VehicleVerdict

2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 64 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.5 times the median Silverado 3500 year — the 2002 model ranks #9 of 32 Silverado 3500 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 25 reports (39% of the total).

64

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Silverado 3500 years?

Silverado 3500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted114 complaints1994: 1 complaints1996: 2 complaints1997: 78 complaints1998: 100 complaints1999: 73 complaints2000: 114 complaints2001: 97 complaints2002: 64 complaints2003: 60 complaints2004: 46 complaints2005: 60 complaints2006: 60 complaints2007: 42 complaints2008: 35 complaints2009: 10 complaints2010: 4 complaints2011: 42 complaints2012: 31 complaints2013: 36 complaints2014: 10 complaints2015: 76 complaints2016: 72 complaints2017: 14 complaints2018: 27 complaints2019: 34 complaints2020: 49 complaints2021: 54 complaints2022: 34 complaints2023: 20 complaints2024: 67 complaints2025: 19 complaints2026: 5 complaints
Silverado 3500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Silverado 3500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes2539%
Engine813%
Fuel System813%
Tires & Wheels69%
Visibility & Wipers58%
Suspension58%
Transmission35%
Body & Structure12%
Electrical System12%
Other12%
Steering12%

Does the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 have recalls?

2 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).

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.

“BRAKE FAILED COMING INTO HOME'S DRIVEWAY WHICH RESULTED IN CRASH WITH MINOR DAMAGE. INSPECTION SHOWED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LINES WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 5, 2012 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE JUST COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF, I HAVE REPLACED EVERYTHING & 1 YEAR LATER AND 25,000 MILES LATER & 5 ACCIDENTS THE VEHICLE STILL DOES IT NOW IT WONT EVEN START. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND THERE SHOULD BE A RE-CALL ON THIS I'VE READ THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON IN THIS VEHICLE AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 11, 2013 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE JUST COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF, I HAVE REPLACED EVERYTHING & 1 YEAR LATER AND 25,000 MILES LATER & 5 ACCIDENTS THE VEHICLE STILL DOES IT NOW IT WONT EVEN START. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND THERE SHOULD BE A RE-CALL ON THIS I'VE READ THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON IN THIS VEHICLE AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · November 11, 2013 · crash

“ON SUNDAY MAY THE 15TH THE WALMART TLE ON BUSH RIVER RD IN COLUMBIA SC INSTALLED TWO FRONT TIRES ON A 2002 CHEVY 3500 VAN. THEY INSTALLED TWO P RATED TIRES EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE CALLS FOR LT. THEY ALL SO PUT 55PSI IN THE TIRES WHEN THE TIRES ARE ONLY RATED FOR 44PSI. THE TIRES ARE NOT RATED FOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · May 15, 2011

“FACTORY INSTALLED SIDE VIEW MIRRORS WILL ONLY ALLOW DRIVER TO SEE THE FRONT OF THE FENDER. CONSUMER NOT ABLE TO PASS OTHER VEHICLES SAFELY, FENDER IS BLOCKING DRIVERS VIEW. MIRRORS DO NOT EXTEND OUT FAR ENOUGH. *AK THE MIRRORS ON VEHICLE ARE NOT ADEQUATE TO ALLOW SAFE PASSING AND THERE IS AN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · February 15, 2002

2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 — common questions

Is the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 64 complaints put the 2002 model at #9 of 32 Silverado 3500 years. It is one of the Silverado 3500 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 Silverado 3500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (25 complaints), engine (8 complaints), fuel system (8 complaints).

Does the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. 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 3500 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chevrolet Silverado 3500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Silverado 3500 years to avoid are 2000, 1998, 2001, 1997, 2015, 1999, 2016, 2024, 2002, 2011, 2007, 2013, 2008, 2012, 2009, 2014, 2010. The cleanest record among Silverado 3500 years belongs to 1994.

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.