VehicleVerdict

2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 408 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.0 times the median Silverado 2500 year — the 2002 model ranks #3 of 33 Silverado 2500 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 15 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 53% of all reports (217 of 408), far ahead of engine at 56.

408

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

4

Investigations

27

Crash-involved

11

Fires reported

15

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Silverado 2500 years?

Silverado 2500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted561 complaints1994: 7 complaints1995: 6 complaints1996: 2 complaints1997: 74 complaints1998: 82 complaints1999: 95 complaints2000: 156 complaints2001: 379 complaints2002: 408 complaints2003: 561 complaints2004: 431 complaints2005: 337 complaints2006: 218 complaints2007: 253 complaints2008: 226 complaints2009: 79 complaints2010: 27 complaints2011: 128 complaints2012: 69 complaints2013: 71 complaints2014: 52 complaints2015: 245 complaints2016: 156 complaints2017: 69 complaints2018: 69 complaints2019: 101 complaints2020: 134 complaints2021: 103 complaints2022: 123 complaints2023: 64 complaints2024: 202 complaints2025: 30 complaints2026: 4 complaints
Silverado 2500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Silverado 2500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes21753%
Engine5614%
Fuel System307%
Tires & Wheels174%
Steering164%
Transmission143%
Electrical System102%
Body & Structure102%
Visibility & Wipers92%
Other51%
Airbags51%
Suspension51%
Lighting41%
Seat Belts31%
Latches & Locks31%
Speed Control31%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns 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).

06E010000SteeringFebruary 1, 2006 · 1,360 units

Defect

CERTAIN FABTECH AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT PITMAN ARMS, P/NOS. FTS71000 AND FTS71001, INSTALLED FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2001-2006 GM C/K 2500 PICK UP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE PIN LOCATED INSIDE THE PITMAN ARM CAN SHEAR OFF DUE TO A REVERSE BENDING FATIGUE CONDITION, RESULTING IN A TOTAL LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL.

Consequence

LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH WITH POTENTIAL INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy

FABTECH WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE PITMAN AND IDLER ARMS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FABTECH AT 909-597-7800.

01V220000LightingJune 26, 2001 · 38,863 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THESE CONDITIONS COULD RESULT IN REDUCED BRAKING CAPABILITY, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE DRIVING AT 45-50 MPH AND UPON COMING TO A THREE WAY STOP SIGN BRAKES FAILED, AND CONSUMER COLLIDED HEAD ON INTO AN EMBANKMENT. THE IMPACT CAUSED SEAT BELTS TO BECOME UNDONE, AND AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. CONSUMER SUSTAINED A BROKEN STERNUM AND FACIAL FRACTURES. MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER HAVE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 29, 2002 · crash

“ON 01/10/2010 AT 2:45 A.M. WE WERE AWAKENED BY A PASSER BY WHO NOTICED OUR TRUCK WAS ON FIRE. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT IT HAD COMPLETELY DESTROYED OUR TRUCK, OUR CAR ,OUR GRANDSONS TRUCK AND $66,000.00 DAMAGE TO THE HOUSE WE WERE RENTING. WE LOST OUR VEHICLES AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 10, 2010 · fire

“AS I WAS DRIVING AT 75 MPH, THE INDICATOR LIGHT SAID, ENGINE OVERHEATED. I THEN NOTICED WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD. THE WHITE SMOKE TURNED BLACK. I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND BEFORE I COULD SHUT THE ENGINE OFF, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF ON ITS OWN. FIRE BEGAN COMING UP WHERE THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · May 6, 2015 · fire

“BLOWOUT OF BRIDGESTONE DUELLER AT 693, LT285/75R/16, DOT NO.EJLFCCB2501 CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND $4,000.00 DAMAGE TO TRUCK. NEAR TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL CAUSING VEHICLE TO LEAVE ROADWAY.*AK *MR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · January 1, 2004 · crash

“BRAKE FAILURE RESULTING IN ACCIDENT DUE TO RUSTED STEEL LINE AND LOOSE (STRETCHED) PARKING BRAKE CABLE. RESIDENTIAL DRIVING UNDER 25 MILES AN HOUR I APPROACHED A STOP LIGHT WITH MY FAMILY IN THE CAR. APPLIED PRESSURE TO BRAKE WITH ABOUT 100 FEET FROM LIGHT. BRAKE PEDAL DROPPED TO THE FLOOR.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · October 31, 2013 · crash

2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 — common questions

Is the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 408 complaints put the 2002 model at #3 of 33 Silverado 2500 years. It is one of the Silverado 2500 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 Silverado 2500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (217 complaints), engine (56 complaints), fuel system (30 complaints).

Does the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 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 Silverado 2500 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet Silverado 2500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Silverado 2500 years to avoid are 2003, 2004, 2002, 2001, 2005, 2007, 2015, 2008, 2006, 2024, 2016, 2000, 2011, 2009, 2013, 2012, 2014, 2010. The cleanest record among Silverado 2500 years belongs to 1996.

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.