CarRecallDB

2002 Chevrolet Avalanche recalls and problems

2 recalls and 444 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche.

2
recalls
444
owner complaints
38
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2002 Chevrolet Avalanche recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip

NHTSA campaign 05V379000 · reported August 29, 2005 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 1,353,718 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
This can cause increased stopping distances during low-speed brake applications, which could result in a crash.
The 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.

Structure: body, tailgate, hinge and attachments

NHTSA campaign 04V129000 · reported March 17, 2004 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 3,662,211 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Nov 9, 2023 · Service brakes

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…

Feb 14, 2022 · Power train · 142,000 miles

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…

Dec 29, 2015 · Service brakes · 7,900 miles

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…

Sep 3, 2015 · Service brakes · 86,000 miles

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…

Aug 4, 2015 · Engine · 90,000 miles

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.

Avalanche model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 0200
2001 0200
2002 2444380
2003 4204102
2004 516561
2005 37120

Across all years, the 2002 Avalanche has the most complaints (444). All Chevrolet Avalanche years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche, the most recent reported on August 29, 2005 (Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche?
Owners have filed 444 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is service brakes, hydraulic (115 complaints), followed by structure (67).
How many 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche complaints mention a crash or fire?
38 of 444 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 31 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received November 9, 2023.