2002 Chevrolet Blazer
Introduction
The 2002 Chevrolet Blazer is a mid-size SUV known for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and powerful engine options. It comes with three engine choices: a 4.3L V6, a 5.3L V8, and a 6.0L V8. The 4.3L V6 is paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission, while the 5.3L V8 is offered with a 4-speed automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual transmission. The 6.0L V8 is mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. The Blazer received positive reviews for its comfortable ride, spacious cabin, and powerful engines, but some owners have reported various issues with the vehicle.
Engine
4.3L V6
- Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Leaking coolant, overheating engine, reduced engine power
- Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Head Gasket Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating engine, white smoke from exhaust
- Solution: Replace head gasket
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine rattle, reduced engine power, check engine light
- Solution: Replace timing chain tensioner
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
- Recalls: None Found
5.3L V8
- Oil Pressure Sending Unit Failure
- Description/Symptoms: False oil pressure readings, check engine light
- Solution: Replace oil pressure sending unit
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
- Recalls: None Found
6.0L V8
- Lifter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine ticking, reduced engine power, check engine light
- Solution: Replace lifters
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
4-Speed Automatic
- Torque Converter Shudder
- Description/Symptoms: Vibration while accelerating or shifting
- Solution: Replace torque converter
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500
- Recalls: None Found
- Transmission Slippage
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, loss of power
- Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
- Recalls: None Found
5-Speed Manual
- Clutch Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping clutch
- Solution: Replace clutch
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Ball Joint Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise when turning or hitting bumps, loose suspension
- Solution: Replace ball joints
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
- Recalls: None Found
- Control Arm Bushings Worn
- Description/Symptoms: Loose steering, vibration while driving, uneven tire wear
- Solution: Replace control arm bushings
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: Battery dies prematurely, slow cranking
- Solution: Diagnose and repair electrical system issue
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the cause
- Recalls: None Found
- Alternator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Dim headlights, check engine light, battery warning light
- Solution: Replace alternator
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Door Handle Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening doors, broken door handle
- Solution: Replace door handle
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
- Recalls: None Found
- Tailgate Rust
- Description/Symptoms: Rust developing on tailgate
- Solution: Rust repair or tailgate replacement
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- HVAC Blower Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: No air flow from vents, excessive noise
- Solution: Replace blower motor
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
- Recalls: None Found
- Dashboard Cracking
- Description/Symptoms: Cracks or warping on dashboard
- Solution: Replace dashboard
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2002 Chevrolet Blazer has several potential issues that can affect its performance and reliability. The most common problems reported by owners include intake manifold gasket failure, oil pressure sending unit failure, torque converter shudder, transmission slippage, ball joint failure, battery drain, and alternator failure. The severity of these issues varies, with some being relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, while others can be costly and require major repairs. Overall, the Blazer is a comfortable and powerful SUV, but it is important to be aware of the potential issues before purchasing or owning one.