Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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).
While driving on the highway, the truck, for an unknown reason, shut down causing me to loose power steering and brake capability. I was able to shift into neutral and turn the key off and then back on again to re-start the truck. It has now happened several times and I have done the same thing each time to correct the problem. It happened once in 2002 then constantly 4-5 times a year and again today. GM has told me in the past that they don't know what would cause that issue. I could not get my local Chevrolet shop manager to give me a straight yes or no answer regarding whether my problem is consistent with the issues being experienced by effected GM models with ignition problems. …
I went to my residence to get my golf clubs & clothes at around 8:00 pm on March 10, 2007, while driving back into town to stay at someone else's house so we could leave on a trip early the next morning my truck caught on fire under the hood. The local fire department was called but truck was a total loss.
While driving on the highway, the truck, for an unknown reason, shut down causing me to loose power steering and brake capability. I was able to shift into neutral and turn the key off and then back on again to re-start the truck. It has now happened several times and I have done the same thing each time to correct the problem. It happened once in 2009 and twice in 2010. Since then it has happened a few times per year at random times. GM has told me in the past that they don't know what would cause that issue. I could not get my local Chevrolet shop manager to give me a straight yes or no answer regarding whether my problem is consistent with the issues being experienced by effected GM models with ignition problems. …
Dt:consumer purchased vehicle and noticed that there was an anti-theft system as a feature and the dealer told the consumer that the vehicle did not have this feature. Consumer was driving in skokie a suburb of chicago, when the vehicle shut off and the consumer lost control of vehicle. There was no steering no brakes no control of any kind. All the lights on the instrument panel began to flash. The consumer was able to force enough steering so that she could merge off the road into a driveway and bushes that helped consumer bring vehicle to a stop. Consumer noticed a message that came up on message panel of instrument panel. Message read security, and consumer found later that owners manual said that this message was informing vehicle driver of a security lock, which means that the vehicle shuts down to keep from being stolen. …
While driving at low speeds the front headlights became dim without warning. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. Problem was referred to TSB relating to normal function of electrical system. In addition, rattle from rear end. Dealer inspected vehicle and found leaf spring pads worn out. Consumer stated that vehicle has oi leak from front if vehicle. As the dealer inspected vehicle, it was found that front shocks were leaking fluid. Dealer replaced both shocks.
Vehicle low on power and would shut down after a full stop. Taken to a authorized repair shop. Found the distributor cap and rotor were a mess. A tune up was done, (at my cost $482.00). Because this is considered a tune up not a warranty issue. (?) my truck only has just over 27,000 miles on it. The repair shop thinks it was cause by the A/C line running from above the distributor cap. I have the old parts.
Dt*: the contact stated the service engine soon light illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who determined the problem was with the glowplugs. The mechanic determined that the plugs were burned out, and they did not hold a charge like they were supposed to. The vehicle has been taken in for service twice for this problem, and each time more of the plugs were burned out.
Moisture dripping from an air conditioner hose corroded the distributor cap to the point that the engine would run very roughly and with no power. Dealer replaced the cap, spark plug wires and covered the A/C hose at 22800 miles but the same symptoms started again at 43880 miles.
Engine stalls occasionally while driving, and put me in a dangerous situation. Fortunately I live in a small town has little freeways. Also the driver side seatbelt is stuck and I can not pull it out.
2002 Chevrolet Silverado. Consumer writes in regards to ignition switch problem. The consumer stated he experienced a problem with the ignition switch, from the time the vehicle was new. The switch did not malfunction all the time, and the last time the vehicle was taken to the dealer, they were unable to duplicate the problem. On 2 separate occasions, the vehicle would shut off briefly and then come back on. There were times, when he tried to start the vehicle, it would turn over, but it wouldn't start.
Electrical complaints in other Silverado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the electrical system of the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado, 4% of the model year's 710 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Chevrolet Silverado electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado, though it has 4 recalls for other components. 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 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.