2002 Chevrolet Suburban recalls and problems

The 2002 Chevrolet Suburban has 2 safety recalls and 286 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
286
Crashes / fires
24 / 5
Injuries / deaths
24 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Chevrolet Suburban vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Chevrolet Suburban recalls

Recall 05V-379: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Aug 29, 2005 · 1,353,718 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: Certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles may experience unwanted antilock brake system (Abs) activation. This condition is more likely to occur in environmentally corrosive areas. This recall will be launched in the "salt belt" states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maryland, massachusetts, maine, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin and the district of columbia only.

Risk: This can cause increased stopping distances during low-speed brake applications, which could result in a crash.

Fix: Dealers are to remove the wheel speed sensor and thoroughly clean the wheel speed sensor mounting surface on the bearing, apply rust inhibitor to the cleaned surface, grease the mounting surface, reinstall the wheel speed sensor, and check the peak-to-peak output voltage to ensure the wheel speed signal is within specifications. The recall began september 22, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463.

Recall 03V-094: Structure

Reported Mar 7, 2003 · 3,674 vehicles affected · SOUTHERN COMFORT CONVERSIONS

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

2002 Chevrolet Suburban problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic73
Service Brakes41
Fuel System, Gasoline25
Power Train24
Steering22
Parking Brake19
Tires18
Engine and Engine Cooling16
Seat Belts13
Air Bags12
Visibility10
Electrical System10

Most reported parts

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 42
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 10
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump — 8
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 6
  • Tires › Tread/Belt — 6
  • Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly — 5
  • Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System — 5
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 4

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 64,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Chevrolet Suburban complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Service Brakes · reported Nov 20, 2023
the brake lines rust and they burst this occurred on my main brake line going to the abs controller I had no brakes from mechanics they say this is a common problem on usa made cars brake lines should never ever rust and burst
Steering · reported Feb 14, 2023
When driving at highway speeds or even around town the vehicle randomly jerks to one side or another alignment was just done and was told all was good tires are new Pitman armor place ball joints replaced still having the issue of it darting specially when going around curves it wants to pull vehicle to the ditch and I look like I am driving drunk which I'm not I've had my mechanic try to inspect the issue he couldn't find it I heard they're made possibly be a TSB out for it but it's hidden
Wheels · reported Jul 16, 2021
Spare tire hoist wire broke and spare tire was released from vehicle on the highway. Vehicle was doing speed limit of 75mph and spare tire barely missed traffic behind vehicle.
Air Bags · at 260,000 miles · reported Jul 8, 2021
The contact owned a 2002 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, there were cicadas flying towards the front driver side windshield that obstructed the contact's visibility which caused the contact to crash into a utility pole. The air bags did not deploy. The contact was transported to the hospital by ambulance for injuries sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was first towed to a towing yard then towed to an auto body shop where the insurance company deemed it totaled. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and had sent out a field…
Steering · reported Jun 4, 2021
The steering pump has plenty of fluid in the reservoir and has been changed regularly. All of the sudden all power assisted steering disappeared when turning to the left making parking nearly impossible causing a great safety concern as this is my only vehicle and now my wife cannot take the truck anywhere. According to other owners, it's a common issue caused by the booster valve sticking shut and when I inquired about repair, I was quoted a part cost of 300 bucks which I don't have at all. Hopefully enough folks report this issue resulting in action taken by NHTSA even though the vehicle is…

Other Chevrolet Suburban years

Compare all Chevrolet Suburban years · All Chevrolet models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban: 05V-379 (service brakes, hydraulic), 03V-094 (structure). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban?

Owners report service brakes, hydraulic problems most often (73 reports), followed by service brakes (41). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 64,000 miles.

Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.