2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer

Introduction

The 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer is a mid-size SUV available with various engine and transmission options. The 4.2L inline-6 produces 270 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, while the 5.3L V8 generates 290 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include the 4-speed automatic 4L60-E, 5-speed manual NV3500, and 5-speed automatic 5L40-E. The Trailblazer is known for its rugged exterior, spacious interior, and powerful engines. However, it has also been plagued by various issues.

Engine

• 4.2L Inline-6
  • Leaking Intake Manifold Gasket Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, rough idle, decreased engine performance Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500 Recalls: None Found
• 5.3L V8
  • Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure Description/Symptoms: Tapping or clicking noise from engine, decreased engine performance, engine misfires Solution: Replace lifters Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+ Recalls: 14V333
  • Intake Manifold Runner Control Failure Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, poor fuel economy Solution: Replace intake manifold runner control motor Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500 Recalls: 10V176

Transmission

• 4L60-E 4-Speed Automatic
  • Torque Converter Shudder Description/Symptoms: Vibration or shuddering during acceleration or deceleration Solution: Replace torque converter Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200 Recalls: 10V049
  • Slipping or Harsh Shifting Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping out of gear, rough shifting, delayed acceleration Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ Recalls: None Found
• 5L40-E 5-Speed Automatic
  • Shift Solenoid Failure Description/Symptoms: Transmission stuck in gear, delayed or erratic shifting Solution: Replace shift solenoid pack Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600 Recalls: 05T025
  • Transmission Cooler Lines Leaking Description/Symptoms: Fluid leak, transmission overheating Solution: Replace transmission cooler lines Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, electrical system problems, battery not charging Solution: Replace alternator Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500 Recalls: None Found

• Battery Drain Description/Symptoms: Battery goes dead after sitting for a period of time Solution: Diagnose and repair electrical system issue causing drain Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on issue Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Chrome Trim Peeling Description/Symptoms: Chrome trim on grille, bumpers, or door handles peeling or flaking off Solution: Replace or refinish chrome trim Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Broken Climate Control Knobs Description/Symptoms: Knobs for climate control system break or become difficult to turn Solution: Replace climate control panel assembly Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 Recalls: None Found
• Headliner Sagging Description/Symptoms: Headliner material separates from roof and sags down Solution: Replace headliner Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500 Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer has a history of various issues, particularly with its engines and transmissions. The 4.2L inline-6 and 5.3L V8 engines have experienced problems with intake manifold gaskets, lifter failure, and intake manifold runner control systems. The 4L60-E and 5L40-E transmissions have exhibited issues with torque converter shudder, slipping or harsh shifting, and shift solenoid failure. Additionally, electrical problems such as alternator failure and battery drain have been reported. The Trailblazer’s interior has also been prone to broken climate control knobs and sagging headliners. The severity and cost of these issues can vary, but some can be expensive to repair.