Does the 2002 GMC Sierra 3500 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 GMC Sierra 3500, the most recent reported on November 26, 2004 (Equipment adaptive/mobility). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2002 GMC Sierra 3500?

Owners have filed 20 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is service brakes (4 complaints), followed by fuel/propulsion system (3).

How many 2002 GMC Sierra 3500 complaints mention a crash or fire?

3 of 20 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2002 GMC Sierra 3500 recalls and problems

2 recalls and 20 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2002 GMC Sierra 3500.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

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 GMC Sierra 3500 recalls

Equipment adaptive/mobility

NHTSA campaign 04V562000 · reported November 26, 2004 · MOBILITY WORKS · 1,660 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: On certain vans equipped with sure-lok wheelchair securement systems, the sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly is out of alignment.
The risk: In the event of a vehicle crash, the wheelchair may not be adequately secured possibly resulting in injuries to a wheelchair occupant.
The 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.

Interior lighting

NHTSA campaign 01V220000 · reported June 26, 2001 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 38,863 vehicles potentially affected

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

Most reported problems

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

Service brakes4
Fuel/propulsion system3
Parking brake3
Service brakes, hydraulic3
Suspension3
Air bags2
Fuel system, diesel2
Fuel system, gasoline2
Tires2
Engine1

What owners report

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

Apr 22, 2016 · Engine · 120,000 miles
TL* 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…

Oct 30, 2015 · Service brakes · 101,000 miles
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.

Jun 30, 2015 · Fuel/propulsion system · 85,118 miles
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…

Jul 21, 2013 · Service brakes · 137,000 miles
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…

Feb 11, 2013 · Fuel system, diesel · 154,163 miles
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…

Sierra 3500 model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2000	2	26	3	1
2001	2	36	3	1
2002	2	20	3	1
2003	0	7	1	0
2004	0	24	0	2
2005	0	24	0	1

Across all years, the 2020 Sierra 3500 has the most complaints (51). All GMC Sierra 3500 years →

Questions

Does the 2002 GMC Sierra 3500 have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 GMC Sierra 3500, the most recent reported on November 26, 2004 (Equipment adaptive/mobility). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 GMC Sierra 3500?: Owners have filed 20 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is service brakes (4 complaints), followed by fuel/propulsion system (3).
How many 2002 GMC Sierra 3500 complaints mention a crash or fire?: 3 of 20 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

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