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2002 GMC Sierra 3500Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 20 owner complaints about the 2002 GMC Sierra 3500, most often about the service brakes. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints205 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage137kService brakes, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 22, 2016. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2002 GMC Sierra 3500 has problems

20 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Service brakes40
Service brakes, hydraulic30
Parking brake31
Fuel/propulsion system30
Suspension30
Air bags22
Fuel system, diesel20
Fuel system, gasoline21
Tires20
4 other systems40

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

2002 GMC Sierra 3500 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Equipment adaptive/mobility

Recall 04V-562 · Nov 26, 2004 · 1,660 vehicles

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE WHEELCHAIR MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY SECURED POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURIES TO A WHEELCHAIR OCCUPANT.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with GMC.

Best & worst years

2002 vs. every other Sierra 3500 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Sierra 3500 median. How we score

'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
1 investigation

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 2002 GMC Sierra 3500, and the recalls they led to.

  1. HYDRAULIC PUMP SHAFT FAILURESPE04004 · closed Apr 30, 2004
    No recall
In owners' words

What Sierra 3500 owners report

Recent service brakes complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THIS TRUCK HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS THE 2007 MODEL. THE IGNITION SWITCH, PARKING BRAKE, AND FUEL LINES ALL HAVE ISSUES AS SIMILARLY DESCRIBED FOR THE 2007 MODEL. THE FUEL LINES ACTUALLY BROKE THROUGH CAUSING A LEAK OF THE DIESEL FUEL. THIS HAPPENED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN A SHORT DISTANCE OF…
Complaint 10787186 · Oct 30, 2015 · 101,000 miles
SLOWING DOWN TO A RED TRAFFIC LIGHT AND BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. TRIED TO PUMP BRAKE PEDAL TO GET MORE PRESSURE BUT DID NOT WORK. DROVE OFF ONTO SHOULDER AND GOT IT SLOWED DOWN. DRIVE VERY SLOW WITH HAZARD LIGHTS ON TO GET IT BACK TO MY HOUSE. I WAS ONLY ABOUT A MILE AWAY. GOT HOME AND LOOKED…
Complaint 10526003 · Jul 21, 2013 · 137,000 miles
I FIRST NOTICED THAT THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES WERE ACTIVATING AT SLOW SPEEDS ( 5-10 MPH ) UNDER DRY ROAD CONDITIONS. THIS WAS PRIOR TO BRAKE LINE INCIDENT ON 4-14-2012 BUT I AM NOT SURE OF EXACT DATE. I RESEARCHED THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES AND FOUND NHTSA ID CAMPAIGN #05V379000 ACTION # PE05020 BUT THIS DID…
Complaint 10497825 · Feb 11, 2013 · 154,163 miles

Own a 2002 Sierra 3500?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.