN LOOKING AT THE INSTRUMENTATION PANEL I THEN NOTICED THE CHECK BATTERY LIGHT IS DIMLY ILLUMINATED (BATTERY IS 6 MO OLD) AND VARIOUS READINGS ARE OFF (RPG IS REGISTERING LOW AND ONE RPM INDICATOR STARTS AT 5 WHEN THE IGNITION IS TURNED ON). VARIOUS TRAILBLAZER FORUMS ARE INDICATING OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. TWO CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS HAVE INDICATED THAT IT IS LIKELY AN INSTRUMENTATION CLUSTER PROBLEM (AND INDICATE THEY HAVE GUIDANCE FROM GM TO RUN 2 CHECKS TO DETERMINE IF IT IS AN INSTRUMENTATION CLUSTER PROBLEM). TWO INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOPS HAVE IDENTIFIED IT AS AN INSTRUMENTATION CLUSTER PROBLEM THAT THEY HAVE SEEN ON MANY 2002 TRAILBLAZERS. THE REPAIR COSTS RANGE AS HIGH AS $750. GM CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CAN ONLY STATE THIS IS NOT A RECALLED REPAIR (APPLIES TO LATER MODELS BUT NOT 2002); THEREFORE, IT IS THE CUSTOMER'S RESPONSIBILITY. MY GM FILE # IS [XXX]. GM DID ASK THAT I PAY $80 FOR THE DIAGNOSTICS, WHILE ALSO SAYING THEY WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. ADDING AN ADDITIONAL $80 TO COSTS OR PAYING A DEALERSHIP MORE MONEY THAN AN INDEPENDENT SHOP IS NOT PRACTICAL NOR AN ADDED EXPENSE I SHOULD ASSUME. MOST AMAZING IS THAT GM CAN GIVE DEALERSHIPS INSTRUCTIONS ON DIAGNOSING THIS P

Electrical System
Filed Feb 28, 2013137,000 milesTX

WHEN DRIVING THE CHECK GAUGES LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE OIL PRESSURE GAUGE WAS AT ZERO. THIS OCCURRED WHEN I SLOWED AND THEN STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AFTER HAVING DRIVEN FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES (THE VEHICLE SOUNDED AS IF IT WERE ABOUT TO TURN OFF SO I PULLED OVER AND TURNED IT OFF). WHEN LOOKING AT THE INSTRUMENTATION PANEL I THEN NOTICED THE CHECK BATTERY LIGHT IS DIMLY ILLUMINATED (BATTERY IS 6 MO OLD) AND VARIOUS READINGS ARE OFF (RPG IS REGISTERING LOW AND ONE RPM INDICATOR STARTS AT 5 WHEN THE IGNITION IS TURNED ON). VARIOUS TRAILBLAZER FORUMS ARE INDICATING OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. TWO CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS HAVE INDICATED THAT IT IS LIKELY AN INSTRUMENTATION CLUSTER PROBLEM (AND INDICATE THEY HAVE GUIDANCE FROM GM TO RUN 2 CHECKS TO DETERMINE IF IT IS AN INSTRUMENTATION CLUSTER PROBLEM). TWO INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOPS HAVE IDENTIFIED IT AS AN INSTRUMENTATION CLUSTER PROBLEM THAT THEY HAVE SEEN ON MANY 2002 TRAILBLAZERS. THE REPAIR COSTS RANGE AS HIGH AS $750. GM CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CAN ONLY STATE THIS IS NOT A RECALLED REPAIR (APPLIES TO LATER MODELS BUT NOT 2002); THEREFORE, IT IS THE CUSTOMER'S RESPONSIBILITY. MY GM FILE # IS [XXX]. GM DID ASK THAT I PAY $80 FOR THE DIAGNOSTICS, WHILE ALSO SAYING THEY WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. ADDING AN ADDITIONAL $80 TO COSTS OR PAYING A DEALERSHIP MORE MONEY THAN AN INDEPENDENT SHOP IS NOT PRACTICAL NOR AN ADDED EXPENSE I SHOULD ASSUME. MOST AMAZING IS THAT GM CAN GIVE DEALERSHIPS INSTRUCTIONS ON DIAGNOSING THIS P

Electrical System
Filed Jan 2, 2013160,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS AND GAUGES ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL MALFUNCTIONED, PREVENTING HIM FROM BEING ABLE TO DETERMINE ANY ACCURATE READINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 171,000.

Engine
Filed Dec 20, 2012100,100 milesWA

I STARTED MY TRAILBLAZER AND LET IT WARM FOR A FEW MINUTES. THE TRUCK IDLE WAS LOUDER THEN NORMAL BUT DID NOT KNOCK OR MISS. I PUT THE TRUCK INTO DRIVE AND PULLED OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY. AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET I NOTICED THE RPMS SHOOT UP AND THE TRUCK SLOW, I PULLED OVER AND PUT IT INTO PARK, THE TRUCK IDLED LOUDLY. I PUT THE TRUCK INTO DRIVE AGAIN AND THE RPM WOULD RISE WITH LITTLE POWER TO THE WHEELS. I NURSED IT UP TO HIGHWAY SPEED AND AT HIGHER SPEEDS AROUND 60 THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO NOT BE THERE. THE TRUCK CONTINUES TO DO THIS IN THE LOWER GEARS AND AT LOWER SPEEDS. I NOTICE THE OIL PRESSURE GOES UP WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND I WORRY OF DOING MORE DAMAGE. I HAVE ALREADY HAD A WIPER MODULE REPLACED THAT WAS RECALLED BUT NEVER REPLACED BEFORE THE VEHICLE WAS SOLD TO ME. *TR

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Dec 10, 2012169,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS DID NOT AUTOMATICALLY TURN OFF WHEN HE EXITED THE VEHICLE AND SMOKE WAS EMITTED FROM UNDER THE HOOD. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE FUSE BOX WAS SMOKING AND THE WIRING HARNESS HAD BURNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 169,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 28, 201290,000 milesNY

FUEL TANK LEAKING GASOLINE AND SMELL OF GASOLINE VAPORS. *TR

SuspensionCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 6, 201270,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15-20 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE COLLAPSED AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A WALL. THE VEHICLE WAS FLIPPED ONTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND BACK. THE POLICE WERE CONTACTED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS LATER TREATED AT A HOSPITAL FOR HIS INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DEEMED AS DESTROYED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKET FRACTURED, WHICH CAUSED THE CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 01V126000 (SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Full record for the 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer → · Every Trailblazer year → · How the figures are calculated →