Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Chevrolet Silverado owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the frame was rusted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,000.
I recently purchased a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado, and about a month ago the rear tailgate suddenly fell down, and upon inspection, the cables on either side that hold the tailgate up were both broken. Fortunately the vehicle was in my driveway and not motoring down the highway. I had the problem correctly at my repair service, where 2 new cables were installed. I saw an article in my local newspaper today {2/24/04} that alluded to a possible defect in the design or the mechanism itself. No injuries resulted from this mishap, but I wanted to report this to your bureau since obviously there have been more instances.
Recall 04V129000 concerning tailgate support cable. While stepping off the tailgate it suddenly dropped. Consumer sustained minor injuries. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the cables with some temporary support cables until they learned more about this recall. Consumer called Chevrolet customer service, and representative informed the consumer that this vehicle did not show any recall. The consumer placed 9 concrete blocks on the tailgate and preceded to step off when it collapsed. Consumer noticed that one of the cables that support the tailgate snapped. Tc
I had two inside door panel replaced already. These two things were fixed from the engine compartment, it gets worse when it is colder. Fuel gauge is inaccurate and jumps around when truck is not in a moving gear. I am very upset about the last two, because Chevy says the truck is working within "normal Chevy parameter". I have asked many mechanics and they say either one should be happening. The date below is an approximate time the last two started. I also have had it in twice for both of these problems.
Was hooking up trailer and started to move touched the brake and pedal went to floor. Left rear brake line rusted completely into . All brake lines very rusty. Because of rust I have replaced all 4 rotors,all 4 calipers all 4 shocks, always parked in garage.the truck frame is total rust. The rims had to be painted because of rust the spare is solid rust.
I own a 2002 Chevy Silverado 2500hp. While getting onto the tailgate about a month ago both cables snapped clean and I went to the ground unharmed. Luckily I fell away from the truck and the tailgate was not dented. Have warned all my friends to check their trucks as well. Bought new cables and installed for about $25.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado. The contact stated that he took the vehicle for an oil change and the mechanic advised that the rear frame was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 81,000.
A Chevy Silverado tailgate releases at the latch and drops without provocation. The consequences are a sudden loud noise and the dropped tailgate opens releasing cargo onto roadway. This failure is not precipitated by any unusual road surface or bump.
While driving tailgate support cables broke, causing the tailgate to detach from the vehicle. Dealer stated the problem could not be solved because of the mileage on the vehicle. Consumer has tied tailgate to the vehicle with cord.
The tailgate cable broke while load an atv. The atv fell on the consumer breaking his shoulder in three places. Dealership indicated that this was caused by the tailgate rubber coating rusting.
Related recalls
Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge and attachments
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the galvanized steel tailgate support cables that retain the tailgate in the full open (horizontal) position May corrode, weaken, and eventually fracture. If both cables fractured, the tailgate would suddenly drop and strike the top surface of the rear bumper.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the cables. Interim owner notification began on April 7, 20004. The recall began on September 24, 2004, when replacement parts were available, and will continue through October 29, 2004.
Body complaints in other Silverado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the body & structure of the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado, 5% of the model year's 710 complaints. The component named most often is body › tailgate › hinge and attachments (20 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Chevrolet Silverado body problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-129 (hinge and attachments, Mar 17, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2002 Chevrolet Silverado body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 7 injuries and 1 death to body & structure 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.