CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 · model year

2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500

620 NHTSA complaints, 60 crash reports for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2002CHEVROLETSILVERADO 1500 carries 620 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 60 crashes, 10 fires, 46 injuries, and 2 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2002 SILVERADO 1500 is service brakes with 184 filings, followed by service brakes, hydraulic (108) and service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (41). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.

NHTSA currently has 2 investigation files overlapping the 2002 SILVERADO 1500, and 1 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

620
Complaints
60
Crashes
10
Fires
46
Injuries
2
Deaths

Total Complaints

620 filings

Crashes Reported

60 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
SERVICE BRAKES184
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC108
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP41
STEERING21
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM17
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION16
PARKING BRAKE16
STRUCTURE:BODY13
AIR BAGS11
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM11
UNKNOWN OR OTHER10
POWER TRAIN10
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING9
ENGINE8
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR7

Recent Complaints

20251203SERVICE BRAKES

The emergency brake does not work properly. It automatically comes on while I am driving almost causing me to have a accident. Please, fix!!!!

20251203POWER TRAIN

I was driving today and my truck started making a strange noise(like something was loose). I stop the truck to see what was loose, I found nothing. I got back in the truck driving about 20 mph the truck started making the noise again and the truck started dragging( like it wouldn't go faster). I then stop and pulled in a church parking lot where the truck was not drivable. I was told by a concern passerby( mechanic, which happen to be) it's has something to do with the rest axle. The truck gave me no warning whatever. I was told I could have had a major accident and I had NO!!! warning. Please, fix. I have nothing but, issues with this truck.

20251203POWER TRAIN

my truck won't pick up speed when trying to accelerate. I don't know what it is. I know it's a problem and it's a hazard and accident waiting to happen!!!! Please, fix. I have had nothing but, issues with this Chevy Silverado.

20241021SERVICE BRAKES

ABS kicks in constantly at low speeds in dry conditions. This causes longer stopping distances. The ABS grinds or vibrates interfering with normal braking situations. Many near miss collisions at low speeds. The manufacturer should be responsible and replace all the ABS sensors. I purchased this truck brand new in 2002.

20241021ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ABS kicks in constantly at low speeds in dry conditions. This causes longer stopping distances. The ABS grinds or vibrates interfering with normal braking situations. Many near miss collisions at low speeds. The manufacturer should be responsible and replace all the ABS sensors. I purchased this truck brand new in 2002.

20241021FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

ABS kicks in constantly at low speeds in dry conditions. This causes longer stopping distances. The ABS grinds or vibrates interfering with normal braking situations. Many near miss collisions at low speeds. The manufacturer should be responsible and replace all the ABS sensors. I purchased this truck brand new in 2002.

20240510STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a loud cracking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact noticed the loud cracking sound while driving over a pothole in the road. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact completed a thorough inspection of the vehicle and noticed a fracture behind the cab of the vehicle. In addition, the contact noticed corrosion of the undercarriage of the vehicle. The contact stated that the corrosion extended from the front passenger’s side to the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.

Mileage: 250,000

20231202CrashAIR BAGS

Had a front end collision going 65 miles per hour. Air bag never deployed

20230119UNKNOWN OR OTHER

ABS sensors I think are bad cuz my brake pedal fluctuates and hasn't done that in a long time it went away no dash lights for the ABS but it's definitely coming from the brake pedal?

20220818STRUCTURE:BODY

rocker panels rusted out

20211223FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

THE THROTTLE CABLE MAKES CONTACT AND RUB THROUGH THE FLEXIBLE PRESSURIZED FUEL LINE CREATING A PINHOLE LEAK OF NATURAL GAS. I SMELL GAS INSiDE CAB. CAUSES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON

20211223SERVICE BRAKES

THE THROTTLE CABLE MAKES CONTACT AND RUB THROUGH THE FLEXIBLE PRESSURIZED FUEL LINE CREATING A PINHOLE LEAK OF NATURAL GAS. I SMELL GAS INSiDE CAB. CAUSES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON

20211018AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated while driving 5-10 MPH, the airbag warning light illuminated. The independent mechanic was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for diagnosis. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 143,725.

Mileage: 143,725

20201116CrashAIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ANOTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT WAS MAKING A LEFT, THE DRIVER SLAMMED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE LATCH FAILED CAUSING THE PASSENGER TO GO THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD DURING THE IMPACT. THE DRIVER PROCEEDED TO HIT A THIRD VEHICLE THAT WAS AT A STOP SIGN. THE OTHER DRIVER WAS FOUND AT FAULT BY THE POLICE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT LATCH FAILED TO RESTRAIN AND CAUSED THE FRONT PASSENGER INJURIES AT THE FACE, ARM, AND LEFT WRIST. THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG FAILED TO FULLY DEPLOY AND CAUSED THE PASSENGERS HEAD HIT THE WINDSHIELD. THE DRIVER SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE STOMACH. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS PROVIDED TO BOTH INJURED. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WAS PRESENT AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO WANTED TO ADD THAT TSB SEAT 10-08-50-003B DESCRIBES THE SEAT BELT FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DRIVER'S RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

20201116CrashSEAT BELTS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ANOTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT WAS MAKING A LEFT, THE DRIVER SLAMMED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT THE LATCH FAILED CAUSING THE PASSENGER TO GO THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD DURING THE IMPACT. THE DRIVER PROCEEDED TO HIT A THIRD VEHICLE THAT WAS AT A STOP SIGN. THE OTHER DRIVER WAS FOUND AT FAULT BY THE POLICE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT LATCH FAILED TO RESTRAIN AND CAUSED THE FRONT PASSENGER INJURIES AT THE FACE, ARM, AND LEFT WRIST. THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG FAILED TO FULLY DEPLOY AND CAUSED THE PASSENGERS HEAD HIT THE WINDSHIELD. THE DRIVER SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE STOMACH. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS PROVIDED TO BOTH INJURED. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WAS PRESENT AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT ALSO WANTED TO ADD THAT TSB SEAT 10-08-50-003B DESCRIBES THE SEAT BELT FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DRIVER'S RESIDENCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

20200323SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE ABS SYSTEM ACTIVATED AND THE VEHICLE LOST MOTIVE POWER. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 82,000.

Mileage: 82,000

20200119SERVICE BRAKES

ABS SYSTEM WILL ACTIVATE WHEN APPLYING BRAKES WITHOUT CAUSE SUCH AS A WET SURFACE

Mileage: 200,000

20191213SERVICE BRAKES

HARD BREAK LINES ARE FULLY CORRODED AND NEED FULL REPLACEMENT AFTER A BREAK LINE FAILURE. LOW MILEAGE VEHICLE, CURRENTLY 65K, VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN MILD CLIMATE OF NC AND SC SINCE 2002 WHERE SNOW AND SALT IS INFREQUENT. NEVER DRIVEN IN COASTAL AREA. ONLY RECENTLY DRIVEN ACROSS COUNTRY, WHERE FAILURE OCCURRED. THANKFULLY AT SLOW SPEEDS.

Mileage: 65,000

20190918ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

USING THE KEY THE IGNITION TURNS ON AND TRUCK STARTS AS IT SHOULD, ANYTIME THE KEY THEN COULD BE TAKEN OUT OF THE IGNITION AT ANYTIME. IGNITION CAN BE CLICKED BACK TO ACCESSORY AND THE KEY CAN FALL OUT WHEN DRIVING. NOTE CHANGING FROM RUN TO ACCESSORY IT EASILY DONE.

Mileage: 99,000

20190807CrashFireFatalAIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS LOOSE. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, SHE RAN OFF THE ROAD AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BURNS AND INJURIES TO HER RIBS, STERNUM, AND PELVIC. THE INJURIES WERE FATAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *TR *BF*JB*DT MEDICAL RECORD XXXXXXXXXXXX CERTIFICATION OF TITLE NO XXXXXXXXXXXX ('PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB

Compare 2002CHEVROLETSILVERADO 1500 to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 1 Open

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 have?
The 2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 has 620 NHTSA complaints, 60 crashes, 10 fires, 46 injuries, and 2 deaths reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500?
The most-complained component for the 2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 is SERVICE BRAKES with 184 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC and SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP.
Is the 2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.