We were in a roll over accident going under 30mph. I was a passenger in the back seat. When I woke up I saw that the driver was hanging out the door window. The air bags did not deploy. The driver who was also the owner of the truck died of multiple blunt forces. The insurance company had the truck towed to COPART in Las Vegas.
The worst 2002 GMC Sierra 2500 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.
- Brakes78
- Transmission14
- Engine13
- Fuel system12
- Steering9
- Body5
- Tires5
- Airbags4
- Suspension4
- Acceleration2
- Locks2
- Seat belts2
- Electrical1
- Lights1
- Visibility1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 GMC Sierra 2500
Recalls 1
Interior lighting
- 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 GMC Sierra 2500
Defect investigations
Trailer hitch receiver failure
Complaint reports allege poor weld quality and/or bending of the subject vehicle original equipment trailer hitch receiver.the agency's investigation included analysis of manufacturer and agency incident reports, review of police reports, analysis of the agency's fatal analysis reporting system, a vehicle owner survey, inspection of tow vehicles/hitches and analysis of failed parts.incidents of weld failure were rare and associated with very low-speed driving (turning, backing and sudden stopping).incidents of bending were associated with improper trailer hitch adjustment or overloading. A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist.the agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.see document search file for addition information.
EA07013
Trailer hitch receiver failure
Gm provided additional data regarding allegations of failure of the trailer hitch.odi reviewed that as well as other data provided by peer manufacturers.based on our review, odi finds the need to further investigate this issue.this preliminary evaluation is upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea07-013) for further assessment and study of this issue.
PE07025
Hydraulic pump shaft failures
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 GMC Sierra 2500 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.
- This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 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)...
- This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement...
- This bulletin advises the technician of possible location of an internal coolant leak from a specific...
- This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake...
What 2002 GMC Sierra 2500 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
While traveling on the highway we hit black ice and ultimately ended up with a front impact which turned into a 2 time vehicle rollover. Both front seat belts and buckled during the rollover and did not lock and neither of the airbags in front when off at any point during the collision
I purchase this truck 2/03/17 and have used it until 2 weeks age when the brake lines broke in my driveway, I am having the lines replaced with stainless lines at a cost of about $1200 ( I am not sure of the total cost because it also needs a antilock braking pump which was badly corroded) the fuel lings are also rusted and need to be replaced and also the transmission cooling lines need to be replaced at a cost to be determined later. I have a 1953 chevy pickup that still has good brake lines and the frame is in better shape than the newer ones, if gm looked to the past at the materials & methods they might build a better product rather than the garbage they produce now! I am glad I didn't pay $30-$60,000 for this truck.
The tubular frame that supports both the gas tank and rear passenger side shock absorber extremely rusts out causing the frame to eventually disconnect from itself and allow the gas tank to drop and/or the shock to disconnect from the axle, both in which may cause a fatal accident.
While driving of a city street, at a slow rate (10-15mph) and taking a slow, approximately 90 degree left turn, I heard a loud "popping/breaking sound". While making the turn, I initially had turning capabilities until I heard the "pop" sound. Upon hearing the sound, I no longer had the ability to turn the wheels to either direction. Upon stopping and turning off the truck, I found the pitman arm(connected to steering box and steering bar) was detached from the steering bar but still attached to steering box. The bolt of the pitman arm had broken off cleanly from the steering bar, rendering my steering capabilities ineffectual. Attached is a picture of the pitman arm sheered bolt. I would like to file a complaint that this defective piece of material could have cost damage to life, property and potentially death of myself or others on the road. I would like some form of restitution on part of the manufacture. The total cost of the repair was approximately $225 usd. I can provide the bill for towing, mechanical repairs and cost of replacement part.
Anti-lock brakes engage on dry pavement just prior to coming to a complete stop.
I have owned many gm trucks, and never had one with so many rusted out brake lines. Why can't they make them with stainless steel lines. They should have a recall for this. What happens when front and back lines go at the same time, I will tell you, no brakes ! This is the worst one with the rust that I have had. 3 lines rust out on the gmc 2500 hd (2002) with more to come, I have 25,000 miles on this truck. The first line went about 15,000 miles. Also I only got about 5,000 miles on those firestone tires, cheap tires come with this truck. I have also noticed the frame is rusting, had to have the cable replaced that shifts the truck into gear, it rusted out. I go to the car wash and always wash the underside of the truck to get all the dirt and salt off every chance I get. When I got the gmc I was told by the gmc garage not to have the truck undercoated because it would void the warranty on it. I also had to have the cables replaced on the tail gate due to rust. Very sad about this gmc truck. Everything is rusting. I should have a lot of miles left on this truck, if it doesn't rust itself to death or get me killed because of rusted out brake lines !
Rear steel brake line failure while in parking lot, complete loss of braking ability
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 gmc sierra 2500 hd. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, when the brake pedal was depressed and the brakes failed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Driving into driveway applied brakes , pedal went right to the floor no warning light or any indication of a problem got out of truck and found fluid dripping off frame by fuel tank. Ruptured line above tank on frame, other brake lines also look corroded. After some research I found this to be a common problem on gm trucks . Owners need to be made aware of this problem before someone is seriously hurt. I believe gm should be forced to repair the defective lines.
Compare the 2002 GMC Sierra 2500
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2002 GMC Sierra 2500
Is the 2002 GMC Sierra 2500 reliable?
Owners have filed 134 complaints about the 2002 GMC Sierra 2500, 2.3 times a typical Sierra 2500 model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2002 GMC Sierra 2500 year score?
The 2002 GMC Sierra 2500 scores 43 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the GMC Sierra 2500: 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 2500?
Brakes, with 78 complaints, typically around 90,451 miles. Next is transmission (14).
How many recalls does the 2002 GMC Sierra 2500 have?
1 recall, covering interior lighting.
What year does the GMC Sierra 2500 have bad brakes?
The GMC Sierra 2500 model years with the most brakes complaints are 2002 (78 complaints), 2003 (73 complaints) and 2001 (62 complaints).
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