2002 GMC Sierra 1500 recalls and problems

The 2002 GMC Sierra 1500 has 1 safety recall and 166 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
166
Crashes / fires
17 / 0
Injuries / deaths
8 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 GMC Sierra 1500 recalls

Recall 04V-562: Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

Reported Nov 26, 2004 · 1,660 vehicles affected · MOBILITY WORKS

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

2002 GMC Sierra 1500 problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes64
Service Brakes, Hydraulic55
Suspension9
Structure8
Steering8
Parking Brake8
Power Train5
Air Bags5
Wheels5
Unknown or Other4
Electrical System3
Exterior Lighting3

Most reported parts

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 10
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings — 5
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 3
  • Structure › Body — 3
  • Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and Attachments — 2
  • Seat Belts › Front — 2
  • Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing — 2
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 80,000 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 GMC Sierra 1500 complaints

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

Service Brakes · at 196,000 miles · reported Nov 17, 2020
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.
Seats · at 165,050 miles · reported Mar 6, 2020
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…
Service Brakes · at 120,000 miles · reported Sep 19, 2019
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. 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…
Suspension · at 177,000 miles · reported Jul 12, 2019
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.…
Structure · reported Apr 17, 2019
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

Other GMC Sierra 1500 years

Compare all GMC Sierra 1500 years · All GMC models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 GMC Sierra 1500 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 GMC Sierra 1500: 04V-562 (equipment adaptive/mobility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 GMC Sierra 1500?

Owners report service brakes problems most often (64 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (55). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 80,000 miles.

Are GMC recall repairs free?

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