Model year report

2002 Chevrolet Silverado: what breaks, and at what mileage

What breaks on the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado

On the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado, the failure owners report most often is ABS module or sensor failure, and the reports cluster around 46,000 miles. The earliest to appear is differential or transfer case failure, reported by a median of 20,000 miles. Overall it scores 71 out of 100, high risk for a 2002.

High risk for a 2002 — 97th riskiest of the 329 2002 vehicles we can rate. 853 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.

What owners report breaking

Owners have reported 64 named failure modes on the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado, and the three most-reported carry 34% of everything filed, which is an unusually even spread for one model year.

ABS module or sensor failure leads with 155 reports, about 1.3 per 1,000 vehicles and with the middle half of reports between 30k to 68,000 miles.

Loss of braking follows with 77 reports, usually reported between 39k to 115,000 miles.

Other brake problem follows with 59 reports, usually reported between 29k to 110,000 miles.

By system, the reports fall mostly into brakes (406), engine (66) and body (65).

The mileage the reports cluster at

594 of the reports on the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 46,000 miles.

Cumulatively, 55% by 50,000 miles, 85% by 100,000 miles and 95% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed, with 5 filed above the top of the chart.

The busiest stretch is between 40,000 and 50,000 miles, which alone holds 14% of the dated reports.

34% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles.

In the order they tend to show up: differential or transfer case failure around 21k, steering rack, gear or tie rod failure around 25k, other wheel or tire problem around 25k and other engine problem around 30k.

Median

ABS module or sensor failure

46k
Loss of braking

57k
Other brake problem

68k
Premature brake pad or rotor wear

38k
Other engine problem

30k
Other powertrain problem

47k
Parking brake failure

49k
Brake line, hose or caliper failure

95k
Liftgate, tailgate or trunk failure

44k
Other wheel or tire problem

25k
Other body or interior problem

52k
Steering rack, gear or tie rod failure

25k

Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens

Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 64. The full list is in the table below.

How reports accumulate

Share of reports filed by each mileage

half by 46k

Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A further 5 reports came in above that, which is why the line stops short of the top. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.

Line share of reports filed by that mileage
Dashed the median reported mileage

How bad it is when it goes

Across the named modes, 71 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 28 an injury and 1 a fatality. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.

The average severity weight across every report on this year is 4.87, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.

What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: ABS module or sensor failure at $500–$2,400, loss of braking at $400–$3,000, other brake problem at $300–$1,800 and premature brake pad or rotor wear at $300–$1,400. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.

17% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.

Every reported failure mode

Mileage figures are percentiles of owner-reported readings. Click a column to sort.
Failure mode	System	Reports	With reading	25th	Median	75th	Per 1,000	Typical repair	Severity
ABS module or sensor failure	brakes	155	122	30k	46k	68k	1.3	$500–$2,400	High
Loss of braking	brakes	77	67	39k	57k	115k	0.6	$400–$3,000	Critical
Other brake problem	brakes	59	46	29k	68k	110k	0.5	$300–$1,800	High
Premature brake pad or rotor wear	brakes	48	40	25k	38k	48k	0.4	$300–$1,400	Moderate
Other engine problem	engine	40	20	5k	30k	50k	0.3	$300–$4,000	High
Other powertrain problem	transmission	40	27	21k	47k	58k	0.3	$400–$4,500	High
Parking brake failure	brakes	32	26	32k	49k	70k	0.3	$250–$1,300	Moderate
Brake line, hose or caliper failure	brakes	31	31	74k	95k	115k	0.3	$250–$1,600	Critical
Liftgate, tailgate or trunk failure	body	30	20	40k	44k	54k	0.2	$250–$1,500	Moderate
Other wheel or tire problem	wheels	26	15	19k	25k	39k	0.2	$200–$1,500	High
Other body or interior problem	body	25	10	43k	52k	86k	0.2	$200–$2,000	Moderate
Steering rack, gear or tie rod failure	steering	21	16	17k	25k	42k	0.2	$700–$2,600	High
Seat belt or retractor failure	airbag	20	12	50k	62k	69k	0.2	$200–$900	High
Other suspension problem	suspension	17	7	—	35k	—	0.1	$350–$2,000	Moderate
Other speed control problem	adas	17	6	—	93k	—	0.1	$250–$2,000	Critical
Airbag failed to deploy in a crash	airbag	12	2	—	23k	—	0.1	$1,000–$5,000	Critical
Other electrical problem	electrical	12	7	—	80k	—	0.1	$250–$2,000	Moderate
Complete transmission failure	transmission	11	9	42k	46k	50k	0.1	$2,800–$8,000	Critical
Differential or transfer case failure	drivetrain	10	8	17k	21k	44k	0.1	$900–$4,200	High
Other steering problem	steering	10	3	—	2k	—	0.1	$350–$2,400	High
Other fuel system problem	fuel	9	7	—	118k	—	0.1	$300–$2,200	High
Wheel bearing or hub failure	drivetrain	8	6	—	78k	—	0.1	$350–$1,200	Moderate
Rust or structural corrosion	body	8	7	—	125k	—	0.1	$500–$6,000	High
Wiper or washer failure	glass	8	5	—	40k	—	0.1	$120–$800	Moderate
Other visibility problem	glass	8	3	—	24k	—	0.1	$150–$1,400	Moderate
Misfire or rough idle	engine	7	5	—	33k	—	0.1	$250–$1,600	Moderate
Steering column or shaft failure	steering	7	6	—	46k	—	0.1	$600–$2,500	Critical
Other lighting problem	lighting	7	2	—	25k	—	0.1	$120–$1,200	Moderate
Engine knock or bearing noise	engine	6	4	—	17k	—	0.0	$2,500–$9,000	High
Stalling while driving	engine	5	3	—	46k	—	0.0	$300–$2,500	Critical
Fuel gauge or level sensor failure	fuel	5	4	—	8k	—	0.0	$300–$1,200	Moderate
Piston, ring or cylinder wall damage	engine	4	3	—	5k	—	0.0	$3,000–$9,500	Critical
Fuel injector failure	fuel	4	2	—	86k	—	0.0	$450–$2,800	Moderate
Audio or connectivity failure	infotainment	4	0	—	—	—	0.0	$150–$900	Low
Master cylinder or brake booster failure	brakes	4	2	—	52k	—	0.0	$450–$2,200	Critical
Fuel pump failure	fuel	3	3	—	28k	—	0.0	$600–$2,600	High
Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure	fuel	3	3	—	31k	—	0.0	$250–$1,800	Moderate
Instrument cluster or gauge failure	infotainment	3	3	—	55k	—	0.0	$350–$1,400	Moderate
Control arm, ball joint or bushing failure	suspension	3	3	—	44k	—	0.0	$400–$2,200	High
Engine bay fire	engine	2	1	—	195k	—	0.0	$4,000–$20,000	Critical
Transmission will not engage a gear	transmission	2	2	—	42k	—	0.0	$1,500–$6,000	Critical
Shifter, linkage or stuck-in-park failure	transmission	2	2	—	51k	—	0.0	$250–$1,400	High
CV axle or driveshaft failure	drivetrain	2	1	—	60k	—	0.0	$450–$2,200	High
Cruise control failure	adas	2	0	—	—	—	0.0	$200–$1,400	High
Loss of power steering	steering	2	2	—	28k	—	0.0	$600–$2,800	Critical
Tire blowout or tread separation	wheels	2	2	—	19k	—	0.0	$200–$1,500	Critical
Exhaust leak or fumes in the cabin	emissions	2	2	—	48k	—	0.0	$250–$2,000	High
Headlight failure or clouding	lighting	2	1	—	55k	—	0.0	$150–$1,800	Moderate
Other seat belt problem	airbag	2	0	—	—	—	0.0	$200–$900	High
No-start or intermittent start failure	engine	1	1	—	76k	—	0.0	$200–$1,800	Moderate
Intake carbon buildup	engine	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$400–$1,200	Moderate
Radiator or coolant leak	cooling	1	1	—	158k	—	0.0	$350–$1,900	High
Overheating	cooling	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$400–$3,500	High
Fuel leak or fuel odor	fuel	1	1	—	2k	—	0.0	$300–$2,500	Critical
Wiring harness or short circuit	electrical	1	1	—	53k	—	0.0	$400–$3,500	High
Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure	electrical	1	1	—	118k	—	0.0	$700–$3,000	High
Engine sensor failure	electrical	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$180–$900	Moderate
Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure	electrical	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$250–$1,500	High
Power steering pump or fluid leak	steering	1	1	—	62k	—	0.0	$350–$1,600	Moderate
Door latch or handle failure	body	1	1	—	50k	—	0.0	$250–$1,200	High
Window regulator or power window failure	body	1	1	—	63k	—	0.0	$250–$900	Moderate
Air conditioning failure	hvac	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$400–$2,800	Moderate
Catalytic converter failure	emissions	1	1	—	69k	—	0.0	$900–$3,500	Moderate
Other driver assistance problem	adas	1	1	—	198k	—	0.0	$250–$1,800	High
Unclassified problem	other	19	6	—	17k	—	0.2	—	Moderate

Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.

How often, against how many were built

Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado draws about 7.0 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 84th percentile of complaint rates among 2002 vehicles we can rate.

That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.

The working figure is 122,073 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2002 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.

What owners wrote

Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.

ABS module or sensor failure

After 3 weeks of ownership we started experiencing several problems with the steering and braking of this vehicle. Steering wheel would "catch" and make thumping noises as we turned right or left sharp turns (slowly). Brakes are going to cause an accident sooner or later as the pedal goes completely to the floor and thumps loudly but does not slow the vehicle when you try to make a moderately sudden stop. We had our truck in for service after owning it for 3 weeks and the idiots at spitzer chevrolet tried to tell us it was the trailer hitch making all the noise.....what a joke

1,500 miles NHTSA complaint 394617 filed 2003-02-19

I have a 2002 chevrolet silverado. The ABS system fails to stop my vehicle in all types of normal situations which has already LED to one accident. This was my first accident ever and thanks to my dealer who said there was no problem with my brakes I am sure this wont be the last accident. The vehicle brake system will freeze up if so much as a pebble vibration is felt, or stopping on a completely smooth and clean road normally. The scary thing is, I never know when my brakes are going to fail, and since there is no difference in between a smooth road or a pothole disabling the brakes I do not feel comfortable in my own vehicle. I have rolled through intersections, rolled through stop signs, and had one accident in this vehicle. I beleive that the chevrolet company needs to correct this problem immediatly, for the liability and safty of all consumers. I am not the only person with brake problems in the chevrolet silverados from 1999 to current, I have met several and they were all told they have no probelms with there vehicles either. We are waitng for chevrolet to correct this faulty brake system. *ak

30,089 miles NHTSA complaint 439937 filed 2003-11-10

Loss of braking

The hydraulic pump failed while driving. The consumer was forced to use the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. Heavy duty 2002 diesel silverado. *nlm dealer replaced power steering pump but there was no brakes, pedal went to the floor. On another occasion, consumer left vehicle idling while changing a tire on the trailer. Got in the vehicle, stepped on the brake and lost the brakes and trailer lights. Consumer decided to drive about a mile to exit freeway when the brakes started to work again. *ph

42,000 miles NHTSA complaint 432023 filed 2003-09-25

I purchased a 2002 chevy silverado ext cab 4WD (z71) in october of 2003. The truck had 23000 (+) miles on the odometer when purchased. On december 13 of 2003 while on my way to work and traveling at a speed of approximately 30 MPH in a 45 MPH zone, traffic began coming to a stop at a traffic stop. When I tried to apply the brakes there was a loud "grinding" noise and I was unable to depress the brake pedal. As I continued to apply manimum pressure to the brake pedal the pedal suddenly went straight to the floor accompanied only by a loud "vacuum" sound. This brake failure resulted in a six car collision with four injuries. Despite numerous similar complaints from other consumers, the manufacturer's representatives continue to claim that there is nothing wrong with the brake system and the "problem" does not require a recall - what a joke. Are they waiting until someone is fatally injured?*ak

27,000 miles NHTSA complaint 448932 filed 2004-01-11

Recalls on the 2002 model year

NHTSA has issued 15 recall campaigns covering the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado, affecting an estimated 176,926 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.

The campaigns cover exterior lighting:headlights, exterior lighting and wheels:hub. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.

Recalls also distort complaint counts. Publicity about a campaign reminds owners that complaining is possible, so reports for a recalled component often spike after the recall rather than before it.

09E025000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

42,540 vehicles 2009-05-11

Defect: Dope, inc. Is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Consequence: Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on july 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.

09E012000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

16,270 vehicles 2009-04-07

Defect: Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Consequence: Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on may 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.

08E050000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

1,921 vehicles 2008-08-11

Defect: K2 motor is recalling 1,921 aftermarket headlamps of various models sold for use on the above listed vehicles. These headlamps are missing the amber side reflex reflector which fails to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Consequence: Without the amber side reflex reflectors, the lighting visibility may be affected, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy: K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. The recall began on decemeber 17, 2008. Owners may contact k2 motor at 1-909-839-2992.

07E106000

WHEELS:HUB

130,000 vehicles 2007-12-17

Defect: Certain federal-mogul replacement wheel hub assemblies with the brand names: national, carquest p/nos. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, and 515060, shipped between january 23, 2006, and december 20, 2007, sold for light duty and medium duty trucks. The inboard retention nut used to maintain hub bearing assembly can loosen resulting in an ABS light indication, noise, and/or wheel separation.
Consequence: Wheel separation can result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Federal-mogul will notify customers and will replace the hub assembly free of charge. The recall began on february 7, 2008. Owners can contact federal-mogul toll-free at 877-489-6659.

07E066000

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

175 vehicles 2007-08-28

Defect: Certain cequent 90 degree 7-way right angle adaptors sold by distributors in tow packages for aftermarket sales to tow 5th wheel rv travel trailers. Due to incorrect wiring of the harness, the trailer lights may not operate properly.
Consequence: If the trailer lights are not working properly, a vehicle crash can occur.
Remedy: All of the defective tow packages are still at the distributor level and have not been sold to any consumers.

06E075000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

17,268 vehicles 2006-08-28

Defect: Certain guide replacement headlamps, p/nos. 16526133 and 16526134, manufactured from january 1 to july 11, 2006, sold for use on my 1999-2002 chevrolet silverado pickup trucks. The headlamp fail to comply with the photometry requirement of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Consequence: Too much light in certain points of the headlamp could create a distraction, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Guide corporation will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. The recall began on august 31, 2006. Owners may contact guide at 248-874-0355.

06E060000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

87,745 vehicles 2006-06-29

Defect: Certain aai motorsports combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above list passenger vehicles. Combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Consequence: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash
Remedy: Aai motorsports will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall began on august 1, 2006. Owners may contact aai motorsports at 909-923-9188.

06E057000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

12,861 vehicles 2006-06-23

Defect: Certain maxzone headlight assemblies, depo brand, p/nos. 332-1182l-as and 332-1182r-as, sold for use as aftermarket equipment for 1999-2000 chevrolet silverados. These headlamps fail to conform to the photometric requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Consequence: Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Maxzone will notify owners and offer for reimbursement any noncompliant headlights. The recall began on july 10, 2006. Owners may contact maxzone at 909-822-3288.

06E042000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

15,974 vehicles 2006-05-22

Defect: Certain eagle eyes replacement headlamps, model nos. Gm159-b001l and gm159-b001r, sold for use on 1999-2002 chevrolet silverado model vehicles. The headlamps fail to conform to the photometric requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Consequence: The headlamps have decreased lighting visibility which could result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Sabry lee will notify owners and issue full credit. The recall began on may 10, 2006. Owners may contact sabry lee at 1-866-467-2279.

06E026000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

61,944 vehicles 2006-03-23

Defect: Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Consequence: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on april 3, 2006. Owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.

05V379000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

1,353,718 vehicles 2005-08-29

Defect: Certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles may experience unwanted antilock brake system (ABS) activation. This condition is more likely to occur in environmentally corrosive areas. This recall will be launched in the "salt belt" states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maryland, massachusetts, maine, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, west virginia, wisconsin and the district of columbia only.
Consequence: This can cause increased stopping distances during low-speed brake applications, which could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers are to remove the wheel speed sensor and thoroughly clean the wheel speed sensor mounting surface on the bearing, apply rust inhibitor to the cleaned surface, grease the mounting surface, reinstall the wheel speed sensor, and check the peak-to-peak output voltage to ensure the wheel speed signal is within specifications. The recall began september 22, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463.

05V161000

PARKING BRAKE

90,242 vehicles 2005-04-22

Defect: On certain pickup trucks equipped with manual transmissions and built with either pbr parking brake systems or trw parking brake systems, the parking brake friction linings may wear to an extent where the parking brake can become ineffective in immobilizing a parked vehicle.
Consequence: If the parking brake does not hold, unintended vehicle movement could occur, which could result in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install a low-force spring clip retainer for vehicles equipped with a pbr parking brake system. On vehicles equipped with the trw parking brake system, dealers will install a redesigned parking brake cable assembly. The recall began on july 29, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or gmc at 1-866-996-9463.

Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.

How it ranks in the 2002 field

The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.

Risk score against the rest of the 2002 field

Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.

Left fewer and less serious reports
Right more, or worse
Marker this vehicle

Where 2002 sits in the model line

High risk for a 2002 — 97th riskiest of the 329 2002 vehicles we can rate. Because the ranking is against the same model year only, age cancels out of it.

Across the 21 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 1996 comes out best at 66 and 2013 worst at 82, with 2002 itself at 71.

If the model year is negotiable, 1996, 1998 and 2008 score lower than 2002 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.

Within the 1999–2006 generation specifically, 1999 is the strongest year at 69 and 2006 the weakest at 77.

Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.

Risk score by model year, out of 100

Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.

Within the 1999-2006 generation, 1999 Chevrolet Silverado scores best at 69 and 2006 Chevrolet Silverado worst at 77.

What the numbers say to check

The mileages below are where the first quarter of reports for each mode had already been filed, which makes them the point at which a fault is worth looking for rather than the point at which it happens: other engine problem from about 5k, steering rack, gear or tie rod failure from about 17k, differential or transfer case failure from about 17k and other wheel or tire problem from about 19k.

On a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado with more miles than that on it, the useful question to put to a seller or a mechanic is whether other engine problem has been dealt with, and if so with what parts and at whose expense. A car that has already had the repair is in a different position from one that has not.

None of this is a diagnosis. It is a list of what other owners of the same model year reported, ordered by when they reported it, which is a good place to point an inspection and a poor place to stop.

What this page cannot tell you

853 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.

Of those 853 reports, 594 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 70% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".

Named failure modes come from matching phrases in the complaint text, so a badly worded complaint can land in the wrong bucket. The effect washes out across hundreds of reports and does not wash out across five.

And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.

Questions this page answers

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado?

The most-reported failures are abs module or sensor failure (155 reports, median 46,000 miles), loss of braking (77 reports, median 57,500 miles) and other brake problem (59 reports, median 67,500 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.

At what mileage do 2002 Chevrolet Silverado problems start?

Differential or transfer case failure is the earliest failure mode to show up, with a median reported mileage of 20,000 miles and a quarter of reports before 15,000 miles. Across all failure modes on this year, the median report sits at 46,000 miles.

Is the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado reliable?

It scores 71 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 97th riskiest of the 329 2002 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2002 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.

Which year of the Chevrolet Silverado is best?

Within the 1999–2006 generation, 1999 scores best at 69 out of 100 and 2006 worst at 77. Same body, same engines, different luck.

Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.

What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car

Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt 20 August 2026 Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed