Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 GMC Sierra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl*- the contact has a 2002 GMC Sierra and stated that the vehicle keeps shutting off completely. When the vehicle loses power it also loses steering and braking ability. This failure has happened to the contact 20 or more within the past year. The stalling had happened while driving anywhere between 5-65 MPH. The contact stated that they have replaced the fuel pump four times and replaced the sending unit twice within a year. The contact recently had vehicle at the dealer and they stated that they can't pinpoint the failure. On 03/01/07 while driving on the highway the vehicle completely shut off at highway speed between (50-65 MPH). The contact was able to pulled to the side of the road wait ten minute and to restart the vehicle. He looked up the history of the vehicle and stated that the previous owner also experience the same failure. …
GMC serria 2002. Our truck has rust on the bumper behind the painted cover. The dealer suggested this is normal and polished it, within one week the bumper showed rust again. The driver's side door is not lined up correctly, the dealer tried to adjust it, the result is the door must be slammed to close it. The motor makes knocking sounds at the start as if it has no oil. The oil has been changed every three thousand miles. The knock started after the truck turned four thousand miles. The dealer told us that GM reports the knock is normal. It is the first time I''ve heard of a gas motor having an intentional knock. We have had the truck this since it was new and have had the dealer do all the regular maintenance including tire rotations and oil changes.
Tl contact owns a 2002 GMC Sierra. While driving varios speeds the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The engine was turned off for a few moments. The vehicle restarted after five attempts and resumed normal operation. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure was contributed to the crank shaft sensor. The identical failure occurred on twelve different occasions. The vehicle has not been repaired for the malfunction. The failure mileage was 54,000. The current mileage was 56,798. Updated 01/26/11 updated 03/31/11
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 GMC sierria. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V201000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the part needed to perform the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Dt vehicle stalls and does not restart, it could be sitting an hour or day and it will not restart. Dealer has had the vehicle, and they could not pin point the problem. Vehicle did not capture any codes, and it stalled while actually driving . Used to be several miles between stalls it had longer intervals between stalls now its down to less than 100 miles between engine stalling.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 GMC Sierra. The contact stated that 7 out of 8 glow plugs malfunctioned. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis where the glow plugs were replaced. The manufacturer was notified but offered no assistance. The failure and current mileage was 41,649. ..updated 12/05/12 updated 12/06/2012
The engine shuts off after it warms up. This can happen at any time and any speed. After waiting approx. 2 minutes it will start again and run fine for the rest of the day. No check engine lights or diagnostic codes are available. There is a recall for the 2001 models (campaign id # 07V521000). This problem also extends into newer model years. Mine was manufactured in 1/02
Hard knock of engine on startup,worse in colder weather, lasting a couple of minutes. Have reported problem to manufacturer and dealership whom both state this knock is normal and would have no bearing on the longevity or durability of the motor. First noticed knock after approximately 3600 miles and continues to be a problem at 36,000miles.
While driving 50 MPH, the consumer noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood and from the vents. The consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and pulled over. The vehicle caught on fire. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic could not duplicate the problem. Please provide further details.
Consumer complains of premature stalling at idle. The vehicle lacks sufficient power, it surges and at times refuses to accelerate. The transmission doesn't shift down properly out of 4th gear and the air conditioning unit does not cool properly and makes whistling noises.
NHTSA investigations
Crank position sensor failure - stall
The office of defects investigation (odi) opened a preliminary evaluation (pe06-016) on May 4, 2006 based on eleven vehicle owner questionnaires (voqs) and early warning (ewr) data alleging sudden engine shutdown while driving as a result of crank position sensor failures in my 2001-2002 general motors c/k platform vehicles equipped with 8.1l engines.in response to an information request letter sent by odi, general…
Engine complaints in other Sierra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2002 GMC Sierra?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2002 GMC Sierra, 10% of the model year's 262 complaints. The component named most often is engine (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 GMC Sierra engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2002 GMC Sierra, 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 GMC Sierra engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 42,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.