I was driving about 45 miles an hour coming down an overpass. The brake pedal went completely to the floor and I narrowly avoided a crash. I took to my mechanic. They said that the brake lines were completely rusted out. I am not getting this fixed as it is an older truck but I do think that someone could die from this defect.
The worst 2002 GMC Sierra 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.
- Brakes127
- Suspension9
- Body8
- Steering7
- Airbags5
- Transmission5
- Wheels5
- Electrical3
- Lights3
- Engine2
- Locks2
- Seat belts2
- Acceleration1
- Fuel system1
- Seats1
- Tires1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
Recalls 1
Equipment adaptive/mobility
- What is wrong
- On certain vans equipped with sure-lok wheelchair securement systems, the sprocket teeth of the retractor assembly is out of alignment.
- Risk
- In the event of a vehicle crash, the wheelchair may not be adequately secured possibly resulting in injuries to a wheelchair occupant.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the wheelchair securement retractors as necessary. Sure-lok will handle the repairs for this campaign. Owners should contact sure-lock at 1‑908‑231‑1804 or mobilityworks at 1‑800‑769‑8267.
Recall number 04V562000 · Recall details
See all 1 recalls for the 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
Defect investigations
Parking brake failure
In a letter dated april 20, 2005, gm notified the federal safety agency that it had decided that defects that relate to motor vehicle safety exist in certain model year (my) 1999-2002 c/k 1500 series (pbr parking brake system) and my 2001-2005 c/k 2500 and 3500 series (trw parking brake system) pickups with manual transmissions.according to gm, some of these vehicles may have conditions that cause the friction linings to wear to an extent where the parking brake can become ineffective in immobilizing a parked vehicle.gm's action covers an estimated total of 142,585 vehicles.dealers will install a low-force spring clip retainer for vehicles equipped with the pbr parking brake system and install a redesigned parking brake cable assembly on vehicles equipped with the trw parking brake system. A total of 58 non-duplicative complaints were received by odi and gm concerning the approximately 59,000 my 1999-2002 c/k 1500 series pickup trucks with the pbr parking brake system.these included 22 alleged rollaway incidents, resulting in a rate of 38.5 rollaway incidents per 100,000 vehicles.odi is aware of 24 complaints regarding the my 2001-2005 c/k 2500 and 3500 series manual transmission trucks recalled by gm, including 5 alleging rollaway incidents.though the conditions described in gm's letter are also present in the c/k trucks with automatic transmissions, the rollaway rate in those vehicles was similar to those observed in peer vehicles studied by odi in this investigation.this engineering analysis is closed. For additional information, see the attached closing report.
EA04011
Parking brake failure
Odi opened pe03-057 to assess parking brake ineffectiveness in the subject vehicles.these vehicles are equipped with four wheel disc brakes that incorporate a single-shoe drum-in-hat parking brake independent of the service brakes.complaint and warranty data indicate that the parking brake linings tend to wear out early in the life of the vehicle (at an average of 24 months in service), reducing the parking brake system's torque below that needed to immobilize the vehicle.gm has attributed this accelerated wear to foreign material intrusion and a failure of the brake shoe to properly self-center within its brake drum.effective with the start of my 2003 production, a newer reduced force hold-down clip was introduced to facilitate brake shoe disengagement from the drum surface.this part is also available at the service level for the my 1999-2002 vehicles.gm has indicated that the paking brake is intended to operate in conjunction with the transmission to immobilze parked vehicles, and that in many cases, accelerated parking brake lining wear is caused by rough use, vehicle modifications, and driving with the parking engaged. Odi has upgraded the preliminary evaluation to an engineering analysis to gather further information concerning parking brake usage factors and the circumstances surrounding the seventeen reported vehicle crashes.
PE03057
Technical service bulletins for the 2002 GMC Sierra 1500 146
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- Unknown or other
- This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- Electrical system
- Unknown or other
- Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles
- GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities
- This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves...
- This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as...
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS)...
2002 GMC Sierra 1500 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 6‑cyl | RWD | 14-15 | 18-19 | 16 |
| 4.8L 8‑cyl | RWD | 14 | 18-19 | 15-16 |
| 5.3L 8‑cyl | RWD | 13 | 17 | 15 |
| 4.3L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 13 | 16-17 | 14-15 |
| 5.3L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 12-13 | 16 | 14 |
| 4.8L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 12-13 | 16 | 14 |
| 6.0L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 11 | 14 | 12 |
What 2002 GMC Sierra 1500 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Vehicle was parked in garage. Metal support bar in the back upper portion of driver seat broke. Seat was being used as ordinary and snapped when I went to retrieve item from back seat by reach over center console and to back seat to grab purse. I weight 135 pounds and am small person. No extraordinary pressure or weight shift. I have found numerous complaints online from people seeking solutions on how to repair this extremely common issue as to lead me to believe these seats are defective and dangerous .refuse to drive truck as not certain that safety belt will be of any use in an accident as seat flops around now and has awkward tilt back to one side on the console side and lays back to far to clearly see over dash even when fully posturing erect.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 gmc sierra 1500. While driving 30 MPH, the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard when it was depressed and failed to stop the vehicle. The ABS and brake system warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence where the brake lines were replaced due to rust. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 120,000. *bf brake lines were replaced twice same location on the vehicle. Consumer is now having problems with ABS brake lighting on dash ( wheel speed sensors on front tone rings).
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 gmc sierra 1500. While driving 30 MPH, the front of the vehicle shook and wobbled so violently that it left the contact disoriented. The contact had no control over the vehicle and had to pull over for a while. When the contact retuned to the road, the vehicle continued to shake. The failure occurred between the speeds of 30-45 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who installed new bearings, which made the failure worse. The vehicle was taken to two other mechanics, but each repair failed. The manufacturer and dealer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 177,000.
161131 miles frame rusted real bad body looks great for the year I just bought the truck looked real clean inside and out from origanal owner put it on a lift and the frame is so rusted out did some googleing and found that most all these trucks were built to rot out in 3 years
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 gmc sierra 1500. While reversing the vehicle, the brake pedal became stuck to the floorboard. The contact was able to engage the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle and found that all the brake lines were corroded, which caused the brake fluid to leak. The vehicle was towed to bowser automotive (132-168 north lewis run road, west mifflin, pa 15236, (412) 469-2100) where it was diagnosed that all the brake lines were severely corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 75,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 gmc sierra 1500. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle's braking ability was lost and the brake pedal traveled to the floorboard. The vehicle eventually came to a stop and was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 158,000.
My emergency brake doesnt work...my head lights always burn out...my bed liner is wharped...
Spare tire fell off from the cable, unknown, I also had a 2001 gmc yukon and the same thing happened, this is unsafe as it could become detached while moving and needs to be recalled
2001 gmc sierra 1500. Consumer writes in regards to steering component failure. *ld the consumer stated amonth after purchasing the vehicle the steering gear began leaking.
Compare the 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
Is the 2002 GMC Sierra 1500 reliable?
Owners have filed 166 complaints about the 2002 GMC Sierra 1500, fewer than a typical Sierra 1500 model year.
What is the 2002 GMC Sierra 1500 year score?
The 2002 GMC Sierra 1500 scores 78 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the GMC Sierra 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 GMC Sierra 1500?
Brakes, with 127 complaints, typically around 80,000 miles. Next is suspension (9).
How many recalls does the 2002 GMC Sierra 1500 have?
1 recall, covering equipment adaptive/mobility.
What year does the GMC Sierra 1500 have bad brakes?
The GMC Sierra 1500 model years with the most brakes complaints are 2015 (229 complaints), 2014 (144 complaints) and 2000 (131 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2002 GMC Sierra 1500 get?
Official estimates for the 2002 GMC Sierra 1500 range from 12 to 16 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.3L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 14-15 city and 18-19 highway.
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Check its historyGMC Sierra 1500 in the news
- Safety regulators investigate 2022-2024 GMC Sierra 1500 for upper grille deflector detachment
- Chevrolet recalls 2016-2017 Silverado 1500, 2016-2017 Sierra 1500 and 2016 Silverado 2500 and other models over air bags inflator problem (1,559 vehicles)
- Safety regulators investigate 2021-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2021-2026 Chevrolet Tahoe and 2021-2026 GMC Sierra 1500 and other models for loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy