2002 Chevrolet Suburban Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 2%of 286 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 24,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban, 2% of the 286 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 24,000 miles.
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.
“I have a new 2002 chevy Suburban that I bought in nov, 2002. I have driven it approx 3000 miles. The headlights go out while driving. Luckily , I haven't wrecked yet or killed anyone but nobody will ride with me now. I'd like this to be taken care of by me getting another vehicle in the same style and model. It has been in the garage , this time for 9 days and they still got it. I need a vehicle ! I was hoping for this much money it would last longer than this.”
NHTSA complaint #10002759, filed 2003-01, 8,000 miles“I recently purchased a 2002 Suburban z71. While driving at night, I pushed the dome override switch a few times and my headlights went out. Lucky I wasn't traveling around a curve and was able to bring the vehicle to stop without completely running of the road. (I was traveling 50 MPH on a country road) I then read my owners manual and learned that the automatic headlight system will shut off the headlights if the dome switch in pushed (in-out-in-out) regardless if the vehicle is in motion or stopped. I believe the headlight override feature should only work while the vehicle is in park. …”
NHTSA complaint #769860, filed 2002-11“The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact heard a knocking sound coming from the wheels when the front wheels were turned. She stated that the cause of failure may be the upper intermediate steering shaft. The dealer and manufacturer stated that she would have to pay $275 for the repair. The dealer did not have any recalls for the failure. The contact feels that there should be a recall due to the many repairs related to the wheel failure. She stated that a running board light is dim on the front left side of her vehicle, which she has noticed on many suburbans. …”
NHTSA complaint #10192591, filed 2007-06, 40,000 miles“While driving the headlights shut off and on every ten minutes without warning. The dealer is aware of the problem. Please provide any additional information.”
NHTSA complaint #10003980, filed 2003-01Related service bulletins
- 10249011Jan 12, 2024This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10232136Feb 15, 2023This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10200151Jun 21, 2021This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10169354Nov 12, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10155009Dec 13, 2018This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10129093Jan 24, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on, engine misfire…
- 10116890Feb 12, 2016This informational bulletin provides an out line on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage and what should be considered warranty replacement and not
- 10116874Feb 8, 2016This informational bulletin provides information on exterior lamp condinsation and replacement guidelines
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 2% |
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 7 | 3% |
| 2017 | 5 | 4% |
| 2016 | 3 | 1% |
| 2015 | 10 | 2% |
| 2014 | 2 | 3% |
| 2013 | 2 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 1 | 0% |
| 2006 | 1 | 4% |
| 2005 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 1 | 0% |
| 2003 | 3 | 1% |
| 2002 | 5 | 2% |
| 2001 | 4 | 1% |
| 2000 | 7 | 2% |
| 1999 | 15 | 2% |
| 1998 | 5 | 2% |
| 1997 | 2 | 0% |
| 1996 | 7 | 2% |
| 1995 | 4 | 1% |
| 1994 | 9 | 1% |
| 1993 | 2 | 0% |
| 1992 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
127 complaintsFuel system
27 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
23 complaintsSteering
22 complaintsTires
18 complaintsEngine cooling
16 complaintsSeat belts
13 complaintsAir bags
12 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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