2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 9 |
| 1995 | 8 |
| 1996 | 9 |
| 1997 | 16 |
| 1998 | 14 |
| 1999 | 74 |
| 2000 | 67 |
| 2001 | 92 |
| 2002 | 120 |
| 2003 | 175 |
| 2004 | 182 |
| 2005 | 94 |
| 2006 | 31 |
| 2007 | 190 |
| 2008 | 101 |
| 2009 | 55 |
| 2010 | 53 |
| 2011 | 80 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2023 | 17 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 27 |
| 2026 | 9 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
28% of complaints: service brakes — 33 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
PASSENGER FRONT BRAKE IS LOCKING UP WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. HAS CAUSED NUMEROUS BRAKE PAD REPLACEMENTS AND CALIPER AND ROTOR REPLACEMENT. HAS CAUSE SMALL FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190416
WHEN DRIVING FROM WORK, MY HUSBAND NOTICED THE VEHICLE WAS SLOW TO STOP. WHEN THE VEHICLE FINALLY ARRIVED HOME, WE NOTICED A SIZABLE AMOUNT OF BRAKE FLUID IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE TRAIL LED ALL THE WAY TO THE GARAGE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120722
18% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 21 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: parking brake — 8 distinct reports on file.
7% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 8 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
WHILE REPLACING THE RUSTED BRAKE LINES ON MY SUBURBAN (SEE TRACKING NUMBER 11066863), I NOTICED THE FUEL LINES GOING TO THE FUEL FILTER WERE ALSO TERRIBLY RUSTED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180204
DURING NORMAL OPERATIONS UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS THE FOLLOWING OCCURRED. LOSS OF ENGINE AT SPEEDS OF 60+ MPH AFTER DRIVING ONE HOUR. ENGINE RESTARTED WITH IN TWO MINUTES.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120624
4% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 5 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND
Remedy: FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.
Campaign 07E106000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (33 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for parking brake issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 07E106000 (wheels) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.