Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
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).
Consumer was driving on the highway at approximately 66 MPH the tire blew out. The front wheel assembly snapped off right behind the brake hub assembly. Then, vehicle dropped down on its frame and skidded along the road for about 150 to 200 yards and then skidded into a guard rail. Consumer contacted the manufacturer , and was told that the manufacturer will send someone to investigate the situation. Currently, GM denied the claim. Right front wheel assembly broke off at the upper ball joint.
I purchased new, a 2002 Chevrolet 2500 hd crew cab 4x4 from ed morse sawgrass Chevrolet. In 2004, after noticing signs of cracking on the sidewalls and area where the sidewall meets the treads on all four tires, I brought the truck to maroone Chevrolet service center for inspection. I explained that I was concerned that the tires, having approximately 24,000 miles on them, should not be cracking that it might be dangerous. The supervisor inspected them and told me that it was normal and I had nothing to worry about. I asked for something in writing and he refused to give me anything. As a result, in December 2005, while returning from vacation with my family, without warning there was a sudden loud noise followed by a severe vibration and difficulty in handling. I immediately pulled off the road. …
Oe tires, Goodyear wrangler st (235x75x16).ehicle was an empty 2002 Chevy Silverado. Follow a strict rotation plan and check the air pressure often.ignificant "cupping" noticed on the sidewalls on front and rear tires. Very poor traction in adverse weather conditions dry traction is marginal at best on January 3rd, 2004. I was proceeding on the northbound hwy 14 through the mountains from los angeles to lancaster proceeding around a slight right turn between 65-70mph. There was no debris or other hazards in the road. There was a slight wobble and then the complete tire failure on the passenger-side rear tire. The sidewall of the looks like it exploded outward, complete sidewall separation. …
Firestone steeltex radial tire [lt245/75r16] [load range e m/s] tread separated [driver side rear of 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3/4 ton heavy duty pick up] while towing a fifth wheel trailer at 65 miles per on interstate I-75 in kentucky. It sounded like driving on the grooves used to warn drivers they are going off the road. Then the rear of the truck began to move slightly left/right. We were just starting up a long, steep hill in the slow lane and were able to pull over onto the shoulder in a good spot where people could see us. Many drivers came close, but we were not injured. A trucker stopped to help us. He said it looked like the tire had dry rot. Maybe a foot of tread near the side wall came loose. A small chunk [3''] was also loose. The tire collapsed completely. I feel we might have lost control if we had been passing or going down hill. …
2002 Chevrolet Silverado experiencing problems with the Goodyear wrangler rts tires. A couple thousand miles after the tires were installed the consumer heard tires noise with vibrations. The vehicle was inspected at the dealer who informed the consumer that everything was fine. The consumer chose to remove the tires and install snow tires. Once the tires were changed the noise and vibration no longer existed. When the consumer inspected the tires he noticed sidewall bulges, bumps and other irregularities.
08/14/2005 traveling from atlanta, ga on I-95 and noticed a vibration coming from the left front of vehicle started slowing down then the truck started shaking so bad it was almost hard to control. Stopped vehicle safely and inspected front end and found that the left front tire had separated at the radial belt. Found a back country store and had a tire install (used all that was avail). Tire cost 150.00 boy was I taken. Still have tire in my possession.
I was driving on a wet road in a 2002 Chevy Silverado when the vehicle started to hydroplane out of control off the road. I was driving about 55 MPH at the time. Have there been any studies on the perofrmace of vehicles under slick road conditions? Are trucks more likely to hydroplane than other types of automobile? Since this incident I am concerned about the safety of driving my vehicle in poor weather conditions.
Goodyear wrangler rts tires developing sidewall bulges and bumps. Out of concern for safety, the consumer had the tires pulled at about 8,000 miles, and the winter tires installed. All sounds, vibrations, and noises went away after the tire change (dot number of the four faulty tires 306r dot md70-d5wr 4903, 308l dot md70-d5wr 5003, 403l dot md70-d5wr 5003, 233l dot md70-d5wr 4803).
When accelerating, the rear end went out of control. The good year tire dealer stated that the tire was the wrong type for the pick up truck. The tread design and the hard compound was a unsafe tire for the pickup. With a light rear end, it caused the truck to spin at a low speed and accelerate with out warning. The consumer is dissatisfied with good year service.
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.
NHTSA investigations
Steel wheel rim fracture
There have been less than 2 complaints per 100,000 subject vehicles related to the alleged defect.the oldest vehicles (my 1999) have only 2 complaints in over 140 thousand vehicles after over 4 years in service.the rate of warranty claims potentially related to the alleged defect is less than 0.1%.there are no known incidents involving rapid loss of tire pressure or loss of vehicle control.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Silverado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado, 4% of the model year's 710 complaints. The component named most often is tread/belt (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Chevrolet Silverado wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires 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 wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 32,000 miles, and 44% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to wheels & tires 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.