2002 GMC Sierra 2500 Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 8%of 134 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 53,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 GMC Sierra 2500, 8% of the 134 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 53,500 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 Gmc 2500hd 4x4 with the 8.1 liter engine in the past year it has stalled and then restarted itself 5 or 6 times one time I had to sit for about 6 minutes before it would restart.”
NHTSA complaint #10376422, filed 2011-01, 123,500 miles“I have a 2002 Gmc sierra 2500hd pickup with the vortec 8.1 engine. I am experiencing the same crank position sensor failure as experienced in the 2001 model year recall (safety recall # 06083). I am not alone, as many many others are having the same issues in their 2002-2004 pickup trucks. I believe the NHTSA should extend safety recall # 06083 to include model years 2002 to 2004, as some models manufactured in canada frequently use parts from previous us model years. My vehicle is not safe to operate on the highways as a result. Please advise.”
NHTSA complaint #10232980, filed 2008-07, 52,000 miles“I have a 2002 Gmc sierra 2500hd with the 8.1l engine that is exhibiting the exact same symptoms that LED to the recall of the 2001 model. (NHTSA # 07v521000). One minute I'll be driving down the freeway and the next minute the engine will stop running. This has happened numerous times. Sometimes it'll restart before it comes to a stop. Sometimes it will take several minutes after it's come to a stop. I've researched it on-line, and it would appear that this problem is not restricted to the 2001 models. The date I've listed is when I first remember it happening. It's very intermittent. …”
NHTSA complaint #10280204, filed 2009-08, 90,000 miles“2002 Gmc sierra 2500hd 6.0l 4x4. The 6.0l engine is knocking constantly, and from doing some research. This is a very common issue and needs to be resolved. Dealer said it is normal! Since when is an engine knocking, normal?”
NHTSA complaint #10278312, filed 2009-07, 74,000 miles“2002 Gmc sierra stalls while at freeway speeds and normal driving. 2 near accidents, sometimes the engine will crank with a no start condition. Killed one of my AC delco batteries. Had to replace battery and crank position sensor.”
NHTSA complaint #10159068, filed 2006-06, 55,000 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 2% |
| 2020 | 2 | 3% |
| 2019 | 2 | 6% |
| 2014 | 1 | 3% |
| 2013 | 1 | 2% |
| 2011 | 1 | 2% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 5 | 8% |
| 2005 | 13 | 11% |
| 2004 | 9 | 6% |
| 2003 | 5 | 3% |
| 2002 | 11 | 8% |
| 2001 | 21 | 16% |
| 2000 | 4 | 8% |
| 1998 | 1 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2002 GMC Sierra 2500
78 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsTires
5 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 GMC Sierra 2500
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