VehicleVerdict

2002 Gem Nev problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 2002 Gem Nev — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

5

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Nev years?

Nev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted5 complaints1999: 1 complaints2000: 2 complaints2001: 3 complaints2002: 5 complaints2003: 2 complaints2004: 0 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 4 complaints2007: 1 complaints2009: 0 complaints
Nev NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Nev years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Gem Nev problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System360%
Brakes120%
Body & Structure120%

Does the 2002 Gem Nev have recalls?

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

06V222000Electrical SystemJune 21, 2006 · 27,350 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN 2 AND 4 PASSENGER, SHORT AND LONG BED LOW SPEED VEHICLES, THE 12 VOLT OUTPUT FROM THE AUXILIARY CARD CIRCUIT BOARD (A DC VOLTAGE TO DC VOLTAGE CONVERTER) MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE AND RESULT IN LOSS OF HEADLAMP, TAIL LAMP AND TURN SIGNAL LAMP FUNCTIONS.

Consequence

A LOSS OF HEADLAMPS COULD IMPAIR A DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. IF THERE IS A LOSS OF TAIL LAMP OR TURN SIGNAL LAMP FUNCTION, A FOLLOWING DRIVER MAY NOT KNOW WHEN THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN APPLIED OR THAT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT IS TURNING, A REAR-END CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AUXILIARY CARDS, INSTALL A SPLASH/SPRAY PROTECTION, AND ADJUST THE DASH SEAL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GLOBAL ELECTRIC AT 888-871-4367.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 GEM NEV. THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE # 06V222000 REGARDING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN JANUARY 2007. SHE CALLED THE DEALER FOUR TIMES TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE REPAIR. THE TECHNICIAN CALLED HER BACK TO SCHEDULE, BUT HE NEVER CALLED BACK TO CONFIRM. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 1, 2007

“Waev, who is the current parent company of Global Electric Motorcars (GEM), has indicated to me that they are no longer responsible for performing NHTSA Recall # 06V-222000. The reason provided is the recall was issued in a safety bulletin from 2011, and Waev is claiming they are no longer liable…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 7, 2024

“2002 GLOBAL ELECTRIC MOTORCAR WITH BROKEN FRAME. CONSUMER STATED THAT THE REAR OF THE FRAME THAT HOLDS THE REAR AXLE BROKE IN TWO PLACES. HE STATES OTHER PEOPLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. *KB ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · January 1, 1901

2002 Gem Nev — common questions

Is the 2002 Gem Nev reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2002 Gem Nev have recalls?

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

Is the 2002 Gem Nev under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.