2002 GMC Sierra 1500 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 1%of 166 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 GMC Sierra 1500, 1% of the 166 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 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.
“Since purchasing my 2002 sierra pickup with a 5.3l v-8 I have noticed a ticking sound when you first start up the vehicle. Worse when it is cold out. After a few minutes it stops. I have had the dealer look at it in the past and they didn't seem too concerned with it and or said no noise was found. I called Gmc and they issued me an extended warranty for 5 years or 100,000 miles. With approximately 68,000 miles on the truck now the noise is getting worse and is quite loud when you start it up in the morning. It also takes longer to disappear now. …”
NHTSA complaint #10229962, filed 2008-06, 1 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10251887Mar 14, 2024This bulletin advises the technician of possible location of an internal coolant leak from a specific cylinder head and location.
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This technical 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…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 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…
- 10242262Aug 24, 2023This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and…
- 10240344Jul 31, 2023This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 10236164Apr 24, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10235802Apr 24, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234141Mar 23, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 3 | 2% |
| 2024 | 31 | 8% |
| 2023 | 23 | 5% |
| 2022 | 29 | 5% |
| 2021 | 49 | 8% |
| 2020 | 21 | 4% |
| 2019 | 26 | 4% |
| 2018 | 6 | 2% |
| 2017 | 2 | 1% |
| 2016 | 3 | 1% |
| 2015 | 1 | 0% |
| 2014 | 5 | 1% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 2 | 1% |
| 2010 | 4 | 2% |
| 2009 | 4 | 2% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 7 | 3% |
| 2006 | 3 | 2% |
| 2005 | 8 | 5% |
| 2004 | 8 | 4% |
| 2003 | 3 | 2% |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 5 | 3% |
| 1999 | 6 | 4% |
| 1998 | 3 | 5% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
| 1996 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
127 complaintsSuspension
9 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsWheels
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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