EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
2002 Chevrolet Blazer
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 246 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2002 Chevrolet Blazer, most frequently naming the brakes, exterior lighting and transmission categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 372 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| May 2007 | 1 | 169 |
| Jul 2007 | 1 | 170 |
| Aug 2007 | 3 | 173 |
| Sep 2007 | 1 | 174 |
| Nov 2007 | 2 | 176 |
| Dec 2007 | 1 | 177 |
| Apr 2008 | 2 | 179 |
| May 2008 | 1 | 180 |
| Jun 2008 | 1 | 181 |
| Jul 2008 | 1 | 182 |
| Aug 2008 | 2 | 184 |
| Sep 2008 | 2 | 186 |
| Nov 2008 | 3 | 189 |
| Dec 2008 | 2 | 191 |
| Jan 2009 | 1 | 192 |
| Feb 2009 | 1 | 193 |
| Mar 2009 | 2 | 195 |
| Jun 2009 | 1 | 196 |
| Oct 2009 | 1 | 197 |
| Nov 2009 | 1 | 198 |
| Jan 2010 | 1 | 199 |
| Mar 2010 | 1 | 200 |
| May 2010 | 1 | 201 |
| Jun 2010 | 1 | 202 |
| Aug 2010 | 2 | 204 |
| Oct 2010 | 1 | 205 |
| Jan 2011 | 2 | 207 |
| Apr 2011 | 2 | 209 |
| May 2011 | 3 | 212 |
| Sep 2011 | 1 | 213 |
| Oct 2011 | 1 | 214 |
| Mar 2012 | 1 | 215 |
| May 2012 | 1 | 216 |
| Sep 2012 | 1 | 217 |
| Nov 2012 | 1 | 218 |
| Dec 2012 | 2 | 220 |
| May 2013 | 1 | 221 |
| Jul 2013 | 1 | 222 |
| Nov 2013 | 1 | 223 |
| Jan 2014 | 1 | 224 |
| Mar 2014 | 2 | 226 |
| Jun 2014 | 1 | 227 |
| Aug 2014 | 1 | 228 |
| Oct 2014 | 1 | 229 |
| Nov 2014 | 1 | 230 |
| Jan 2015 | 1 | 231 |
| Feb 2015 | 1 | 232 |
| Aug 2015 | 1 | 233 |
| Sep 2015 | 1 | 234 |
| Mar 2016 | 1 | 235 |
| May 2016 | 2 | 237 |
| Apr 2017 | 1 | 238 |
| Aug 2017 | 1 | 239 |
| Nov 2017 | 1 | 240 |
| Mar 2018 | 1 | 241 |
| Jul 2019 | 1 | 242 |
| Nov 2019 | 1 | 243 |
| Mar 2020 | 1 | 244 |
| Nov 2020 | 1 | 245 |
| Nov 2023 | 1 | 246 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Brakes5117.7%
- Exterior lighting3311.5%
- Transmission279.4%
- Electrical248.3%
- Engine238.0%
- Fuel system227.6%
- Airbags175.9%
- Visibility165.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
2 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govEXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH; EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
HAZARD LIGHT SWITCH FAILURE
ON NOVEMBER 30, 2001, GENERAL MOTORS (GM) CONDUCTED SAFETY RECALL 01V-364 FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 16, 1999 AND AUGUST 28, 2001 TO REMEDY A DEFECTIVE HAZARD SWITCH THAT WOULD CAUSE A LOSS OF HAZARD AND STOP LAMP ILLUMINATION.THE HAZARD SWITCH IS CONTAINED WITHIN THE VEHICLE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH.ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON REPORTS THAT SOME CONSUMERS WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ORIGINAL RECALL OR THAT THEY HAD REPAIRS DONE UNDER 01V-364 BUT EXPERIENCED SUBSEQUENT MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH FAILURES.THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH SUPPORTS THE OPERATION OF CRUISE CONTROL, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING AND TURN SIGNALS IN ADDITION TO HAZARD AND STOP LAMPS. ON MAY 21, 2008, GM NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT IT ERRONEOUSLY MISSED IDENTIFYING 5,862 VEHICLES THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN RECALL 01V-364.GM WILL NOW NOTIFY OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES UNDER A NEW NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 08V-231.OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 17.THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF BRAKE LAMP FAILURE WAS A DESIGN CHANGE FROM COPPER TO BRASS CONTACT MATERIAL IN THE HAZARD SWITCH.THIS CHANGE WAS EFFECTIVE FOR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER SEPTEMBER 16, 1999.GM CHANGED THE MATERIAL BACK TO COPPER FOR VEHICLES BUILT AFTER AUGUST 28, 2001. THE REMEDY PART FOR BOTH 01V-364 AND 08V-231 CONTAINS COPPER CONTACTS.GM'S DATA SHOWS THAT LESS THAN 1% OF VEHICLES REPAIRED UNDER RECALL 01V-364 REQUIRED ADDITIONAL SUBSEQUENT REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD OR MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
The Blazer is showing many codes in the ECM, even though it seems to be running properly. The codes include: p0171, p0174, p0101, p0128, p0155, p0300, p1870, p0128, p0155. The dash recently showed warning lights for parking brake, ABS, and Service Engine soon. It was checked a few days ago by a local repair shop. Two previous recalls showed multifunction switch failures which affected many vehicles.
- NHTSA ID
- 11553900
- Incident
- Oct 28, 2023
WHY DOES THIS WORK ON MY 1999 CHEVY & NOT MY 2002 CHEVY?
- NHTSA ID
- 11376478
- Incident
- Nov 25, 2020
- Mileage
- 268,104 mi
MY BRAKE LIGHTS WENT OUT. THE THIRD BRAKE LIGHT. AS I OWED A 2001 GMC JIMMY THAT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM THAT WAS COVERED UNDER A RECALL I KNEW THAT THE MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH IN THE STEERING COLUMN WAS THE PROBLEM. I WENT TO MY LOCAL CHEV DEALERSHIP (KOEHNE CHEV) IN MARINETTE WI. THEY SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL ONE MY VEHICLE. I ASKED ABOUT THE THREE TSB AND THEY SAID THEY DON'T HAVE TO DO ANYTHING WITH A TSB. I KNOW THIS IS A ONGOING AND A SAFETY ISSUE (NO BRAKE LIGHTS). THE PART NUMBER ON THE SWITCH THAT I TOOK OUT IS 26096832. THERE HAS TO BE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF GM VEHICLES WITH THESE SWITCHES IN THEM WITH THE POTENTIAL FATAL ACCIDENTS WAITING TO HAPPEN!!!
- NHTSA ID
- 11318861
- Incident
- Mar 19, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET BLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HINGE FAILED TO CLOSE, AN ABNORMAL HUMMING NOISE WAS DETECTED, THE VEHICLE ROCKED, AND A TIRE BLEW OUT. IN ADDITION, THE ABS, AIR BAG, AND PARKING BRAKE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOM JOYCE AUTOMOTIVE (18260 PAULSON DR, UNIT D3, PORT CHARLOTTE, FL 33954) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE DOOR, PINS, AND HINGE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. WHILE DRIVING, THE DRIVER'S DOOR DETACHED AND THE BRAKE LINE WAS WRAPPED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11278381
- Incident
- Jun 1, 2019
- Mileage
- 128,000 mi
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET BLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DUE TO THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR BEING ILLUMINATED, THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO PASS INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,450.
- NHTSA ID
- 11235161
- Incident
- Jul 26, 2019
- Mileage
- 37,450 mi
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET BLAZER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY OR WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED. BOTH BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE EVEN AFTER REPLACEMENTS WERE MADE. THE CONTACT INFORMED AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OF THE FAILURE AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL SWITCH; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. A DEALER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A STEERING RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,760.
- NHTSA ID
- 11076378
- Incident
- Mar 4, 2018
- Mileage
- 98,760 mi
2002 CHEVROLET BLAZER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE FLEX PLATE ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE FLEX PLATE HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. UPDATED 11/27/2017*JS
- NHTSA ID
- 10703663
- Incident
- Jan 1, 2007
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET BLAZER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS SISTER WAS DRIVING AT 20 MPH, THE ENGINE COOLING FAN EXPLODED AND THERE WAS SMOKE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S SISTER'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT'S BROTHER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE RADIATOR AND THE FAN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY HER BROTHER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 145,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11018891
- Incident
- Aug 21, 2017
- Mileage
- 145,000 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 26 | 1 | 0 | 50.9 |
| 2024 | 42 | 1 | 0 | 55.9 |
| 2023 | 41 | 2 | 0 | 59.4 |
| 2022 | 45 | 1 | 0 | 56.6 |
| 2021 | 125 | 1 | 0 | 51.3 |
| 2020 | 211 | 3 | 0 | 59.0 |
| 2019 | 183 | 2 | 0 | 51.4 |
| 2009 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2008 | 5 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2007 | 9 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2006 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 40.5 |
| 2005 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 37.8 |
| 2004 | 50 | 1 | 0 | 39.7 |
| 2003 | 77 | 1 | 0 | 44.3 |
| 2002Viewing | 246 | 2 | 1 | 52.1 |
| 2001 | 326 | 3 | 2 | 59.2 |
| 2000 | 589 | 4 | 3 | 59.3 |
| 1999 | 436 | 0 | 1 | 44.1 |
| 1998 | 716 | 3 | 1 | 55.9 |
| 1997 | 768 | 7 | 2 | 61.7 |
| 1996 | 1,153 | 11 | 7 | 67.5 |
| 1995 | 1,224 | 11 | 8 | 67.5 |
| 1994 | 620 | 7 | 6 | 69.7 |
| 1993 | 511 | 7 | 5 | 70.0 |
| 1992 | 278 | 6 | 5 | 71.0 |
| 1991 | 222 | 7 | 8 | 70.4 |
| 1990 | 32 | 4 | 6 | 70.2 |
| 1989 | 38 | 4 | 5 | 70.5 |
| 1988 | 40 | 4 | 1 | 61.2 |
| 1987 | 30 | 3 | 3 | 62.5 |
| 1986 | 19 | 2 | 2 | 63.0 |
| 1985 | 29 | 2 | 2 | 64.4 |
| 1984 | 9 | 3 | 3 | — |
| 1983 | 4 | 4 | 3 | — |
| 1982 | 1 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 1981 | 1 | 3 | 0 | — |
| 1980 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1979 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1978 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1977 | 2 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1976 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1975 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1974 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1973 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1972 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1969 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.