2002 Chevrolet Silverado recalls and problems

4 recalls and 710 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado.

4
recalls
710
owner complaints
75
complaints mentioning a crash
5
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 Silverado 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.

Parking brake

NHTSA campaign 05V161000 · reported April 22, 2005 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 90,242 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
If the parking brake does not hold, unintended vehicle movement could occur, which could result in a crash.
The 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.

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.

Fuel system, other: delivery

NHTSA campaign 03V435000 · reported November 3, 2003 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 395 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

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.

Feb 22, 2016 · Service brakes · 110,000 miles

RUSTY BRAKELINES

Jan 29, 2016 · Structure · 127,000 miles

TL* 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…

Jan 9, 2016 · Electrical system · 200,000 miles

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…

Dec 13, 2015 · Service brakes · 165,000 miles

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…

Sep 24, 2015 · Suspension · 90,000 miles

TL* 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…

Silverado model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2000 81,30514011
2001 4876935
2002 4710755
2003 66954211
2004 86225610
2005 8316147

Across all years, the 2000 Silverado has the most complaints (1,305). All Chevrolet Silverado years →

Questions

Does the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado, 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 Silverado?
Owners have filed 710 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is service brakes, hydraulic (244 complaints), followed by power train (70).
How many 2002 Chevrolet Silverado complaints mention a crash or fire?
75 of 710 complaints report a crash and 5 a fire; 47 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received February 22, 2016.