NHTSA vehicle safety data

2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Recalls & Complaints

The 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 50 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Chevrolet dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 owner complaints

Owners have filed 50 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, describing incidents dated December 5, 2001 to May 24, 2016.

Most-cited components

Service Brakes 22 complaints
Engine 8 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 8 complaints
Tires 6 complaints
Suspension 5 complaints
Visibility/Wiper 5 complaints

Of the 50 complaints on file, 4 report a crash (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #10870694 · Filed May 24, 2016
WHEN POSITIONING MY TRUCK TO HOOK UP MY 5TH WHEEL CAMPER I LOST MY BRAKES. THERE WAS NO WARNING OF ANY KIND AND I WASN'T SURE UNTIL I GOT OUT AND SAW THE PUDDLE . EVEN AFTER MOVING THE TRUCK AN LOSING MORE FLUID THERE WAS STILL NO WARNING. I HATE TO THINK IF HAD HOOKED UP AND BEEN DOWN THE HIGHWAY…
ODI #10855736 · Filed January 31, 2018
2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEVERAL FUEL INJECTOR FAILURES AND OEM UNCOATED CARBON STEEL BRAKE LINES. *M THE CONSUMER STATED GM WITHHELD MATERIAL FACTS CONCERNING DURAMAX LB7 DIESEL FUEL INJECTOR FAILURES IN VIOLATION OF MISSOURI MERCHANDISING PRACTICES ACT AT THE TIME OF…
ODI #10658664 · Filed November 17, 2014
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE JUST COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF, I HAVE REPLACED EVERYTHING & 1 YEAR LATER AND 25,000 MILES LATER & 5 ACCIDENTS THE VEHICLE STILL DOES IT NOW IT WONT EVEN START. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND THERE SHOULD BE A RE-CALL ON THIS I'VE READ THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON IN THIS VEHICLE AND…

Read all 50 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 in 2 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Engineering Analysis EA04-012: HYDRAULIC PUMP FAILRES
Closed February 28, 2005
- Recall 05V-005
Preliminary Evaluation PE04-004: HYDRAULIC PUMP SHAFT FAILURES
Closed April 30, 2004

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

AFTERMARKET FUEL FILTERS/FUEL LEAK

NHTSA #06E043000 · Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA notice

Reported May 19, 2006 · HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Potentially affected: 88,303 vehicles

Owners notified October 18, 2006

Defect description

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Safety consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Manufacturer remedy

HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET FRAM FUEL FILTERS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

GM/FMVSS 105/BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT

NHTSA #01V220000 · Interior Lighting · NHTSA notice

Reported June 26, 2001 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 38,863 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 01050 · Owners notified July 9, 2001 · Vehicles built April 1, 2001 – June 15, 2001 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

THESE CONDITIONS COULD RESULT IN REDUCED BRAKING CAPABILITY, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

50 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500.

Service Brakes

ODI #10870694

Incident: May 24, 2016 · Filed: May 24, 2016

WHEN POSITIONING MY TRUCK TO HOOK UP MY 5TH WHEEL CAMPER I LOST MY BRAKES. THERE WAS NO WARNING OF ANY KIND AND I WASN'T SURE UNTIL I GOT OUT AND SAW THE PUDDLE . EVEN AFTER MOVING THE TRUCK AN LOSING MORE FLUID THERE WAS STILL NO WARNING. I HATE TO THINK IF HAD HOOKED UP AND BEEN DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN CORRODED METAL LINES BLEW OUT!

Fuel System, Gasoline; Service Brakes

ODI #10855736

Incident: September 18, 2015 · Filed: January 31, 2018

2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO SEVERAL FUEL INJECTOR FAILURES AND OEM UNCOATED CARBON STEEL BRAKE LINES. *M THE CONSUMER STATED GM WITHHELD MATERIAL FACTS CONCERNING DURAMAX LB7 DIESEL FUEL INJECTOR FAILURES IN VIOLATION OF MISSOURI MERCHANDISING PRACTICES ACT AT THE TIME OF SALE AND DELIVERY. *JS

Fuel System, Diesel; Power Train; Electrical System; Service Brakes; Engine

ODI #10658664

Crash

Incident: November 11, 2013 · Filed: November 17, 2014

WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE JUST COMPLETELY SHUTS OFF, I HAVE REPLACED EVERYTHING & 1 YEAR LATER AND 25,000 MILES LATER & 5 ACCIDENTS THE VEHICLE STILL DOES IT NOW IT WONT EVEN START. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND THERE SHOULD BE A RE-CALL ON THIS I'VE READ THAT THIS IS VERY COMMON IN THIS VEHICLE AND THERE ARE VARIOUS RECALLS ON THE WIRING HARNESS, TRANSMISSION, FUEL LINE, FILTER, HEADLIGHTS, TOWING PACKAGE, BRAKE SYSTEM, BRAKE LIGHTS, BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS. EVERYBODY WHO IS EXPERIENCING THIS ISSUE SHOULD FILE A COMPLAINT TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. I ALMOST LOST MY LIFE MANY TIMES AND I LOST ALOT OF MONEY ON THIS VEHICLE GM SHOULD TAKE THIS TRUCK BACK THAT'S FOR SURE 2002 C3500 EXPRESS / CUTAWAY DURAMAX DIESEL *TR

Service Brakes

ODI #10548464

Incident: October 16, 2003 · Filed: October 18, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET C/K 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, HE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TRAVELING INTO THE INTERSECTION UNTIL THE VEHICLE STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE FRONT BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED FOUR ADDITIONAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Engine

ODI #10543046

Incident: December 5, 2001 · Filed: September 11, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 3500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500.

Tires

ODI #10523605

Incident: July 3, 2013 · Filed: July 8, 2013

I HAVE HAD 2 OF THEM FAIL ON MY WORK TRUCK. BOTH HAD VERY LOW MILES. TIRES COMPLETELY BLEW OUT.

Service Brakes

ODI #10522456

Incident: February 4, 2013 · Filed: June 30, 2013

BRAKE LINE FAILURE. COMING TO STOP LIGHT, BRAKES WENT OUT CAUSING ME TO RUN THE LIGHT ALMOST CAUSING MAJOR ACCIDENT. THIS HAPPENED IN FEB 2013. HAD BRAKE LINE REPAIRED. IN JUNE 2013 SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN / DIFFERENT BRAKE LINE. NEED TO REPLACE ALL BRAKE LINES. *TR

Service Brakes

ODI #10484060

Incident: November 10, 2012 · Filed: November 12, 2012

WHILE STOPPING; BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND WAS BARELY ABLE TO STOP VEHICLE. IF I HAD BEEN DIVING @ HIGHWAY SPEED I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO STOP AND WOULD HAVE BEEN IN A BAD ACCIDENT. AFTER GETTING OUT OF VEHICLE, FOUND BRAKE FLUID LEAKING ON GROUND UNDER VEHICLE THAT WAS COMING FROM ABOVE LEFT FRAME MEMBER JUST TO REAR OF FIREWALL @ LOCATION WERE BRAKE LINES ALL COME TOGETHER. THERE WAS A LINE OF BRAKE FLUID ON PAVEMENT THE ENTIRE DISTANCE THAT I HAD BEEN TRYING TO STOP. BRAKE LINES APPEARED TO BE RUSTED THRU ALSO OBSERVED THAT FUEL LINES BADLY RUSTED ALSO. I HAVE SINCE FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH CHEVROLET TRUCKS AND THAT GM HAS MADE A KIT TO REPAIR PROBLEM. THIS IS SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW THAT GM SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL AND FIX @ THEIR EXPENSE. THERE SHOULD BE AN IMMEDIATE SAFETY RECALL TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE GET SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. *TR

Service Brakes

ODI #10478927

Crash

Incident: October 5, 2012 · Filed: October 7, 2012

BRAKE FAILED COMING INTO HOME'S DRIVEWAY WHICH RESULTED IN CRASH WITH MINOR DAMAGE. INSPECTION SHOWED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LINES WERE COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH. *TR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

ODI #10421310

Incident: October 16, 2010 · Filed: August 24, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET C3500. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATLEY 25 MPH WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOORBOARD WITHOUT THE VEHICLE STOPPING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT A CRASH. THE CONTACT CHECKED THE MASTER CYLINDER AND FOUND THAT THE BRAKE FLUID WAS DEPLETED AND HE COULD SEE BRAKE FLUID LEAKING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY A RUPTURE OF ONE OF THE MASTER CYLINDER BRAKE LINES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 41,500.

Other Chevrolet Silverado 3500 model years

Check your 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Chevrolet Silverado 3500 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check a Chevrolet VIN