2002 GMC S Series problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 53 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 53.0 times the median S Series year — the 2002 model ranks #2 of 6 S Series years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
The trouble concentrates in one system: other issues account for 72% of all reports (38 of 53), far ahead of electrical system at 14.
53
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
1
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2002 compare to other S Series years?
What are the most common 2002 GMC S Series problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other | 38 | 72% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 14 | 26% | ▲ up |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“BRAKES ON MY 1995 GMC JIMMY FAIL PERIODICALLY. THE LAST TIME I REAR ENDED A WOMEN AND DESTROYED THE FRONT OF MY CAR. EVERYTHING HAS BEEN CHECKED OVER TWICE BY MECHANICS WHO HAVE COME TO THE CONCLUSION IT IS THE MODULE IN THE ABS. GM HAS SAID IT IS NOT THEIR PROBLEM. IF I AM DRIVING ALONG AT 25…”
“I HAVE REPLACED MY HEADLIGHT SWITCH 3 TIMES NOW, THE 2ND TIME I WOULD DRIVE AND HEADLIGHTS WOULD FLASH HIGH AND LOW LIKE A POLICE CAR, NOW MY DAY TIME HEADLAMPS DO NOT WORK? INCIDENT DATES ARE NOT CORRECT NOT SURE. *NM”
“I HAVE A 1997 GMC SONOMA S.N. [XXX]. I HAVE BEEN HAVING A LOT OF THINGS WRONG WITH IT. AIR CONDITIONER (A/C) WENT OUT, THE MOTOR MOUND BROKE, THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN, THE BRAKES FAIL, THE VALVES ARE TAPPING, MAIN FRONT BEARING SEAL IS LEAKING, BLINKERS ARE NOT WORKING,OIL IS LEAKING ON TOP OF…”
2002 GMC S Series — common questions
Is the 2002 GMC S Series reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 53 complaints put the 2002 model at #2 of 6 S Series years. It is one of the S Series years to avoid.
What are the most common 2002 S Series problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are other (38 complaints), electrical system (14 complaints), climate control (a/c & heat) (1 complaints).
Does the 2002 GMC S Series have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2002 GMC S Series.
Which GMC S Series years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the S Series years to avoid are 1995, 2002. The cleanest record among S Series 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.