2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 120 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes (27% of complaints); the 2000 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2007
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 120 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Apr 2019
“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. It appears the rust emanates from the plastic clamp that secures the fuel line to the frame. The tube nut that goes into the filter appears to be frozen with rust. Salt and dirt are trapped in the plastic clamp and nut, which is impossible to wash out. The fuel lines on top of the fuel tank are likely to be rusted, too.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Feb 2018
“When I apply the brakes at low speed I feel a chattering like the anti-lock brakes are activated and the car won't stop until I let up and re-apply pressure to the pedal. I've come close to an accident more than once.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jan 2017
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet suburban 1500. On several occasions, making left and right turns at low speeds, the contact experienced unwanted anti-lock brake system activation without warning. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the wheel speed sensor mounting surface on the bearing needed to be cleaned. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 05v379000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Nov 2016
“Tire size p265/70r17dot4bt6dywr the following numbers set of 3 0611 odd tire1711 the other odd number 1711. Purchased tires in 2012 only 24000 miles now they are cracked found out these tires were manufactured in 2011.I drive to the arolinas at the minimum of once a year and I don't appreciate driving the mountains with defective tires. Now goodyear wants me to take tires off and send back to them but in the mean time I have to purchase another at my cost. These tire were purchased in holly springs north carolina,tires were manufactures in fayetteville n.c. Would appreciate any help you can offer. *tr”Owner report · Tires · Oct 2016
“While driving home, on a highway, I approached a traffic light that changed and I had to hit the brakes to stop. The brake pedal went to the floor. After getting it home I checked the brakes and they looked as thought they should work (note it was inspected in dec 2015 and passed). After more checking I found that the brake lines on the drivers side frame rail were rusted and had failed as that area was covered in brake fluid. I purchased my 2002 z71 suburban new that year and it has less than 66,000 miles on it now.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2016
“All brake warning lights light up intermittently, I can make them go off sometimes by shutting down and restarting engine, but not always. Recall # 05v379000 covers same model year vehicles in the "salt belt" states, corrosion issue! My local dealer says there is no recall on this vehicle for brake sensor problems. Brakes still function normally even with all warning lights "on". I want this problem repaired under a safety recall! I can't allow anyone else in the family to drive this vehicle under these conditions. I am a mechanic, no one else in the family would know what to do if the brakes actually do fail while driving.”Owner report · Service Brakes · May 2016
“Wife was driving the truck with her mother, went to stop and the brake pedal went to the floor - limped the truck home - checked master cylinder, added fluid and when we pushed the pedal, fluid came pouring out the corroded rear brake line - while no one was hurt this time, it is easy to imagine how it could otherwise been a disaster.”Owner report · Service Brakes · May 2016
“Whether it's idling or driving shuts off I replaced the fuel pump and the wiring harnesses that come with the fuel pump and still no avail it's caused a lot of time off of work and a lot of headache I work for a reputable dealership I worked on vehicles for over 40 years”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jan 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet suburban 1500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 mph, the anti lock brake activated without warning. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2015
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 6 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.
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.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Suburban 1500 years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact Suburban 1500 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 reliable?
NHTSA has 120 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500. The most complained-about area is service brakes (27% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 98,000 miles or less.
Does the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning wheels. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.