2002 Chevrolet Blazer LS 4.3 from North America
Summary:
Never again!
Faults:
Fuel pump went at 70,000.
Intake manifold gasket at 90,000.
Valve cover gaskets at 90,000.
Radiator at 150,000.
Various wheel bearing replacements.
Ball joints.
General Comments:
Bought the truck with 45,000 miles. I have sunk SO much money in this Blazer. I had a 1992 and 1993 before this, and they were built much better. Thousands of dollars spent on fuel pump, intake manifold gaskets, radiator, 4 wheel drive actuator and cable, ball joints, replaced wheel bearings at least 3 times on each side. Back window button does not work, blower fan only works on number 3.
This truck might make me buy a foreign car soon.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 9th June, 2011
21st Nov 2010, 11:18
I have owned three Blazers so far. I have found that there are a few common problems. The fuel pump may go, and this can be costly because they need to remove the fuel tank. If you have this done, use a reputable replacement part. You do not need to use the OEM. Research the quality of replacement parts before you have it done.
I have changed hubs and the alternators also go. But other than that, the car has been very reliable. I now have a Blazer with over 200,000 miles on it and it is still going strong. I have had to change normal things like brakes, rotors, and hubs, belts and other wearing parts. This is normal for any car.
The fuel pump seems to be the most common failure I see in the Blazer.
I now have a leak in the catalytic converter. Rot from age. Because of the leak, the O2 sensors read a problem, which is what they are suppose to do, and my service engine light comes on. It sounds to me like you have a leak in the exhaust system, and you may find the same thing happening. I would not trash the car because you have normal parts failure.
My experience with Chevy cars is that if you do the periodic maintenance and you don't beat on the car, it will last for well over 200k miles. I plan to drive this until I hit 300K and then retire it. I will comment back when I hit my limit.
Best of luck with your car, and remember, do the maintenance as suggested by the OEM.