2002 Chevrolet Chevrolet Truck problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 45 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 11.3 times the median Chevrolet Truck year — the 2002 model ranks #6 of 41 Chevrolet Truck years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (10), transmission (10), and steering (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
45
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2002 compare to other Chevrolet Truck years?
What are the most common 2002 Chevrolet Chevrolet Truck problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 10 | 22% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 10 | 22% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 5 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 4 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 3 | 7% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 7% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 7% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 2 | 4% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 2% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE GEAR POSITION SENSOR ON THE SIDE OF THE ALLISON TRANSMISSION FAILED IN TRAFFIC DURING RAINY CONDITIONS CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO QUIT WORKING. I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND GET THE TRANSMISSION TO SHIFT INTO DEFAULT SECOND AND MAKE IT TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE I GOT THE PART…”
“(1) ANTILOCK BRAKES ENGAGING WHEN NOT NECESSARY (2) WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED THE ANTILOCK BRAKES WERE ENGAGED MAKING NORMAL BRAKING LESS EFFECTIVE AND BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM, ONE TIME PULLING INTO OUR DRIVEWAY WHEN APPLYING BRAKES, THE TRUCK DIDN'T STOP IN TIME AND WAS SMASHED INTO THE BACK OF…”
“THE SHAFT IN THE POWER STEERING PUMP SHEARED AND CAUSED A LOSS OF STEERING BRAKES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS WAS THE THIRD PROBLEM THAT HAPPENED IN THE EXACT SAME PLACE. *JB SCC”
“1. SUB QUALITY BOLTS USED TO HOLD MANIFOLD TO HEADS MANIFOLD BECAME LOOSE FROM HEADS 2. TRUCK HAD 49,695 MILES AND ALL TWELVE BOLTS HAD TO BE REPLACED AS THEY WERE BROKEN AND RUSTED CAUSING SAFETY HAZARD. 3. MANIFOLD WAS REMOVED AND TWELVE NEW BOLTS WERE USED TO REPLACED DEFECTIVE BOLTS. *TR”
“VEHICLE WOULDN'T DRIVE OVER 15 MPH AS IF I LOST ALL OF MY TORQUE. MECHANIC LOOKED AT VEHICLE TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG AND FOUND OUT MULTIPLE ISSUES INCLUDING: FRONT AND REAR BRAKES BARELY WORKING, MASTER CYLINDERS MESSED UP, OIL LEAKS, TRANSMISSION LEAKS, COOLANT LEAKS, CONTROL ARMS HAVE RUSTED OUT ON…”
2002 Chevrolet Chevrolet Truck — common questions
Is the 2002 Chevrolet Chevrolet Truck reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 45 complaints put the 2002 model at #6 of 41 Chevrolet Truck years. It is one of the Chevrolet Truck years to avoid.
What are the most common 2002 Chevrolet Truck problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (10 complaints), transmission (10 complaints), steering (5 complaints).
Does the 2002 Chevrolet Chevrolet Truck have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2002 Chevrolet Chevrolet Truck.
Is the 2002 Chevrolet Chevrolet Truck under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Chevrolet Chevrolet Truck years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Chevrolet Truck years to avoid are 1996, 1995, 1994, 1997, 2003, 2002, 1999, 1998, 2001. The cleanest record among Chevrolet Truck years belongs to 1975.
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.