Most common 2002 Chevrolet Z71 problems
Share of the 24 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Z71 complaints by model year
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2002 Chevrolet Z71:
Parking brake failure
Odi opened pe03-057 to assess parking brake ineffectiveness in the subject vehicles.these vehicles are equipped with four wheel disc brakes that incorporate a single-shoe drum-in-hat parking brake independent of the service brakes.complaint and warranty data indicate that the parking brake linings tend to wear out early in the life of the vehicle (at an average of 24 months in service), reducing the parking brake…
Parking brake failure
Odi's review of complaint data received since the close of ea04-011 revealed no indication that the investigation should be re-opened.more details can be found in the federal register notice enclosed in the dp05-009 public file.odi reserves the right to reopen the investigation in the future should conditions warrant.
What 2002 Chevrolet Z71 owners say
Brakes
Noise when turning steering wheel to the right, sounds like a squeaky door only lower frequency. Took to dealer on May 22, 2008, was told it was that the intermediate steering shaft was loose. I had this unit changed on May 22,2008. On June 5, 2008, I took the vehicle back to the dealer for brake work which consisted of replacing rear brake pads,rotors, & emergency brake linings. Since the steering was still making noise I had the dealer check it again, they did and lubed the steering shaft cover. Still makes noise does not appear to affect steering. On ea04011 there was a recall for manual transmissions is this now in effect for auto transmissions? On sept. 3, 2008, this vehicle was taken back to dealer for replacement of exhaust manifold gaskets and broken bolts on manifold and also for leaking water pump gaskets are these normal wear or manufacturing defects? …
2002 Z71 silverado Chevrolet truck pertaining to anti-lock brake failure: one month after warranty expired the failure occurred. The problem resulted in unwanted ABS activation and increased stopping distance during low-speed brake application. GM indicated that the condition can occur if corrision forms under the wheel speed sensor and moves the sensor away from the intergral speed sensor toothed ring. The condition does not set any ABS codes nor does it illuminate the ABS warning lamp. It is obviously a manufacturer's malfunction making it very dangerous to drive. I personally know of several people who have had the same problem.
Air bags
None of the air bags deployed in a moderate to severe accident where the vehicle was declared totaled. Four people in the vehicle at the time of the accident. Three of the four were moderately injured. We were all wearing our seatbelts. Thank god. The front windshield was totally shattered as well a the right passenger window. The front hood was severely buckled the engine was coming through the dashboard. The whole right side of the vehicle was crushed in. I have previously owned three other cheverolets. I would like answers on why the air bags did not deploy. We are currently having to look for another vehicle since ours was declared totaled. We are very hesitant to go back with Chevrolet.
My wife was involved in an crash when she went to sleep while driving her 2002 Z71 tahoe. She hit an oak tree dead center of the front grill and bumper. The drivers air bag did not deploy.
Transmission & drivetrain
Tl contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Z71. While pulling out of a parking spot, the gear shifter would not move. The contact had to manually place the vehicle into gear from underneath the vehicle. He stated that the shifting cable was faulty in the manner it was bolted and mounted onto the vehicle. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were less than 130,000.
Transmission chattering, feels loose, feels as though it's trying to fall out on take off. Rear differential / drive shaft. Rear end is being damaged by transmission not proper. Missed the lemon law by less than 6000 miles.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Chevrolet Z71 a good car?
There isn't enough complaint history for the Z71 to compare model years reliably. So far owners have filed 24 complaints with NHTSA.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Chevrolet Z71?
The brakes — 11 complaints, 46% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the air bags (4) and transmission & drivetrain (3).
How many recalls does the 2002 Chevrolet Z71 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2002 Chevrolet Z71. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
At what mileage do 2002 Chevrolet Z71 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 35,000 miles; 73% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.