Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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. While driving at a low speed, the contact applied the brake pedal and the ABS kicked in; however, there was a loss of brake function. The stopping distance of the vehicle was dramatically reduced. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who stated that there was a wheel bearing sensor failure. The entire wheel bearing with the sensor was replaced, but the failure recurred multiple times. The contact researched and found NHTSA campaign number: 05V379000. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
Traveling on a gravel road @ about 45 MPH. Other than being gravel, the road is very smooth. Heard a loud bang and felt it in the vehicle and in the steering wheel. Found driver's side rear leaf spring rear mounting shackle had broken allowing leaf spring to slam against the bottom of the bed, putting an upward dent in it. Repair mechanic commented the vehicle is rusted far more than normal. Rails under doors have large 3 inch holes. Rear bumper is rusted through, the rear tailgate has holes in it. Vehicle only driven to work (2 miles which are gravel) and has very low miles. No one else except Silverado owners are experiencing this issue. Very likely inferior design or materials or both.
Slowing down to park, pushed brakes, pedal went to the floor. Barely stopped before pinning someone between my vehicle and another truck. Rear brake line burst below driver seat, brake fluid puddle under truck. Upon inspection, all 4 brake lines running along the frame totally rusted, about to burst. Need to replace all lines on whole truck. On the flatbed towtruck, noticed the driver rear leaf spring where it wraps around the bushing was missing the top half. This is where force is transmitted from axle to frame (back is a hanger / pivot). The whole rear axle could have torn off. Noticed where it had cracked and had rusted 1/2 through before falling off, likely sometime recently.
While driving 30 MPH, the ABS system engage. The driver applied the brake pedal, and the vehicle failed to stop completely. This caused the vehicle to collided into a tree. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the front suspension hub needed to be replaced. Please provide further details. The consumer was told that the failure of the front hubs on his vehicle was a common problem and requires complete replacement of both front hubs.
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.
2002 Chevrolet ext cab truck 4x4 will not go down the road straight, truck pulls to right when steering wheel is straight,many alignments ,tire wear on new tires dealer says this is normal.this is a saftey issue.this started in jan 03 never did this the first year I had it.also engine knock, and driveline clunk, all normal dealer says.truck has new steering box ,shafts,many alignmemts,GM says they cannot intervine and tell dealer to fix my truck, no other dealer GM will look or work on my truck.
Dt: at low speeds the ABS kicks in and the vehicle is hard to stop. Usually occurs about 5-10 MPH. This problem occurs under all weather and driving conditions. It doesn't matter if the vehicle is turning or going straight. The vehicle has 4 wheel antilock. The owner has not called the dealer yet. Vehicle is regularly serviced but has not been tested yet. No warning light illuminated. A vibration could be felt and heard in the brake pedal.
Dt: the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado. Contact's vehicle hit a wall at a department store last night because she could not stop the vehicle. The contact stated she had no previous problems with the vehicle. Could not press down on the brake pedal. There were no warning lights or warning signs to let the consumer know there was a problem within the brakes. The service dealer replaced r&r left front hub bearing.
Dt*: the contact stated there is a popping noise in the steering and the steering is loose. The vehicle was taken to the dealership where they determined the intermediate steering shaft needed to be replaced. The manufacturer has not been contacted. There was a popping noise when vehicle was moving. Also felt excessive play in steering wheel. Dealer determined there was no problem.
Dt: a noise was coming from the driver's side front wheel area. The consumer noticed it when turning the vehicle at slow speeds. When the consumer took it to the dealer they did not hear the noise, and did nothing to solve the problem the consumer was unsure of the exact problem. It first started occurring on 7-14-05.
Suspension complaints in other Silverado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the suspension of the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado, 4% of the model year's 710 complaints. The component named most often is front (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Chevrolet Silverado suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to suspension 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.