2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 509 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the brakes. No safety recall has been issued.

Not among the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 years to avoid. Which Chevrolet Silverado 1500 years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
87,990 milesMedian miles at failure

443 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000–150,000 miles.

Most common 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems

335 of the 509 complaints (66%) are about the brakes.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes · brakes175
1318
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes98
900
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes40
501
Steering17
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission15
100
Parking Brake13
000
Electrical System12
010
Air Bags · airbags10
9110
Structure › Body · body and frame8
100
Power Train · transmission8
100

2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 brakes problems

66% of all complaints

335 of the 509 complaints are about the brakes. This is what owners describe:

  • loses its brakes or the pedal sinks33% · 109
  • leaks oil or fluid14% · 48
  • sets off warning lights on the dash5% · 17
  • knocks, grinds or clunks4% · 12

Share of the 335 brakes complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
92,851 mi
median of 308 reports
Peak year of filing
2010
47 brakes complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
29 · 1 · 9
in these complaints
Recalls on the brakes
None
“While slowing down coming to a stop - no brakes. Checked everything. Suspect power booster. This started slowly about three weeks ago. Today it actually would not stop and I almost hit the fire hydrant.”
Owner complaint, filed Nov 29, 2018 at 97,000 miles
“My brake lines on my silverado have been replaced 5 different lines in 4 years the truck has 90,000 miles on it and in the last month 3 times ive lost brakes the guy who fixes my brake lines tells me the lines are rusted out each time this happens, he told me he cant tell by sight when they will fail cause they look ok but that's not the case, I've read this is a issue with these vehicle's ive been lucky so far …”
Owner complaint, filed Nov 17, 2018 at 70,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
2002: 7 complaints, 2 about the brakes'022003: 11 complaints, 2 about the brakes2004: 8 complaints, 3 about the brakes'042005: 16 complaints, 9 about the brakes2006: 36 complaints, 17 about the brakes'062007: 27 complaints, 7 about the brakes2008: 27 complaints, 16 about the brakes'082009: 24 complaints, 11 about the brakes2010: 57 complaints, 47 about the brakes'102011: 41 complaints, 34 about the brakes2012: 42 complaints, 32 about the brakes'122013: 46 complaints, 37 about the brakes2014: 60 complaints, 45 about the brakes'142015: 35 complaints, 29 about the brakes2016: 25 complaints, 17 about the brakes'162017: 15 complaints, 10 about the brakes2018: 13 complaints, 9 about the brakes'182019: 6 complaints, 4 about the brakes2020: 3 complaints, 2 about the brakes'202021: 2 complaints, 0 about the brakes2022: 1 complaints, 0 about the brakes'222023: 2 complaints, 0 about the brakes2024: 2 complaints, 1 about the brakes'242025: 3 complaints, 1 about the brakesNHTSA investigation EA04011NHTSA investigation PE03057
All complaintsAbout the brakesRecall (red: the brakes)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 2002 Silverado 1500 peaked in 2014, with 60 filed that year. No recall on file covers the brakes, the subject of 66% of the complaints. In 2025 owners filed 3 so far.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 2 name the 2002 Silverado 1500.

PARKING BRAKE FAILUREEngineering analysis EA04011Closed
Opened Apr 9, 2004Closed May 10, 2005Led to recall 05V161000parking brake

In a letter dated april 20, 2005, GM notified NHTSA that it had decided that defects that relate to motor vehicle safety exist in certain model year (my) 1999-2002 c/k 1500 series (pbr parking brake system) and my 2001-2005 c/k 2500 and 3500 series (trw parking brake system) pickups with manual transmissions.according to GM, some of these vehicles may have conditions that cause the friction linings to wear to an extent where the parking brake can become ineffective in immobilizing a parked vehicle.GM's action covers an estimated total of 142,585 vehicles.dealers will install a low-force …

PARKING BRAKE FAILUREPreliminary evaluation PE03057Closed
Opened Dec 8, 2003Closed Apr 9, 2004parking brake

Odi opened pe03-057 to assess parking brake ineffectiveness in the subject vehicles.these vehicles are equipped with four wheel disc brakes that incorporate a single-shoe drum-in-hat parking brake independent of the service brakes.complaint and warranty data indicate that the parking brake linings tend to wear out early in the life of the vehicle (at an average of 24 months in service), reducing the parking brake system's torque below that needed to immobilize the vehicle.GM has attributed this accelerated wear to foreign material intrusion and a failure of the brake shoe to properly …

Technical service bulletins

174 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2002 Silverado 1500. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

engine 50equipment 46electrical system 21brakes 10transmission 7equipment adaptive/mobility 7visibility 6body and frame 6
General CommunicationService campaignAug 26, 2024electrical system

Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to …

PIT3665LService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsOct 18, 2022brakes

This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.

PIT3665JService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 26, 2020brakes

This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.

PIT3665HService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJun 24, 2019brakes

This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.

PIT3665GService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 13, 2019brakes

This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.

PIT3665FService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 23, 2018brakes

This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.

PIT-3665-DService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsMay 11, 2016brakes

THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION ADVISES THE TECHNICIAN THAT THE HYDRO-BOOST IS NOT SERVICEABLE AND WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED IF THE BRAKE PEDAL MOVES OR APPLIES ON ITS OWN AT A FULL TURN.

Showing the newest 6 of 10 bulletins about the brakes, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed Dec 3, 2025TX

The emergency brake does not work properly. It automatically comes on while I am driving almost causing me to have a accident. Please, fix!!!!

Power Train
Filed Dec 3, 2025TX

I was driving today and my truck started making a strange noise(like something was loose). I stop the truck to see what was loose, I found nothing. I got back in the truck driving about 20 mph the truck started making the noise again and the truck started dragging( like it wouldn't go faster). I then stop and pulled in a church parking lot where the truck was not drivable. I was told by a concern passerby( mechanic, which happen to be) it's has something to do with the rest axle. The truck gave me no warning whatever. I was told I could have had a major accident and I had NO!!! warning. Please, fix. I have nothing but, issues with this truck.

Power Train
Filed Dec 3, 2025TX

My truck won't pick up speed when trying to accelerate. I don't know what it is. I know it's a problem and it's a hazard and accident waiting to happen!!!! Please, fix. I have had nothing but, issues with this Chevy Silverado.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 21, 2024NJ

ABS kicks in constantly at low speeds in dry conditions. This causes longer stopping distances. The ABS grinds or vibrates interfering with normal braking situations. Many near miss collisions at low speeds. The manufacturer should be responsible and replace all the ABS sensors. I purchased this truck brand new in 2002.

Structure
Filed May 10, 2024250,000 milesMD

The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a loud cracking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact noticed the loud cracking sound while driving over a pothole in the road. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact completed a thorough inspection of the vehicle and noticed a fracture behind the cab of the vehicle. In addition, the contact noticed corrosion of the undercarriage of the vehicle. The contact stated that the corrosion extended from the front passenger’s side to the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Dec 2, 2023MN

Had a front end collision going 65 miles per hour. Air bag never deployed

Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 19, 2023NJ

ABS sensors I think are bad cuz my brake pedal fluctuates and hasn't done that in a long time it went away no dash lights for the ABS but it's definitely coming from the brake pedal?

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 18, 2022KY

Rocker panels rusted out

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 23, 2021CA

THE THROTTLE CABLE MAKES CONTACT AND RUB THROUGH THE FLEXIBLE PRESSURIZED FUEL LINE CREATING A PINHOLE LEAK OF NATURAL GAS. I SMELL GAS INSiDE CAB. CAUSES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON

Air Bags
Filed Oct 18, 2021143,725 milesAZ

The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 5-10 MPH, the airbag warning light illuminated. The independent mechanic was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for diagnosis. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 143,725.

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Nov 16, 2020TX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ANOTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT WAS MAKING A LEFT, THE DRIVER SLAMMED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE LATCH FAILED CAUSING THE PASSENGER TO GO THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD DURING THE IMPACT. THE DRIVER PROCEEDED TO HIT A THIRD VEHICLE THAT WAS AT A STOP SIGN. THE OTHER DRIVER WAS FOUND AT FAULT BY THE POLICE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT LATCH FAILED TO RESTRAIN AND CAUSED THE FRONT PASSENGER INJURIES AT THE FACE, ARM, AND LEFT WRIST. THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG FAILED TO FULLY DEPLOY AND CAUSED THE PASSENGERS HEAD HIT THE WINDSHIELD. THE DRIVER SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE STOMACH. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS PROVIDED TO BOTH INJURED. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WAS PRESENT AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO WANTED TO ADD THAT TSB SEAT 10-08-50-003B DESCRIBES THE SEAT BELT FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DRIVER'S RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Service Brakes, Air › Antilock
Filed Mar 23, 202082,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE ABS SYSTEM ACTIVATED AND THE VEHICLE LOST MOTIVE POWER. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 82,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 19, 2020200,000 milesCA

ABS SYSTEM WILL ACTIVATE WHEN APPLYING BRAKES WITHOUT CAUSE SUCH AS A WET SURFACE

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 13, 201965,000 milesCA

HARD BREAK LINES ARE FULLY CORRODED AND NEED FULL REPLACEMENT AFTER A BREAK LINE FAILURE. LOW MILEAGE VEHICLE, CURRENTLY 65K, VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN MILD CLIMATE OF NC AND SC SINCE 2002 WHERE SNOW AND SALT IS INFREQUENT. NEVER DRIVEN IN COASTAL AREA. ONLY RECENTLY DRIVEN ACROSS COUNTRY, WHERE FAILURE OCCURRED. THANKFULLY AT SLOW SPEEDS.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 18, 201999,000 milesIL

USING THE KEY THE IGNITION TURNS ON AND TRUCK STARTS AS IT SHOULD, ANYTIME THE KEY THEN COULD BE TAKEN OUT OF THE IGNITION AT ANYTIME. IGNITION CAN BE CLICKED BACK TO ACCESSORY AND THE KEY CAN FALL OUT WHEN DRIVING. NOTE CHANGING FROM RUN TO ACCESSORY IT EASILY DONE.

Air BagsCrashFire1 killed
Filed Aug 7, 2019OK

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS LOOSE. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, SHE RAN OFF THE ROAD AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BURNS AND INJURIES TO HER RIBS, STERNUM, AND PELVIC. THE INJURIES WERE FATAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *TR *BF*JB*DT MEDICAL RECORD XXXXXXXXXXXX CERTIFICATION OF TITLE NO XXXXXXXXXXXX ('PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 25, 2019116,060 milesKS

BRAKE LINES STARTED LEAKING BRAKE FLUID OUT OF NOWHERE. BECAUSE OF THIS, THE BRAKE PETAL SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING AND COULD HAVE RESULTED IN DEATH. I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 30 MPH ON A CITY STREET WHEN I DISCOVERED THIS ISSUE. HAD I HAVE BEEN DRIVING AT A HIGHER SPEED I MAY NOT BE HERE TO COMPLAIN. RUSTED BRAKE LINES IS THE PROBLEM WITH THIS ISSUE.

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 14, 201975,000 milesOH

ABS KICKS IN AT LOW SPEED

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Jan 16, 2019205,000 milesVA

WHEN WE BOUGHT TRUCK I CHECKED VIN AND ONLY THE TAILGATE RECALL CAME UP BUT LISTED MY TRUCK BEING A CHEVY 800 MODEL, WELL COUPLE WEEKS AGO OUR TRUCK WOULDN'T BRAKE WHILE PARKING MAKING A LEFT INTO A RESTAURANT AND THE TRUCK WOULDN'T STOP AND HIT THE RESTAURANT WINDOW!!! WHEN I CHECKED JUST OUR EXACT VEHICLE 15 PLUS RECALLS CAME UP WITH THIS PARTICULAR DEFECT LISTED, PLEASE HELP ADVISE. THANK THE PARKERD

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 29, 201897,000 milesNJ

WHILE SLOWING DOWN COMING TO A STOP - NO BRAKES. CHECKED EVERYTHING. SUSPECT POWER BOOSTER. THIS STARTED SLOWLY ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO. TODAY IT ACTUALLY WOULD NOT STOP AND I ALMOST HIT THE FIRE HYDRANT.

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 19, 2018125,000 milesTN

BRAKE LINES RUSTED THROUGH TO POINT OF FAILURE

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 17, 201870,000 milesIL

MY BRAKE LINES ON MY SILVERADO HAVE BEEN REPLACED 5 DIFFERENT LINES IN 4 YEARS THE TRUCK HAS 90,000 MILES ON IT AND IN THE LAST MONTH 3 TIMES IVE LOST BRAKES THE GUY WHO FIXES MY BRAKE LINES TELLS ME THE LINES ARE RUSTED OUT EACH TIME THIS HAPPENS, HE TOLD ME HE CANT TELL BY SIGHT WHEN THEY WILL FAIL CAUSE THEY LOOK OK BUT THAT'S NOT THE CASE, I'VE READ THIS IS A ISSUE WITH THESE VEHICLE'S IVE BEEN LUCKY SO FAR (KNOCK ON WOOD) BUT THE COST AND THE STRESS OF HAVING YOUR BRAKES FAIL IS UNACCEPTABLE SEEING THE LINES ARE NOT UP TO NORMAL STANDARDS, SOMEONE SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS ISSUE

Seat Belts1 injured
Filed Oct 5, 2018118,000 milesOK

SEATBELTS DOES NOT CATCH AND WILL NOT RECOIL. STARTED OUT AS LOOSE NOW IT WILL NOT RETRACT. STARTED WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES WHEN A DOG RAN IN FRONT OF ME AND SEATBELTS DID NOT CATCH AND MY CHEST HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. THE SEATBELTS DID NOT RETRACT AFTER IT PULL OUT. I WAS TRAVELING 55 MPH WHEN THE DOG CROSSED THE HIGHWAY.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 2, 2018158,722 milesPA

IN JULY OF 2018, MY 2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO HAD MAJOR BRAKE FAILURE AS I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 35 MPH APPROACHING A RED LIGHT. I PRESSED ON THE BRAKES, IT WENT TOTALLY TO THE FLOOR AND I WAS UNABLE TO STOP, BLOWING RIGHT THROUGH RED LIGHT. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THE MY BRAKE LINE RUSTED THROUGH, AND ALL THE BRAKES LINES, AS WELL AS THE FUEL LINE IS TOTALLY RUSTED. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON IN THIS CHEVROLET / GM MODEL ERA. HE SAID IF ALL HE WERE TO DO IS REPLACE BRAKE LINES IN THIS 1999 TO 2006 ERA, IT WAS ENOUGH TO KEEP HIS BUSINESS BOOMING. WHAT SHOCKING STRUCK ME IS THAT HE TOLD ME THEY ALL FAIL UNDER THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR, ALONG THE FRAME, BEFORE THE ABS MODULE. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY HAZARD THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED. MYSELF, AS WELL AS OTHERS COULD OF BEEN KILLED WHEN I WAS UNABLE TO STOP AT THE RED LIGHT. JOHN D. NORRISTOWN, PA.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 29, 20181 milesIN

THERE IS A MAJOR SAFETY DESIGN FLAW IN THE 1999-2002 BRAKE SYSTEM. THE FRONT TIRES THROUGH THE SALT AND GRIME FROM THE ROADS ONTO THE BRAKE LINES WHERE CHEVROLET HAS LOCATED THEM IN THE DESIGN. THIS CAUSES THE BRAKE LINES TO CORRODE AND BURST DURING DRIVING. MINE HAVE NOW BURST FOR THE SECOND TIME IN THE LAST 5 YEARS. THE FIRST TIME IN 2013 I WAS DRIVING AT ABOUT 35-40 MPH WHEN I WENT TO MAKE A RH TURN AND THE BRAKES WENT TO THE FLOOR. THIS TIME I HAD WENT TO A LOCAL GAS STATION AND WAS ON THE WAY HOME WHEN I STOPPED TO TALK TO A NEIGHBOR AND ONCE AGAIN THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. I DRIVE THE TRUCK VERY LITTLE SO I HAVE ONLY PUT JUST OVER 17,000 MILES ON THE NEW SET OF BRAKE LINES THAT I HAD INSTALLED BY A CHEVROLET DEALER IN 2013. I LIVE IN SOUTHERN INDIANA, JUST NORTH OF LOUISVILLE, KY SO OUR WINTERS ARE NOT THAT HARSH, SO THE AMOUNT OF SALT FROM ROADS IS PRETTY LIMITED. I HAVE TALKED WITH OTHER CHEVROLET SILVERADO, YUKON AND SUBURBAN OWNERS AND THEY ALL SHARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES WITH THEIR BRAKE LINES. I HAVE WENT TO YOUTUBE TO SEE HOW TO MAKE THE REPAIRS MYSELF AND HAVE SEEN COUNTLESS VIDEOS ON INDIVIDUALS REPAIRING THEIR BRAKES BECAUSE OF THE CORROSION AND THE BRAKE LINES BURSTING. COME ON NHTSB WHAT ARE YOU WAITING ON BEFORE YOU ISSUE A RECALL, SOMEONE TO DIE OR BE PERMANENTLY DISABLED! DO THE RIGHT THING AND ISSUE A RECALL TO FIX THE BRAKES WITH STAINLESS STEEL LINES, ROTORS, CALIPERS AND BRAKE PADS THAT WILL NOT RUST AFTER A FEW YEARS!

Power Train
Filed Jul 22, 2018100,000 milesAZ

I FIRST OF ALL ABOUT A YEAR AGO AND NOTICED 2ND GEAR HAS GONE OUT IN IT SINCE I VERY RARELY WENT IN THE REVERSE IT DIDN'T NOTICE THAT TELL HER I WAS IN A PREDICAMENT AND HAD TO PUSH IT OUT AND NOW IT'S STUCK IN FIRST GEAR

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 5, 2018173,000 milesWV

I WAS DRIVING AT LOW SPEED ON A STREET THAT IS 25MH AS I BREAK TO STOP AT THE STOP SIGN MY ABS ACTIVATED. ALMOST CAUSED ME A SERIOUS ACCIDENT BECAUSE I COULDN'T STOP SO I HAD TO BREAK SO HARD MY BUT WAS ACTUALLY OFF OF THE SEAT. AND THIS CONTINUES TO HAPPEN SO NOW I HAVE TO TAKE THE ABS FUSE OUT TO DEACTIVATE MY ABS.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 22, 2018130,000 milesTX

TAKATA RECALL - HAVE BEEN STRANDED NUMEROUS TIMES AS IT HAS APPEARED TO BE THE FUEL PUMP NOT GETTING GAS TO START THE CAR. SOMETIME CAN HEAR PUMP RUNNING AS I HAVE REPLACE 3-4 PUMPS SINCE 2012 OR 13. SOME TIME BEATING UNDER TANK HELPS. THERE SEEM TO BE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. SECURITY LIGHT FLASHING AND START SOMETIME WHEN IT IS RESET. SOUNDS WONDERFUL WHEN IT RUNS. CAN IT BE THE COMPUTER? TOWED TO A SAFE LOCATION AFTER NOT STARTING AND DIAGNOSTIC TECHNICIAN SHOW 10% FUEL PRESSURE. I PARKED WENT IN TO MAKE A PAYMENT AT A BUSINESS AND WOULD NOT START FOR 4 DAYS

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 6, 201880,000 milesMO

VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING DOWN A STATE HIGHWAY WHEN IT WENT OFF THE ROAD, DOWN A SHORT EMBANKMENT, HIT AT LEAST 2 TREES BEFORE COMING TO REST. THE COLLISION WAS A FRONTAL COLLISION AND THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. THE AIRBAG, HOWEVER, DID NOT DEPLOY DURING THE ACCIEENT.

Steering
Filed Feb 15, 2018TX

THE IGNITION IS NOT WORKING RIGHT

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 31, 2018VA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE DRIVER HAD TO APPLY FORCE TO STOP THE VEHICLE, WHICH HAD STILL GONE THROUGH THE STOP SIGN DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V379000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE BRAKE SYSTEM RECALL. THERE WERE MORE THAN 20 TSBS ON THE BRAKE SYSTEM; HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED NO SOLUTION TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 22, 2018168,000 milesMD

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO OPERATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE CONTACT WAS A CERTIFIED MECHANIC AND WAS ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THAT THE BRAKE LINE WAS DAMAGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V379000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 168,000.

Structure › BodyCrash
Filed Dec 30, 201798,000 milesFL

I WAS DRIVING ON HWY 495 WHICH IS A CITY ROAD TOWARDS HWY 19 DRIVING APPROX 53 MPH IN CRYSTAL RIVER, FL. THE VECHILE AHEAD OF MY MINE WAS 3 CAR LENGTHS AHEAD WHEN I SAW THERE BRAKE LIGHTS ON, I APPLIED THE USUAL APPROPRIATE BRAKE PRESSURE WHICH IS NO HARDER OR SOFTER THEN ANY OTHER TIME. ONCE I SLOWED DOWN TO 40 MPH IN THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE REAR TIRE FELT LIKE IT EXPLODED AND HEARD A HUGE EXPLOSIVE TYPE SOUND AND ACTUALLY FELT THE ENTIRE BACK END OF MY SILVERADO LIFT UP AND SHIFT LEFTWARDS INTO THE OPPOSITE LANE CAUSING MY TRUCK TO ALSO GET STRUCK BY ANOTHER TRUCK CAUSING WHAT WAS A EXTREMELY WELL MAINTAINED TRUCK WITHOUT A SINGLE DING OR MECHANICAL ISSUES UNTIL THIS OCCURRED. I AM A ENGINEER AND HAVE NEVER WITNESSED A TIRE THAT LOOKED THE WAY THIS DID , BY SIMPLY DRIVING . I HAVE ALL RECORDS FOR MAINTAINCE,ROTATIONS ETC.. OVERALL I HAVE MADE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS AND HAVE SPENT 3500 ON TIRES AND REPAIRS AND STILL THE TRUCK NEEDS 4500 MORE . I ALSO HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE RIM THAT THE TIRE WERE ON AND THESE WERE THE RECOMMENDED TIRES FOR MY TRUCK.

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 27, 2017101,700 milesMN

EXPERIENCING UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS ON DRY ROADS WHEN SLOWING DOWN AND/OR STOPPING, WITH OR WITH OUT PRESSING ON THE BREAKS.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Oct 30, 2017133,475 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. WHILE DRIVING, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE ABS CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO STEWART CHEVROLET (780 SERRAMONTE BLVD, COLMA, CA 94014) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED ABOUT AN UNKNOWN MANUFACTURER RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT BEING REPAIRED PER THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 133,475. *TT CONSUMER STATED HE HAD A NUMEROUS CLOSE CALLS WITH THE BRAKES. HAD ONE ACCIDENT WHERE THEY FAILED TO DO THEIR JOBS. UPDATED 8/7/18*JB

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 20, 201763,000 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SHIFTED TO DRIVE TO PARK THE VEHICLE BACK IN THE DRIVEWAY, BUT THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK AGAIN. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE HAD TO BE UTILIZED. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED BRAKE FLUID ALL OVER THE DRIVEWAY. THE CONTACT LOOKED UNDER THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THE BRAKE LINES WERE SEVERELY RUSTED TO THE POINT THAT IT WAS HARD TO DETERMINE WHICH OF THE BRAKE LINES WAS LEAKING FLUID. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (KENDRED CHEVROLET IN SMITHFIELD, MISSOURI) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT ALL THE BRAKE LINES FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000.

Steering
Filed Oct 10, 2017107,000 milesMN

AT LOW SPEEDS MY 2002 CHEVY 4WD WILL NOT TURN TO THE RIGHT. LEFT DOES NOT SEEM TO BE AFFECTED. I HAVE REPLACED THE BELT, AND THE BELT TENSIONER, AND THE IDLER PULLY WITH NO CHANGE TO THE STEERING. I ALSO HAVE REPLACED THE POWER STEERING FLUID ON A REGULAR BASIS (50,000 MILES BETWEEN). I WAS ABOUT TO REPLACE THE POWER STEERING PUMP WHEN I FOUND THAT OTHERS HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE RACK AND PINION. I AM HOPING THIS REPORT WILL CONVINCE GM TO ISSUE A RECALL. TRUCK HAS APPROXIMATELY 107,000 MILES.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 3, 2017170,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 7 MPH, THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM ACTIVATED AND PULSATED UNTIL THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE STARTED INTERMITTENTLY APPROXIMATELY THREE WEEKS AGO AND HAS BECOME WORSE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED DAILY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Oct 2, 2017175,000 milesIN

THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM ENGAGES AT SLOW SPEEDS CAUSING INABILITY TO STOP. THE ROAD SURFACE DOES NOT MATTER, WET, DRY, DIRT OR PAVED, IT IS A FAILING SYSTEM. THIS WAS A RANDOM PROBLEM, NOW IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. THE SYSTEM WILL MAKE A RATCHETING SOUND THEN A GRINDING BEFORE AS YOU COME TO A STOP. YOU HAVE TO BE READY TO LET OFF THE BRAKE AND REAPPLY PRESSURE HOPING IT WORKS. I LIVE IN A NEIGHBORHOOD WITH SMALL CHILDREN RUNNING AROUND EVERYWHERE. I WOULD HATE TO THINK WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF THESE BRAKES FAILED ME WHEN I REALLY NEEDED THEM.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 3, 2017172,000 milesNY

ALL BRAKE LINE FOR ENTIRE TRUCK HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF RUST ISSUES, AS WELL AS REAR BACKING PLATES WHICH HAD RUSTED COMPLETELY AWAY. ABS SENSORS ARE ACTIVATING AT LOW SPEED ON DRY PAVEMENT CAUSING TRUCK TO TAKE LONGER SPACE TO STOP

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 2, 2017134,000 milesIN

BRAKE LINES ARE SEVERELY CORRODED. CAUSING PIN HOLE LEAKS. LINES ARE SO SEVERELY CORRODED THAT THERE IS NO WAY TO FIX EXCEPT TO REPLACE ALL BAKE LINES. THIS IS A EXTERME COSTLY REPAIR. DEALER SHIP QUOTED A MINIMUM $1700.00 BUT COULD BE HIGHER. LEAKS OCCURR WHILE DRIVING THEN APPLYING BRAKES DUE TO CORROSION CAUSE WEAK SPOTS IN LINES. LEAKS ONLY OCCURR WHILE DRIVING THEN APPLYING BRAKES THAT CAUSE INCREASE IN PRESSURE IN LINES. THIS COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS IN FAST MOVING TRAFFIC.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Jul 11, 2017MO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED SEVERE CORROSION OF THE VEHICLE'S FRAME. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 108,000.

Seats
Filed Jun 21, 2017218,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT METAL FRAME DETACHED. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THEN CONTINUED DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A POST REPAIR SHOP AND THE SEAT FRAME WAS WELDED. THE SEAT WAS REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED FOR HIS SAFETY BECAUSE THE SEAT BELT WAS ATTACHED TO THE FRAME. THE CONTACT CALLED PINE BELT CHEVROLET DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS NO REPLACEMENT PART. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 218,000.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed May 18, 2017103,000 milesFL

DRIVING ON ROADWAY AND HIT A CONCRETE MAIL BOX AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY HAD SURGERY ON MY LEFT ARM BROKEN LEFT LEG FIBULA HAD A BOWEL BLOCKAGE HIT A ILLEGAL CONSTRUCTION MAIL BOX MADE OF CONCRETE BLOCKS AND REBAR AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 28, 2017251,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. WHILE DRIVING 6 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED TO WORK WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 251,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 17, 2017138,000 milesOH

CAME OUT OF A RESTAURANT PUT FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL AND IT WENT TO THE FLOOR HAD TRUCK TOWED TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD BRAKE LINES NEED REPLACING AT A COST OF 1100.00 DOLLARS. JUST GLAD THAT I WASN'T DRIVING AS THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 12, 2017100,000 milesKY

STARTED VEHICLE EARLY ONE MORNING FOR THE FIRST TIME THAT DAY, ALLOWED IT TO WARM UP FOR ABOUT ONE (1) MINUTE AND THEN PLACED IT INTO REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF DRIVEWAY. AFTER TRAVELING ABOUT SIX (6) FEET IN REVERSE ATTEMPTED TO STOP, PEDAL WENT COMPLETELY TO FLOOR WITH NO RESISTANCE AT ALL AND VEHICLE STOPPED AFTER ABOUT SIX (6) FEET. THERE WAS A COMPLETE AND TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. NO PRIOR INDICATIONS, NO DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHT. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE I NOTICED A SMALL PUDDLE OF LIQUID ON THE GROUND NEAR THE REAR OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. AFTER HAVING VEHICLE TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP I WAS NOTIFIED BY THE REPAIR SHOP THAT THE BRAKE LINES HAD COMPLETED CORRODED. TOTAL REPAIR SHOP COST TO REPLACE ALL BRAKE LINES WAS $810.36. THIS DID NOT INCLUDE THE COST OF THE TOW TRUCK TO GET THE VEHICLE TO THE REPAIR FACILITY. I AM THE FIRST AND ONLY OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE. *TR

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 30, 2016SC

WE BOUGHT THIS TRUCK FROM AN I INDIVIDUAL AND HE HAD A CLEAR TITLE WE WENT TO DMV IN LEXINGTON SC GOT A REGISTRATION AND WE SAID THEY COULD JUST MAIL THE TITLE THEN WE GOT A LETTER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPORTED BY NHTSA CARS PROGRAM/US FEDERAL AGENCY AS A JUNK VEHICLE SAID WE HAVE TILL DECEMBER 4 TO RESOLVE THIS WE NEED YOUR HELP DON'T KNOW REALLY WHAT TO DO.

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 17, 2016135,000 milesMN

COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE ON A BUSY SUBURBAN STREET. I WAS INTENDING TO STOP FOR A RED LIGHT AND HAD NO BRAKES. PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. NO COLLISON. TRUCK NEEDED TO BE TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP. COST WAS $872.73.

Engine
Filed Nov 1, 201687,000 milesMD

I HAVE AN EXHAUST LEAK, DUE TO A BROKEN EXHAUST MANIFOLD BOLT. GM USED THE WRONG BOLTS ON MY 5.3LITER ENGINE. MY CHEVY DEALER SAYS IT'S GOING TO COST ME $1200 TO $1400 TO REPAIR MY ENGINE. MY TRUCK ONLY HAS 87000 MILES ON IT.

Complaints 1-50 of 509, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2014
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2026127320Do not drive
2025108040Routine
2024320200Above average
2023391360Above average
2022656660Above average
20218558120Above average
202075012100Above average
20191,0971080Above average
2018523741Fatalities reported
20177147120Do not drive
201679712101Do not drive
20151,11111141Fatalities reported
20141,4376184Fatalities reported
2013302200Above average
2012216210Above average
2011565441Fatalities reported
2010363310Above average
2009445360Above average
2008914391Fatalities reported
20078492142Fatalities reported
20063590150Above average
20055250342Fatalities reported
2004797081Fatalities reported
2003805070Above average
2002 — this page509051Fatalities reported
2001468053Fatalities reported
2000614053Fatalities reported
1999587252Fatalities reported
19983612110Above average
19975552131Fatalities reported
19967001Fatalities reported
19953000Routine
199410010Routine

Compare every Silverado 1500 year →

2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: questions buyers ask

Is the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 a good car?

It is not among the Silverado 1500 years to avoid. Owners filed 509 complaints, against about 576 for a typical Silverado 1500 year. The most common complaint is about the brakes (66%).

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

The brakes: 335 of the 509 complaints (66%) are about it. Owners most often say it loses its brakes or the pedal sinks (33%), leaks oil or fluid (14%) and sets off warning lights on the dash (5%). The typical report comes at 92,851 miles.

At what mileage do 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 87,990 miles. For the brakes the midpoint is 92,851 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

Yes, 2 times. The latest, EA04011 ("PARKING BRAKE FAILURE"), was opened Apr 9, 2004 and closed May 10, 2005.

Are there service bulletins for the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

The manufacturer filed 174 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (50), the electrical system (21) and the brakes (10). They include a service campaign, General Communication, filed Aug 26, 2024. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

1 death reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Most recent recall on file: none. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.