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2002 Chevrolet Silverado Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 710 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado, most often about the brakes (49% of complaints, typically around 50,000 miles). It is the 3rd most complained-about Silverado model year since 2000 and has 4 recalls.
Most common 2002 Chevrolet Silverado problems
Brakes
350 complaints · 49%Half of these problems showed up before 50,000 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, foundation components, antilock, conventional.
The brake pedal would continuously and intermittently harden when applied at various speed of 0-70 MPH. This resulted in extended stopping distance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the ABS caliper, but the problem recurred.
The consumer was driving toward a stop sign and when he attempted to apply the brakes, they did not respond . Provide further details.
Transmission
70 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 45,500 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission, driveline, axle assembly, transfer case (4-wheel drive).
My 2002 Chevrolet Silverado z-71 transmission went out with only 45,000 miles on the truck. I had it repaired and was told it is a very common problem with chevrolets and gmc trucks.
Tried to drive truck dec. 28, 2005 had no reverse. By time I could drive to dealers it didn't want to shift in forward gears. Dealer took apart and said some things came apart inside the transmission. Cost me $2000. 2002 Silverado only had 45000 miles on it.
Engine
62 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 33,500 miles. Parts named most often: engine, exhaust system, cooling system.
Air conditioner (A/C) line runs over the top of the distributor, causing condensation in the distributor. When this occurs, it results in engine misfiring and vehicle stalling. At 22,000 miles transmission went out.
Consumer started the vehicle early in the morning and heard a noise. The noise sound like a diesel engine. After vehicle is warmed up, there was no noise. Dealer stated that this type of noise was common to any vehicle being started early in the morning.
Steering
39 complaints · 6%Half of these problems showed up before 25,000 miles. Parts named most often: column, linkages, gear box, steering wheel/handle bar.
There was a knocking noise in the steering shaft. Dealership replaced the bearings, but the noise recurred. Then, dealership replaced the shaft.
Truck had less then 25,000 miles when I noticed a 'loose feeling' in the steering when making turns and a discernible bumping. I found that there is a tsb on it(chevy tsb 00-02-35-003a) and had it fixed under warranty- but from doing research I've found that this fix is a 'band-aid' and they really should replace the…
Body and structure
36 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 50,000 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
While driving tailgate support cables broke, causing the tailgate to detach from the vehicle. Dealer stated the problem could not be solved because of the mileage on the vehicle. Consumer has tied tailgate to the vehicle with cord.
I own a 2002 chevy Silverado 2500hp. While getting onto the tailgate about a month ago both cables snapped clean and I went to the ground unharmed. Luckily I fell away from the truck and the tailgate was not dented. Have warned all my friends to check their trucks as well. Bought new cables and installed for about $25.
Wheels and tires
30 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 28,500 miles. Parts named most often: tread/belt, sidewall, temporary/emergency spare tire, hubcap/cover.
Vehicle just turned twenty five thousand miles and needed brakes and rotors. While driving there was pulsation, and difficult stopping. Took vehilce to the dealer. They wanted to charge consumer $800.00 for repairs.
08/14/2005 traveling from atlanta, ga on I-95 and noticed a vibration coming from the left front of vehicle started slowing down then the truck started shaking so bad it was almost hard to control. Stopped vehicle safely and inspected front end and found that the left front tire had separated at the radial belt. Found…
Air bags
30 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 29,000 miles. Parts named most often: frontal.
While driving at 43 MPH vehicle was involved in a left front collision. Upon impact, front air bags did not deploy, and passenger sustained injuries.
Consumer complained about having problems with the air bag deployment. Also, while driving vehicle was involved in a collision, and air bags did not deploy .passenger was driving at 50 MPH when passing over a bridge on a rainy day, and water from the river was splashed on the front windshield which caused the driver…
Suspension
29 complaints · 4%Half of these problems showed up before 37,500 miles. Parts named most often: front, rear.
While driving at low speeds the front headlights became dim without warning. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. Problem was referred to tsb relating to normal function of electrical system. In addition, rattle from rear end. Dealer inspected vehicle and found leaf spring pads worn out.…
The ABS comes on at low speed when it shouldn't, resulting in extending stopping distance. Dealer miss diagnosed the problem as the left front hub. Replacing both front hubs and wheel speed sensors which fixed the problem.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2002 Chevrolet Silverado recalls
Brakes: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Risk: This can cause increased stopping distances during low-speed brake applications, which could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers are to remove the wheel speed sensor and thoroughly clean the wheel speed sensor mounting surface on the bearing, apply rust inhibitor to the cleaned surface, grease the mounting surface, reinstall the wheel speed sensor, and check the peak-to-peak output voltage to ensure the wheel speed signal is within specifications. The recall began september 22, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463.
Full defect summary
Certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles may experience unwanted antilock brake system (ABS) activation. This condition is more likely to occur in environmentally corrosive areas. This recall will be launched in the "salt belt" states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maryland, massachusetts, maine, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin and the district of columbia only.
Brakes: parking brake
Risk: If the parking brake does not hold, unintended vehicle movement could occur, which could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install a low-force spring clip retainer for vehicles equipped with a pbr parking brake system. On vehicles equipped with the trw parking brake system, dealers will install a redesigned parking brake cable assembly. The recall began on july 29, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463.
Full defect summary
On certain pickup trucks equipped with manual transmissions and built with either pbr parking brake systems or trw parking brake systems, the parking brake friction linings may wear to an extent where the parking brake can become ineffective in immobilizing a parked vehicle.
Body and structure: hinge and attachments
Risk: Anyone sitting or standing on the horizontal surface of the tailgate when both cables fractured could be injured by falling from the tailgate. On vehicles that have had the bumper removed, the tailgate may drop even lower. Additionally, if there is cargo on the tailgate the cargo may fall off if the support cables fracture.
Fix: Dealers will replace the cables. Interim owner notification began on april 7, 20004. The recall began on september 24, 2004, when replacement parts were available, and will continue through october 29, 2004. Owners should contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463, or visit www.mygmlink.com, and enter your vehicle identification number.
Full defect summary
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the galvanized steel tailgate support cables that retain the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position may corrode, weaken, and eventually fracture. If both cables fractured, the tailgate would suddenly drop and strike the top surface of the rear bumper.
Fuel system: delivery
Risk: A strong odor of natural gas may be detected from inside the vehicle, possibly accompanied by a hissing noise. If the natural gas were accidentally ignited, serious injury could result.
Fix: Dealers will secure the throttle cable to eliminate the possibility of contact with the cng fuel line. The cng fuel line, throttle cable, and cruise control cable are also to be inspected and replaced if necessary. Owner notification began on december 11, 2003. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463.
Full defect summary
Some 2wd and 4WD pickup trucks, converted to either dedicated or bi-fuel compressed natural gas (cng) fuel usage, were assembled with a throttle cable that can contact and rub through the flexible pressurized fuel line creating a pinhole leak of natural gas to the atmosphere.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Brake line corrosion failure
Summary
On january 11, 2011, odi opened ea11-001 to investigate allegations of premature brake line corrosion failure in model year (my) 1999 through 2003 general motors (gm) full-size pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles sold or registered in the following region of the united states that NHTSA has viewed as salt states for investigations of corrosion related issues:connecticut, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia and wisconsin.the subject vehicles represent the first five my's of gm's gmt800 platform production, of whi
Brake line corrosion failure
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) received defect petition dp10-003 on march 2, 2010, requesting the investigation of model year (my) 2003 chevrolet silverado 2500hd 4WD pickup trucks for corrosion failures of the vehicle brake lines.dp10-003 was granted and on march 30, 2010, preliminary evaluation pe10-010 was opened on more than six million model year 1999 through 2003 light trucks and sport utility vehicles manufactured and sold by general motors corporation (gm).on july 2, 2010, odi received gm's response to an information request, which included gm's assessment of the frequency and safety consequences of the alleged defect. Gm stated that:(1) the brake system of the subject veh
Crank position sensor failure - stall
Summary
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe06-016) on may 4, 2006 based on eleven vehicle owner questionnaires (voqs) and early warning (ewr) data alleging sudden engine shutdown while driving as a result of crank position sensor failures in my 2001-2002 general motors c/k platform vehicles equipped with 8.1l engines.in response to an information request letter sent by odi, general motors (gm) provided owner complaint information, field reports and warranty claim data based on a population of 108,338 vehicles. The data was categorized by engine stalls while driving, engine stalls with an unknown driving condition, no start conditions and claims where it was
Parking brake failure
Summary
Odi's review of complaint data received since the close of ea04-011 revealed no indication that the investigation should be re-opened.more details can be found in the federal register notice enclosed in the dp05-009 public file.odi reserves the right to reopen the investigation in the future should conditions warrant.
Unwanted low-speed ABS activation
Summary
In a letter dated august 29, 2005, gm notified odi that it was recalling certain model year 1999 through 2002 c/k pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles to correct a problem with anti-lock brake system (ABS) wheel speed sensor corrosion that may result in unwanted ABS activation and extended stopping distances during low-speed braking (recall 05v-379).gm's recall covers approximately 804,000 vehicles currently registered in the following 14 salt-belt states:connecticut, illinois, indiana, massachusetts, maine, michigan, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, and west virginia.the recall procedure will involve removing the sensor, cleaning the mounti
Hydraulic pump failres
Summary
Gm is conducting a recall on all subject vehicles build between may 1999 and october 14, 1999.significant changes were incorporated into production in early october 1999, and vehicles built after that date have lower warranty failure rates.the complaint and warranty data appear to support the effectiveness of these changes. Gm made additional changes in november 1999, february 2000, may 2001, and february 2004.odi will continue to monitor this problem and will take further action, if warranted, in the future.for further technical details see the attached engineering analysis report.
Parking brake failure
Summary
In a letter dated april 20, 2005, gm notified NHTSA that it had decided that defects that relate to motor vehicle safety exist in certain model year (my) 1999-2002 c/k 1500 series (pbr parking brake system) and my 2001-2005 c/k 2500 and 3500 series (trw parking brake system) pickups with manual transmissions.according to gm, some of these vehicles may have conditions that cause the friction linings to wear to an extent where the parking brake can become ineffective in immobilizing a parked vehicle.gm's action covers an estimated total of 142,585 vehicles.dealers will install a low-force spring clip retainer for vehicles equipped with the pbr parking brake system and install a redesigned park
Tailgate cable breakage
Summary
General motors filed a defect notice 04v-129 on march 17, 2004, which outlines a program to replace the tailgate cables installed in affected model year 2000-2004 vehicles.refer to odi's closing report for ea04-005 for additional information.odi is aware of reports of tailgate cable breakage occurring in model year 1999 and earlier vehicles.these vehicles were equipped with similar tailgate cables as addressed by 04v-129, but are not being addressed by campaign o4v-129.odi is initiating a separate investigation to address these vehicles.the complaint-injury-fatality statistics summarized above pertain to model year 2000-2004 vehicles. The complaint-injury statistics for model year 1999 and e
Parking brake failure
Summary
Odi opened pe03-057 to assess parking brake ineffectiveness in the subject vehicles.these vehicles are equipped with four wheel disc brakes that incorporate a single-shoe drum-in-hat parking brake independent of the service brakes.complaint and warranty data indicate that the parking brake linings tend to wear out early in the life of the vehicle (at an average of 24 months in service), reducing the parking brake system's torque below that needed to immobilize the vehicle.gm has attributed this accelerated wear to foreign material intrusion and a failure of the brake shoe to properly self-center within its brake drum.effective with the start of my 2003 production, a newer reduced force hold-
Tailgate cable breakage
Summary
During the pe, odidiscovered that one or both of the tailgate support cables can break due to the effects of metal fatigue at the point where the cable flexes when the lift gate is opened and closed. Concurrently, the strength of the cable degrades over time due to corrosion of the wire strands in the support cables.when the vehicle is stationary and cargo is being loaded or unloaded, the tailgate can tip downward displacing cargo and/or people to the ground without warning.odi is also aware of one total separation of the tailgate from the vehicle.owners cannot easily detect whether the support cabes are damaged or corroded because they are covered by a protective sheath.odi is upgrading thi
Questions about the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado
- What are the most common problems with the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: brakes (350 complaints, typically around 50,000 miles); transmission (70 complaints, typically around 45,500 miles); engine (62 complaints, typically around 33,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado have?
- 4 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from August 29, 2005 (brakes). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2002 a bad year for the Chevrolet Silverado?
- It is the 3rd most complained-about Silverado model year since 2000, with 710 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.