RoadVitals

2002 GMC Sierra 1500 Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
166
Latest Nov 17, 2020
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
17
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
17

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2002 GMC Sierra 1500, 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

  • Brakes12768.6%
  • Steering73.8%
  • Airbags52.7%
  • Other / unspecified52.7%
  • Electrical42.2%
  • Transmission31.6%
  • Interior & seats31.6%
  • Exterior lighting31.6%
  • Engine21.1%
  • Powertrain (other)21.1%
  • Seat belts21.1%
  • Tires & wheels21.1%
  • Driver assistance10.5%
  • Heating & air conditioning10.5%
  • Fuel system10.5%

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.

127
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 45 MILES AN HOUR COMING DOWN AN OVERPASS. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT COMPLETELY TO THE FLOOR AND I NARROWLY AVOIDED A CRASH. I TOOK TO MY MECHANIC. THEY SAID THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT. I AM NOT GETTING THIS FIXED AS IT IS AN OLDER TRUCK BUT I DO THINK THAT SOMEONE COULD DIE FROM THIS DEFECT.

NHTSA ID 11375020 · filed Nov 17, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE ABS AND BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE WHERE THE BRAKE LINES WERE REPLACED DUE TO RUST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000. *BF BRAKE LINES WERE REPLACED TWICE SAME LOCATION ON THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER IS NOW HAVING PROBLEMS WITH ABS BRAKE LIGHTING ON DASH ( WHEEL SPEED SENSORS ON FRONT TONE RINGS).*JB

NHTSA ID 11256642 · filed Sep 19, 2019
All 127 reports naming brakes

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND WOBBLED SO VIOLENTLY THAT IT LEFT THE CONTACT DISORIENTED. THE CONTACT HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE AND HAD TO PULL OVER FOR A WHILE. WHEN THE CONTACT RETUNED TO THE ROAD, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SHAKE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED BETWEEN THE SPEEDS OF 30-45 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INSTALLED NEW BEARINGS, WHICH MADE THE FAILURE WORSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO OTHER MECHANICS, BUT EACH REPAIR FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 177,000.

NHTSA ID 11231442 · filed Jul 12, 2019

161131 MILES FRAME RUSTED REAL BAD BODY LOOKS GREAT FOR THE YEAR I JUST BOUGHT THE TRUCK LOOKED REAL CLEAN INSIDE AND OUT FROM ORIGANAL OWNER PUT IT ON A LIFT AND THE FRAME IS SO RUSTED OUT DID SOME GOOGLEING AND FOUND THAT MOST ALL THESE TRUCKS WERE BUILT TO ROT OUT IN 3 YEARS

NHTSA ID 11197051 · filed Apr 17, 2019
All 9 reports naming suspension

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

161131 MILES FRAME RUSTED REAL BAD BODY LOOKS GREAT FOR THE YEAR I JUST BOUGHT THE TRUCK LOOKED REAL CLEAN INSIDE AND OUT FROM ORIGANAL OWNER PUT IT ON A LIFT AND THE FRAME IS SO RUSTED OUT DID SOME GOOGLEING AND FOUND THAT MOST ALL THESE TRUCKS WERE BUILT TO ROT OUT IN 3 YEARS

NHTSA ID 11197051 · filed Apr 17, 2019

SPARE TIRE FELL OFF FROM THE CABLE, UNKNOWN, I ALSO HAD A 2001 GMC YUKON AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED, THIS IS UNSAFE AS IT COULD BECOME DETACHED WHILE MOVING AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED

NHTSA ID 11084433 · filed Apr 10, 2018
All 8 reports naming body & structure

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2001 GMC SIERRA 1500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO STEERING COMPONENT FAILURE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED AMONTH AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE THE STEERING GEAR BEGAN LEAKING. *JS

NHTSA ID 11043548 · filed Mar 5, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH THE CONTACT HEARD A CLANKING NOISE AND FELT A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIBRATION AND THE SOUND WOULD OCCUR CONSTANTLY WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS AND BECAME MORE NOTICEABLE WHEN DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NOT A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE AND THEY COULD NOT PROVIDE ANY FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

NHTSA ID 10394129 · filed Apr 4, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT'S SON CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION, A NECK INJURY, NOSE BRUISING, AND BACK INJURIES DUE TO THE SEAT BELT TIGHTENING. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOWING COMPANY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND NO REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

NHTSA ID 10877011 · filed Jun 27, 2016

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY IN THE FAR RIGHT LANE. GOING ABOUT 60 MILES A HOUR WE HIT A PATCH OF BLACK ICE. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO FISHTAIL. THE DRIVER KEPT THE VEHICLE FROM SPINNING OUT AND DOING A 360. WE CROSSED OVER 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC, WITHOUT HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE. WHEN THE TRUCK FINALLY GRIPED ON TO THE ROAD WE HAD NO WAY OF AVOIDING THE CENTER MEDIAN, A CONCRET WALL DIVIDER. UPON IMPACT NEITHER THE DRIVERSIDE OR THE PASSENGERSIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. WE HIT THE WALL AT A 70 DEGREE ANGLE SO IT WAS PRETTY MUCH HEAD ON. WHY DIDN'T THE AIRBAGS DEPLOY??????? FROM READING OTHER POSTS ON OTHER SITES IT SOUNDS LIKE THIS HAPPENS A LOT. WHY ISN'T THERE A RECALL. APPARENTLY THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG AND IT'S UNSAFE. *TR ## VIN PASSED ## GMC, SIERRA, 1500, 2002 ##

NHTSA ID 10494641 · filed Jan 24, 2013

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.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 GMC SIERRA 1500. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND WOBBLED SO VIOLENTLY THAT IT LEFT THE CONTACT DISORIENTED. THE CONTACT HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE AND HAD TO PULL OVER FOR A WHILE. WHEN THE CONTACT RETUNED TO THE ROAD, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SHAKE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED BETWEEN THE SPEEDS OF 30-45 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INSTALLED NEW BEARINGS, WHICH MADE THE FAILURE WORSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO OTHER MECHANICS, BUT EACH REPAIR FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 177,000.

NHTSA ID 11231442 · filed Jul 12, 2019

SPARE TIRE FELL OFF FROM THE CABLE, UNKNOWN, I ALSO HAD A 2001 GMC YUKON AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED, THIS IS UNSAFE AS IT COULD BECOME DETACHED WHILE MOVING AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED

NHTSA ID 11084433 · filed Apr 10, 2018

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS CONSTANTLY BURNING OUT. BULB HOLDER GETS MELTED. 90% OF CHEVROLET AND GMC TRUCK AND BLAZER HAVE THIS PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ID 10577729 · filed Apr 6, 2014

THE GASOLINE GAUGE ON MY 2002 GMC SIERRA PICKUP DOES NOT READ CORRECTLY AFTER IT REACHES THE 1/4 LEVEL. *TR

NHTSA ID 10244569 · filed Oct 6, 2008

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

GM TECHNICAL BULLETIN 00-07-30-022C (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) FAILURE OF REACTION SUN GEAR WITH ONLY 36,XXX MILES (2002 GMC SIERRA 1500 4.8L). THIS APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN A PROBLEM FOR AT LEAST A DECADE WITH CONTINUAL FAILURES UNTIL GM UPGRADED THE DEFECTIVE COMPONENTS IN 2003. REPAIR ESTIMATES COULD BE OVER $2,000. CASH AVAILABLE = $200. GM SHOULD TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR KNOWN DEFECTIVE PARTS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10223070 · filed Apr 1, 2008

AT 68,994 MILES MY TRUCK LOST 2ND GEAR, DRIVE, OVERDRIVE AND REVERSE. A NEW REACTION SHELL WAS INSTALLED. AT 90,027 MILES AND 360 DAYS LATER THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED AND A BEAST HEAVY DUTY REACTION SHELL WAS AVAILABLE AND INSTALLED. *JB

NHTSA ID 10197084 · filed Jul 20, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN GARAGE. METAL SUPPORT BAR IN THE BACK UPPER PORTION OF DRIVER SEAT BROKE. SEAT WAS BEING USED AS ORDINARY AND SNAPPED WHEN I WENT TO RETRIEVE ITEM FROM BACK SEAT BY REACH OVER CENTER CONSOLE AND TO BACK SEAT TO GRAB PURSE. I WEIGHT 135 POUNDS AND AM SMALL PERSON. NO EXTRAORDINARY PRESSURE OR WEIGHT SHIFT. I HAVE FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ONLINE FROM PEOPLE SEEKING SOLUTIONS ON HOW TO REPAIR THIS EXTREMELY COMMON ISSUE AS TO LEAD ME TO BELIEVE THESE SEATS ARE DEFECTIVE AND DANGEROUS .REFUSE TO DRIVE TRUCK AS NOT CERTAIN THAT SAFETY BELT WILL BE OF ANY USE IN AN ACCIDENT AS SEAT FLOPS AROUND NOW AND HAS AWKWARD TILT BACK TO ONE SIDE ON THE CONSOLE SIDE AND LAYS BACK TO FAR TO CLEARLY SEE OVER DASH EVEN WHEN FULLY POSTURING ERECT.

NHTSA ID 11316642 · filed Mar 6, 2020

NEITHER THE LEFT NOR RIGHT CARGO GATE LATCH BOLTS FAILED TO ENGAGE WHEN THE GATE WAS IN THE FULL UPRIGHT POSITION AND WHERE IT SHOULD HAVE LATCHED. THIS ALLOWED THE GATE TO FALL OPEN WHEN ACCELERATING. LUBRICATION WITH A SILICONE WAX SPRAY DID NOT SEEM TO FREE THE BOLTS. REPEATED LIFTING OF THE CENTER HANDLE ON THE GATE FOLLOWED BY QUICK RELEASE DID NOT RESULT IN THE LATCH BOLTS ENGAGING AND THE HANDLE SUBSEQUENTLY BROKE WITH MINIMAL EFFORT. ONCE THE HANDLE WAS REMOVED, CONTACT POINTS ON THE REMAINING HANDLE HARDWARE AND LATCH BOLTS THEN ALLOWED FREE MOVEMENT OF THE LATCH BOLTS. THE HANDLE HAS NOT BEEN REPLACED BUT THE LATCHES ON THE GATE ARE EASILY OPENED BY PULLING BOTH CABLES TOWARDS THE MIDDLE. CONTACT SURFACES SHOW LITTLE OR NO CORROSION OR DEBRIS. THE GATE WAS ALWAYS TESTED FOR CLOSURE AND IT IS SUSPECTED THAT THE LATCH BOLTS WERE ONLY PARTIALLY CLOSING AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT. THE GATE HAD BEEN FOUND OPEN AND ITEMS LOST IN THE PAST BUT IT HAD BEEN THOUGHT THE GATE HAD JUST BEEN LEFT OPEN RATHER HAVING BEEN CLOSED FOLLOWED BY FALLING OPEN AFTER LATCH FAILURE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10362160 · filed Oct 24, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY EMERGENCY BRAKE DOESNT WORK...MY HEAD LIGHTS ALWAYS BURN OUT...MY BED LINER IS WHARPED...

NHTSA ID 11097143 · filed May 21, 2018

DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS CONSTANTLY BURNING OUT. BULB HOLDER GETS MELTED. 90% OF CHEVROLET AND GMC TRUCK AND BLAZER HAVE THIS PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ID 10577729 · filed Apr 6, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

EXHAUST LEAK ON DRIVERS SIDE OF ENGINE. BROKEN BOLTS ON EXHAUST MANIFOLD. *TR

NHTSA ID 10457487 · filed May 4, 2012

SINCE PURCHASING MY 2002 SIERRA PICKUP WITH A 5.3L V-8 I HAVE NOTICED A TICKING SOUND WHEN YOU FIRST START UP THE VEHICLE. WORSE WHEN IT IS COLD OUT. AFTER A FEW MINUTES IT STOPS. I HAVE HAD THE DEALER LOOK AT IT IN THE PAST AND THEY DIDN'T SEEM TOO CONCERNED WITH IT AND OR SAID NO NOISE WAS FOUND. I CALLED GMC AND THEY ISSUED ME AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR 5 YEARS OR 100,000 MILES. WITH APPROXIMATELY 68,000 MILES ON THE TRUCK NOW THE NOISE IS GETTING WORSE AND IS QUITE LOUD WHEN YOU START IT UP IN THE MORNING. IT ALSO TAKES LONGER TO DISAPPEAR NOW. WHEN YOU START TO DRIVE IT, IT IS QUITE LOUD AND YOU WONDER IF IT IS DOING DAMAGE. IT SOUNDS LIKE A HYDRAULIC LIFTER NOT GETTING OIL. AFTER IT WARMS UP IN A FEW MINUTES IN DISAPPEARS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10229962 · filed Jun 4, 2008

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.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE GEAR COULD NOT BE MOVED INTO DRIVE OR REVERSE. THE FAILURE RECURRED FIVE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUN GEAR AND PLANETARY GEAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 10552264 · filed Nov 14, 2013

THE 2002 WAS IN NEED OF FRONT HUBS SINCE THEY WERE NOT REPLACED WHEN THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN AT THE TIME THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL WAS REBUILT. THIS CAUSED THE TRUCK TO HAVE EXCESSIVE FRONT WHEEL FRICTION, AND COMPROMISED THE BRAKING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TRUCK. IT WAS DIFFICULT TO DRIVE, ESPECIALLY IN SNOW, AND THE FRONT WHEEL FRICTION WOULD VARY BASED ON CHANGES IN SPEED, ROAD CONTOUR, TEMPERATURE, STEERING INPUT, THROTTLE INPUT, AND BRAKE INPUT. WHILE BRAKING THE TRUCK WOULD OFTEN PITCH SEVERELY TO ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER, THE ABS WOULD ACTIVATE ON DRY PAVEMENT. ON ONE OCCASION THE ABS ACTIVATED WHEN MY FOOT WAS OFF THE BRAKE. THE TRUCK WOULD ALSO SWAY FROM SIDE TO SIDE AT HIGHWAY SPEED AS THE FRICTION VARIED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. WHEN THE TRUCK WAS RETURNED TO ME ONCE FROM CULLIGAN GMC, THE POWER STEERING EFFORT HAD INCREASED GREATLY. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE REAR LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL HAD BEEN CHANGED. THE TRUCK WAS BACK TO THE DEALER, DAVID CADILLAC, MANY TIMES FOR THE SAME CONCERN WITH THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL. ON ONE OCCASION THE TRUCK WAS RETURNED TO ME GUSHING GEAR LUBE FROM THE FRONT AXLE, ON ANOTHER IT WAS RETURNED TO ME WITH THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL EMPTY. I WAS CHARGED FOR A 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT WHEN ONLY 2 WHEELS CAN BE ALIGNED ON THIS TRUCK. THE WRONG OIL FILTER WAS INSTALLED, THE TRUCK WAS DRIVEN ABUSIVELY BY A DEALER EMPLOYEE (IT WAS RUN BEYOND MECHANICAL LIMITS WHILE COLD AS I STOOD IN THE PARKING LOT), AND WHEN I CALLED THE SERVICE ADVISER AFTER THE TRUCK HAD BEEN IN HIS SHOP FOR OVER A WEEK WITHOUT MY HEARING WHAT IT'S STATUS WAS, THE SERVICE PERSON SCREAMED AT ME ON THE PHONE "WHEN IT IS FINISHED I WILL CALL YOU!!!", AND HE SLAMMED THE PHONE DOWN. *NM

NHTSA ID 10150360 · filed Feb 15, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THIS VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A SINGLE VEHICLE ACCIDENT HITTING A GAURDRAIL AND CONCRETE DIVIDER. THE 2002 GMC SIERRA1 1500 EXT. CAB TRUCK HAS BEEN TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THERE WAS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END, HOOD, SIDE PANEL, BED, AND BUMPER, DRIVER SIDE TIRE, ETC. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. IT ALSO APPEARED THE SEAT BELT JAMMED UPON IMPACT AS OPPOSED TO LOCKING AS IT IS SUPPOSED TO. EVEN THOUGH THE INJURIES WERE NOT SEVERE, SHE HIT HER HEAD ON THE STEERING WHEEL, AND HAD SUSTAINED PROBLEMS FROM THE EXCESSIVE IMPACT AMONG OTHER THINGS. SOMEONE SHOULD CHECK INTO WHY THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AS WELL AS THE SEAT BELT.*AK

NHTSA ID 10190370 · filed May 10, 2007

THE 2002 WAS IN NEED OF FRONT HUBS SINCE THEY WERE NOT REPLACED WHEN THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN AT THE TIME THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL WAS REBUILT. THIS CAUSED THE TRUCK TO HAVE EXCESSIVE FRONT WHEEL FRICTION, AND COMPROMISED THE BRAKING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TRUCK. IT WAS DIFFICULT TO DRIVE, ESPECIALLY IN SNOW, AND THE FRONT WHEEL FRICTION WOULD VARY BASED ON CHANGES IN SPEED, ROAD CONTOUR, TEMPERATURE, STEERING INPUT, THROTTLE INPUT, AND BRAKE INPUT. WHILE BRAKING THE TRUCK WOULD OFTEN PITCH SEVERELY TO ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER, THE ABS WOULD ACTIVATE ON DRY PAVEMENT. ON ONE OCCASION THE ABS ACTIVATED WHEN MY FOOT WAS OFF THE BRAKE. THE TRUCK WOULD ALSO SWAY FROM SIDE TO SIDE AT HIGHWAY SPEED AS THE FRICTION VARIED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. WHEN THE TRUCK WAS RETURNED TO ME ONCE FROM CULLIGAN GMC, THE POWER STEERING EFFORT HAD INCREASED GREATLY. THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE REAR LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL HAD BEEN CHANGED. THE TRUCK WAS BACK TO THE DEALER, DAVID CADILLAC, MANY TIMES FOR THE SAME CONCERN WITH THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL. ON ONE OCCASION THE TRUCK WAS RETURNED TO ME GUSHING GEAR LUBE FROM THE FRONT AXLE, ON ANOTHER IT WAS RETURNED TO ME WITH THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL EMPTY. I WAS CHARGED FOR A 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT WHEN ONLY 2 WHEELS CAN BE ALIGNED ON THIS TRUCK. THE WRONG OIL FILTER WAS INSTALLED, THE TRUCK WAS DRIVEN ABUSIVELY BY A DEALER EMPLOYEE (IT WAS RUN BEYOND MECHANICAL LIMITS WHILE COLD AS I STOOD IN THE PARKING LOT), AND WHEN I CALLED THE SERVICE ADVISER AFTER THE TRUCK HAD BEEN IN HIS SHOP FOR OVER A WEEK WITHOUT MY HEARING WHAT IT'S STATUS WAS, THE SERVICE PERSON SCREAMED AT ME ON THE PHONE "WHEN IT IS FINISHED I WILL CALL YOU!!!", AND HE SLAMMED THE PHONE DOWN. *NM

NHTSA ID 10150360 · filed Feb 15, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DRIVING 73 MPH DOWN HIGHWAY WITHOUT WARNING TREAD BLOWS OFF TIRE. ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE. TIRES WERE PURCHASED NEW AND MAINTAINED AND HAD PLENTLY TIRE LEFT. UNIROYAL ADVISED THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR TIRE THAT WAS 7 YEARS OLD.

NHTSA ID 10873546 · filed Jun 9, 2016

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 GMC SIERRA 1500. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH IN RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS AND PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL, FOLLOWED BY AN ACTIVATION OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AT EXTREMELY LOW SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CONTRIBUTED TO SEVERE CORROSION IN THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SENSOR. THERE WAS A PRIOR RECALL REPAIR UNDER NHTSA 07E106000 (WHEELS:CAP/COVER/HUB). HOWEVER, THE REMEDY FAILED TO CORRECT THE SAFETY RELATED DEFECT. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THE MALFUNCTION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000. THE STEERING SHAFT WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 02/18/10

NHTSA ID 10301936 · filed Jan 22, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

2002 GMC SIERRA 1500 5.3 STD CAB SLT WHILE BRAKING AT LOW SPEEDS THE ANTI LOCK BRACKET SYSTEM TRIGGERS CAUSING UNSAFE STOPPING DISTANCES. LUCKILY, I'VE NOT CRASH INTO ANOTHER CAR OR PERSON, BUT CURBS, SHOPPING CARTS AND DITCHES HAVE BEEN RUN INTO DUE TO THE TRUCK NOT STOPPING. THIS HAPPENS WHILE BRAKING UNDER 10MPH AND IT IS RARELY POSSIBLE TO GET THE TRUCK TO NORMALLY BRAKE, OFTEN I HAVE TO KICK THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO TRY AND SLOW THE TRUCK. WHEN BRAKING THE TRUCKS ABS SYSTEM KICKS IN THE BRAKE PEDAL GOES FROM SOFT AND MUSHY TO EXTREMELY HARD AND YOU CAN'T PRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL. I WEIGH 220PLUS AND WHEN THIS HAPPENS THERE IS REALLY NOTHING YOU CAN DO BESIDES STEER OUT OF HARMS WAY AND KEEP TAPING THE BRAKE PEDAL WAITING FOR THE ABS TO STOP. THIS HAPPENS EVERYDAY I'VE ALREADY HAD CHANGED OUT THE HUBS BEFORE KNOWING OF THIS ISSUE AND NOW I HAVE TO REPLACE THEM AGAIN . I'M EXPECTING TO HAVE TO PAY MORE THAN1000 US DOLLARS FOR POOR DESIGN AND RECALL EFFORTS ON GM. I'VE IN CHICAGO AND SUBURBS FOR THE ENTIRE LIFE OF THE TRUCK. I CAN BE REACHED AT [XXX] MY NAME IS [XXX] IN MY MOST RECENT BRAKE FAILURE, I WAS TURNING INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND THE ABS ACTIVATED AND BRAKE PEDAL GOT EXTREMELY TOUGH TO PRESS AND MY TRUCK ROLLED INTO MY OTHER PARKED CAR. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID 10404161 · filed Jun 2, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Heating & air conditioning

Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

2002 GMC SIERRA 1500 P/U W/4.3 LT. V-6, I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE A/C CONDENSATION LINE COVERED THREE TIMES WITH THE FOAM INSULATION FROM MY DEALER. THEY ALSO HAVE TO CLEAN THE CORROSION FROM THE DISTRIBUTOR, REMOVE THE SCREEN IN THE BOTTOM OF THE DISTRIBUTOR, CLEAN THE SPARK PLUGS AND REPLACE THE CAP AND ROTOR ON EACH OCCASION. MY TRUCK IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP AGAIN TO HAVE THE DISTRIBUTOR REPLACED. THIS IS AT A COST OF AROUND $680.00 TO REPLACE THE DISTRIBUTOR , NEW PLUGS DUE TO FOULING AND WIRES. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH GENERAL MOTORS AND TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES REGARDING THE TEMPORARY FIX (BAND-AID). THE AIR CONDITION CONDENSATION LINE IS LOCATED DIRECTLY ABOVE THE DISTRIBUTOR AND THEY REFUSE TO MOVE IT. IT HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY APPARENT THEIR REPAIR IS NOT A FIX BUT A TEMPORARY SOLUTION TO GET YOU OUT OF WARRANTY. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL SENT TO ME BUT DOES NOT SHOW IN YOUR LISTINGS FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLE. THIS PROBLEM IS VERY DANGEROUS, YOUR VEHICLE USUALLY GIVES NO SIGNS BEFORE LEAVING YOU STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. MY QUESTION IS WHY THE DEALER GETS AWAY WITH A TEMPORARY FIX AND NOT A RESOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM ? I BELIEVE THE AIR CONDITION CONDENSER LINE SHOULD BE RELOCATED AWAY FROM THE DISTRIBUTOR ALTOGETHER. GMC IS WELL AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND RECTIFIED THE RE-ENGINEERING OF THE A/C LINE ROUTE IN THE 2003 MODELS. *NM

NHTSA ID 10160809 · filed Jun 26, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

WHILE TRAVELING AT APPROX. 20-25MPH, PULLING AWAY FROM MY HOME, A SMALL ANIMAL RAN ACROSS IN FRONT OF ME. I HIT THE BRAKES, HARD, AND AFTER A MOMENTARY FEELING OF BRAKE PRESSURE, THE PEDAL WENT STRAIGHT TO THE FLOOR WITH NO BRAKES WHATSOEVER. I BACKED UP INTO MY DRIVEWAY, JACKED UP THE TRUCK AND PLACED IT ON JACK STANDS. THE UNDERSIDE OF THE TRUCK WAS WET AND DRIPPING BRAKE FLUID AROUND THE ABS UNIT BENEATH THE CAB. MY WIFE APPLIED THE BRAKE WHILE I EXAMINED THE UNDERSIDE. AN APPROX. 1/8IN HOLE WAS FOUND IN THE INCREDIBLY RUSTY AND WEAK STEEL LINE RUNNING FROM THE ABS TO THE LEFT FRONT WHERE IT JOINS THE RUBBER LINE TO THE L/F CALIPER. FURTHER EXAMINATION REVEALS ALL STEEL BRAKE LINES ARE INCREDIBLY RUSTY, STRUCTURALLY WEAK AND IN DANGER OF FAILURE. THIS COULD LEAD TO A VERY SERIOUS, CATASTROPHIC CRASH WITH THE POTENTIAL OF FATALITIES. FURTHER, ALL OF THE STEEL PARTS OF THE FUEL LINES ARE ALSO VERY, VERY RUSTY AND WEAK AND WITH THE HIGH INTERNAL PRESSURES AND HIGHLY FLAMMABLE AND EXPLOSIVE GASOLINE INSIDE ARE ANOTHER SERIOUS HAZARD. I AM A LICENSED MASTER AUTO/TRUCK AND MOTORCYCLE MECHANIC. IN NEARLY 50 YEARS OF DRIVING I HAVE NEVER SEEN A BRAKE LINE FAILURE FROM SUCH MASSIVE RUST ON A VEHICLE WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE. THIS VEHICLE HAS ONLY 68,830 MILES ON IT. IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. MANY, MANY OTHER OWNERS OF SIMILAR GMC AND CHEVROLET TRUCKS HAVE REPORTED SIMILAR BRAKE LINE RUST AND FAILURE. REPAIR/REPLACEMENT COST ESTIMATES CAN BE AS HIGH AS $1200 TO NEARLY $2000. BRAKE LINE FAILURE CAN KILL. IF EVER THERE WAS JUSTIFICATION FOR A SAFETY RELATED RECALL, THIS IS CERTAINLY IT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10524044 · filed Jul 9, 2013

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