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BrakesPart report

2002 GMC Sierra 3500 Brakes Problems

Complaints
9about this part
Share
45%of 20 total for the year
Median mileage
59,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 GMC Sierra 3500, 45% of the 20 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

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 first noticed that the anti-lock brakes were activating at slow speeds ( 5-10 MPH ) under dry road conditions. This was prior to brake line incident on 4-14-2012 but I am not sure of exact date. I researched the anti-lock brakes and found NHTSA id campaign #05v379000 action # pe05020 but this did not include my home state of kentucky. However, I have been working in ohio since the purchase of said vehicle 10-17-2001 to current date 2-11-2013. On 4-14-2012 I was preparing to take my boat to fuel it . …”

NHTSA complaint #10497825, filed 2013-02, 154,163 miles

“Slowing down to a red traffic light and brake pedal went to the floor. Tried to pump brake pedal to get more pressure but did not work. Drove off onto shoulder and got it slowed down . Drive very slow with hazard lights on to get it back to my house. I was only about a mile away. Got home and looked underneath to find brake fluid all over left rear wheels, fuel tank, left rear shock and drive axle. Continued to look at all brake lines and all of them were corroded bad. Getting prices on having all brake lines replaced.”

NHTSA complaint #10526003, filed 2013-07, 137,000 miles

“This truck has the same problems as the 2007 model. The ignition switch, parking brake, and fuel lines all have issues as similarly described for the 2007 model. The fuel lines actually broke through causing a leak of the diesel fuel. This happened after the vehicle was driven a short distance of 15 miles.”

NHTSA complaint #10787186, filed 2015-10, 101,000 miles

“Dealership informed the consumer that the emergency parking brake wore out. This could potentially cause the vehicle to roll back/forward on a incline without warning. Dealership was not able to resolve the problem. Retainer on emergency brake failed.”

NHTSA complaint #10065141, filed 2004-05, 59,000 miles

“This morning I noticed the brake pedal traveling down further than normal and little to no stopping power. Once arriving at work I tried to pump the brake pedal and it kept going to the floor. Upon looking under the truck I discovered a puddle of brake fluid. After further inspection I found one of brake lines had rusted through and blown out in front of the ABS module. The general condition of all the brake lines in this area is very rusty. I will likely have to replace all the brake lines due to this.”

NHTSA complaint #10465361, filed 2012-07

Related service bulletins

Brakes: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026120%
2025529%
20241122%
202327%
2022413%
2021525%
2020714%
2019431%
2018643%
2017538%
2016632%
2015413%
2014114%
201317%
2012111%
200814%
2007319%
2006218%
20051042%
20041458%
2003343%
2002945%
20011644%
20001246%
1999947%
1998433%
1997440%

Other parts of the 2002 GMC Sierra 3500

Fuel system
6 complaints
Suspension
3 complaints
Air bags
2 complaints
Tires
2 complaints
Engine
1 complaints
Engine cooling
1 complaints
Other or unknown
1 complaints
Vehicle speed control
1 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2002 GMC Sierra 3500

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