2002 GMC Sierra Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 7%of 249 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 39,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 GMC Sierra, 7% of the 249 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 39,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 2002 Gmc truck. At 38,000 miles the clutch went out completely. The mechanic told me the clutch plate was ok but the 2 hydraulic cylinders needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10133567, filed 2005-08, 38,000 miles“While driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle was violently thrown about and skidded to a stop. Upon inspection of the vehicle it was noted that the front axle vent plug broke and all the oil leaked out and caused the differential to seize. From what the consumer understood there was little or no protection, such a shield or guard, to deflect objects from striking the assembly.”
NHTSA complaint #10048490, filed 2004-01, 13,879 miles“Dt: caller complained about transmission failure. While pulling away from a stop sign heard a noise and could not get vehicle to move. Finally, got it off the road, but was unable to move forward or backward. Caller said the original owner had the same problem. Manufacturer wanted dealer to evaluate the problem and call them back, and for the caller to pay for repairs. . Dealer had not come seen the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10131876, filed 2005-08, 53,200 miles“Gmc 2002 1/2 ton pickup,transmission reverse went out at 44,000 miles (first time it went out at 28,000 miles). Repaired for second time parts. Reaction shell gear stripped. Parts shell, gear, fltr kit, seal, seal oil, gasket. R&r trans replace reaction shell and gear.”
NHTSA complaint #10140500, filed 2005-10, 44,062 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
- 10112401Oct 9, 2013This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have not engagement into drive, delayed, no engagement into reverse, and or…
- 10023751Feb 1, 2013Engine surge or stall at stop and/or dtc p0742 possible tcc applied. Equipped with allison lct1000 transmission rpo m74 or mw7. *nj updated 4/22/13.
- 10112697Dec 27, 2012This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp on, engine misfire…
- 10112681Dec 17, 2012This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a planetary gear whine noise in first and second gear. Technician…
- 10112523Oct 30, 2012This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have slip in forward ranges immediately after replacing the input housing…
- 10026804Oct 1, 2008Gmc: fluid leak from transmission oil cooler lines due to corrosion. All 2000-2006 light duty trucks equipped with the light duty automatic transmission.
- 10025462Apr 1, 2008Diagnostic information on mn8, mt1 ses/mil illuminated, dtc p0757, harsh shift, delayed 2-3 shift, 2-3 shift flare, no third gear, slips in third gear or reverse.
- 10024345Feb 1, 2008Eaton locking differential chatter shudder noise on turns, equipped with a locking rear differential rpo g80. *nj updated 7/17/2008.
- 10022360Aug 3, 2007Allison lct1000 harsh 3-2, 2-1 downshift, and abs may activate.
- 10021676Jun 15, 2007New design front axle side bearing adjusters.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 23 | 38% |
| 2015 | 6 | 11% |
| 2014 | 10 | 10% |
| 2013 | 5 | 13% |
| 2012 | 2 | 7% |
| 2011 | 6 | 14% |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 2 | 3% |
| 2007 | 4 | 7% |
| 2006 | 2 | 4% |
| 2005 | 11 | 9% |
| 2004 | 18 | 10% |
| 2003 | 29 | 14% |
| 2002 | 18 | 7% |
| 2001 | 14 | 5% |
| 2000 | 26 | 6% |
| 1999 | 37 | 6% |
| 1998 | 15 | 8% |
| 1997 | 28 | 12% |
| 1996 | 24 | 10% |
| 1995 | 12 | 5% |
| 1994 | 6 | 3% |
| 1993 | 10 | 14% |
| 1992 | 2 | 7% |
| 1990 | 2 | 11% |
| 1988 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2002 GMC Sierra
145 complaintsEngine cooling
22 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 30, 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