2002 GMC Sierra 2500 recalls and problems

The 2002 GMC Sierra 2500 has 1 safety recall and 134 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

134

Crashes / fires

10 / 1

Injuries / deaths

8 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2002 GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 GMC Sierra 2500 recalls

Recall 01V-220: Interior Lighting

Reported Jun 26, 2001 · 38,863 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

2002 GMC Sierra 2500 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	44
Service Brakes	32
Power Train	14
Engine and Engine Cooling	11
Steering	9
Structure	6
Fuel System, Gasoline	6
Tires	5
Fuel/Propulsion System	5
Suspension	4
Air Bags	4
Trailer Hitches	3

Most reported parts

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 11
Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 5
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings — 4
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 4
Structure › Frame and Members — 3
Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System › Injectors — 3
Tires › Tread/Belt — 2
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Pump — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 86,000 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 2500 complaints

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

Air Bags · reported Jan 15, 2023

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.

Air Bags · at 247,500 miles · reported Feb 28, 2019

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

Service Brakes · at 136,000 miles · reported Dec 4, 2017

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 &…

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 200,000 miles · reported Mar 9, 2017

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.

Steering · at 240,000 miles · reported Dec 19, 2016

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…

Other GMC Sierra 2500 years

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Compare all GMC Sierra 2500 years · All GMC models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 GMC Sierra 2500 have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2002 GMC Sierra 2500: 01V-220 (interior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 GMC Sierra 2500?

Owners report service brakes, hydraulic problems most often (44 reports), followed by service brakes (32). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 86,000 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.