VehicleVerdict

2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 144 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median Suburban 1500 year — the 2002 model ranks #4 of 23 Suburban 1500 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 6 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 52% of all reports (75 of 144), far ahead of fuel system at 16.

144

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

6

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Suburban 1500 years?

Suburban 1500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted240 complaints1994: 10 complaints1995: 10 complaints1996: 12 complaints1997: 21 complaints1998: 16 complaints1999: 91 complaints2000: 72 complaints2001: 102 complaints2002: 144 complaints2003: 223 complaints2004: 220 complaints2005: 102 complaints2006: 35 complaints2007: 240 complaints2008: 131 complaints2009: 70 complaints2010: 70 complaints2011: 108 complaints2021: 1 complaints2023: 25 complaints2024: 0 complaints2025: 36 complaints2026: 10 complaints
Suburban 1500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Suburban 1500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes7552%
Fuel System1611%
Engine1510%
Steering86%
Body & Structure64%
Tires & Wheels43%
Transmission43%
Other43%
Electrical System43%
Visibility & Wipers32%
Trailer Hitch21%
Speed Control11%
Lighting11%
Airbags11%

Does the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 have recalls?

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

07E106000Tires & WheelsDecember 17, 2007 · 130,000 units

Defect

CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.

Consequence

WHEEL SEPARATION CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“PASSENGER FRONT BRAKE IS LOCKING UP WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. HAS CAUSED NUMEROUS BRAKE PAD REPLACEMENTS AND CALIPER AND ROTOR REPLACEMENT. HAS CAUSE SMALL FIRE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 16, 2019 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE ENGINE JUST DIED. IT DOES IT ON EXTREMELY HOT DAYS AND AFTER DRIVING FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME. THERE ARE NO WARNINGS FOR THE ENGINE CUTTING OFF AND IT IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD WHEN IT SUDDENLY LOSES POWER. IT LOOKS LIKE THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL ISSUE AS IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 13, 2012

“WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE ENGINE JUST DIED. IT DOES IT ON EXTREMELY HOT DAYS AND AFTER DRIVING FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME. THERE ARE NO WARNINGS FOR THE ENGINE CUTTING OFF AND IT IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD WHEN IT SUDDENLY LOSES POWER. IT LOOKS LIKE THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL ISSUE AS IT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 13, 2012

“I HAD JUST PULLED AWAY FROM MY HOME ( APPROXIMATELY GOING 5 MPH) AND MY STEERING WHEELED LOCKED TO THE RIGHT AND I SIDE SWIPED 2 PARKED VEHICLES. I HAD BOTH HANDS ON THE WHEEL, WAS SEAT BELTED, NOT ON MY CELL PHONE NOR WAS I TEXTING...MY FULL ATTENTION WAS ON DRIVING AND I HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 15, 2012 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 1500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE LIFTGATE GLASS SEPARATED FROM THE HINGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NO WIND WAS BLOWING AT THE TIME. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE LIFTGATE WITH A DIFFERENT DESIGN. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · November 21, 2007

2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 — common questions

Is the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 144 complaints put the 2002 model at #4 of 23 Suburban 1500 years. It is one of the Suburban 1500 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 Suburban 1500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (75 complaints), fuel system (16 complaints), engine (15 complaints).

Does the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet Suburban 1500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Suburban 1500 years to avoid are 2007, 2003, 2004, 2002, 2008, 2011. The cleanest record among Suburban 1500 years belongs to 2024.

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.