2002 Chevrolet Tracker problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 82 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.1 times the median Tracker year — the 2002 model ranks #4 of 14 Tracker years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 13 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across suspension (17), body & structure (14), and brakes (10), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
82
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
14
Crash-involved
5
Fires reported
13
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2002 compare to other Tracker years?
What are the most common 2002 Chevrolet Tracker problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 17 | 21% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 14 | 17% | — flat |
| Brakes | 10 | 12% | — flat |
| Engine | 8 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 7 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 7 | 9% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 5 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Other | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Driver Assistance | 1 | 1% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I WAS DRIVING ON A TWO-WAY RESIDENTIAL STREET, JUST PICKED UP OUR TWO YOUNGEST GRANDSON'S FROM SCHOOL, WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE JAMMED, VERY UNEXPECTEDLY, UP IN THE AREA BETWEEN THE ENGINE AND FRAME OF THE TRACKER. THE TRACKER WENT MID AIR, AND THEN ROLLED. CONSUMER HANDWRITING IS ILLEGIBLE.…”
“I WAS DRIVING ON A TWO-WAY RESIDENTIAL STREET, JUST PICKED UP OUR TWO YOUNGEST GRANDSON'S FROM SCHOOL, WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE JAMMED, VERY UNEXPECTEDLY, UP IN THE AREA BETWEEN THE ENGINE AND FRAME OF THE TRACKER. THE TRACKER WENT MID AIR, AND THEN ROLLED. CONSUMER HANDWRITING IS ILLEGIBLE.…”
“CONSUMER STATED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES. ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND TRY TO MAKE A FULL STOP THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT BRAKE WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. TS *TT”
“WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE . THE DEALER STATED THE OIL FILTER MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING OIL TO LEAK ONTO THE MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION. NO INJURIES REPORTED. *AK”
“WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT CAR(USED) DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WOULD NOT ROLL UP ALL THE WAY. DEALER FIXED. NOW 3 YEARS LATER, SAME PROBLEM CAME BACK, SOMETHING WRONG W/MOLDING CAUSING WINDOW TO SHIFT OFF TRACK AND NOT GO ROLL UP STRAIGHT W/OUT GUIDANCE OF MY HANDS. USUALLY IF MY HUSBAND SPRAYS INTO THE…”
2002 Chevrolet Tracker — common questions
Is the 2002 Chevrolet Tracker reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 82 complaints put the 2002 model at #4 of 14 Tracker years. It is one of the Tracker years to avoid.
What are the most common 2002 Tracker problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (17 complaints), body & structure (14 complaints), brakes (10 complaints).
Does the 2002 Chevrolet Tracker have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2002 Chevrolet Tracker.
Is the 2002 Chevrolet Tracker under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Chevrolet Tracker years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Tracker years to avoid are 2000, 2001, 2003, 2002, 1999. The cleanest record among Tracker years belongs to 1993.
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.