Most common 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche problems
Share of the 444 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Avalanche complaints by model year
Best Avalanche years: 2006, 2012, 2009. Years to avoid: 2002, 2003, 2004. Compare all years →
2002 Chevrolet Avalanche recalls (2)
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
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.
Remedy: 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…
Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the galvanized steel tailgate support cables that retain the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position May corrode, weaken, and eventually fracture. If both cables fractured, the tailgate would suddenly drop and strike the top surface of the rear bumper.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the cables. Interim owner notification began on April 7, 20004. The recall began on September 24, 2004, when replacement parts were available, and will continue through October 29, 2004.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 7 possible defects involving the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche:
Brake line corrosion failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received Defect Petition DP10-003 on March 2, 2010, requesting the investigation of model year (MY) 2003 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD 4WD pickup trucks for corrosion failures of the vehicle brake lines.DP10-003 was granted and on March 30, 2010, Preliminary Evaluation PE10-010 was opened on more than six million model year 1999 through 2003 light trucks and sport utility…
Crank position sensor failure - stall
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe06-016) on May 4, 2006 based on eleven vehicle owner questionnaires (voqs) and early warning (ewr) data alleging sudden engine shutdown while driving as a result of crank position sensor failures in my 2001-2002 general motors c/k platform vehicles equipped with 8.1l engines.in response to an information request letter sent by odi, general…
Unwanted low-speed ABS activation
In a letter dated August 29, 2005, GM notified odi that it was recalling certain model year 1999 through 2002 c/k pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles to correct a problem with anti-lock brake system (ABS) wheel speed sensor corrosion that May result in unwanted ABS activation and extended stopping distances during low-speed braking (recall 05v-379).GM's recall covers approximately 804,000 vehicles currently…
Hydraulic pump failres
GM is conducting a recall on all subject vehicles build between May 1999 and October 14, 1999.significant changes were incorporated into production in early October 1999, and vehicles built after that date have lower warranty failure rates.the complaint and warranty data appear to support the effectiveness of these changes.
Tailgate cable breakage
General motors filed a defect notice 04v-129 on March 17, 2004, which outlines a program to replace the tailgate cables installed in affected model year 2000-2004 vehicles.refer to odi's closing report for ea04-005 for additional information.odi is aware of reports of tailgate cable breakage occurring in model year 1999 and earlier vehicles.these vehicles were equipped with similar tailgate cables as addressed by…
Throttle sticking closed
This investigation involves the general motors corporation (GM)throttle body (tb) utilized in model year (my) 1999-2002 silverado, sierra, tahoe, suburban, avalanche and yukon (subject vehicle(s)) with 4.8l, 5.3l, and 6.0l engines. The tb valve May intermittently stick in a closed position.in such a situation, an operator May apply additional accelerator pedal force to increase engine speed.the application of…
Parking brake failure
Odi's review of complaint data received since the close of ea04-011 revealed no indication that the investigation should be re-opened.more details can be found in the federal register notice enclosed in the dp05-009 public file.odi reserves the right to reopen the investigation in the future should conditions warrant.
What 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche owners say
Brakes all 200 →
The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS and oil warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the speedometer, the 4-wheel drive function, parking brake, and headlights failed to operate as needed. The instrument panel light failed to illuminate, the gear shifter did not display the selected gear, the sub-frame was corroded, and the wheel hub bearing assembly was fractured. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.
The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche. The contact stated while attempting to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal was firm, and vehicle kept accelerating unintendedly. Several warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a faulty ABS module. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the vehicle was not included in a recall because he was not located in a salt State. The failure mileage was unknown.
Body & structure all 67 →
Brakes on 2002 Avalanche and customer service from ray hutson, lacrosse wi. Using Chevrolet maintenance plan. 27,821 miles - performed 6K maintenance which includes; lube parking brake, rotate tires, inspect brakes. OK with work. 30,533 miles - performed detail recondition of vehicle. Poor work. 30,583 miles - repaired tailgate, complained of detail work. Picked up vehicle with no noticeable mileage but used approx 6 gals of gas. Guessing they ran the engine all day to dry out inside of vehicle. 30,916 miles - completed tailgate repair. OK 34,244 miles - oil change 38,085 miles - oil change and goodwrench pre02004 maintenance check list completed. OK 41,926 miles - 6K maintenance service. Found brakes and rotors bad, had them replaced, total cost was $1,321.00. At time of pickup, requested reason for this happening. …
At the first of October I received a letter from OnStar stating that my service would no longer be available for my 2002 chevorlet Avalanche beginning jan 2008. OnStar is a safety device on my truck...and was the deciding factor in choosing a GM vehicle. Some other family members have 2003 gmcs and they are repairable but mine is not. I find this hard to believe..they just do not want to pay for it. I have had some trouble with my truck, eg- hardbody fading, would not pass inspection 3 years back b/c emergency brake was wore...no recall but the part was redesigned..hmmm, tailgate leaking water, a loud popping noise that took 4 long times at the dealer for them to find, but I can live with all this...but my OnStar was a great piece of mind, ESP with an illness and now a new baby. …
Engine & cooling all 38 →
While driving at 65 MPH the engine cut out. Could be the crankshaft position sensor. The truck is a 2500 with an 8.1l engine. Similar issues that the 2001 was recalled for. Same engine and cps as the 2001 but not included in the original recall. This has happened several times at various speeds.
1.brakes--pedal goes to the floor...this has happened 5 different times 2.brakes--has been returned at least 10 times for brake- rotor problems 3.suspension noise--has been returned at least 10 times for noise 4.oil lights--has been returned 3 times for oil consumption--leaks 5.electrical--has been returned to replace electric motor for windows 6.electrical-- locks-click and click and keep causing, and the horn---beeps non stop this all while driving 7.vehicle was parked and light and horn would not stop flashing and beeping the dealer nor Chevrolet want to except any responsibility for this vehicle....we are told that the noises(and vibration) from the suspension just standard for the vehicle. …
2002 Chevrolet Avalanche engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 17 / 14 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 12 / 15 / 13 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche a good car?
Based on 444 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Avalanche rates avoid: 4.0× as many complaints as a typical year of the Avalanche at the same age. It is one of the Avalanche years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche?
The brakes — 200 complaints, 45% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the body & structure (67) and engine & cooling (38).
How many recalls does the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche, the most recent from August 29, 2005 (antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Avalanche?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2006, 2012 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2002, 2003 and 2004. See the full Chevrolet Avalanche years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 51,000 miles; 49% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.