Is the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 60% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 351
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 4
Top problem: Service brakes

Complaints per year

2002: 351 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1994	3
1995	3
1996	2
1997	64
1998	73
1999	81
2000	132
2001	300
2002	351
2003	449
2004	368
2005	269
2006	177
2007	204
2008	191
2009	61
2010	21
2011	104
2012	53
2013	51
2014	40
2015	176
2016	122
2017	54
2018	53
2019	74
2020	104
2021	88
2022	95
2023	47
2024	141
2025	29
2026	7

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Service brakes

60% · 210 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH

Show complaint excerpts

Driving up to city intersection was appling brakes, car in front applied his quicker causing his rear to raise up, indicating panic stop, I followed and applied hard pressure to my brakes, pedal then went to the floor and lost all brake action, this...

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-08-04

Rear ended a lady and her baby yesterday after hitting the brakes only to find them go to the floor and had no brakes. Brake lines are excessively rusted and one burst.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-07-06

Brake lines were corroded and ruptured leaving the vehicle without brakes. Vehicle left the road and ended up in the ditch narrowly missing trees. By shear luck this failure did not involve braking in town or to slow down in traffic.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-06-30

Engine and engine cooling

12% · 43 reports

Most commonly citing engine and exhaust system.

FIRE

Steering

5% · 16 reports

Most commonly citing pump and tie rod assembly.

CRASH

Power train

4% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing transfer case (4-wheel drive) and automatic transmission.

CRASH

Engine

4% · 13 reports

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

2002 Chevrolet silverado. Consumer writes in regards to engine fuel injectors safety recall. *ld the consumer stated the vehicle required having the fuel injectors replaced multiple times. The vehicle was repaired twice under warranty.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-02-14

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2001-07-09Interior lighting01V220000 Vehicle description: certain pickup trucks equipped with 6.6L diesel engines fail to comply with requirements of FMVSS No. 105, "Hydraulic and electric brake systems." These vehicles have a brake…

Remedy: Dealers will change the location of a wire connection in the underhood bussed electrical center. Owner notification began July 9, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on…

Check if this car was fixed →
▮
2002Complaint volume 351 complaints filed for this model year.
I
2004-01-08Preliminary evaluationClosed 2004-04-30 Hydraulic pump shaft failures
I
2004-04-30Engineering analysisClosed 2005-02-28 Hydraulic pump failres
R

2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n G3727, with date codes X52911 through X60801 sequentially or X600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing…

Remedy: Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006. Owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (Option 1).

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2007-05-14Preliminary evaluationClosed 2007-09-14 Trailer hitch receiver failure
I
2007-09-14Engineering analysisClosed 2008-09-12 Trailer hitch receiver failure
R

Date not on fileSteering06E010000 Certain fabtech aftermarket replacement pitman arms, p/nos. Fts71000 and FTS71001, installed for use on certain 2001-2006 GM c/k 2500 pick up trucks and sport utility vehicles.

Remedy: Fabtech will notify owners and replace the pitman and idler arms free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during February 2006. Owners may contact fabtech at 909-597-7800.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Service brakes: 210 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 43 reports on file for this year.
Steering: 16 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 06E010000 · Steering
Recall 01V220000 · Interior lighting
Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500?: The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 60% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.