2002 Chevrolet Avalanche Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 67about this part
- Share
- 15%of 444 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,963miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 67 complaints about the body and structure of the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche, 15% of the 444 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,963 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“At the first of october I received a letter from onstar stating that my service would no longer be available for my 2002 chevorlet Avalanche beginning jan 2008. Onstar is a safety device on my truck...and was the deciding factor in choosing a GM vehicle. Some other family members have 2003 gmcs and they are repairable but mine is not. I find this hard to believe..they just do not want to pay for it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10206956, filed 2007-10, 75,000 miles“Water is leaking into the cab, through the mid gate. Eventhough the sales person told me the compartments were all water tight and would not leak. I have complained but the service person tells me that what I should have been told is that the compartments are water resistant not water tight. Something needs to be done about this!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10104465, filed 2004-12, 1 miles“The tailgate cables on my 2002 chevy Avalanche unexpededly broke while a friend and I were unloading a home gym. Both cables snapped in the middle at the same time. This resulted in the tailgate dropping and my friend and I almost falling with the home gym on top of us. I slightly strained my back but we had no significant injury. Luckily we have good balance.”
NHTSA complaint #10051417, filed 2003-12, 38,000 miles“While loading a 4 wheeler onto my 2002 chevy Avalanche, both tailgate cables snapped and the tailgate completely fell off. The 4 wheeler, myself, and the ramps that were on the tailgate all fell to the ground. The dealer replaced the tailgate cables, but the damage to the tailgate has not been remedied. I have contacted GM and they are working the issue, but it has not been resolved.”
NHTSA complaint #10090923, filed 2004-09, 36,322 miles“Bed of truck is leaking everything gets wet. It is also leaking into the cab of truck> this was a concern when I purchased it and was assured there would not ever be a problem. Have had it to dealer here 2 times and still leaking. Have whooping sound from sun roof in open position, if I hold up on it, it stops. This I was told could not be fixed. Springs are just too weak.”
NHTSA complaint #10039018, filed 2003-09, 30,000 milesRelated recalls
- 04V129000Mar 17, 2004On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, the galvanized steel tailgate support cables that retain the tailgate in the full open (horizontal)…Covers: Chevrolet Avalanche 2002–2004, GMC Sierra 2000–2004, Chevrolet Silverado 2000–2004 +3 more
Related service bulletins
- 10112034Jan 28, 2014This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have slack in one of the tailgate cables. Technician should not replace…
- 10011755Oct 4, 2006Tailgate cable slack. This includes 1998-2006 chevrolet and gmc full and mid size trucks. *eh updated.
- 10011756Jan 31, 2005Pop cluck click noise on right or left turns.
- 10011236Aug 1, 2004Running board cover is loose.
- 10012096Jul 1, 2004Stowage box lid strap breaking.
- 10011145Jul 1, 2004Cargo covers and/or body cladding discolored (chalky). *tt this bulletin replaced previous bulletin 04-08-111-001, dated 01/01/2004.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 19 | 23% |
| 2012 | 2 | 6% |
| 2011 | 23 | 18% |
| 2010 | 16 | 14% |
| 2009 | 8 | 11% |
| 2008 | 44 | 17% |
| 2007 | 75 | 20% |
| 2006 | 1 | 9% |
| 2005 | 3 | 4% |
| 2004 | 7 | 4% |
| 2003 | 9 | 4% |
| 2002 | 67 | 15% |
Other parts of the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
200 complaintsEngine cooling
35 complaintsTires
34 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
25 complaintsAir bags
22 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
22 complaintsSuspension
19 complaintsElectrical system
17 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsSteering
14 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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