2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes2337.1%
- Engine812.9%
- Fuel system812.9%
- Tires & wheels69.7%
- Suspension58.1%
- Visibility58.1%
- Powertrain (other)23.2%
- Steering11.6%
- Body & structure11.6%
- Other / unspecified11.6%
- Transmission11.6%
- Electrical11.6%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEVERAL FUEL INJECTOR FAILURES AND OEM UNCOATED CARBON STEEL BRAKE LINES. *M THE CONSUMER STATED GM WITHHELD MATERIAL FACTS CONCERNING DURAMAX LB7 DIESEL FUEL INJECTOR FAILURES IN VIOLATION OF MISSOURI MERCHANDISING PRACTICES ACT AT THE TIME OF SALE AND DELIVERY. *JS
WHEN POSITIONING MY TRUCK TO HOOK UP MY 5TH WHEEL CAMPER I LOST MY BRAKES. THERE WAS NO WARNING OF ANY KIND AND I WASN'T SURE UNTIL I GOT OUT AND SAW THE PUDDLE . EVEN AFTER MOVING THE TRUCK AN LOSING MORE FLUID THERE WAS STILL NO WARNING. I HATE TO THINK IF HAD HOOKED UP AND BEEN DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN CORRODED METAL LINES BLEW OUT!
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE JUST COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF, I HAVE REPLACED EVERYTHING & 1 YEAR LATER AND 25,000 MILES LATER & 5 ACCIDENTS THE VEHICLE STILL DOES IT NOW IT WONT EVEN START. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND THERE SHOULD BE A RE-CALL ON THIS I'VE READ THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON IN THIS VEHICLE AND THERE ARE VARIOUS RECALLS ON THE WIRING HARNESS, TRANSMISSION, FUEL LINE, FILTER, HEADLIGHTS, TOWING PACKAGE, BRAKE SYSTEM, BRAKE LIGHTS, BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS. EVERYBODY WHO IS EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE SHOULD FILE A COMPLAINT TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. I ALMOST LOST MY LIFE MANY TIMES AND I LOST ALOT OF MONEY ON THIS VEHICLE GM SHOULD TAKE THIS TRUCK BACK THAT'S FOR SURE 2002 C3500 EXPRESS / CUTAWAY DURAMAX DIESEL *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEVERAL FUEL INJECTOR FAILURES AND OEM UNCOATED CARBON STEEL BRAKE LINES. *M THE CONSUMER STATED GM WITHHELD MATERIAL FACTS CONCERNING DURAMAX LB7 DIESEL FUEL INJECTOR FAILURES IN VIOLATION OF MISSOURI MERCHANDISING PRACTICES ACT AT THE TIME OF SALE AND DELIVERY. *JS
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE JUST COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF, I HAVE REPLACED EVERYTHING & 1 YEAR LATER AND 25,000 MILES LATER & 5 ACCIDENTS THE VEHICLE STILL DOES IT NOW IT WONT EVEN START. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND THERE SHOULD BE A RE-CALL ON THIS I'VE READ THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON IN THIS VEHICLE AND THERE ARE VARIOUS RECALLS ON THE WIRING HARNESS, TRANSMISSION, FUEL LINE, FILTER, HEADLIGHTS, TOWING PACKAGE, BRAKE SYSTEM, BRAKE LIGHTS, BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS. EVERYBODY WHO IS EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE SHOULD FILE A COMPLAINT TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. I ALMOST LOST MY LIFE MANY TIMES AND I LOST ALOT OF MONEY ON THIS VEHICLE GM SHOULD TAKE THIS TRUCK BACK THAT'S FOR SURE 2002 C3500 EXPRESS / CUTAWAY DURAMAX DIESEL *TR
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE HAD 2 OF THEM FAIL ON MY WORK TRUCK. BOTH HAD VERY LOW MILES. TIRES COMPLETELY BLEW OUT.
ON SUNDAY MAY THE 15TH THE WALMART TLE ON BUSH RIVER RD IN COLUMBIA SC INSTALLED TWO FRONT TIRES ON A 2002 CHEVY 3500 VAN. THEY INSTALLED TWO P RATED TIRES EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE CALLS FOR LT. THEY ALL SO PUT 55PSI IN THE TIRES WHEN THE TIRES ARE ONLY RATED FOR 44PSI. THE TIRES ARE NOT RATED FOR THIS. ALSO THERE WAS NO DOT CARD GIVEN OUT. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT: WHILE IN A PARKING LOT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE ACCELERATED TO AVOID ANOTHER CAR AT A LOW SPEED WHEN THE LEFT REAR FRONT SPRING EYE OF THE REAR SUSPENSION BROKE OFF, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STRIKE A PILLAR. THIS OCCURRED WHEN THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE LOST CONTROL, AND TURNED SIDEWAYS, STRIKING THE PILLAR DUE TO THE LOSS OF THE SPRING. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A BODY SHOP. THE CONSUMER MADE THE DETERMINATION ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THE TRUCK IS AT THE BODY SHOP NOW. IT HAS NOT BEEN TO A DEALER. NO REPAIRS OR CORRECTIONS AT THIS TIME. THIS WAS THE FIRST ISSUE WITH THE REAR SUSPENSION. THERE WAS DAMAGE ONLY TO THE VEHICLE, NO POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. *AK
DT: THE CONTACT OWNS 2002 CHEVROLET DUMP TRUCK. WHEN HE FIRST BOUGHT IT THE BRAKES WERE BAD. HE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER, AND THEY PUT NEW ROTORS ON THE FRONT. HE WAS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES, AND HE TOOK IT BACK, AND THEY SAID THE BRAKES WERE FINE. HE TOOK IT TO MIDAS, AND THE BACK ROTORS WERE SHOT. THEY PUT NEW BRAKES AND ROTORS ON THE BACK. ALSO, THE FUEL GAUGE SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE. THEY REPLACED THE SENSOR. THE REAR END WAS BAD. THEY REBUILT THE REAR END. THEN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, *AK AND THEY PUT NEW MANIFOLDS ON IT. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET 3500 . THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WINDOWS ON BOTH SIDES FELL OUT ON THE ROAD AT DIFFERENT TIMES. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDOWS WERE MANUFACTURED BY C. R. LAURENCE COMPANY IN HOUSTON TEXAS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
WINDSHIELD WIPER INTERMITTENT SWITCH FAILURE (2ND TIME SINCE BOUGHT TRUCK NEW IN 2002). WHEN SWITCH TO INTERMITTENT, WIPERS COME ON AND STAY ON. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE JUST COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF, I HAVE REPLACED EVERYTHING & 1 YEAR LATER AND 25,000 MILES LATER & 5 ACCIDENTS THE VEHICLE STILL DOES IT NOW IT WONT EVEN START. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND THERE SHOULD BE A RE-CALL ON THIS I'VE READ THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON IN THIS VEHICLE AND THERE ARE VARIOUS RECALLS ON THE WIRING HARNESS, TRANSMISSION, FUEL LINE, FILTER, HEADLIGHTS, TOWING PACKAGE, BRAKE SYSTEM, BRAKE LIGHTS, BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS. EVERYBODY WHO IS EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE SHOULD FILE A COMPLAINT TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. I ALMOST LOST MY LIFE MANY TIMES AND I LOST ALOT OF MONEY ON THIS VEHICLE GM SHOULD TAKE THIS TRUCK BACK THAT'S FOR SURE 2002 C3500 EXPRESS / CUTAWAY DURAMAX DIESEL *TR
VEHICLE WILL BOUNCES AND JIGGLE DUE TO A FAULTY REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. PH
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK DURING LOW-SPEED BRAKE APPLICATIONS THE BRAKES PUSH BACK AND DON'T NOT STOP THE TRUCK THE POWER STEERING ALSO CUTS OUT WHEN THIS HAPPENS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE LOADING A ATV INTO THE BACK OF MY 2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO THE CABLES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE TAILGATE BROKE SENDING ME AND THE ATV OVER BACKWARDS, LUCKILY THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO ME OR THE ATV. THE TAILGATE WAS DAMAGED , IT IS BEING REPAIRED BY THE DEALER! *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING MY 2002 CHEVY SILVERADO 3500, WITH APPROX 41000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER, THE SPARE TIRE FELL OFF FROM UNDER THE TRUCK BED AND WENT SKIDDING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. THE STEEL CABLE THAT WAS HOLDING THE SPARE TIRE WAS OBSERVED TO BE SHREDDED. I WAS DRIVING AT APPROX. 35 MILES AN HOUR ON A FLAT HIGHWAY, UNDER NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS WHEN THIS OCCURRED. THE SPARE TIRE HAS NEVER BEEN SERVICED OR MOVED AND WAS PUT IN PLACE AT THE FACTORY. THIS FAILURE OF THE STEEL CABLE THAT HOLDS THE SPARE TIRE ALMOST RESULTED IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I CONTACTED THE CHEVY DEALER (BILL KOENIG CHEVROLET IN PORT ANGELS WA) AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT INDICATED THAT THIS FAILURE WAS NOT A RECALL ISSUE AND DECLINED TO REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY. CLEARLY, THIS FAILURE POSES A SERIOUS TRAFFIC SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AND ADDRESSED. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
FLYWHEEL RATTLES AND VIBRATES. THIS IS SECOND OCCURRENCE AT 100,000 MILES AND WAS REPLACED BY DEALER THE FIRST TIME AT 50,000 MILES. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE JUST COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF, I HAVE REPLACED EVERYTHING & 1 YEAR LATER AND 25,000 MILES LATER & 5 ACCIDENTS THE VEHICLE STILL DOES IT NOW IT WONT EVEN START. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND THERE SHOULD BE A RE-CALL ON THIS I'VE READ THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON IN THIS VEHICLE AND THERE ARE VARIOUS RECALLS ON THE WIRING HARNESS, TRANSMISSION, FUEL LINE, FILTER, HEADLIGHTS, TOWING PACKAGE, BRAKE SYSTEM, BRAKE LIGHTS, BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS. EVERYBODY WHO IS EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE SHOULD FILE A COMPLAINT TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. I ALMOST LOST MY LIFE MANY TIMES AND I LOST ALOT OF MONEY ON THIS VEHICLE GM SHOULD TAKE THIS TRUCK BACK THAT'S FOR SURE 2002 C3500 EXPRESS / CUTAWAY DURAMAX DIESEL *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .