Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My complaint is on my 2002 Chevy Avalanche. The drivers side external mirror has been slowly leaking the fluid that is inside of it and now the mirror is so discolored by the problem that it is unusable. The replacement mirror is about 320.00. The Chevy dealership will not replace it as a defect but want me to pay for it. No damage was the cause of this failure. This truck has never been in any type of accident.
We purchase vehicle new in aug 2001. It now has about 75,000 miles. Starting in July 03, tthe windshield has shown a propensity to chip and crack with very minor impacts. It now has a total of 4 chips each abour 1/4" diameter and a crack about 15" long. We have refrained from having it repaired. Why is this windshield so easy to damage?
When driving up to a drive-up atm machine, my wife folded the passenger side-view mirror toward her so it would not hit a post. After completing her transaction, she unfolded the mirror to it's regular position, and it broke. The mirror did not fall off, but had to be tied on to the arm, so it wouldn't sit crooked.
I have not given permission to the dealership service department to start repairs. They told me it was the rear axle or rear end that was damaged beyond repair and must be replaced. I was quoted a repair cost of $2,400 for a used part and $3,000 for a new part. This truck has around 42,000 miles and was purchased June 1, 2003. I have had multiple problems ranging from replacement of cd's to a door window motor problem. I inquired/complained about a noise in the rear end at around 25,000 miles prior to the breakdown. However, they could not find the problem. The tailgate would fall open when locked occasionally, but this was adjusted after taking it back for repair. I have also replaced one hub assembly on the front of the truck at a cost of $250.00. There is an oil usage problem that requires an additional quart to be added between changes. …
The frame on the rear window of my 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche has begun to crack and break off. Although still in place at this time there is a 1/2" crack that is widening in the passenger side upper corner and cracks in the lower corner that look like the plastic is tearing itself apart. It is subject to leaks since it no longer forms a tight seal and if the frame breaks off completely the window will no long be held tightly in place and could fall from the frame onto passengers in the rear seat. I don't know when the cracks actually began but only noticed them recently. I am the original ower and only driver of the vehicle. Chevrolet was notified of the problem under service request number 1-292479540. Their answer was they would not cover it under warranty as a manufacture defect. I only received their decision today so I have not had time to locate a replacement part as yet.
My truck was bought new in 7/02 since. I am on my third "photo chronic heated side mirror (two passenger one driver side) the element inside the mirrors are over heating and melting the plastic trim on the mirror and distorting the glass. The result of the failure is a mirror that is blurred and a rainbow of colors. I believe this is a safety issue that should be corrected! One failure is normal but,three on a truck that only has 23K on isn't. I have called "g.m." on this problem and I was told it the drivers side this time the other two were the passenger side! Left right heated mirror wiring it's all one system. In closing how many mirrors must they be replaced and what happens if I or someone else (with these mirrors) is changes lanes with distorted mirrors. The g.m. Rep told me I have 100.00 deductible this happens!
The windows on my 2002 chevolet Avalanche are very dark shaded. I called a dealer in mullins, sc and he told me there is nothing they can do to lighten them. He claimed they came from the factory that dark. At night I cannot see well enough to properly judge traffic and distance. When I turn at night I have to lean forward just to see the street I am turning on to. I'd like to find out how I can get a lighter shading on my windows before I have or cause an accident. Why can't they be lighted or toned down.
Dt: contact stated power windows were messed up. About one year ago the passenger's side power window stopped working. He took vehiclet to the dealer ,and they changed something on it and fixed the problem. On 8-17-05 the driver's side window stopped working. Also tailgate just dropped open. He said someone worked on it last year and it worked for a while. But currently it was messed up again. It has gotten progressively worse over the past year.
Dt the contact stated the vehicle had leakage coming from the rear of the vehicle, it was leaking into the vehicle. This only happened when it rained. It leaked from rear passenger's side up to driver's side door panel, it smelled of mildew. This caused the windows to fog up. Contact took the vehicle to the dealer several times, the last time the leak stopped and the dealer had welded sea clamps. This had started on July 15, 2003.
After using the rear window defroster for a short period, a loud crack was heard. The plastic frame holding the rear window split in two pieces. The rear window is now somewhat loose. We are afraid to turn on the rear window defroster for fear of the window shattering. We will not try and remove the window and place it in its holder behind the seat, as it May also shatter and shower the rear seat passengers with glass.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Avalanche years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche, 5% of the model year's 444 complaints. The component named most often is glass, side/rear (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 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.