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 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.
What owners report
Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.
Mar 22, 2016 · Service brakes · 100,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 GMC SIERRA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONTACT VEERED INTO A DITCH TO AVOID A COLLISION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS…
Feb 11, 2016 · Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 GMC SIERRIA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V201000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE…
Oct 20, 2015 · Unknown or other · 73,300 miles
ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, THIS TRUCK HAS HAD FRAME DAMAGE CAUSED BY RUST / CORROSION TO THE EXTENT THAT IT EITHER WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION OR IT COMPROMISED THE OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE. MORE SPECIFICALLY, THE FRAME CROSS-MEMBERS HAVE HAD HOLES ROTTED THROUGH THEM AND THE SHOCK MOUNTS HAVE…
Aug 24, 2015 · Service brakes
ON THE MORNING OF FRIDAY AUGUST 21, 2015, MY WIFE WENT TO MOVE MY 2002 GMC SIERRA. SHE PULLED OUT OF OUR DRIVEWAY AND PROCEEDED UP-HILL ABOUT 300-400 FEET, AND THEN TURNED AROUND IN A NEIGHBOR'S DRIVEWAY, WHEN COMING BACK DOWN THE HILL SHE TRIED TO BRAKE TO STOP IN FRONT OF OUR HOUSE, BUT THE BRAKES TOTALLY FAILED…
Jul 21, 2015 · Service brakes · 116,301 miles
LEFT HOUSE AND ABS BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON, SHUT THE TRUCK OFF AND ABS BRAKE PUMP UNDER TRUCK WOULD NOT STOP RUNNING EVEN WITH KEY OFF. SO HAD TO TAKE FUSE OUT. AT THAT TIME I DROVE BACK HOME, BUT IF YOU PUSH DOWN ON BRAKE IT WILL GO TO THE FLOOR. JUNE 2014 HAD TRUCK IN SHOP TO HAVE ALL BRAKE LINES REPLACED AND FIXED AT…
Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received March 22, 2016.