2002 Chevrolet Suburban Problems
- Complaints
- 286filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 64,000miles, 194 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints about this model year center on the brakes, especially unexpected anti-lock system activation at low speed and corroded brake lines that lead to a pedal going to the floor. Stalling traced to the fuel pump and transmission or driveline repairs also come up, and brake concerns are reported across a wide mileage range, from under 40,000 to well past 200,000 miles.
- Brakes
ABS activates unexpectedly at low speed
- 54 complaints (19%)
- median 82,000 mi at 6.6 yrs old (44 state mileage)
- 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2002–2023
Owners describe the anti-lock system engaging while braking at walking to parking-lot speeds, with the pedal pulsing or pushing back and the vehicle not stopping as expected. Some say dealers pointed to wheel hub speed sensors or the electronic brake control module, and others were told their vehicle was outside a recall covering unwanted ABS activation. Several note the condition recurred after repairs. Mostly reported between roughly 35,000 and 170,000 miles, typically at speeds under 10 mph on dry pavement.
Recall 05V3790007 related service bulletins
What to check: Ask whether the ABS recall work was performed and whether hub sensors or the brake control module were replaced. On a test drive, brake gently at very low speed in a clear area and see whether the pedal pulses or stopping distance feels long.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have a 2002 chevy Suburban - I had the ABS system replaced in 2005 to have it break down again in 2008. The dealer's service department says that there is no recall on it because they haven't heard sufficient consumer complaints to warrant a recall! Further, I called Chevrolet's/gmc's service department and they said that they don't read internet complaint boards. …”
NHTSA complaint #10331495, filed 2010-05, 102,428 miles“My wife complained that the brake system was not functioning properly on our 2002 Suburban. Random failures occurred with the ABS system at low speed while coming to a stop. Pedal did not respond, pulsed and vibrated. Malfunction of ABS brake system was identified as corrosion issue surrounding ABS speed sensor mounting surface. Speed sensors were removed and areas cleaned of all corrosion and rust. Electrical readings improved performance of one side (320mvac plus) but did not improve second sensor (less than 200mvac). …”
NHTSA complaint #10134745, filed 2005-08, 69,624 miles - Brakes
Brake lines rusted through, pedal to floor
- 66 complaints (23%)
- median 108,000 mi at 10.4 yrs old (61 state mileage)
- 10 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2001–2023
Complaints describe the brake pedal sinking to the floor with little or no warning, traced to steel brake lines corroded through, often along the frame or near the front wheels. Some owners report multiple line failures over a short period, and a few mention fuel lines in similar condition. Repairs typically involved replacing lines, and owners said they saw no advance warning. Reported mostly between about 90,000 and 225,000 miles, often on vehicles kept in areas that use road salt.
What to check: Have a mechanic inspect the steel brake lines along the frame and in the engine compartment for rust, and ask whether any lines have already been replaced. Check the fuel lines at the same time.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The brake failed as I was stopping at an intersection. The brake peddle started to hold and then just pressed to the floor. The brake line has failed. This is the third brake line failure on this vehicle in the last 14 months. We've had the both rear and both front lines replaced already, this last failure appears to be between master and ABS.”
NHTSA complaint #10464385, filed 2012-07, 107,500 miles“While depressing brakes at a complete stop, the brake pedal went all the way to the floor. I proceeded at a slow rate of speed and tested the brake system. The brake pedal has to be pushed all the way down to the floor just to get the vehicle to come to a slow/crawling stop. After inspecting underneath the vehicle, I discovered the left rear brake line leaking. Vehicle was taken to a local repair shop.”
NHTSA complaint #10484806, filed 2012-11, 96,698 miles - Fuel system
Engine stalls or cuts out while driving
- 17 complaints (6%)
- median 74,298 mi at 4.0 yrs old (15 state mileage)
- filed 2003–2012
Owners describe the engine quitting without warning at highway or traffic speeds, sometimes repeatedly, and in some cases refusing to restart. Dealers commonly identified the in-tank fuel pump; some owners reported repeat pump replacements and were advised to keep the tank above a quarter full. A few complaints describe reduced engine power warnings along with stalling. Reported from under 20,000 miles to about 175,000 miles, with several cases on the original or recently replaced pump.
What to check: Ask how many times the fuel pump has been replaced and whether the fuel filter was serviced. During a test drive, note any hesitation, extended cranking or cutting out and check the fuel gauge behavior.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“During evacuation for hurricane rita as we were proceeding in traffic our 2002 chevy Suburban just died. It was as if it was getting no fuel. We had a full tank. The RPM and power steering along with the engine just went dead. Since the hurricane I have talk to 3 other people with suburbans or yukons that this happen to. The dealership said it was the fuel pump. I now think something is wrong with these vehicles. I have the fuel pump taken from my Suburban.”
NHTSA complaint #10146861, filed 2006-01, 43,000 miles“While driving vehicle losses power, reduced engine power light comes on. I have taken the Suburban to the mechanic. Change the maf, tps, air filters other sensors that the diagnostic test has pointed out as problems and have had a vehicle tune up done (new spark plugs, wires, oil changed, etc.) the cost of these repairs has been over $1000 and seem I will be spending more. The problem continues to happen. Reduced engine power while driving. I am afraid this could cause an accident and cause injuries or even death since it happens while driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #10397996, filed 2011-04, 174,000 miles
Buying note. Given the number of brake complaints, a pre-purchase inspection should focus on the anti-lock system and on the condition of the steel brake and fuel lines, particularly on vehicles from salt-using regions. Records showing fuel pump and transmission service history are worth asking for before deciding.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 286 consumer complaints for the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban. 194 of the complaints include a mileage, and 40% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 64,000 miles. Of all complaints, 24 involved a crash, 5 a fire, 24 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 420 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes127 44%
- Fuel system27 9.4%
- Transmission and drivetrain23 8.0%
- Steering22 7.7%
- Tires18 6.3%
- Engine cooling16 5.6%
- Seat belts13 4.5%
- Air bags12 4.2%
- Electrical system10 3.5%
- Other or unknown9 3.1%
Also reported: Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (9), Vehicle speed control (8), Wheels (7), Equipment (6), Suspension (6), Exterior lighting (5), Seats (5), Interior lighting (4), Body and structure (4), Engine (2), Latches, locks and linkages (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “Anti lock brakes are activating on there own when trying to stop and has almost caused me to crash 4 times. I finally pulled the ABS fuse out this stopped it but now I have no ABS iam in soap lake washington it shows a recall but only for a few states I bought my Suburban new in boise idaho and now reside in washington state my vehacle is effected extremely bad with this problem”
NHTSA complaint #11255845, filed 2019-09, 150,000 milesFuel system: “I have a 2002 Suburban that had a recall for the gas tank leaking when it is filled past 3/4 full. The recall work was done in december 2005. Then in march I smelt gas again I noticed a large puddle was under my vehicle as I pulled out of the garage. I carried it back in and they charged me $890.00 and stated since the recall work was done in december this would not be covered. I have the parts they replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10160622, filed 2006-06, 140,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “My 2002 Suburban had a transmission failure at 46091 miles that required me to purchase a new transmission at a cost of $3200.00. We were almost in an accident because the vehicle stopped shifting while at highway speeds and barely made it safely to the shoulder. There was no warning or engine light and the transmission appeared fine although it was beyond repair. The fluid level was good and it was not burned. Chevrolet says there is nothing they can do as the warranty is for 3 years and 36000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10151707, filed 2006-03, 46,091 milesSteering: “I was hit on the head inside my 2002 Suburban, wearing my seat belt at 48 MPH by an oncoming mazda miata. My steering column collapsed, I went into oncoming 3 lanes of traffic, went up a curb, went through a brick retaining wall, and hit a telephone pole. My airbag did not deploy on any of the 3 impacts. Why? Also, my driver?s seat came off the track.”
NHTSA complaint #10041031, filed 2003-10, 20,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
40% of the 194 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 35,000 and 115,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suburban · sedan | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | 3 |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Recalls and investigations
- 05V379000Aug 29, 2005Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipCovers: Chevrolet Suburban 2000–2002, Silverado 1999–2002, GMC Sierra 1999–2002 +4 more
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…
- 03V094000Mar 7, 2003Body and structureCovers: Chevrolet Suburban 2000–2003, Ford Explorer 2000–2003, Dodge Grand Caravan 2000–2003 +9 more
Certain pickup truck, van, and mini van conversions equipped with southern comfort built running boards that contain certain courtesy lights manufactured by american technology components, inc. These units contain a courtesy light or lights that might…
Recall details for the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 420 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get…
- 11012907Dec 18, 2024Engine. This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
- 11010544Oct 7, 2024Engine. This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11007744Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11007743Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Electrical system. Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging…
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024Fuel system, Engine. This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with…
Other model years of the Chevrolet Suburban
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 45 | 16,600 | 1 | 4 | 17 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 131 | 47,000 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 89 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 124 | 58,166 | 4 | 4 | 17 | 73 · More | Rising |
| 2021 | 204 | 69,224 | 12 | 4 | 17 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2020 | 44 | 30,000 | 4 | 4 | 18 | 52 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 78 | 67,000 | 3 | 4 | 18 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 84 | 42,000 | 4 | 4 | 19 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 142 | 53,333 | 5 | 4 | 19 | 85 · More | Stable |
| 2016 | 220 | 59,963 | 6 | 4 | 19 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 431 | 62,000 | 11 | 4 | 18 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 59 | 55,000 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 23 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 118 | 60,000 | 4 | 4 | 17 | 40 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 101 | 66,300 | 4 | 4 | 17 | 41 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 148 | 70,000 | 3 | — | — | 31 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 117 | 90,000 | 3 | — | — | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 106 | 85,000 | 5 | — | — | 30 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 213 | 85,000 | 4 | — | — | 32 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 292 | 85,000 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 23 | 90,000 | 1 | — | — | — | Falling |
| 2005 | 129 | 83,000 | 6 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 204 | 63,200 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 301 | 76,731 | 5 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 286 | 64,000 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 440 | 60,650 | 6 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2000 | 282 | 70,975 | 8 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 634 | 85,000 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 201 | 76,500 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 414 | 100,858 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 360 | 93,100 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 457 | 113,450 | 6 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 858 | 122,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 499 | 120,000 | 0 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 189 | 30,000 | 3 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 52 | 106,744 | 3 | — | 12 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1990 | 54 | — | 3 | — | 13 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 62 | 127,500 | 3 | — | 12 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 30 | 112,500 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 18 | — | 0 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 1986 | 7 | 200,000 | 0 | — | 13 | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 9 | — | 0 | — | 13 | — | Not enough data |
| 1984 | 6 | — | 0 | — | 13 | — | Not enough data |
All Chevrolet Suburban model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban?
Complaints about this model year center on the brakes, especially unexpected anti-lock system activation at low speed and corroded brake lines that lead to a pedal going to the floor. The issues reported most often: ABS activates unexpectedly at low speed; Brake lines rusted through, pedal to floor; Engine stalls or cuts out while driving.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban have?
NHTSA recorded 286 consumer complaints for the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 127 complaints (44% of the total), followed by fuel system with 27.
Has the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
At what mileage are problems with the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban reported?
Among the 194 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 64,000 miles and the middle half falls between 35,000 and 115,000 miles; 40% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.