2 recalls and 286 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban.
2
recalls
286
owner complaints
24
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 Suburban 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.
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.
The risk
This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.
The 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.
Most reported problems
Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.
Service brakes, hydraulic68
Service brakes41
Fuel system, gasoline23
Power train23
Steering22
Parking brake19
Tires18
Engine and engine cooling16
Seat belts13
Air bags12
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Nov 20, 2023 · Service brakes
the brake lines rust and they burst this occurred on my main brake line going to the abs controller I had no brakes from mechanics they say this is a common problem on usa made cars brake lines should never ever rust and burst
Feb 14, 2023 · Steering
When driving at highway speeds or even around town the vehicle randomly jerks to one side or another alignment was just done and was told all was good tires are new Pitman armor place ball joints replaced still having the issue of it darting specially when going around curves it wants to pull vehicle to the ditch and…
Dec 16, 2022 · Service brakes
Component SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Jan 3, 2022 · Tires
275/75 r16 tires coming apart on the side walls
Jul 16, 2021 · Wheels
Spare tire hoist wire broke and spare tire was released from vehicle on the highway. Vehicle was doing speed limit of 75mph and spare tire barely missed traffic behind vehicle.
Does the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban, 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 Suburban?
Owners have filed 286 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is service brakes, hydraulic (68 complaints), followed by service brakes (41).
How many 2002 Chevrolet Suburban complaints mention a crash or fire?
24 of 286 complaints report a crash and 5 a fire; 24 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 20, 2023.