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
- 120
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Service brakes
Campaigns on file for 2002
None on file
55% of complaints
Complaints per year
2002: 120 complaints
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 | 30 |
| 2026 | 16 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Service brakes
55% · 66 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show 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, 2019-04-16
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, 2012-07-22
Engine and engine cooling
8% · 10 reportsMost commonly citing engine.
Parking brake
8% · 9 reportsMost commonly citing hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.
Fuel/propulsion system
7% · 8 reportsShow 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, 2018-02-04
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, 2012-06-24
Steering
7% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing shaft sector and linkages.
Show complaint excerpts
I had just pulled away from my home ( Approximately going 5 MPH) and my steering wheeled locked to the right and I side swiped 2 parked vehicles.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-09-17
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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▮
2002Complaint volume 120 complaints filed for this model year.
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R
2008-02-07Wheels07E106000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 66 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 10 reports on file for this year.
- Parking brake: 9 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 07E106000 · Wheels
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 55% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.