2002 GMC Sierra 3500 recalls and problems

The 2002 GMC Sierra 3500 has 2 safety recalls and 20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
20
Crashes / fires
3 / 1
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 GMC Sierra 3500 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 GMC Sierra 3500 recalls

Recall 04V-562: Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

Reported Nov 26, 2004 · 1,660 vehicles affected · MOBILITY WORKS

Problem: On certain vans equipped with sure-lok wheelchair securement systems, the sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly is out of alignment.

Risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, the wheelchair may not be adequately secured possibly resulting in injuries to a wheelchair occupant.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the wheelchair securement retractors as necessary. Sure-lok will handle the repairs for this campaign. Owners should contact sure-lock at 1-908-231-1804 or mobilityworks at 1-800-769-8267.

Recall 01V-220: Interior Lighting

Reported Jun 26, 2001 · 38,863 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: Vehicle description: certain pickup trucks equipped with 6.6l diesel engines fail to comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 105, "hydraulic and electric brake systems." these vehicles have a brake system warning light in the instrument cluster that may not illuminate when the brake fluid is low. In addition, when the brake fluid is low, the vehicle may not meet the partial system requirements of FMVSS no. 105.

Risk: These conditions could result in reduced braking capability, which could lead to a crash.

Fix: Dealers will change the location of a wire connection in the underhood bussed electrical center. Owner notification began july 9, 2001. 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 or gmc at 1-800-462-8782.

2002 GMC Sierra 3500 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes4
Suspension3
Parking Brake3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic3
Fuel/Propulsion System3
Fuel System, Gasoline2
Tires2
Air Bags2
Fuel System, Diesel2
Visibility1
Engine and Engine Cooling1
Vehicle Speed Control1

Most reported parts

  • Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior — 1
  • Suspension › Front — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 1
  • Tires › Tread/Belt — 1
  • Parking Brake › Driveline › Hydraulic › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings — 1
  • Tires › Sidewall — 1
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 80,000 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 GMC Sierra 3500 complaints

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

Engine · at 120,000 miles · reported Apr 22, 2016
The contact owns a 2002 gmc sierra 3500. While operating the vehicle, the odor of fuel was noticeable inside the cabin. Upon inspection, the contact discovered fuel had leaked from the vehicle onto the ground. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Service Brakes · at 101,000 miles · reported Oct 30, 2015
This truck has the same problems as the 2007 model. The ignition switch, parking brake, and fuel lines all have issues as similarly described for the 2007 model. The fuel lines actually broke through causing a leak of the diesel fuel. This happened after the vehicle was driven a short distance of 15 miles.
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 85,118 miles · reported Jun 30, 2015
While driving down a very busy street, the engine died. I lost all my power steering and brake. I was very lucky that I was not on a very busy highway. I had it towed to hedrick's chevrolet in clovis ca. It took 2 days for them to check it out. They said when they went to bring it in to the shop it started up and they could not find anything wrong with it. I picked the truck up and the next day it did the same thing again. I called the dealer and they told me to press the pump on the top of the filter housing until I could no longer press it. I did that and it started up. Be came very obvious…
Service Brakes · at 137,000 miles · reported Jul 21, 2013
Slowing down to a red traffic light and brake pedal went to the floor. Tried to pump brake pedal to get more pressure but did not work. Drove off onto shoulder and got it slowed down . Drive very slow with hazard lights on to get it back to my house. I was only about a mile away. Got home and looked underneath to find brake fluid all over left rear wheels, fuel tank, left rear shock and drive axle. Continued to look at all brake lines and all of them were corroded bad. Getting prices on having all brake lines replaced.
Fuel System, Diesel · at 154,163 miles · reported Feb 11, 2013
I first noticed that the anti-lock brakes were activating at slow speeds ( 5-10 MPH ) under dry road conditions. This was prior to brake line incident on 4-14-2012 but I AM not sure of exact date. I researched the anti-lock brakes and found NHTSA id campaign #05v379000 action # pe05020 but this did not include my home state of kentucky. However, I have been working in ohio since the purchase of said vehicle 10-17-2001 to current date 2-11-2013. On 4-14-2012 I was preparing to take my boat to fuel it . While checking the trailer lights I stepped on the brake pedal and it went straight to the…

Other GMC Sierra 3500 years

Compare all GMC Sierra 3500 years · All GMC models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 GMC Sierra 3500 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 GMC Sierra 3500: 04V-562 (equipment adaptive/mobility), 01V-220 (interior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 GMC Sierra 3500?

Owners report service brakes problems most often (4 reports), followed by suspension (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 80,000 miles.

Are GMC recall repairs free?

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