2002 Chevrolet Tahoe engine problems

Filed Sep 29, 2025 · Engine · MO

My vehicle has been diagnosed as needing the exhaust manifold bolts replaced. I have read that this is an ongoing issue that poses a risk to drivers and passengers due to the fumes, but has not been recalled by the manufacturer.

Filed Aug 5, 2019 · Brakes, Electrical · 185,777 miles · CA

This vehicle was leaking oil from the engine, front and back brakes were faulty, the starter was going bad, the electrical system for the back windows were not in working condition. The vehicle would display sensor lights to have the vehicle engine checked but then after about 2 days it would not show a displaying message it would also effect the audio fuse that allows the audio system to function. The tires were bald on the front driver side and left back passenger side. The seat belts were difficult to enter into latch in order to secure seatbelt.

Filed Jul 8, 2015 · Brakes, Electrical · 180,000 miles · SC

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet tahoe. While driving at 45 MPH, the ABS warning light illuminated. The contact applied the brake pedal and heard an abnormal noise. The vehicle was turned off and would not restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.

Filed Apr 24, 2014 · Brakes, Engine · 118,000 miles · CA

I ran out of gas on the freeway going 65 MPH with my 5 year old son in the car. Apparently when a chevy tahoe runs out of gas it shuts down the entire electrical system including power steering as well. I'm unsure of this ------> but it seems like the brakes are affected too. I had a very difficult time merging over to the right hand shoulder of the highway (I had to cross three lanes and merge with on-ramp traffic), given that I had very little steering control and had to use as much momentum as I already had to get off the road to safety, without being hit by someone traveling over 50mph. Plus other cars were not letting me over. I can see this becoming a very dangerous situation. Gm just recalled a bunch of tahoe years for this issue but not my year (2002). I would like to see them address this issue in my vehicle, but right now the mechanic at the dealership told me there are "currently no recalls on [my] vehicle" and I would have to pay out of pocket to diagnose/fix this problem. Also when I first got my car in 2009 I was waiting in line to board a ferry boat in washington state, and turned the engine off, had the car in neutral, I thought I would "coast" down the ramp, this is when I first learned that this make/model does not steer or brake properly when the engine is off/dead. There was no incident at this time because I was only going 5 MPH but I definitely felt that I did not have control of the vehicle.

Filed Feb 26, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 187,000 miles · LA

Tl - the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet tahoe. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that the failure would occur intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure was unable to be replicated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage were 187,000. Rk updated 04/17/14*lj the consumer stated the ignition cut off while driving. Updated 05/20/14

Filed Dec 13, 2013 · Engine · 130,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet tahoe. The contact stated that the low coolant warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the cylinder heads needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed Oct 24, 2013 · Engine · 98,000 miles · WI

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet tahoe. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, he noticed an abnormal ticking. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed a broken head on the exhaust manifold bolts. The contact stated the exhaust fumes were not escaping from the exhaust pipe but remaining in the engine compartment. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.

Filed Sep 25, 2012 · Engine · 128,000 miles · CA

The exhaust bolts are breaking causing the exhaust to leak. The related problems will likely be poor fuel economy, increased emissions and potentially failed emissions test. The catalytic converter was already replaced on the same side as the exhaust manifold with the broken bolts. Problem was not noticed until the second bolt broke thus not sure when the original problem occurred. The problem appears to effecting numerous other vehicles thus a potential large global impact.

Filed Jul 13, 2012 · Brakes, Engine · 136,000 miles · CT

I had a brake failure on my 2002 tahoe after driving at hwy speeds then coming off the exit to stop; the, service brakes light came on. I then attempted to brake and the pedal went all the way to the floor making it very difficult to brake.. , could have been catastrophic, and or deadly; I drove home 2 miles away, very slowly; I had very little brake control.(two infants in the car at the time) two out of four brake lines completely rusted with a hole; brake fluid leaked out quickly at time of incident ..like hundreds, and thousands of other complaints of same exact problem. The brakes themselves are fine., . To replace all four of my brake lines , it cost me $858($813 w/coupon). Recall id # 05v379000 - service brakes, hydraulic:antilock may address the problem if you get to it done before the lines completely fail. Applying rust inhibitor to your brake lines may also help. This could have been completely avoided since many have complained. The mechanic did not mention a recall when fixing the brake lines.

Filed Sep 23, 2010 · Engine · 105,000 miles · CA

2002 chevy tahoe with 105, 000 miles. Changed spark plugs and found a severed exhaust manifold bolt on the engine. The bolt is from the driver's side end of manifold. The bolt is worn and rusty on 90% of it and the other 10% is shiny (like a new break). Called dublin, ca chevy and went in after they said they have had many complaints. The offered to fix it for 10% off the $1000 bill. I told them that it was their defect and they should pay. I called gmac and they told me to goto another chevy dealer in san leandro, ca for a diagnosis since the 1st dealership never looked under the hood. That dealer looked at the truck and told me that they would have to remove the manifold and it would cost approximately, $500, but it could run more if there were more bolts that break off during the repair. I have three young children and I have taken immaculate care of this truck. I don't think I should have to pay for a repair when it is obvious by looking at the bolt that the bolt was over torqued when the vehicle was built. After much research, I have found thousands of complaints of this exact problem. They need to recall these vehicles and fix them. If I let this continue without fixing the problem, I will have a huge problem on my hands and it will be a safety issue.