Most common 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 problems
Share of the 50 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Silverado 3500 complaints by model year
Best Silverado 3500 years: 2014, 2017, 2012. Years to avoid: 2024, 2025, 2021, 2020, 2022. Compare all years →
2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 recalls (1)
Interior lighting
Vehicle description: certain pickup trucks equipped with 6.6l diesel engines fail to comply with requirements of FMVSS no. 105, "hydraulic and electric brake systems." these vehicles have a brake system warning light in the instrument cluster that May not illuminate when the brake fluid is low.
Remedy: Dealers will change the location of a wire connection in the underhood bussed electrical center. Owner notification began July 9, 2001.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500:
Hydraulic pump shaft failures
The preliminary evaulation is being upgraded.during the ea odi will limitits investigation to only those vehicles equipped with a hydro-boost system, which provides power assist to the braking and steering sytems.vaccuum brake booster vehicles are excluded.odi hasexpanded the scope of the ea to include model years2003 and 2004, asduring the pe, odi learned that the hydroboast pumps were modified in febraury…
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.
What 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 owners say
Brakes all 23 →
Tl*- the contact stated that when the parking brake on the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 was engaged it would only hold the vehicle for a few seconds. The contact stated that once he exited the vehicle it would roll away. The contact stated this happened when vehicle was parked on a flat surface or a hill. This contact stated this resulted in numerous crashes. The current and failure mileage was 30000. There was a recall repair completed for this problem; however, the problem recurred. The contact stated the rotors were pitted and rusted, which made it difficult to stop the vehicle. The dealership inspected vehicle. However, did not come to any conclusion as to what causes this to happen. The dealership refused to perform any service on the vehicle. The vehicle currently has 30000 miles.
While driving the vehicle just completely shuts off, I have replaced everything & 1 year later and 25,000 miles later & 5 accidents the vehicle still does it now it wont even start. This is very dangerous and there should be a re-call on this I've read that this is very common in this vehicle and there are various recalls on the wiring harness, transmission, fuel line, filter, headlights, towing package, brake system, brake lights, brake warning lights. Everybody who is experiencing this issue should file a complaint to resolve this issue. I almost lost my life many times and I lost alot of money on this vehicle GM should take this truck back that's for sure 2002 c3500 express / cutaway duramax diesel
Engine & cooling
While driving the vehicle just completely shuts off, I have replaced everything & 1 year later and 25,000 miles later & 5 accidents the vehicle still does it now it wont even start. This is very dangerous and there should be a re-call on this I've read that this is very common in this vehicle and there are various recalls on the wiring harness, transmission, fuel line, filter, headlights, towing package, brake system, brake lights, brake warning lights. Everybody who is experiencing this issue should file a complaint to resolve this issue. I almost lost my life many times and I lost alot of money on this vehicle GM should take this truck back that's for sure 2002 c3500 express / cutaway duramax diesel
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. The contact stated when at speeds of at least 60 MPH sitting idle at a traffic stop, the vehicle would stall without warning. When the failure would occur, the vehicle would lose power steering and braking power as he would coast to the side of the roadway. The contact would be able to restart the vehicle and on occasion, it would take several attempts. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer filed a claim for the contact but would not provide any immediate assistance. The failure mileage was 62,000 and the current mileage is 69,976. The consumer stated since the report was filed, he had the crank sensor replaced and it eliminated the problem. Updated evoq 10/22/10
Fuel & propulsion system
While driving the vehicle just completely shuts off, I have replaced everything & 1 year later and 25,000 miles later & 5 accidents the vehicle still does it now it wont even start. This is very dangerous and there should be a re-call on this I've read that this is very common in this vehicle and there are various recalls on the wiring harness, transmission, fuel line, filter, headlights, towing package, brake system, brake lights, brake warning lights. Everybody who is experiencing this issue should file a complaint to resolve this issue. I almost lost my life many times and I lost alot of money on this vehicle GM should take this truck back that's for sure 2002 c3500 express / cutaway duramax diesel
While driving the consumer noticed that the vehicle was leaking fuel. The fuel caused poor visibility to motorist driving behind his vehicle. The dealership determined that the fuel injection needed to be replaced. The vehicle is now on it's fourth repair. The fuel leak could cause to pushed past the piston rings into the crankcase, and a hairline crack in the fuel rail also caused fuel into the crankcase. Also, the leak of fuel and oil has caused check engine light to turn on. General motors won't replace fuel injector or fuel rail until it has failed.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 a good car?
Based on 50 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Silverado 3500 rates average: 1.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the Silverado 3500 at the same age. 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 Silverado 3500?
The brakes — 23 complaints, 46% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the engine & cooling (8) and fuel & propulsion system (8).
How many recalls does the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, the most recent from June 26, 2001 (interior lighting). 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 Silverado 3500?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014, 2017 and 2012. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2024, 2025, 2021, 2020 and 2022. See the full Chevrolet Silverado 3500 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 46,000 miles; 53% 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.