2002 Chevrolet Silverado Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 36about this part
- Share
- 5%of 710 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 49,950miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 36 complaints about the body and structure of the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado, 5% of the 710 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 49,950 miles. 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.
“I own a 2002 chevy Silverado 2500hp. While getting onto the tailgate about a month ago both cables snapped clean and I went to the ground unharmed. Luckily I fell away from the truck and the tailgate was not dented. Have warned all my friends to check their trucks as well. Bought new cables and installed for about $25.”
NHTSA complaint #10045172, filed 2003-10, 52,000 miles“I recently purchased a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado, and about a month ago the rear tailgate suddenly fell down, and upon inspection, the cables on either side that hold the tailgate up were both broken. Fortunately the vehicle was in my driveway and not motoring down the highway. I had the problem correctly at my repair service, where 2 new cables were installed. I saw an article in my local newspaper today {2/24/04} that alluded to a possible defect in the design or the mechanism itself. …”
NHTSA complaint #10058835, filed 2004-02, 38,440 miles“I had two inside door panel replaced already. These two things were fixed from the engine compartment, it gets worse when it is colder. Fuel gauge is inaccurate and jumps around when truck is not in a moving gear. I am very upset about the last two, because chevy says the truck is working within normal chevy parameter . I have asked many mechanics and they say either one should be happening. The date below is an approximate time the last two started. I also have had it in twice for both of these problems.”
NHTSA complaint #10010878, filed 2003-03, 7,500 miles“The cables that hold up my trucks tailgate snapped when my friend sat on it. My friend only weighs about 165 lbs. Luckily, he only suffered a minor scrape from the incident.”
NHTSA complaint #10058829, filed 2004-02, 43,000 miles“I am the original owner of a 2002 chevy Silverado. This past july I lowered the spare tire for the first time to clean off mud and discovered that there were four locations on the side wall of tire that were worn away. This was caused by the bed of the truck. The tire was secure and had the proper tire inflation. I check the pressure about 4-5 times a year while it is still secured under the truck. I contacted GM and was told to bring the tire to my local dealer. Service manager saw the tire and stated he sees this all the time and believes it is a design flaw especially in the s-10 pick ups. …”
NHTSA complaint #10136220, filed 2005-09, 54,000 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 Silverado 2000–2004, GMC Sierra 2000–2004, Chevrolet Avalanche 2002–2004 +3 more
Related service bulletins
- 10113406Feb 8, 2017This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have slack in one of the tailgate cables. Technician should not replace…
- 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.
- 10014808May 10, 2005Door hinge replacement kit.
- 10015770Oct 1, 2004Rattle type noise coming from the rear of the cab during body twist maneuvers or over bumps. Gm tech link.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 6 | 5% |
| 2015 | 3 | 4% |
| 2014 | 16 | 13% |
| 2013 | 9 | 14% |
| 2012 | 14 | 21% |
| 2011 | 15 | 20% |
| 2010 | 12 | 19% |
| 2009 | 14 | 18% |
| 2008 | 14 | 9% |
| 2007 | 23 | 13% |
| 2006 | 6 | 3% |
| 2005 | 11 | 3% |
| 2004 | 25 | 4% |
| 2003 | 19 | 3% |
| 2002 | 36 | 5% |
| 2001 | 53 | 6% |
| 2000 | 94 | 7% |
| 1999 | 84 | 5% |
| 1998 | 10 | 4% |
| 1997 | 7 | 3% |
| 1996 | 8 | 4% |
| 1995 | 11 | 4% |
| 1994 | 2 | 1% |
| 1993 | 2 | 3% |
| 1991 | 1 | 6% |
| 1990 | 1 | 4% |
| 1989 | 1 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado
350 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
70 complaintsEngine cooling
58 complaintsSteering
39 complaintsAir bags
30 complaintsSuspension
29 complaintsTires
27 complaintsElectrical system
25 complaintsFuel system
23 complaintsVehicle speed control
22 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
19 complaintsSeat belts
16 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado
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