2002 Chevrolet Avalanche recalls and problems

The 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche has 2 safety recalls and 444 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

444

Crashes / fires

38 / 0

Injuries / deaths

31 / 3

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Chevrolet Avalanche recalls

Recall 05V-379: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Aug 29, 2005 · 1,353,718 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

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.

Recall 04V-129: Structure

Reported Mar 17, 2004 · 3,662,211 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

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.

2002 Chevrolet Avalanche problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	127
Structure	67
Service Brakes	54
Parking Brake	37
Engine and Engine Cooling	37
Tires	35
Power Train	33
Air Bags	24
Visibility	22
Suspension	20
Electrical System	18
Fuel System, Gasoline	16

Most reported parts

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 46
Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and Attachments — 32
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 16
Tires › Tread/Belt — 11
Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire — 10
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 10
Air Bags › Frontal — 9
Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 8

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 51,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · reported Nov 9, 2023

The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated while attempting to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal was firm, and vehicle kept accelerating unintendedly. Several warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a faulty ABS module. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the vehicle was not included in a recall because he was not located in a salt State. The failure mileage was unknown.

Power Train · at 142,000 miles · reported Feb 14, 2022

The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and oil warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the speedometer, the 4-wheel drive function, parking brake, and headlights failed to operate as needed. The instrument panel light failed to illuminate, the gear shifter did not display the selected gear, the sub-frame was corroded, and the wheel hub bearing assembly was fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure…

Service Brakes · at 7,900 miles · reported Dec 29, 2015

Brake lines are made out of defective materials GM knows they have a problem the lines rust out prematurely . The first one blew out I was backing in a parking space pedal went to the floor. The second one blew at a traffic light pushed on the brake went thru the red light dodged traffic .the third on the interstate traffic was stopping suddenly pushed on the pedal another brake line broke went to the floor and I managed to hit the median cross the middle and get it stopped before a head on collision with the traffic heading the other direction on interstate 81 . The rest of the under side is…

Service Brakes · at 86,000 miles · reported Sep 3, 2015

When traveling at low speeds, >5mph, the ABS activates and vehicle continues on to the point of entering traffic. This occurs frequently and without warning, at stop signs and even just pulling out of private driveway into traffic. My local mechanic ran a diagnostic test and indicated that a front speed sensor was at fault. After investigating numerous sites, I found that there was a recall issued for the exact problem on the '02 avalanche as well as other similar chassis trucks from '99-'02. And these were included in a recall of over 1,353,700 trucks under the NHTSA campaign # 05v379000. The…

Engine · at 90,000 miles · reported Aug 4, 2015

While driving at 65 MPH the engine cut out. Could be the crankshaft position sensor. The truck is a 2500 with an 8.1l engine. Similar issues that the 2001 was recalled for. Same engine and cps as the 2001 but not included in the original recall. This has happened several times at various speeds.

Other Chevrolet Avalanche years

2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 20032002

Compare all Chevrolet Avalanche years · All Chevrolet models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche: 05V-379 (service brakes, hydraulic), 04V-129 (structure). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche?

Owners report service brakes, hydraulic problems most often (127 reports), followed by structure (67). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 51,000 miles.

Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.