Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
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.
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.
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
Where clutch master cylinder mounts in clutch pedal assy broke. Was unable to get out of gear causing me to hit a pole. Damaging bumper hood fender headlight turn signal and grill. Called the dealer they told me that clutch braking issues while driving is not a safety issue. I have done some checking and there are a lot of people with this issue but because GM says not a safety issue they just want to sell us parts to fix this problem.
Driving on a city street at 35 MPH, transmission failed (sun shell gear in a4l60e GM transmission). Lost all drive and was bumped from rear, dented bumper only. Towed to a repair shop. Complete transmission replaced.
I first of all about a year ago and noticed 2nd gear has gone out in it since I very rarely went in the reverse it didn't notice that tell her I was in a predicament and had to push it out and now it's stuck in first gear
(1) no events noted leading up to the failure. Normal driving conditions were implemented. Proper maintenance and intervals were observed. Warranty had recently expired. Mileage at time of failure was ~49,000 miles. (2) transmission failure occurred leaving family stranded in middle of traffic. After troubleshooting efforts from 2 garages, it was determined the sun reaction gear failed. This failure has no forewarning and is due to inferior quality of materials/parts used in the transmission. This event left my family stuck in traffic until, through trial and error, it was found that 1 gear was left semi-functional. The lack of reverse gear also put my family in danger while attempting to reach a safe area, out of traffic. …
I purchased a 2002 z71 Chevrolet crewcab 4 w/d pickup truck from hendrick Chevrolet in September of 2004, and have had my transmission (1st, 3rd and reverse) go out twice in less than a year. I contacted GM, but there was no recall at that time, but there were a lot of complaints on the NHTSA site about this same problem on my model truck. The first time it went out of May of 2005, it happened again February of this year. I had to pay $1,400 to have it fixed in May 2005, but the place of business who fixed it, fixed it again at no cost, as he said he guarantees his work for a year, and since it had not been a full year, he didn't charge me...you might say I was unlucky and lucky at the same time. I believe there is a serious problem with that particular model pickup.
I was driving my 2002 Chevy 4x4 pickup (46,000 miles) home when a loud clank noise occurred and then a high pitched grinding noise followed. My truck would not shift normally (2nd, 4th, and reverse were out). I was lucky to make it home as I drive on a highway through the national forest where cell phone coverage is very limited. I took my pickup into the dealership and they indicated the problem was with my sun shell in the transmission. It had apparently failed and would cost between $1300 and $2500 to get everything fixed depending on how extensive the damage. I bought the pickup new and its never been off-road, towed or hauled anything and only has 46,000 miles.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the transmission failed to respond properly in the overdrive position. In addition, the transmission temperature warning indicator illuminated. The failure recurred whenever the vehicle was in operation. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic on three separate occasions where a repair was performed each time. The contact was uncertain of the specific parts that were replaced. The failure recurred and an independent mechanic was diagnosing the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage and VIN were unavailable.
Transmission complaints in other Silverado 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 5% of the model year's 509 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.