2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 7%of 154 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the body and structure of the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500, 7% of the 154 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The drivers side rear panel on 2002 avalanches rust. My truck was parked in driveway and not running. I walked by and my hand made contact with the rusted spot causing an injury resulting in me having to go to the er to get the cut cleaned and a tetanus shot.”
NHTSA complaint #11327374, filed 2020-06, 224,187 miles“Frame corroded/buckled; brake failure(had a near accident) due to rust. 2002 chevy avalanche, well cared for 48,000 miles. Never seen this on any other vehicle I have owned. $6,000 dollar repair. Gm won't look into/address problem. I have read numerous messages on this same problem with GM vehicles. It is not an isolated incident. Had to replace brake lines twice(rust) and now the frame!”
NHTSA complaint #10347992, filed 2010-08, 48,000 miles“2002 avalanche. Tailgate cable failure. I understand there is a recall for 1999-2000 silverado / gmc pickups for replacing tailgate cables. I have had the cables replaced 1 time in 2004 under warranty, and they have broke again from rust-through 9/2006. Dealer said there is no recall on this, and I must purchase replacements. These are the same manufactured items in the stated recall, why is this vehicle not included? This is or can result in injury. The first time in 2004, I was standing on the tailgate when they broke. Luckily I fell off and was not seriously injured. …”
NHTSA complaint #10168642, filed 2006-09, 66,800 miles“Water pours into passenger compartment from shut sunroof if any sort of heavy precipitation, last date below but has been happening since 2005. Have since learned the flooded floor can cause random air bag deployment. This then is a safety issue big time.”
NHTSA complaint #10287029, filed 2009-10, 50,000 miles“Rear window frame plastic is cracking, there is a 3/8 gap that has form making the window unstable and leaking both air and water. The truck is out of warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10269395, filed 2009-05, 42,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10237648May 9, 2023This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have slack in one of the tailgate cables. Technician should not replace…
- 10213818May 31, 2022This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint…
- 10211764Apr 13, 2022This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have slack in one of the tailgate cables. Technician should not replace…
- 10197294May 12, 2021This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint…
- 10154601Dec 17, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have slack in one of the tailgate cables. Technician should not replace…
- 10129889Feb 13, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a lean to the left or right. Technician will need to measure fender…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 8 | 28% |
| 2012 | 1 | 6% |
| 2011 | 4 | 14% |
| 2010 | 1 | 17% |
| 2009 | 3 | 15% |
| 2008 | 2 | 5% |
| 2007 | 18 | 16% |
| 2006 | 5 | 13% |
| 2005 | 3 | 2% |
| 2004 | 7 | 5% |
| 2003 | 8 | 4% |
| 2002 | 11 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500
96 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsTires
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology