2002 Chevrolet Blazer

The 2002 Chevrolet Blazer is a mid-size SUV known for its truck-like body-on-frame construction and affordability. It came with two engine options: a 4.3L V6 producing 190 horsepower and 250 lb-ft of torque, and a less common 2.2L Inline 4. It came with two transmission options: a 4L60E four-speed automatic, and a 5-speed manual. Owners generally appreciated its off-road capability and simple design, but often disliked its fuel economy, ride quality, and some reliability issues. Here’s a breakdown of common problems:

Engine

4.3L V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, often externally, but can also leak internally into the engine. This can lead to overheating, white smoke from the exhaust, and coolant loss.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Injector Problems (Specifically Spider Injector)
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, poor fuel economy, hesitation during acceleration, and difficulty starting.
  • Solution: Replace the spider injector assembly with an updated version (MPFI).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Distributor Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, engine stalling, rough running, and a “check engine” light with codes related to ignition.
  • Solution: Replace the distributor cap, rotor, or the entire distributor assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Idle Air Control (IAC) Valve Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic idle, stalling, especially when coming to a stop.
  • Solution: Clean or replace the IAC valve.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.2L Inline 4

• No Issues Found

Transmission

4L60E 4-Speed Automatic

• Slipping/Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Delayed engagement, slipping between gears, harsh or erratic shifts.
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the transmission. In some cases, a fluid change and filter replacement may temporarily alleviate the issue if it’s early-stage.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (fluid change) - $1,500 - $3,000+ (rebuild/replace)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at low speeds, particularly when accelerating. Can also lead to stalling.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• Ball Joint Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, particularly over bumps. Excessive tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the worn ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ (per side)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Idler Arm/Pitman Arm Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Loose steering, wandering on the road, difficulty maintaining a straight line.
  • Solution: Replace the idler arm and/or pitman arm.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Leaf Spring Sag/Broken Leaves (Rear Suspension)
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging rear end, poor ride quality, clunking noises from the rear suspension.
  • Solution: Replace the leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+ (per side)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Fuel Gauge Inaccuracy
  • Description/Symptoms: Fuel gauge reads incorrectly or erratically.
  • Solution: Replace the fuel pump sending unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window/Door Lock Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent or complete failure of power windows or door locks.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty window motor, door lock actuator, or wiring harness.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ (per window/door)
  • Recalls: None Found
• 4WD Actuator Failure (If Equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Inability to engage or disengage 4-wheel drive.
  • Solution: Replace the 4WD actuator motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust (Especially Rocker Panels and Lower Body)
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible rust on rocker panels, wheel wells, and other body panels.
  • Solution: Rust repair or panel replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Highly variable depending on the severity, $500 - $3000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard surface, especially in hot climates.
  • Solution: Dashboard cover or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headliner Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: Headliner fabric detaching from the roof.
  • Solution: Headliner replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2002 Chevrolet Blazer is prone to a variety of issues, with the 4.3L V6 engine and 4L60E transmission being common sources of problems. Suspension and electrical issues are also prevalent. Rust is a significant concern, especially in areas with harsh winters. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, major repairs like transmission rebuilds or rust repair can be costly. Severity of the issues range from minor annoyances to safety concerns, such as ball joint failure. Potential buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle for these common problems before purchase.