2002 Chevrolet Suburban Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 8%of 286 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 41,196miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban, 8% of the 286 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 41,196 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“Driving on freeway along carpool lane when the car ahead of us stopped to move to the next lane and we all had to stop. I had a good distance from the vehicle in front of me when I hit the brakes. The brakes went all the way to the floor(literally) but still didn't stop until I crashed into the car in front of me. The ABS brakes feels unusual. I also hear a clanking sound on the differential every time I have to decelerate and go back to normal speed or just moving from park to reverse or from neutral to reverse .”
NHTSA complaint #10016292, filed 2003-04, 12,700 miles“January 1, 2006 just after leaving my home, I stopped at a stop sign and when I accelerated from a stop a loud clunk and then a constant whinning sound. I drove the vehicle home the one mile from the stop sign in first gear, the transmission would not shift to second, after returning home the car would not go into reverse either. Transmission failed at 104,000 miles. Repair shop says the transmission shell and other components of the transmission was cracked. The transmission shop states that they have had several customers that have experienced the same problem with this transmission. …”
NHTSA complaint #10147170, filed 2006-01, 104,000 miles“After numerous other repairs to this vehicle, it started whining through the first few gear changes. The GM shop said that the torque converter went out and they had to overhaul the transmission. It is still in the shop because after they put everything back together, the whining noise is still there. After 11 days and three tear downs and rebuilds, the mechanic is at a loss as to what is wrong.”
NHTSA complaint #10132481, filed 2005-08, 43,391 miles“My 2002 Chevrolet Suburban experienced premature transmission failure. The total cost for the repair is $3000.00. The truck has never towed a thing, the car is only used to drive children to school etc. It has 64,000 miles and just stopped on a turn in the middle of an intersection.”
NHTSA complaint #10167025, filed 2006-08, 64,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM 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…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242843Sep 1, 2023The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 10224273Sep 1, 2022This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
- 10220319Sep 1, 2022This diagnostic tip advises the tech not to separate the flexplate from the torque convertor or damage my occur if the engine is started while diagnosing for noise from the…
- 10143757Jul 9, 2018This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer technician thatLight Duty Trucks equipped with automatic transmissions and 4 wheel drive may exhibit a condition of…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 7 | 16% |
| 2023 | 19 | 14% |
| 2022 | 32 | 26% |
| 2021 | 39 | 19% |
| 2020 | 10 | 23% |
| 2019 | 38 | 49% |
| 2018 | 19 | 23% |
| 2017 | 39 | 27% |
| 2016 | 45 | 20% |
| 2015 | 48 | 11% |
| 2014 | 5 | 8% |
| 2013 | 6 | 5% |
| 2012 | 5 | 5% |
| 2011 | 3 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 7 | 3% |
| 2007 | 9 | 3% |
| 2006 | 2 | 9% |
| 2005 | 15 | 12% |
| 2004 | 14 | 7% |
| 2003 | 21 | 7% |
| 2002 | 23 | 8% |
| 2001 | 33 | 8% |
| 2000 | 12 | 4% |
| 1999 | 47 | 7% |
| 1998 | 19 | 9% |
| 1997 | 47 | 11% |
| 1996 | 40 | 11% |
| 1995 | 25 | 5% |
| 1994 | 14 | 2% |
| 1993 | 11 | 2% |
| 1992 | 6 | 3% |
| 1991 | 9 | 17% |
| 1990 | 7 | 13% |
| 1989 | 5 | 8% |
| 1988 | 3 | 10% |
| 1987 | 1 | 6% |
| 1985 | 2 | 22% |
Other parts of the 2002 Chevrolet Suburban
127 complaintsFuel system
27 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 complaintsWheels
7 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