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2002 Chevrolet Tahoe transmission complaints

Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 37 of 37, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe transmission problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Jun 22, 2006 · Brakes, Transmission · 29,600 miles · NY

Dt*: the contact stated that in 2005 the front end was replaced due to a lock up while making a turn. The dealer determined it was due to catastrophic failure. On 06/01/06, there were problems with the front ABS sensor. The brakes would not work properly at a very low speed. The vehicle was taken to the service dealer on 06/16/2006 where the dealer determined this ABS sensor failure was recalled and the remedy repair was already process on the vehicle. The hub was referenced as the cause of the ABS failure but was not included in the recall. The vehicle can not be driven because it is unsafe. The manufacturer alerted the contact the vehicle would not be repair under the recall or warranty until a manufacturer investigator inspects the vehicle in a month. The rear differential was replaced. The driver side windshield wiper arm was replaced. Updated 07/25/06.

Filed Oct 18, 2005 · Transmission · 53,000 miles · CO

I purchased a used 2002 chevy tahoe from grand auto, northglenn co, at the end of may 2005. I drove the car for 4 months, putting on ~11,000 miles. On oct 16, 2005 I was headed to dinner with two other people in the car. I turned right on to 95th st heading south. There were cars coming behind me, but there was plenty of room for a proper acceleration to cruising speed without in-convincing the other drivers. As I accelerated through first gear, all was fine, then the car tried to shift into second gear. As it tried, there was a popping sound, the motor rpms increased to red-line, and there was a squealing sound. I let off the accelerator, and tried to get over out of traffic to see what happened. Luckily there was enough shoulder and enough time to get out of traffic and try to figure out what the problem was. As it turned out, the transmission had lost 2nd gear, 4th gear, and reverse, leaving the vehicle close to useless, and unsafe to drive. While I was able to safely exit traffic, no all may be so lucky. If you pull out into traffic, or try to cross traffic and the transmission fails, losing 3 of 5 gears, you could easily have disastrous consequences. After getting home and researching this problem I found that this is covered in a gm tsb, 00-07-30-022 nov 00 a/t. I also found many stories of this failure mode, indicating that this is not an isolated incidence, nor is this a one in a million failure mode. I believe this problem should be re-classified from a tsb to a recall, because of the probable safety issues.

Filed Oct 3, 2005 · Transmission · 34,475 miles · WA

Power train - transmission 2002 tahoe 1) upon starting the vehicle, will not engage in reverse and engine revs as if still in park or neutral. Place back in park several times -- or wait 30-60 seconds to engage. 2) intermediate slippage in low gear upon acceleration at low speeds or from stop. Engine briefly revs then engages.

Filed Jun 27, 2005 · Transmission · FL

Transmission will not shift into reverse, had vehicle towed to chevy dealer, where they repaired. Said it was caused by defective sun gear sheild / reaction shield. Drove fine for approximately 11 months, then same exact problem once again.

Filed May 29, 2005 · Transmission · MA

Hear a klunking noise everytime the transmission shifts, then a whining noise when pressing on the gas, and a noticeable change in the transmission... Then you realize you have no reverse.

Filed Mar 14, 2005 · Transmission · 44,000 miles · CO

Front differential is making noise. Mechanic states that it may lock up unexpectedly and cause a crash. Dealer states they have had 4 similar vehicles in for this problem and states it is due to factory error.

Filed Mar 8, 2005 · Body, Electrical · CA

Chevrolet tahoe 2002, transmission failure. *bf the consumer purchased a vehicle that once had a transmission problem, the consumer was told the transmission problem had been fully corrected. The consumer then found out that the transmission was never fixed and the vehicle has been in the shop for a total of 3 times. Not only was the vehicle slipping, slow to shift and exhibiting a noise when shifting from park to drive, there were other problems such as not being able to turn the key in the ignition, the seat warmed light illuminated when the button was pushed, the speakers were cracking loudly, the A/C light came on by itself, the moon roof rattled and was leaking, the cargo power switch did lock the doors within 5 seconds of the cargo door being closed, the handle on the third row seat fell off, the cigarette lighter was missing, and the rubber stripping on the cargo door was loose.

Filed Jan 24, 2005 · Transmission · 30,000 miles · IL

Consumer complained about a transmission problem. Consumer had transmission replaced on 3 separate occasions. Consumer contacted the manufacturer, who offered a gmc loyalty certificate in the amount 0ff $1000.00 towards a new vehicle purchase. *ak the consumer stated that her transmission was removed 6 times and replaced 3 times. The transmission slipped and the vehicle stopped. Gm was uncooperative to resolving the transmission problem.

Filed Dec 29, 2004 · Transmission · 63,000 miles · GA

While driving 40 MPH up a hill the planetary gear failed. As a result, the vehicle produced a loud pop and grinding noise from the transmission. The consumer states the gear will no longer engage into reverse. Please provide additional information.

Filed Dec 27, 2004 · Transmission · IL

Vehicle turned off at 15 MPH, causing the steering wheel to lock, and consumer was unable to control the vehicle. Taken to dealer for inspection, and it was determined that the transmission needed top be replaced for the third time.

Filed Dec 12, 2004 · Transmission · 40,000 miles · KY

Approximately 10k miles on 2002 tahoe, vehicle would not go into reverse, and transmission, failed, was told by dealer that only part of transmission needed fixed. Now at 40k miles roughly 2 years later and out of warranty, same problem happened, what will gm do for me???

Filed Oct 29, 2004 · Transmission · 40,343 miles · MI

The consumer was unable to place the vehicle in reverse. The dealership informed the consumer that the transmission failed.

Filed Apr 27, 2004 · Transmission · TX

While traveling 65 MPH, vehicle experienced complete lost of transmission. *ph the vehicle experienced a complete lost of transmission. The engine had run fine, but the transmission would not engage. (the RPM went up and the transmission would not shift) the consumer noticed a puddle of transmission fluid under the vehicle. The service department determined that a lost of fluid was a result of a poorly attached transmission cooler with faulty connections and hose assemblies. New cooler lines and hose were installed. *sc

Filed Apr 20, 2004 · Transmission · CA

Consumer stated transmission failed three times. . First year that consumer had the vehicle he had to replace transmission. Then, exactly one year later the same thing happened. Currently, transmission failed again. When consumer stopped at a traffic light vehicle moved a little and started to shake. Finally, it stopped doing anything. Consumer felt he purchased a lemon.

Filed Apr 7, 2004 · Transmission · 23,000 miles · AR

I was stopped at a red light in the afternoon on the day in question. Once the light turned green, I pushed the accelerator on to hear a whining/slipping feeling out of the engine area. This has happened at least 2 times on different days.

Filed Apr 6, 2004 · Transmission · 3,432 miles · CA

Vehicle service record-VIN #[xxx]purchased '02 tahoe oct. 2001 & in dec. '01-problems began 12/5/1 mi. 968 vehicle to connell chev. Hard to move shift lever thru positions; very stiff. Rt. Rear of vehicle sits higher than left. Rear. 2/28/2-mi. 3,432 vehicle in for various problems. Told service writer transmission would shift into second gear while sitting at stop light. You press on throttle to accelerate, vehicle would pull away very sluggish, suddenly shift back down into 1st gear & take off in an uncontrollable manner. Would have to remove foot from accelerator to compensate. Problem when shifting from gear to gear in accelerating. Will not shift up until you take your foot off throttle. Shifts hard when shifting thru gears. P/up vehicle. Explained they could not find anything wrong with transmission. 7/17/2-mi. 6,668 same problems with transmission. Next day, said they couldn't find anything wrong w/transmission. 4/14/3-mi. 12,434 transmission is not operating properly. Will shift into 2nd gear when sitting at a stop, & will not shift up thru gears unless you remove your foot from throttle. 2/6/4-mi. 23,776 back for prior problems & new ones. Transmission will shift into 2nd gear at a stop, drops back into 1st gear upon acceleration & when reaches shift point for gears makes load squealing sound,like metal-to-metal. Vehicle has suspension noises, like something is hitting against part of suspension when braking and/or turning. 2/10/4-mi. 23,800 transmission is malfunctioning & developing new noises. Sometimes there is a clunk when put in reverse. 2/11/4-mi.-23,800 returned to p/u tahoe. Explained to us that a data recorder had been put in to monitor operation of transmission, explained operation of recorder. 3/8/4-mi. 25,031 returned to have recorder removed. Service writer said that as soon as they do a print out from recorder they will contact me & let me know outcome. Never been contacted about it. *la *js information redacted pursua

Filed Mar 24, 2004 · Transmission · 39,500 miles · UT

2002 tahoe won't back up in 4 wd and has grinding noise when in 4 wd. Dealer advised that bearing in front differential bad. Replacement of differential advised. Dealer charged only for labor, apparently this has been an ongoing problem. Cost to repair $447, mileage 39500.

Filed Mar 11, 2004 · Transmission · 38,409 miles · MD

Transmission disengaged from engine while driving. On several other occassions the vehicle failed to move upon depressing the accelerator, after a few seconds the vehicle would jerk and take off.

Filed Feb 19, 2004 · Suspension, Transmission · 400 miles · OH

When vehicle was in over-drive between speeds of 40 - 43 MPH, there was a vibration in the front end. Although the dealership has serviced the truck several times the cause of the noise is still undetermined. *nm there was a loud vibration when the vehicle was in 2 wheel auto drive and at speed of 40-45 MPH/1200 to 1400 rpms shifting into over-drive going uphill and or pull on engine. May be a torque converter problem. This was an ongoing problem which had not been resolved.

Filed Feb 3, 2004 · Steering, Tires · 26,000 miles · TX

Transmission shifting hard,only 26,000 miles. Ttook to dealership and was told second and third gear was gone. They rebuilt those gears. Pick tahoe up and within a hr it was doing the same thing. Return to dealership next day, was told it was pump sticking. Replace that. Pick back up and within a hr did the same thing. Return vehicle and they decided to replace for new transmission. A week later it has now starting to have a problem with the power sterring. There appears to be a leak in the lines. This 2002 tahoe has had problems starting within months of purchase. Sterring colum making clunking nose, required lube twice. Headlights filling with water. Nose in the front drivers side around shock area. They had different repairs such as replacing shocks, greasing. After over a year the dealership added bushings to the shocks, so far ok. Have replace firestone tires at 25,000 miles for wearing on inside of tire.

Filed Sep 17, 2003 · Transmission · 41,000 miles · AL

I have a 2002 tahoe that just turned 41k miles. I experienced on a few occasions while accelerating from a stop that the vehicle seemed to lose acceleration for a second or so before re-engaging and resuming normal acceleration. Problem was definitely transmission related. This same incident happened to me but this time the engine revved, acceleration diminished, and loud banging tumbling metal noise was heard. Ends up the transmission mechanism that causes the transmission to shift failed and broke apart breaking other internal components. Transmission has to be rebuilt. Gm customer service was helpful but still have to pay for 50% of repair cost for rebuilt transmission. The vehicle has a tow package and has never towed a thing yet. Obviously a problem this grand in a vehicle did not happen overnight and it appears this problem is similar to other transmission complaints on the same vehicle. This should really be looked at by those that know.

Filed Sep 10, 2003 · Transmission · CA

Transmission failed. Part has been repaired three times; however, problem still exists.

Filed May 17, 2003 · Transmission · 31,662 miles · WI

Transmission went out oct-02 @ 21,000 miles, would only replace 1 part, transmission went out again may 13,2003 @ 31,000 miles, this time I was told all parts in transmission were destroyed and dealer wanted to fix broken parts and put back in. It got very frustrating at this point....called toll free number at chevrolet and got no where, they think I'm stupid, I pay more than $40,000 for a brand new vehicle and have this happen twice in 5 months....I am very concerned about the safety issue here for my family and myself. I should have known I was doomed when I purchased my vehicle, it took almost 6 weeks to get and they kept giving me the run around about where it was, they kept telling it had left the factory and was on its way, but always found an excuse, then they said it got pulled off the line for inspection...what's wrong here? They told me at least 5 different times it had left the factory and then all of a sudden it's on the line...it never left the factory....I should have known then....

Filed Apr 27, 2003 · Transmission · 15,500 miles · FL

Transmission problem on my 2002 chevrolet tahoe.

Filed Mar 21, 2003 · Transmission · 9,867 miles · GA

Transmission fails to function appropriately when going from a stopped position to forward or reverse. In reverse position, loud grinding noise is heard. In forward, vehicle hesitates before finally moving forward. This has been to dealer for repair 3 times. First repair revealed front thrust shim with too much end play; transmission assembly was rebuilt (manufacturer refused to replace), thrust washer replaced and transmission overhauled. Two return visits for same problem and dealer says they cannot recreate and have found no problems.

Filed Jul 30, 2002 · Transmission · GA

I began noticing that my tahoe was not functioning correctly in late november or early december 2001. Occasionally, when I shifted the car from park to reverse and pressed on the gas the engine would rev, but the truck would not move. Additionally, occasionally after stopping at a stop sign/light the engine would rev and the truck would not move. I took the truck to john thornton chevrolet to be looked at. They told me that there was a defective valve body in the transmission. They explained that the valve body had burs left on it at the time it was manufactured and that the burs should have been removed. The burs were falling off of the valve body and into the transmission fluid causing a blockage which caused the problem. They replaced the valve body. Approximatley 3 weeks ago I began having the same problem. I took the truck back to same dealership and they told me that it, again, was a defective valve body and they replaced it. I called chevrolet to inquire about this problem. They stated that they were not aware of it, but would look into it. Today, july 30, 2002, I had the same problem occur. I called chevrolet again and they told me to contact a dealership for an evaluation. I have contacted the dealership for an appointment, however, the dealership stated that they are only able to fix what chevrolet tells them they can fix when the vehicle is under warrenty. So far this has only occurred when I am trying to go from a stop to start, however, I am concerned that the transmission will malfunction when I am driving at highway speed. I appreciate your concern and I hope that you will be able to bring this to resolution since I have not been able to in working with chevrolet and the dealership.

Filed Jun 19, 2002 · Brakes, Transmission · CA

Transmission takes 30 seconds to shift to second gear. Vehicle has been taken to dealer twice, cannot remedy the problem.*ak after the second attempt, the transmission was replaced. The vehicle still makes noises as if the transmission was not adjusted correctly. The vehicle also doesn't run the same. It feels as if the vehicle loses power. There is a scraping noise that is heard from the rear wheels. The brakes were replaced and the rotors deglazed.

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