VehicleVerdict

2002 GMC Suburban problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 9 complaints on file for the 2002 GMC Suburban — 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.

9

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Suburban years?

Suburban NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted490 complaints1966: 0 complaints1974: 1 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 2 complaints1984: 5 complaints1985: 6 complaints1986: 4 complaints1987: 8 complaints1988: 8 complaints1989: 24 complaints1990: 28 complaints1991: 33 complaints1992: 105 complaints1993: 254 complaints1994: 490 complaints1995: 294 complaints1996: 220 complaints1997: 268 complaints1998: 137 complaints1999: 393 complaints2000: 20 complaints2001: 5 complaints2002: 9 complaints2003: 8 complaints2004: 1 complaints
Suburban NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Suburban years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 GMC Suburban problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Tires & Wheels333%
Fuel System222%
Airbags111%
Brakes111%
Electrical System111%
Transmission111%

Does the 2002 GMC Suburban have recalls?

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

03V094000Body & StructureMarch 7, 2003 · 3,674 units

Defect

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC. THESE UNITS CONTAIN A COURTESY LIGHT OR LIGHTS THAT MIGHT OVERHEAT WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT.

Consequence

THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE RUNNING BOARDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 7, 2003. 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 SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WITH LESS THAN 24,000 MILES ON 2002 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN, THERE IS EXTREMELY ABNORMAL WEAR ON TREADS OF FRONT TIRES IN PARTICULAR. LARGE, DEEP AND UNEVEN INDENTATIONS ON THE TREAD, ESPECIALLY FRONT INSIDE OF TIRES. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 15, 2003

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAD A POWER FAILURE WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH. THE IGNITION WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SERVICE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THERE WAS AN IGNITION PROBLEM. ON THE SECOND VISIT, THE INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WITH A FUEL PUMP PROBLEM. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 22, 2006

“THE AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY WHEN THE CONSUMERS WIFE HIT A BUS AT 40 MPH. THIS RESULTED IN A CONCUSSION. *AK *SC *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · November 13, 2004 · crash

“DT: CONTACT OWNS A 2002 GMC SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING AND CHANGING GEARS, AND WHEN PUTTING IT IN REVERSE IT SOUNDS LIKE THE ENGINE IS FALLING OUT. WHILE CHANGING GEARS ITS LIKE A BIG THUD. WHEN CHANGING FROM PARK TO REVERSE IT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS COMING APART. WHEN TURNING THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL RED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 15, 2005

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAD A POWER FAILURE WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH. THE IGNITION WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SERVICE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THERE WAS AN IGNITION PROBLEM. ON THE SECOND VISIT, THE INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WITH A FUEL PUMP PROBLEM. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 22, 2006

2002 GMC Suburban — common questions

Is the 2002 GMC Suburban reliable?

The record is thin — 9 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2002 GMC Suburban have recalls?

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

Is the 2002 GMC Suburban under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which GMC Suburban years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Suburban years to avoid are 1994, 1999, 1995, 1997, 1993, 1996, 1998, 1992, 1991. The cleanest record among Suburban years belongs to 1982.

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.