Is the 2002 GMC Sierra 2500 reliable?

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

What are the most common problems with the 2002 GMC Sierra 2500?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 58% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2002 GMC Sierra 2500 have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2002 GMC Sierra 2500

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2002 GMC Sierra 2500
RENDERED 2026-11-01T17:04:45.106Z

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: 134
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 3
Top problem: Service brakes

Complaints per year

2002: 134 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1994	1
1997	14
1998	15
1999	36
2000	48
2001	134
2002	134
2003	160
2004	143
2005	115
2006	66
2007	83
2008	63
2009	31
2010	10
2011	63
2012	30
2013	46
2014	30
2015	89
2016	59
2017	37
2018	35
2019	32
2020	79
2021	51
2022	45
2023	32
2024	104
2025	28
2026	14

Known problem areas

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

Service brakes

58% · 78 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I was exiting my driveway, which is very steep,the brake pedal went to the floor with no warning,lamps or otherwise. My vehicle surged across both lanes and wound up in the woods.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-12-13

I was driving my 2002 GMC Sierra 2500 hd on I95 when traffic came to a sudden stop. I slammed on the brakes at which point the ABS system started pulsing the brakes, but the brake pedal suddenly went to the floor with no further brake response.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-10-01

Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic

Power train

10% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and driveshaft.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

While driving automatic transmission will down shift abruptly and vehicle may lunge forward when sitting at light. Driver must keep foot pressed hard against brake pedal to keep from moving when sitting still. Please describe details.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-08-14

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

Engine and engine cooling

8% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing engine.

Steering

7% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing pinion shaft and tie rod assembly.

Structure

4% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing frame and members and hinge and attachments.

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 3 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 134 complaints filed for this model year.
I
2004-01-08Preliminary evaluationClosed 2004-04-30 Hydraulic pump shaft failures
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 →
R

Date not on fileService brakes, air06E050000 Certain federal-mogul national and carquest aftermarket hub assemblies, p/n 515058, sold for use on 2001-2006 General Motors 1500 and 2500 4WD trucks.

Remedy: Federal-mogul will notify its owners and will either credit the customers account or replace the unit. The recall is expected to begin during June 2006. Owners can contact federal-mogul customer service at 1-800-563-8507 ext 3530.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2002 GMC Sierra 2500 — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Service brakes: 78 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 14 reports on file for this year.
Engine and engine cooling: 11 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 06E010000 · Steering
Recall 06E050000 · Service brakes, air
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 GMC Sierra 2500 reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 GMC Sierra 2500 is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 GMC Sierra 2500?: The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 58% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 GMC Sierra 2500 have?: 4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.