Most common 2002 Chevrolet S problems
Share of the 12 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet S complaints by model year
Best S years: 2001. Years to avoid: 2002. Compare all years →
What 2002 Chevrolet S owners say
Body & structure
When I opened the tail gate to my 2002 s-10 both cables snaped-in-two at the same time. This cable failure has damaged the tail gate when it hit the bumper. When I went to the part store to get a replacement cable for both sides I was told that the cable did not match what was listed in his book as a replacement and would need to see a dealer about the repair..... Odd thing but I also have a 1991 Ford f-150 with 215,000 miles on it and I still have the same tail gate cables from when it was new.
I have a 2002 Chevrolet s-10 pickup. The cable that attaches the tailgate to the truck has corroded away. This results in the tailgate falling from horizontal position and possible falling off. A recall for this same issue has been issued for the GM silverado pickup. The same recall should apply to the s-10, as it is the same defect as in the silverado.
2002 Chevrolet S engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 15 / 19 / 16 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 18 / 16 |
| 4.8L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | RWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 17 / 15 |
| 4.8L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 18 / 15 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 17 / 15 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 12 / 16 / 14 |
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 16 / 14 |
| 4.8L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 16 / 14 |
| 4.8L 8-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 12 / 16 / 14 |
| 6.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 2WD | 10 / 13 / 11 |
EPA ratings. Class: Full-size pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Chevrolet S a good car?
Based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 S rates use caution: 1.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the S at the same age. It is one of the S 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 S?
The body & structure — 8 complaints, 67% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body › tailgate › hinge and attachments. Next are the brakes (2) and suspension (1).
How many recalls does the 2002 Chevrolet S have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2002 Chevrolet S. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet S?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2001. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2002. See the full Chevrolet S years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 Chevrolet S problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 49,000 miles; 60% 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.