The brakes failed as I was approaching a stop sign. The brake lines were badly rusted, much worse than would be expected. This could have been very serious had it happened at a greater speed!
The worst 2002 GMC Suburban problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Fuel system2
- Tires2
- Airbags1
- Brakes1
- Electrical1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Fuel system2
- Tires2
- Airbags1
- Brakes1
- Electrical1
- Transmission1
Recalls 1
Structure
- What is wrong
- Certain pickup truck, van, and mini van conversions equipped with southern comfort built running boards that contain certain courtesy lights manufactured by american technology components, inc. These units contain a courtesy light or lights that might overheat when the wire harness is exposed to excessive moisture and road salt.
- Risk
- This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these running boards. Owner notification began march 7, 2003. 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 southern comfort at 1‑800‑745‑6096.
Recall number 03V094000 · Recall details
See all 1 recalls for the 2002 GMC Suburban
Defect investigations
Parking brake failure
Odi's review of complaint data received since the close of ea04-011 revealed no indication that the investigation should be re-opened.more details can be found in the federal register notice enclosed in the dp05-009 public file.odi reserves the right to reopen the investigation in the future should conditions warrant.
DP05009
Technical service bulletins for the 2002 GMC Suburban 78
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 technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake...
- This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil...
What 2002 GMC Suburban owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle had a power failure while driving 5 MPH. The ignition would not restart. The vehicle was towed to the service dealer who determined there was an ignition problem. On the second visit, the independent repair shop diagnosed the vehicle with a fuel pump problem. The manufacturer was notified and advised the contact to take the vehicle back to the service dealer.
Dt: the contact stated the vehicle stalled while driving. He was able to restart the vehicle and drove it to the dealership. The fuel gauge worked improperly. The dealership said the stalling problem was caused by a fuel pump failure. The fuel pump has been replaced. *ak updated 05/23/06.
Dt: contact owns a 2002 gmc suburban. While driving and changing gears, and when putting it in reverse it sounds like the engine is falling out. While changing gears its like a big thud. When changing from park to reverse it sounds like it is coming apart. When turning the car into neutral red light stays on, and that has never happened before. The contact will take the vehicle to the dealership to be checked. Also, the contact smelled a burning odor.
The airbag failed to deploy when the consumers wife hit a bus at 40 MPH. This resulted in a concussion. *ak *sc
While traveling at any speed front end vibrated. Consumer inspected vehicle, and determined front tires were unevenly worn.
With less than 24,000 miles on 2002 chevrolet suburban, there is extremely abnormal wear on treads of front tires in particular. Large, deep and uneven indentations on the tread, especially front inside of tires.
Compare the 2002 GMC Suburban
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Questions about the 2002 GMC Suburban
Is the 2002 GMC Suburban reliable?
Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 2002 GMC Suburban, 1.4 times a typical Suburban model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 GMC Suburban?
Fuel and propulsion system, with 2 complaints. Next is tires (2).
How many recalls does the 2002 GMC Suburban have?
1 recall, covering structure.
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