2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 509 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes (32% of complaints).
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
509
owner complaints
5
fire reports
88,092
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No recall campaignsProblems tend to appear late (median 88,092 mi)Weak spot: service brakes (32%)5 fire reports
Common problems
Computed from 509 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Service Brakes (brakes)32% · 163 complaints
Service Brakes, Hydraulic (brakes)30% · 152 complaints
Steering (steering wheel, rack, power assist)4% · 22 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)4% · 21 complaints
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)4% · 19 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)3% · 17 complaints
“I was driving today and my truck started making a strange noise(like something was loose). I stop the truck to see what was loose, I found nothing. I got back in the truck driving about 20 mph the truck started making the noise again and the truck started dragging( like it wouldn't go faster). I then stop and pulled in a church parking lot where the truck was not drivable. I was told by a concern passerby( mechanic, which happen to be) it's has something to do with the rest axle. The truck gave me no warning whatever. I was told I could have had a major accident and I had NO!!! warning. Please, fix. I have nothing but, issues with this truck.”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2025
“The emergency brake does not work properly. It automatically comes on while I am driving almost causing me to have a accident. Please, fix!!!!”Owner report · Service Brakes · Nov 2025
“my truck won't pick up speed when trying to accelerate. I don't know what it is. I know it's a problem and it's a hazard and accident waiting to happen!!!! Please, fix. I have had nothing but, issues with this Chevy Silverado.”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“ABS kicks in constantly at low speeds in dry conditions. This causes longer stopping distances. The ABS grinds or vibrates interfering with normal braking situations. Many near miss collisions at low speeds. The manufacturer should be responsible and replace all the ABS sensors. I purchased this truck brand new in 2002.”Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance · Oct 2024
“ABS sensors I think are bad cuz my brake pedal fluctuates and hasn't done that in a long time it went away no dash lights for the ABS but it's definitely coming from the brake pedal?”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Dec 2022
“THE THROTTLE CABLE MAKES CONTACT AND RUB THROUGH THE FLEXIBLE PRESSURIZED FUEL LINE CREATING A PINHOLE LEAK OF NATURAL GAS. I SMELL GAS INSiDE CAB. CAUSES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Dec 2021
“The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 5-10 MPH, the airbag warning light illuminated. The independent mechanic was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for diagnosis. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 143,725.”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2021
“Hard break lines are fully corroded and need full replacement after a break line failure. Low mileage vehicle, currently 65k, vehicle has been in mild climate of nc and sc since 2002 where snow and salt is infrequent. Never driven in coastal area. Only recently driven across country, where failure occurred. Thankfully at slow speeds.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Dec 2019
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 mph, the ABS system activated and the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning lights illuminated. A dealer was not contacted. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Air · Nov 2019
“Using the key the ignition turns on and truck starts as it should, anytime the key then could be taken out of the ignition at anytime. Ignition can be clicked back to accessory and the key can fall out when driving. Note changing from run to accessory it easily done.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2019
When filing, owners marked a crash in 45 of these complaints and injuries in 24 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
How other years compare
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Is the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 reliable?
NHTSA has 509 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The most complained-about area is service brakes (32% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 88,092 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.