2002 GMC Sierra Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 9%of 249 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 24,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 GMC Sierra, 9% of the 249 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 24,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Our 2002 Sierra 3500 Gmc pickup truck is equipped with an 8.1l v8 engine and the crankshaft position sensor causes the truck's engine to operate intermittently which in turn causes the engine to fail completely. When the engine operates intermittently, the message light illuminates 'reduced engine power' and the vehicle runs rough and ultimately stalls. The engine may re-start immediately or after a period of time. Because this sensor has failed on the expressway at a high rate of speed (70 MPH) on several occasions, we were very fortunate that we (or someone else) were not seriously injured. …”
NHTSA complaint #10255353, filed 2009-01, 65,000 miles“The engine shuts off after it warms up. This can happen at any time and any speed. After waiting approx. 2 minutes it will start again and run fine for the rest of the day. No check engine lights or diagnostic codes are available. There is a recall for the 2001 models (campaign id # 07v521000). This problem also extends into newer model years. Mine was manufactured in 1/02”
NHTSA complaint #10378955, filed 2011-01, 85,000 miles“Hard knock of engine on startup,worse in colder weather, lasting a couple of minutes. Have reported problem to manufacturer and dealership whom both state this knock is normal and would have no bearing on the longevity or durability of the motor. First noticed knock after approximately 3600 miles and continues to be a problem at 36,000miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10060557, filed 2004-03, 13 miles“Dt vehicle stalls and does not restart, it could be sitting an hour or day and it will not restart. Dealer has had the vehicle, and they could not pin point the problem. Vehicle did not capture any codes, and it stalled while actually driving . Used to be several miles between stalls it had longer intervals between stalls now its down to less than 100 miles between engine stalling. .”
NHTSA complaint #10127740, filed 2005-07, 50,800 miles“Consumer complains of premature stalling at idle. The vehicle lacks sufficient power, it surges and at times refuses to accelerate. The transmission doesn't shift down properly out of 4th gear and the air conditioning unit does not cool properly and makes whistling noises.”
NHTSA complaint #10001480, filed 2003-01, 1,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10056354Sep 1, 2014Gmc/chevrolet: engines, with egr system, has leakage from egr cooler engine coolant into the combustion chamber. Model 2002-15 silverado, sierra, 2004-09 kodiak c4500-c5500…
- 10037933Jan 1, 2011Gm: the service engine soon light is on, there is also a misfire or engine noise. There are multiple possible causes.
- 10017214Dec 1, 2008Hard start / no start outside temperatures below freezing. *tt updated 7/13/09.
- 10024344Feb 1, 2008Possible engine oil leak due to pcv freeze-up, equipped with the 4.8, 5.3, 6.0, and 6.2 v-8 engines.
- 10024154Feb 1, 2008Chevrolet gmc service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Special coverage adjustment - engine glow plug on certain vehicles with 6.6l diesel v8 (rpo lb7 - vin…
- 10021839May 1, 2007Diesel engine cylinder head gasket missing thickness grade markings.
- 10021021Feb 22, 2007Service vme. Supplement to 00-02-35-003l. Update on new I-shaft.
- 10011126Dec 1, 2006Various intermittent driveability conditions - hesitation, lack of power, etc.
- 10012561Oct 1, 2006Information on servicing fuel injectors to avoid contamination. *eh updated 03-19-07.
- 10020072Jul 19, 2006Turbocharger oil feed line kinked or restricted.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 | 2% |
| 2012 | 1 | 3% |
| 2011 | 1 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2006 | 1 | 2% |
| 2005 | 9 | 8% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 9 | 4% |
| 2002 | 22 | 9% |
| 2001 | 22 | 8% |
| 2000 | 21 | 5% |
| 1999 | 17 | 3% |
| 1998 | 11 | 6% |
| 1997 | 15 | 6% |
| 1996 | 11 | 4% |
| 1995 | 6 | 2% |
| 1994 | 6 | 3% |
| 1993 | 7 | 10% |
| 1992 | 1 | 3% |
| 1990 | 1 | 6% |
| 1989 | 1 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2002 GMC Sierra
145 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
18 complaintsBody and structure
17 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsSuspension
12 complaintsTires
10 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 GMC Sierra
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