VehicleVerdict

2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 67 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 7.9 times the median Avalanche 2500 year — the 2002 model ranks #1 of 6 Avalanche 2500 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 46% of all reports (31 of 67), far ahead of brakes at 18.

67

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

3

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Avalanche 2500 years?

Avalanche 2500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted67 complaints2002: 67 complaints2003: 10 complaints2004: 11 complaints2005: 7 complaints2006: 4 complaints2007: 3 complaints
Avalanche 2500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Avalanche 2500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3146%
Brakes1827%
Electrical System57%
Fuel System57%
Trailer Hitch23%
Airbags11%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Lighting11%
Steering11%
Tires & Wheels11%
Transmission11%

Does the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN IDLING FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AND AFTER PULLING OUT ACROSS THE HIGHWAY THE ENGINE SHUT OFF. AFTER TRYING FOR AT LEAST 10 MINUTES IT RESTARTED. THOUGHT THIS WAS AN ISOLATED INSTANCE, BUT HAS NOW HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND EVEN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 1, 2014

“WHEN PULLING INTO MY DRIVEWAY, THE BRAKES PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. I RAN INTO MY UTILITY TRAILER, BUT NO DAMAGE WAS CAUSED. AVALANCHE IS AT THE GARAGE NOW, HE INFORMED ME THIS IS COMMON WITH CHEVY TRUCKS. ALL BRAKE LINES NEED TO BE REPLACED AND IT WILL COST BETWEEN $1000 AND $1200. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 6, 2013 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET AVALANCHE 2500. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE, BUT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER. HE NOTICED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD THAT BOTH THE WIRE AND HARNESS WERE BURNED. THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE FUEL PUMP. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRIOR TO THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 22, 2008 · fire

“I HAVE A CHEVROLET AVALANCHE YEAR 2002 KEEPS SHUTTING DOWN. I RAN ON HIGHWAY 55 MILES, THEN MY CAR SHUT DOWN....MANY CARS BEHIND ALMOST HIT. VERY SCARY. I ALMOST DIED! THIS PROBLEM SHUT DOWN EVERYDAY AFTER 10 MINUTES RUN. BUT NOT ONLY MY. MOST THE CAR SAME YEAR, SAME MODEL GOT THE SAME PROBLEM TOO.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 1, 2006

“TRAILER HITCH. WELDS HAVE CRACKS. LOOKS LIKE THE WELDS WERE NEVER COMPLETED. FIRST NOTICED FLEXING IN THE HITCH AND REPLACED IT BEFORE ANYTHING HAPPENED. I'M SENDING LINKS TO A FEW PICTURES. LOOK ALONG THE WELDS ON THE ROUND TUBE. THE CRACKS APPEAR AS LINES ON THE WELDS OF THE ROUND TUBES. PICTURES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Trailer Hitch · May 15, 2007

2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 — common questions

Is the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 67 complaints put the 2002 model at #1 of 6 Avalanche 2500 years. It is one of the Avalanche 2500 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 Avalanche 2500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (31 complaints), brakes (18 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints).

Does the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet Avalanche 2500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Avalanche 2500 years to avoid are 2002. The cleanest record among Avalanche 2500 years belongs to 2007.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.