Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While driving, the brake pedal was depressed, but failed to stop the vehicle. As a result, the contact crashed into another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to an unknown independent mechanic who informed the contact that the ABS control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to stewart Chevrolet (780 serramonte blvd, colma, ca 94014) where the contact was informed about an unknown manufacturer recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not being repaired per the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 133,475. Consumer stated he had a numerous close calls with the brakes. Had one accident where they failed to do their jobs. Updated 8/7/18
The anti-lock brake system engages at slow speeds causing inability to stop. The road surface does not matter, wet, dry, dirt or paved, it is a failing system. This was a random problem, now it happens all the time. The system will make a ratcheting sound then a grinding before as you come to a stop. You have to be ready to let off the brake and reapply pressure hoping it works. I live in a neighborhood with small children running around everywhere. I would hate to think what would happen if these brakes failed me when I really needed them.
While attempting to stop the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, the anti-lock brakes activated at about 5 MPH and caused total loss of braking control. Unable to stop, the Silverado crashed directly into an advertising sign. There was minimal damage to the Silverado, moderate damage to the advertising sign, and no injuries to the driver or two children. Follow-up after the accident revealed that activation of the anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a known issue and part of a GM recall (NHTSA campaign number: 05V379000).
When we bought truck I checked VIN and only the tailgate recall came up but listed my truck being a Chevy 800 model, well couple weeks ago our truck wouldn't brake while parking making a left into a restaurant and the truck wouldn't stop and hit the restaurant window!!! When I checked just our exact vehicle 15 plus recalls came up with this particular defect listed, please help advise. Thank the parkerd
Brakes failed completely. After I felt the brake pedel was not right I backed the truck into the front yard, and when I tried to stop there was no pedel and the truck kept going and hit a tree, lawn bench,misc. Objects, and stopped after hitting s retaining wall. I estimate several thousand damage done. I was told the brake lines were rusted.
1st incident - vehicle in motion at low speed, anti-lock brakes activate and prevent vehicle from stopping, ran into garage door 2nd incident - after 1st incident, car shop replaced ABS module. Same situation. Vehicle in motion at low speed, anti-lock brakes activate and prevent vehicle from stopping, ran into car in parking lot.
After exiting the off ramp of i264 in portsmouth, virginia I sped up to approximately 35 MPH and approached the next stop light. Upon applying pressure to the brake pedal no resistance was noted and the slowing of the vehicle was found negligible. I rear ended a vehicle in front of me at approximately 25 MPH. Both cars involved in the accident were pulled into the median out of traffic. As I exited the vehicle I noticed fluid dripping from the truck frame at the forward hinge of the driver side door. The dripping fluid was brake fluid. I suspect a ruptured brake fluid line or tube had ruptured which caused the loss of braking power. There was no warning given by the vehicle's computer to warn of low brake fluid because the reservoir was still at the normal level. …
Went to start truck. Pressed brake pedal. Truck started, pedal went to floor. Took foot off pedal. Let truck run for a few minutes to see if brake light would go off. It did not. Turned off truck. Checked around truck. Found brake fluid under truck by right rear tire. Check brake line near left rear tire. It is in bad shape and will likely fail soon. Two or three years ago, had front line fail below driver's seat. Replaced front lines. Rear lines did not look too bad at the time. With all new technology advances, Chevy is now using inferior material. Dust guards around rear brakes of this truck are completely gone on both sides. Everything is rusting. Had 1975 Buick estate wagon for 22 yrs. It was in better shape when I sold it than this truck has been for the last several years. Chevy could do all the corporate double speak they want. Fact is this rust issue is a safety issue. …
2002 chev. 1500 silv. Purch. 2001 tx.ABS brake system failed on st under 5mph,brought to mechanic.,brake pads, and tires.southeast texas hot and very humid, laws of nature, airbags are no good in either vehicle.(she has a son age 14, and 3yr old grl).axil is rusty worried that it might break.god is with all of us ,his intentions are always good. God protected her and her chiildren in this vehicle thus so far..\& we desire to protect thier children and you know this, but sometimes people go through unfortunate tragedys such as divorce, health, etc.a single, no money that wants safety for ther children and work .Chevy Silverado brought new paid off less than 3yr. Her 1994 Ford mustang (was insured farmers)purchased in 1997.ABS brakes failed, transmision prob.& engine replaced. …
NHTSA investigations
Parking brake failure
Odi opened pe03-057 to assess parking brake ineffectiveness in the subject vehicles.these vehicles are equipped with four wheel disc brakes that incorporate a single-shoe drum-in-hat parking brake independent of the service brakes.complaint and warranty data indicate that the parking brake linings tend to wear out early in the life of the vehicle (at an average of 24 months in service), reducing the parking brake…
Parking brake failure
In a letter dated April 20, 2005, GM notified NHTSA that it had decided that defects that relate to motor vehicle safety exist in certain model year (my) 1999-2002 c/k 1500 series (pbr parking brake system) and my 2001-2005 c/k 2500 and 3500 series (trw parking brake system) pickups with manual transmissions.according to GM, some of these vehicles May have conditions that cause the friction linings to wear to an…
Brake complaints in other Silverado 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
NHTSA has 363 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 71% of the model year's 509 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (41 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. 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 Silverado 1500 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 91,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 31 crashes, 1 fire and 11 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.