2002 Chevrolet Tahoe recalls and problems

The 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe has 3 safety recalls and 449 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
449
Crashes / fires
42 / 8
Injuries / deaths
45 / 4

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

2002 Chevrolet Tahoe 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 03V-094: Structure

Reported Mar 7, 2003 · 3,674 vehicles affected · SOUTHERN COMFORT CONVERSIONS

Problem: Certain pickup truck, van, and mini van conversions equipped with southern comfort built running boards that contain certain courtesy lights manufactured by american technology components, inc. These units contain a courtesy light or lights that might overheat when the wire harness is exposed to excessive moisture and road salt.

Risk: This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these running boards. Owner notification began march 7, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact southern comfort at 1-800-745-6096.

Recall 02V-253: Seats

Reported Sep 17, 2002 · 558,904 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with rearward folding head restraints on the second row seats, two potential pinch points exist on each of the folding head restraints when the restraints are folded rearward as the seatback is folded down.

Risk: If a person were to insert their finger(S) into the pinch point when the head restraint folds, it could trap and pinch the finger(S) causing injury.

Fix: Dealers will install protective covers over the pinch points. Owner notification began november 8, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, gmc at 1-800-462-8782, or cadillac at 1-800-458-8006.

2002 Chevrolet Tahoe problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes90
Service Brakes, Hydraulic74
Steering42
Tires38
Power Train37
Air Bags31
Electrical System31
Parking Brake24
Suspension21
Engine and Engine Cooling19
Fuel System, Gasoline19
Visibility17

Most reported parts

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 29
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 27
  • Steering › Column — 8
  • Tires › Sidewall — 7
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 7
  • Structure › Body — 6
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 6
  • Tires › Tread/Belt — 5

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 81,000 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 Tahoe complaints

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

Electrical System · at 186,000 miles · reported May 13, 2026
The contact owned a 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH occupied with his sister-in-law and her children, the contact smelled smoke coming from the driver seat of the vehicle the contact mention he pulled to the right side of the road, exiting everyone out the vehicle when he noticed that the drive seat caught fire. No warning lights illuminated. The contact mentioned she noticed smoke and flames coming from the engine, and smoke started coming inside the vehicle. present. The contact mention he called 911. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was…
Engine · reported Sep 29, 2025
My vehicle has been diagnosed as needing the exhaust manifold bolts replaced. I have read that this is an ongoing issue that poses a risk to drivers and passengers due to the fumes, but has not been recalled by the manufacturer.
Air Bags · reported Dec 21, 2023
We were sitting in car with it idling, the right-side air bag just deployed without collision. We turned the ignition off waited a few moments and turned it back on and the right-side dash airbag deployed without any warning. The vehicle has not been in any collisions.
Forward Collision Avoidance · reported Sep 23, 2022
My right side wheel feels like it’s going to fall off and indicate the abs and emergency parking brake. I believe it’s a wheel hub bearing that’s coming loose or tie rods I’m not sure and One time the emergency parking brake engage on me and I had to pull over to the side and wasn’t able to drive it. When I turn on the engine or driving , idling I smell gasoline really bad
Service Brakes · at 220,536 miles · reported Mar 25, 2021
I have an 02 tahoe z71 that recently I've been having brake problems at slow speeds when trying to stop like the ABS is trying to kick in randomly between about 5 to 15 MPH when slowing for red-lights or stop signs there's times I have to let off and reapply brake 2 to 3 times at least before it will actually stop without the ABS kicking in. I read about some recalls on this on 02 tahoes but my VIN said I had 0 unfixed recalls

Other Chevrolet Tahoe years

Compare all Chevrolet Tahoe years · All Chevrolet models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe: 05V-379 (service brakes, hydraulic), 03V-094 (structure), 02V-253 (seats). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report service brakes problems most often (90 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (74). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 81,000 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.