2002 Chevrolet Silverado recalls and problems

The 2002 Chevrolet Silverado has 4 safety recalls and 710 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
710
Crashes / fires
75 / 5
Injuries / deaths
47 / 1

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

2002 Chevrolet Silverado 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 05V-161: Parking Brake

Reported Apr 22, 2005 · 90,242 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

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.

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.

Recall 03V-435: Fuel System, Other

Reported Nov 3, 2003 · 395 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

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.

2002 Chevrolet Silverado problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic275
Power Train73
Service Brakes70
Engine and Engine Cooling58
Steering40
Structure36
Parking Brake31
Air Bags30
Suspension30
Tires28
Electrical System25
Vehicle Speed Control22

Most reported parts

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 133
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 47
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 43
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 24
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 20
  • Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and Attachments — 20
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline — 14
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Pads — 11

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 46,567 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 Silverado complaints

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

Structure · at 127,000 miles · reported Jan 29, 2016
The contact owns a 2002 chevrolet silverado. The contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the frame was rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,000.
Electrical System · at 200,000 miles · reported Jan 9, 2016
While driving on the highway, the truck, for an unknown reason, shut down causing me to loose power steering and brake capability. I was able to shift into neutral and turn the key off and then back on again to re-start the truck. It has now happened several times and I have done the same thing each time to correct the problem. It happened once in 2002 then constantly 4-5 times a year and again today. Gm has told me in the past that they don't know what would cause that issue. I could not get my local chevrolet shop manager to give me a straight yes or no answer regarding whether my problem is…
Service Brakes · at 165,000 miles · reported Dec 13, 2015
About 165,000 miles brake pedal started to pulsate at low speed when stopping.started out only when I would be turning left,now does it going staight,about 170,000 miles now.had new caliper on driver side,new hub assemblie and sensor on passenger side,brake system flushed,still have problems with brake pedal pulsating,does not matter what kind of road I'm on.
Suspension · at 90,000 miles · reported Sep 24, 2015
The contact owns a 2002 chevrolet silverado. While driving at a low speed, the contact applied the brake pedal and the ABS kicked in; however, there was a loss of brake function. The stopping distance of the vehicle was dramatically reduced. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who stated that there was a wheel bearing sensor failure. The entire wheel bearing with the sensor was replaced, but the failure recurred multiple times. The contact researched and found NHTSA campaign number: 05v379000. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Service Brakes · at 120,000 miles · reported Aug 16, 2015
Abs stopped brake pedal from going down. By the time I lifted and pumped again vehicle struck young girl. Travel was about six feet. There is a recall in other states but not ky.

Other Chevrolet Silverado years

Compare all Chevrolet Silverado years · All Chevrolet models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado: 05V-379 (service brakes, hydraulic), 05V-161 (parking brake), 04V-129 (structure), 03V-435 (fuel system, other). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report service brakes, hydraulic problems most often (275 reports), followed by power train (73). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 46,567 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.