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2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 problems

The most common problem on the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 is brakes, typically around 101,932 miles. It has 1.3 times the complaints of a typical Suburban 1500 model year.

Typical year1.3x the typical complaints
Year score
64/100
Owner complaints
120
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
72
Worst area
Brakes
Fuel economy
13-14mpg

The worst 2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 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
    66
  • Fuel system
    16
  • Engine
    15
  • Steering
    8
  • Body
    6
  • Transmission
    4
  • Tires
    3
  • Visibility
    3
  • Electrical
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Airbags
    1
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500

Brake failure 20ABS 15Stalling 10Fuel pump 7Loss of power 6Won't start 5

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 72

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

See all 72 bulletins for the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500

2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
5.3L 8‑cylRWD131714
5.3L 8‑cyl4WD1215-1613-14

What 2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 16, 2019 · Brakes · 302,000 miles · TN · fire

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.

Filed May 10, 2018 · Brakes · 60,000 miles · MD

No warning lights on the dash, but upon breaking at slow speed the pedal either pushes back or the brakes slow the vehicle at a frighteningly slow pace, all while the ABS system is on as if sliding on ice, but it was and is dry pavement. This happens 95 -100% of every braking attempt. I have taken it to a local mechanic he couldn't figure out what to fix since the computer codes were bouncing all over the place. I see this is a problem after I have done research on the web. I pulled the main ABS 60 fuse under the hood to turn off the system. This causes the break warning failure light to come on but I can at least stop the vehicle. This is a failure on a safety system (ABS) that actually causes a serious safety issue...as each stop is a potential crash.

Filed Feb 10, 2018 · Engine, Fuel system · KS

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

Filed Feb 4, 2018 · Fuel system · 215,000 miles · MN

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.

Filed Oct 10, 2017 · Brakes · 160,000 miles · CT

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 the federal safety agency campaign number: 05v379000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

Filed Jul 9, 2017 · Brakes · 98,000 miles · FL

Corroded and leaking brake lines. Abs activating during low speed braking.

Filed Jan 13, 2017 · Brakes · 263,000 miles · FL

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.

Filed Oct 31, 2016 · Tires · WI

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.

Filed Jul 6, 2016 · Brakes · 65,883 miles · VA

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.

Filed Jun 15, 2016 · Brakes · 190,000 miles · LA

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.

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Questions about the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500

Is the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 reliable?

Owners have filed 120 complaints about the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500, 1.3 times a typical Suburban 1500 model year.

What is the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 year score?

The 2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 scores 64 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet Suburban 1500: 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 Suburban 1500?

Brakes, with 66 complaints, typically around 101,932 miles. Next is fuel system (16).

How many recalls does the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 have?

No recalls on record.

What year does the Chevrolet Suburban 1500 have bad brakes?

The Chevrolet Suburban 1500 model years with the most brakes complaints are 2002 (66 complaints), 2003 (65 complaints) and 1999 (50 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 get?

Official estimates for the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 range from 13 to 14 mpg combined. The most efficient version (5.3L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 13 city and 17 highway.

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