Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Chevrolet Suburban owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that a toddler was able to insert and turn the key in the ignition to the accessory position. The child was also able to shift the gear shift selector without engaging the brakes, and the vehicle began to roll away. The vehicle jumped a retaining wall and crashed into a tree. There were no injuries reported. The vehicle was taken to a personal mechanic who could not determine the failure. The manufacturer was notified and advised the contact that the vehicle could be shifted without engaging the brakes for towing purposes. The contact was advised not to leave the keys near children. The failure and current mileages were 128,000.
Driving on freeway along carpool lane when the car ahead of us stopped to move to the next lane and we all had to stop. I had a good distance from the vehicle in front of me when I hit the brakes. The brakes went all the way to the floor(literally) but still didn't stop until I crashed into the car in front of me. The ABS brakes feels unusual. I also hear a clanking sound on the differential every time I have to decelerate and go back to normal speed or just moving from "park" to "reverse" or from "neutral" to "reverse".
Noticed noise and vibration when in four wheel drive. Chevy dealer inspected and determined that a plastic plug on front differential had failed and drained all of the oil from differential resulting in failure. Chevy has re-designed the faulty part (obviously as a result of many failures). Front differential assembly was replaced. Car was repeatedly returned for service because of no 4x4 function. Eventually, transfer case was removed and inspected only to discover that clutches were completely destroyed from differential failure. Transfer case assembly was replaced. Suburban had 40,000 miles upon initial failure (4,000 out of warranty). Chevy sent owner a check for $600. Reccomend that all Suburban 4x4 owners immediately replace the plastic plug with new design (approx $23 part) or expect failure. Chevy will not accept reponsibility. Old parts are available for inspection.
January 1, 2006 just after leaving my home, I stopped at a stop sign and when I accelerated from a stop a loud clunk and then a constant whinning sound. I drove the vehicle home the one mile from the stop sign in first gear, the transmission would not shift to second, after returning home the car would not go into reverse either. Transmission failed at 104,000 miles. Repair shop says the transmission shell and other components of the transmission was cracked. The transmission shop states that they have had several customers that have experienced the same problem with this transmission. They would consider this to be a common problem with this type of transmission, a bad design according to the repair shop.
Dt: 2002 Chevrolet Suburban, anti lock brakes failed to stop the vehicle when driving at slow speeds, when consumer pressed on thek brakes the vehicle slowed down , but did not completely stop the vehicle, consumer has to pump the brakes to get the vehicle to stop, consumer took vehicle to the dealer,who told him that the problem was that the hub assembly sensors needing replacement. The dealer said that vehicle was no longer under warranty, air conditioning core leaksed in the front and the rear of the vehicle. Those were the only known problems with the vehicle at this time.
My 2002 Suburban had a transmission failure at 46091 miles that required me to purchase a new transmission at a cost of $3200.00. We were almost in an accident because the vehicle stopped shifting while at highway speeds and barely made it safely to the shoulder. There was no warning or engine light and the transmission appeared fine although it was beyond repair. The fluid level was good and it was not burned. Chevrolet says there is nothing they can do as the warranty is for 3 years and 36000 miles.
Oil leaks! Ist oil leak greenish fluid leaking from under engine skid plate. Had that repaired at billings Chevrolet, and it is still leaking. Technician said axle seal was leaking. 2nd leak, engine oil leaking onto exhaust pipe which is giving off burning smell in cabin. Repaired once, and it is still leaking. Service was done at anderson Chevrolet, menlo ca. ****dims 11 ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis****761300.
After numerous other repairs to this vehicle, it started whining through the first few gear changes. The GM shop said that the torque converter went out and they had to overhaul the transmission. It is still in the shop because after they put everything back together, the whining noise is still there. After 11 days and three tear downs and rebuilds, the mechanic is at a loss as to what is wrong.
At 16000 miles the transmission failed. The vehicle was repaired under warranty but the same problem recurred while driving 50/55 MPH. The consumer stated that the sun gear and planetary gear failed. The consumer was able to drive the car home in 1st and 2nd gear. The vehicle was not taken to dealership.
My 2002 Chevrolet Suburban experienced premature transmission failure. The total cost for the repair is $3000.00. The truck has never towed a thing, the car is only used to drive children to school etc. It has 64,000 miles and just stopped on a turn in the middle of an intersection.
Transmission complaints in other Suburban years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban, 8% of the model year's 286 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Chevrolet Suburban transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban, though it has 2 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 Suburban transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 41,000 miles, and 31% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.