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2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 problems

The most common problem on the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 is brakes, typically around 41,500 miles. It has 1.6 times the complaints of a typical Silverado 3500 model year.

Typical year1.6x the typical complaints
Year score
58/100
Owner complaints
50
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
137
Worst area
Brakes

The worst 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Brakes
    23
  • Engine
    8
  • Fuel system
    8
  • Tires
    6
  • Suspension
    5
  • Visibility
    5
  • Transmission
    3
  • Body
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Steering
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Brake failure 5

Trouble codes owners of the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 mention

C3500 3

Recalls 1

Interior lightingReported June 26, 2001 · 38,863 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 system warning light in the instrument cluster that may not illuminate when the brake fluid is low. In addition, when the brake fluid is low, the vehicle may not meet the partial system requirements of fmvss no. 105.
Risk
These conditions could result in reduced braking capability, which could lead to a crash.
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 an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or gmc at 1‑800‑462‑8782.

Recall number 01V220000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Defect investigations

Hydraulic pump failresOpened April 30, 2004, closed February 28, 2005

Gm is conducting a recall on all subject vehicles build between may 1999 and october 14, 1999.significant changes were incorporated into production in early october 1999, and vehicles built after that date have lower warranty failure rates.the complaint and warranty data appear to support the effectiveness of these changes. Gm made additional changes in november 1999, february 2000, may 2001, and february 2004.odi will continue to monitor this problem and will take further action, if warranted, in the future.for further technical details see the attached engineering analysis report.

EA04012

Hydraulic pump shaft failuresOpened January 8, 2004, closed April 30, 2004

The preliminary evaulation is being upgraded.during the ea odi will limitits investigation to only those vehicles equipped with a hydro-boost system, which provides power assist to the braking and steering sytems.vaccuum brake booster vehicles are excluded.odi hasexpanded the scope of the ea to include model years2003 and 2004, asduring the pe, odi learned that the hydroboast pumps were modified in febraury 2004.therefore,odi has expanded the scope to include the additional model years.odi's is concerned because thisisa sudden failure that affects two critical systems of the vehicle, brakes and steering, at the same time.the ability of the operator to handle the dual failures is a concern. Further, these vehicles tend to be work vehicles, with some over 10,000 pounds gvwr and many equipped to pull large trailers.dual failures of heavily loaded vehicles and vehicles pulling trailers further increases the safety risk.odi plans to conduct testing to quantify the braking and steering performance degradation and the impact on safe vehicle control, when a hydroboast pump fails.

PE04004

Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 137

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 137 bulletins for the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

What 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 31, 2018 · Brakes, Fuel system · MO

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.

Filed May 24, 2016 · Brakes · 145,000 miles · PA

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!

Filed Nov 17, 2014 · Brakes, Electrical · 40,213 miles · PA · crash

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

Filed Oct 18, 2013 · Brakes · 22,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet c/k 3500. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, he depressed the brake pedal but the vehicle continued traveling into the intersection until the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the front brakes needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred four additional times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 22,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Sep 11, 2013 · Engine · 500 miles · IN

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.

Filed Jul 8, 2013 · Tires · MA

I have had 2 of them fail on my work truck. Both had very low miles. Tires completely blew out.

Filed Jun 30, 2013 · Brakes · 160,000 miles · VA

Brake line failure. Coming to stop light, brakes went out causing me to run the light almost causing major accident. This happened in feb 2013. Had brake line repaired. In june 2013 same thing happened again / different brake line. Need to replace all brake lines.

Filed Nov 12, 2012 · Brakes · 65,000 miles · MD

While stopping; brake pedal went to the floor and was barely able to stop vehicle. If I had been diving @ highway speed I would not have been able to stop and would have been in a bad accident. After getting out of vehicle, found brake fluid leaking on ground under vehicle that was coming from above left frame member just to rear of firewall @ location were brake lines all come together. There was a line of brake fluid on pavement the entire distance that I had been trying to stop. Brake lines appeared to be rusted thru also observed that fuel lines badly rusted also. I have since found out that this is an ongoing problem with chevrolet trucks and that gm has made a kit to repair problem. This is serious design flaw that gm should issue a recall and fix @ their expense. There should be an immediate safety recall to address the problem before someone get seriously injured or killed.

Filed Oct 7, 2012 · Brakes · 62,000 miles · VA · crash

Brake failed coming into home's driveway which resulted in crash with minor damage. Inspection showed that the rear brake lines were completely rusted through.

Filed Aug 24, 2011 · Brakes · 41,500 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet c3500. The contact was driving approximatley 25 MPH when the brakes were applied and the pedal went to the floorboard without the vehicle stopping. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road without a crash. The contact checked the master cylinder and found that the brake fluid was depleted and he could see brake fluid leaking from under the vehicle. The failure was caused by a rupture of one of the master cylinder brake lines. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 41,500.

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Questions about the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500

Is the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 reliable?

Owners have filed 50 complaints about the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, 1.6 times a typical Silverado 3500 model year.

What is the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 year score?

The 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 scores 58 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet Silverado 3500: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500?

Brakes, with 23 complaints, typically around 41,500 miles. Next is engine (8).

How many recalls does the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 have?

1 recall, covering interior lighting.

What year does the Chevrolet Silverado 3500 have bad brakes?

The Chevrolet Silverado 3500 model years with the most brakes complaints are 2000 (37 complaints), 2001 (37 complaints) and 1997 (26 complaints).

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