2002 Chevrolet Suburban
Recalls, consumer complaints and crash ratings from NHTSA
Recalls4
Fuel system, gasolineMay 19, 2006, Campaign 06E043000
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Risk
THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy
HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
Exterior lightingMar 23, 2006, Campaign 06E026000
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk
WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy
PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Service brakes, hydraulicAntilock/traction control/electronic limited slipAug 29, 2005, Campaign 05V379000
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE UNWANTED ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) ACTIVATION. THIS CONDITION IS MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR IN ENVIRONMENTALLY CORROSIVE AREAS. THIS RECALL WILL BE LAUNCHED IN THE "SALT BELT" STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ONLY.
Risk
THIS CAN CAUSE INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES DURING LOW-SPEED BRAKE APPLICATIONS, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS ARE TO REMOVE THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR AND THOROUGHLY CLEAN THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR MOUNTING SURFACE ON THE BEARING, APPLY RUST INHIBITOR TO THE CLEANED SURFACE, GREASE THE MOUNTING SURFACE, REINSTALL THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR, AND CHECK THE PEAK-TO-PEAK OUTPUT VOLTAGE TO ENSURE THE WHEEL SPEED SIGNAL IS WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 22, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
StructureMar 7, 2003, Campaign 03V094000
CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC. THESE UNITS CONTAIN A COURTESY LIGHT OR LIGHTS THAT MIGHT OVERHEAT WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT.
Risk
THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE RUNNING BOARDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 7, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.
All recalls issued for this model year. To see whether any are still unrepaired on a specific vehicle, check its VIN at NHTSA.
Recent complaints456 total
Most reported, across all 456 complaints
- Service brakes, hydraulic22%
- Service brakes17%
- Engine and engine cooling10%
Service brakesFiled Nov 20, 2023
the brake lines rust and they burst this occurred on my main brake line going to the abs controller I had no brakes from mechanics they say this is a common problem on usa made cars brake lines should never ever rust and burst
Incident Nov 7, 2023
Steering, wheelsFiled Feb 14, 2023
When driving at highway speeds or even around town the vehicle randomly jerks to one side or another alignment was just done and was told all was good tires are new Pitman armor place ball joints replaced still having the issue of it darting specially when going around curves it wants to pull vehicle to the ditch and I look like I am driving drunk which I'm not I've had my mechanic try to inspect the issue he couldn't find it I heard they're made possibly be a TSB out for it but it's hidden
Incident Feb 14, 2023
Vehicle speed control, service brakesFiled Dec 16, 2022
Component SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Incident Nov 1, 2022
TiresFiled Jan 3, 2022
275/75 r16 tires coming apart on the side walls
Incident Dec 20, 2021
WheelsFiled Jul 16, 2021
Spare tire hoist wire broke and spare tire was released from vehicle on the highway. Vehicle was doing speed limit of 75mph and spare tire barely missed traffic behind vehicle.
Incident Jul 12, 2021
Air bagsCrash1 injuredFiled Jul 8, 2021
The contact owned a 2002 Chevrolet Suburban. The contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, there were cicadas flying towards the front driver side windshield that obstructed the contact's visibility which caused the contact to crash into a utility pole. The air bags did not deploy. The contact was transported to the hospital by ambulance for injuries sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was first towed to a towing yard then towed to an auto body shop where the insurance company deemed it totaled. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and had sent out a field representative to inspect the vehicle and retrieved the event data recorder from the vehicle. The failure mileage was 260,000.
Incident Jun 1, 2021
Steering, wheelsFiled Jun 4, 2021
The steering pump has plenty of fluid in the reservoir and has been changed regularly. All of the sudden all power assisted steering disappeared when turning to the left making parking nearly impossible causing a great safety concern as this is my only vehicle and now my wife cannot take the truck anywhere. According to other owners, it's a common issue caused by the booster valve sticking shut and when I inquired about repair, I was quoted a part cost of 300 bucks which I don't have at all. Hopefully enough folks report this issue resulting in action taken by NHTSA even though the vehicle is almost 20 years old.
Incident Jun 2, 2021
Structure, service brakesCrash1 injuredFiled Jan 21, 2021
I WAS ON THE FREEWAY THERE WAS TRAFFIC I WENT TO SLOW DOWN MY BRAKES LOCKED UP ON ME MY CAR FISH TAILED I RELEASED THE BRAKES AND THEY WERE STILL STILL LOCKED. CAUSED ME TO SLID AT LEAST 30 FEET I WAS ONLY GOING 35. WHICH CAUSED ME SLAM INTO THE CENTER DIVIDER
Incident Jan 5, 2021
Unknown or otherFiled May 6, 2020
WHEN YOU PUSH ON THE HORN NOTHING HAPPENS, BUT THE PANIC BUTTON ON THE REMOTE MAKES THE HORN GO OFF. IT'S NOT THE HORN UNDER THE HOOD, THAT IS FAULTY, IT IS THE SWITCH INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL BURNED UP. I HAVE ASKED MULTIPLE MECHANICS TO FIX THIS AND THEY SAID IT WOULD TAKE A WHOLE DAY AND THE STEERING WHEEL AND AIRBAG WOULD HAVE TO BE REMOVED. THEY SAID THAT THEY SEE THIS SWITCH BURN UP ALL THE TIME IN GM STEERING WHEELS. IT WILL COST A LOT IN LABOR AND ALSO PARTS. *TR
Incident May 6, 2019
Service brakesFiled Nov 4, 2019
PARKING BRAKE WILL NOT HOLD THE CAR IN PLACE AND WAS LIKE THAT WHEN I BOUGHT IT NEW. UNABLE TO REPAIR IT TO MAKE IT HOLD THE CAR. PROBLEMS GETTING CAR INSPECTED.
Incident Jan 31, 2002
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Wheels, service brakesFireFiled Sep 20, 2019
WHEN DRIVING MY 2002 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 1500 AT SPEEDS UNDER 10 MPH IN BUMPER-TO-BUMPER TRAFFIC, THE ABS INDEPENDENTLY ACTIVATED. THIS HAPPENED IN DRY WEATHER ON A FREEWAY. WHEN THE ABS INDEPENDENTLY ACTIVATED, THE CAR VIBRATED AND ACCELERATED WITH DIFFICULTY AND JERKED. THE BRAKES LOCKED UP, CAUSING A TIRE TO BLOW OUT. THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE WHERE THE BRAKES HAD LOCKED UP THE FRONT RIGHT WHEEL. THE FIRE COMMANDER WHO EXAMINED THE CAR AFTER PUTTING OUT THE FIRE AND THE MECHANIC WHO IS REPAIRING THE CAR BOTH EXPLAINED THAT IMPROPER ABS ACTIVATION LED TO A RUPTURE IN THE BRAKE LINE, EXPOSING THE LEAKING BRAKE FLUID TO THE HEAT GENERATED BY THE LOCKED BRAKES. THIS VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN NHTSA RECALL 05V379000 CONCERNING THE ABS SYSTEM BUT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE CAR HAD BEEN TAKEN TO A GM DEALER TWO MONTHS EARLIER (IN JULY) WITH A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE ABS SYSTEM. THE GM DEALER DID NOT MENTION THE RECALL BUT MADE EXTENSIVE (AND EXPENSIVE) REPAIRS TO THE CAR. THE CAR EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN IN SEPTEMBER, WHEN IT LED TO THE FIRE. THIS WAS NOT ENOUGH TIME OR THE RIGHT SEASON FOR THE ABS TO DETERIORATE FROM SALT EXPOSURE SINCE THE JULY REPAIRS. MY CAR IS PROBABLY EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL BECAUSE IT IS REGISTERED IN VIRGINIA. IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED BECAUSE THE CAR IS REGISTERED IN FAIRFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA, LESS THAN 15 MILES FROM WASHINGTON, D.C. AND MARYLAND. FAIRFAX COUNTY IS FURTHER NORTH THAN MANY PARTS OF MARYLAND AND WEST VIRGINIA. THE REGION HAS THE SAME WEATHER CONDITIONS, LENGTH OF WINTER SEASON, AND EXPOSURE TO SALT AS WASHINGTON, D.C., WEST VIRGINIA, AND MARYLAND, WHICH ARE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. RESIDENTS OF THE AREA FREQUENTLY DRIVE IN THESE STATES, PARTICULARLY IN WASHINGTON, D.C. AND MARYLAND, WHERE MANY VIRGINIA RESIDENTS WORK, SHOP, AND SEEK ENTERTAINMENT.
Incident Sep 18, 2019
Service brakesFiled Sep 16, 2019
ANTI LOCK BRAKES ARE ACTIVATING ON THERE OWN WHEN TRYING TO STOP AND HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO CRASH 4 TIMES. I FINALLY PULLED THE ABS FUSE OUT THIS STOPPED IT BUT NOW I HAVE NO ABS IAM IN SOAP LAKE WASHINGTON IT SHOWS A RECALL BUT ONLY FOR A FEW STATES I BOUGHT MY SUBURBAN NEW IN BOISE IDAHO AND NOW RESIDE IN WASHINGTON STATE MY VEHACLE IS EFFECTED EXTREMELY BAD WITH THIS PROBLEM
Incident Mar 6, 2019
Service brakesFireFiled Apr 16, 2019
PASSENGER FRONT BRAKE IS LOCKING UP WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. HAS CAUSED NUMEROUS BRAKE PAD REPLACEMENTS AND CALIPER AND ROTOR REPLACEMENT. HAS CAUSE SMALL FIRE.
Incident Apr 16, 2019
Air bags, fuel/propulsion systemFiled Sep 3, 2018
CHRYSLER CANNOT FIND THE FUEL RAIL IN US OR CANADA. I CANT WALK AND HAD I NOT GOTTEN DISABLED AND HAD TO GO TO CANADA, AT FAMILIES DUE TO CHILD AND I BEING ASSAULTED AND INJURED. HAVE GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS SHOWING WE ENTERED COUNTRY DUE TO STATEMENT ABOVE. CAR NOT USED, GARAGED FOR SEVERAL YEARS BUT TURNED ON PERIODICALLY SO CAR WOULD NOT DIE AND FLUIDS CHANGED. WOULD HAVE FILED THE LEMON LAW BACK THEN! I AM LOOKING INTO ARBITRATION ,FTC OR MEDIA. I HAVE CONTACTED MECHANICS FOR RECEIPTS AND TESTIMONY. DUE TO ENGINE LIGHT NEVER GOING OFF , AIR BAG LIGHT,AND GEARS WOULD SWITCH THEMSELVES AND ALL DIALS WOULD GO CRAZY ALL THIS WORK HAS BEEN DONE: NEW COMPUTER STARTER CATALYTIC CONVERTER EVAP LEAKS, CHANGED PARTS NO BREAKS WHILE DRIVING, BREAKLINE BROKE GAS CAP, SENSORS MUFFLER TIRES 4 NEW BATTERY PLUS, PLUS, PLUS NOW NO PART, FUEL RAIL DISCONTINUED. CAR CAN GO ON FIRE IF DRIVEN. CAR ONLY HAS 65,000 ORIGINAL MILED CHRYSLER CUST. SVC, TOLD ME TO SELL IT TO SOMEONE ELSE. FUEL RAIL DISCONTINUED , SO THEY WILL GO ON FIRE?? OR SELL FOR SCRAP? CARS ARE SUPPOSED TO LAST MORE THAN 65,000.THIS IS NEGLIGENCE AND U HAVE ENDANGERED MY FAMILY MORE THAN ONCE. MECHANIC SAID LUCKY , CANT DRIVE AT ALL. IN PKG LOT. CANT WALK, NEED CAR. TRADE IT FOR ONE OF SIMILAR VALUE AND MILEAGE. SPENT NEARLY 7,000. FIXING. NOW DISABLED AND DONT HAVE MONEY. ALSO EXPECT REFUND FOR RADIO RECALL.
Incident Aug 23, 2018
Service brakesFiled May 10, 2018
NO WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH, BUT UPON BREAKING AT SLOW SPEED THE PEDAL EITHER PUSHES BACK OR THE BRAKES SLOW THE VEHICLE AT A FRIGHTENINGLY SLOW PACE, ALL WHILE THE ABS SYSTEM IS ON AS IF SLIDING ON ICE, BUT IT WAS AND IS DRY PAVEMENT. THIS HAPPENS 95 -100% OF EVERY BRAKING ATTEMPT. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC HE COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT TO FIX SINCE THE COMPUTER CODES WERE BOUNCING ALL OVER THE PLACE. I SEE THIS IS A PROBLEM AFTER I HAVE DONE RESEARCH ON THE WEB. I PULLED THE MAIN ABS 60 FUSE UNDER THE HOOD TO TURN OFF THE SYSTEM. THIS CAUSES THE BREAK WARNING FAILURE LIGHT TO COME ON BUT I CAN AT LEAST STOP THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A FAILURE ON A SAFETY SYSTEM (ABS) THAT ACTUALLY CAUSES A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE...AS EACH STOP IS A POTENTIAL CRASH.
Incident May 10, 2015
Engine, fuel/propulsion systemFiled Feb 10, 2018
WHETHER IT'S IDLING OR DRIVING SHUTS OFF I REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AND THE WIRING HARNESSES THAT COME WITH THE FUEL PUMP AND STILL NO AVAIL IT'S CAUSED A LOT OF TIME OFF OF WORK AND A LOT OF HEADACHE I WORK FOR A REPUTABLE DEALERSHIP I WORKED ON VEHICLES FOR OVER 40 YEARS
Incident Jan 1, 2016
Service brakesFiled Feb 4, 2018
BRAKE LINES RUSTED AND BRAKES FAILED TWICE WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO ACCIDENTS. FIRST INCIDENT WAS THE REAR BRAKE LINE BURST. I REPLACED THE RUSTED BRAKE LINE. FRONT BRAKE LINE BURST 6 MONTHS AFTER REAR BRAKE LINE WAS REPLACED. ALL FRONT BRAKE LINES WERE SO RUSTED, I REMOVED AND REPLACED ALL OF THEM AS A PRECAUTION. THE BRAKE LINES RUSTED IN AREAS WHERE THEY WERE CLAMPED, SO THAT SALT AND DIRT COULD NOT BE CLEANED OUT. BRAKE LINES WERE UNPAINTED BARE STEEL.
Incident Feb 2, 2018
Fuel/propulsion systemFiled Feb 4, 2018
WHILE REPLACING THE RUSTED BRAKE LINES ON MY SUBURBAN (SEE TRACKING NUMBER 11066863), I NOTICED THE FUEL LINES GOING TO THE FUEL FILTER WERE ALSO TERRIBLY RUSTED. IT APPEARS THE RUST EMANATES FROM THE PLASTIC CLAMP THAT SECURES THE FUEL LINE TO THE FRAME. THE TUBE NUT THAT GOES INTO THE FILTER APPEARS TO BE FROZEN WITH RUST. SALT AND DIRT ARE TRAPPED IN THE PLASTIC CLAMP AND NUT, WHICH IS IMPOSSIBLE TO WASH OUT. THE FUEL LINES ON TOP OF THE FUEL TANK ARE LIKELY TO BE RUSTED, TOO.
Incident Feb 4, 2018
Service brakes, hydraulic, service brakesFiled Oct 10, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 1500. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, MAKING LEFT AND RIGHT TURNS AT LOW SPEEDS, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED UNWANTED ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM ACTIVATION WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR MOUNTING SURFACE ON THE BEARING NEEDED TO BE CLEANED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 05V379000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Incident Nov 16, 2016
Service brakesFiled Sep 9, 2017
BRAKES FAILED WHILE DRIVING 60MPH ON HIGHWAY I-476 (PHILADELPHIA PA) WITH THE FAMILY IN THE VEHICLE. UPON BRAKING TO STOP FOR TRAFFIC, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT DIRECTLY TO THE FLOOR AND PUMPING THE PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES DID NOT RESULT IN ANY BRAKING OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER MANAGING TO GET THE VEHICLE TO A STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND THEN PUMPING THE BRAKE PEDAL SEVERAL MORE TIMES, BRAKE FLUID COULD BE SEEN COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AT BOTH THE AREA AROUND THE REAR AXLE AND THE AREA UNDER THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT. LATER, INSPECTION OF THE BRAKE LINES FOUND THEM ALL TO BE SEVERELY RUSTED. AFTER READING THAT THIS IS AN EXISTING PROBLEM WITH GM VEHICLES, IT IS GREATLY DISAPPOINTING, TO SAY THE LEAST, THAT NO NOTIFICATION OR RECALL WAS GIVEN. SUCH A SEVERE AND SCARY SAFETY PROBLEM SHOULD REQUIRE AT LEAST NOTIFICATION OF CUSTOMERS AND BETTER QUALITY DESIGN/CONTROL OF BRAKING COMPONENTS.
Incident Aug 4, 2017
Service brakesFiled Jul 9, 2017
CORRODED AND LEAKING BRAKE LINES. ABS ACTIVATING DURING LOW SPEED BRAKING.
Incident Feb 4, 2017
Service brakesFiled Mar 23, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL PULSATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE FAILURE DID NOT RECUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 220,000.
Incident Mar 23, 2016
Service brakesFiled Jan 13, 2017
WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES AT LOW SPEED I FEEL A CHATTERING LIKE THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES ARE ACTIVATED AND THE CAR WON'T STOP UNTIL I LET UP AND RE-APPLY PRESSURE TO THE PEDAL. I'VE COME CLOSE TO AN ACCIDENT MORE THAN ONCE.
Incident Jan 13, 2017
Service brakesFiled Jan 8, 2017
HAD MY TRUCK LOOKED AT BY ALL AMERICAN CHEVROLET IN 2014 AFTER I READ YOUR ARTICLE A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO, AND WHILE THEY SAID THE LINES LOOKED RUSTY UNDERNEATH THE TRUCK, THINGS LOOKED OK. THE GM EXEC [XXX] WAS ESTIMATING A $500 REPAIR COST, AND FIGURED IT WAS NO BIG DEAL WHEN I EVENTUALLY GOT TO THAT POINT. I ALSO READ THAT GM SAID IF A PROBLEM OCCURRED I'D NOT LOSE BRAKING BECAUSE IT WAS A DOUBLE SYSTEM, AND THAT I WOULD ALSO GET AN INDICATION ON THE DASH OF A PROBLEM. SADLY OVER THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY 2016, I EXPERIENCED A TOTAL BRAKE LINE FAILURE, AND LUCKILY NO ONE WAS HURT. THE REPAIR WAS NOT THE $500 ESTIMATED BY GM IT WAS OVER $2,000. "..G.M. DOES NOT COMMENT ON OTHER AUTOMAKERS? RECALLS, [XXX], A SPOKESMAN FOR G.M., WROTE IN AN EMAIL. [XXX] GM ADDED THAT GENERAL MOTORS HAD DEVELOPED A PARTS KIT LAST YEAR FOR THE BRAKE LINES..." ?THESE ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH DEALERS AND THE AFTERMARKET,? HE SAID. ?BASED ON TIME STUDIES, THE REPAIR INCLUDING LABOR SHOULD COST ABOUT $500. WE CAN ONLY SUGGEST HOW MUCH LABOR TIME THE REPAIR SHOULD TAKE.? I ALSO RECEIVED NO WARNING ON THE DASH OF THE TRUCK WHEN THE LINES FAILED, AND THE FLUID WAS POURING ONTO THE ROAD, I COULD SEE A TRAIL OF IT BEHIND THE CAR. LUCKILY I HAD KEPT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WELL MAINTAINED AND I DOWNSHIFTED THE TRUCK TO STOP AND HAD IT TOWED BY AAA TO THE SHOP. CAN WE TALK ABOUT THIS OR WHO AT GM SHOULD I SPEAK WITH? WHEN THE BRAKES FAILED I NEEDED TO GET THE TRUCK REPAIRED RIGHT AWAY AND THE COST WAS OVER $2200. [XXX] [XXX] *DL INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB
Incident Dec 24, 2016
Service brakes, hydraulic, service brakesFiled Dec 1, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HUB SENSOR ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 01/31/2017*CT
Incident Jan 7, 2008
TiresFiled Oct 31, 2016
TIRE SIZE P265/70R17DOT4BT6DYWR THE FOLLOWING NUMBERS SET OF 3 0611 ODD TIRE1711 THE OTHER ODD NUMBER 1711. PURCHASED TIRES IN 2012 ONLY 24000 MILES NOW THEY ARE CRACKED FOUND OUT THESE TIRES WERE MANUFACTURED IN 2011.I DRIVE TO THE AROLINAS AT THE MINIMUM OF ONCE A YEAR AND I DON'T APPRECIATE DRIVING THE MOUNTAINS WITH DEFECTIVE TIRES. NOW GOODYEAR WANTS ME TO TAKE TIRES OFF AND SEND BACK TO THEM BUT IN THE MEAN TIME I HAVE TO PURCHASE ANOTHER AT MY COST. THESE TIRE WERE PURCHASED IN HOLLY SPRINGS NORTH CAROLINA,TIRES WERE MANUFACTURES IN FAYETTEVILLE N.C. WOULD APPRECIATE ANY HELP YOU CAN OFFER. *TR
Incident Oct 7, 2016
EngineFireFiled Oct 28, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN. THE CONTACT SMELLED A SMOKE ODOR COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 193,337.
Incident Oct 26, 2016
Service brakesFiled Jul 6, 2016
WHILE DRIVING HOME, ON A HIGHWAY, I APPROACHED A TRAFFIC LIGHT THAT CHANGED AND I HAD TO HIT THE BRAKES TO STOP. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. AFTER GETTING IT HOME I CHECKED THE BRAKES AND THEY LOOKED AS THOUGHT THEY SHOULD WORK (NOTE IT WAS INSPECTED IN DEC 2015 AND PASSED). AFTER MORE CHECKING I FOUND THAT THE BRAKE LINES ON THE DRIVERS SIDE FRAME RAIL WERE RUSTED AND HAD FAILED AS THAT AREA WAS COVERED IN BRAKE FLUID. I PURCHASED MY 2002 Z71 SUBURBAN NEW THAT YEAR AND IT HAS LESS THAN 66,000 MILES ON IT NOW.
Incident Jul 2, 2016
Service brakesFiled Jun 15, 2016
ALL BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS LIGHT UP INTERMITTENTLY, I CAN MAKE THEM GO OFF SOMETIMES BY SHUTTING DOWN AND RESTARTING ENGINE, BUT NOT ALWAYS. RECALL # 05V379000 COVERS SAME MODEL YEAR VEHICLES IN THE "SALT BELT" STATES, CORROSION ISSUE! MY LOCAL DEALER SAYS THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE FOR BRAKE SENSOR PROBLEMS. BRAKES STILL FUNCTION NORMALLY EVEN WITH ALL WARNING LIGHTS "ON". I WANT THIS PROBLEM REPAIRED UNDER A SAFETY RECALL! I CAN'T ALLOW ANYONE ELSE IN THE FAMILY TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE UNDER THESE CONDITIONS. I AM A MECHANIC, NO ONE ELSE IN THE FAMILY WOULD KNOW WHAT TO DO IF THE BRAKES ACTUALLY DO FAIL WHILE DRIVING.
Incident May 10, 2016
EngineFiled May 12, 2016
THE ENGINE STOPS RUNNING WHILE DRIVING OR SITTING AT A STOP SIGN WITHOUT WARNING. HAS HAPPENED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, CITY DRIVING SPEEDS AND WHILE AT A STOP SIGN. SAME PROBLEM AS DESCRIBED IN RECALL ID: 07V521000. THE DEALER SAYS MY VEHICLE ISN'T COVERED IN THIS RECALL. WHY?
Incident May 9, 2016
Service brakesFiled May 9, 2016
WIFE WAS DRIVING THE TRUCK WITH HER MOTHER, WENT TO STOP AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR - LIMPED THE TRUCK HOME - CHECKED MASTER CYLINDER, ADDED FLUID AND WHEN WE PUSHED THE PEDAL, FLUID CAME POURING OUT THE CORRODED REAR BRAKE LINE - WHILE NO ONE WAS HURT THIS TIME, IT IS EASY TO IMAGINE HOW IT COULD OTHERWISE BEEN A DISASTER.
Incident May 8, 2016
Service brakesCrashFiled Apr 22, 2016
THE REAR BRAKE LINE FAILED FOR THE SECOND TIME AND CAUSED ME TO HAVE ACCIDENT. THE ISSUE IS THAT THE FRONT BRAKES DID NOT STOP THE VEHICLE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. WHEN THIS HAPPENED THE FIRST TIME 2009 THE DEALER CHANGED THE MASTER CYLINDER AND OTHER BRAKE COMPONENTS STATING THAT IS WHY THE FRONT BRAKES DIDN'T WORK HOWEVER THIS FAILURE WAS EXACTLY THE SAME AS THE FIRST INCIDENT ABSOLUTELY NO BRAKES.
Incident Apr 21, 2016
Fuel/propulsion systemFiled Apr 4, 2016
SOME DAYS MY TRUCK WILL NOT START SOME DAYS IT DOES FOR INSTANCE IT WILL START FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS CONSECUTIVELY AND THEN IT WONT START FOR 2-3 DAYS AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS OF JUST SITTING. I HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERY, THE ALTERNATOR , STARTER , FUEL PUMP AND I'M STILL EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM.THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR THE PAST COUPLE YEARS, LOST MY JOB BECAUSE OF NON RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION.
Incident May 30, 2015
Electrical system, air bags, seatsFireFiled Apr 1, 2016
THE CIRCUIT BOARD UNDER THE DRIVERS SEAT SHORTED OUT AND CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE THE CAR WAS OCCUPIED.
Incident Sep 26, 2015
Engine, fuel/propulsion systemFiled Mar 21, 2016
ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, MY FAMILY AND I WERE COMING HOME FROM TWO DIFFERENT TRIPS. THE FIRST TRIP WAS TO NEW ORLEANS FROM SOUTH TEXAS. ON OUR WAY HOME, WHILE DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY, OUR SUBURBAN SUDDENLY TURNED OFF. WE WERE DRIVING ABOUT 70 MPH. THE DRIVER IMMEDIATELY PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND STARTED THE VEHICLE AGAIN. IT TURNED ON. WE PULLED OVER TO A RESTING AREA AND OPENED THE HOOD, BUT WE WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE MALFUNCTION. IT HAPPENED ONCE MORE WHEN WE GOT HOME. THIS TRIP WAS DURING THE WEEK OF JULY 20TH, 2015. THIS PAST WEEKEND (MARCH 12-14, 2016), WE DROVE UP TO SAN ANTONIO FROM SOUTH TEXAS. WHILE WE WERE IN SAN ANTONIO ON THE EXPRESSWAY, THE VEHICLE TURNED OFF AGAIN. AGAIN, THE DRIVER PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND TURNED ON THE VEHICLE AGAIN. WE WERE ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OVER AND CHECK THE VEHICLE. AGAIN, WE WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT WAS CAUSING THE MALFUNCTION. I HAD RESEARCHED THIS PROBLEM ONLINE AND HAVE READ THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL PEOPLE WHO OWN A 2002 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN.
Incident Mar 14, 2016
Electrical system, engineFiled Mar 20, 2016
I HAVE HAD SEVERAL INCIDENTS IN TWO WEEKS THAT NEARLY CAUSED SERIOUS ACCIDENTS. I WOULD BE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, SLOW AND INTERSTATE DRIVING, WHERE THE ENGINE WOULD SUDDENLY LOSE ALL POWER AND THE BATTERY LIGHT WOULD COME ON. I WOULD HAVE TO STRUGGLE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE GLIDE TO THE SERVICE LANE WITHOUT CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THESE HAPPENED ALL TIMES OF DAY AND ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS AND CAUSED HAZARDOUS CLOSE CALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS THROUGH DIAGNOSTIC TESTING BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOUND TO HAVE A DEFECTIVE CRANK POSITION SENSOR. ATTACHED FOR YOUR INFORMATION IS A COPY OF THE INVOICE WHICH INCLUDES THE DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIRS REQUIRED. REVIEWING NHTSA COMPLAINTS THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT APPEARS TO HAVE HAPPENED MANY TIMES IN THE PAST WHICH NEEDS TO HAVE A NHTSA INVESTIGATION AND RECALL. PLEASE ADVISE IF IT WOULD HELP GET THIS PROBLEM ADDRESSED IF I SEEK LEGAL, LEGISLATIVE OR REGULATORY RELIEF. I LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR RESPONSE. THANK YOU. *TR
Incident Mar 4, 2016
Service brakesFiled Dec 7, 2015
THE PARKING BRAKE ON THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY SINCE NEW AND NOW I GET A REJECTION STICKER IN THE STATE WHERE I LIVE DUE TO THIS AND THEN HAVE TO SPEND MONEY TO REPAIR IT AND IT STILL DOES NOT WORK. IT WILL NOT HOLD EVEN ON THE SLIGHTEST INCLINE. VERY DANGEROUS.
Incident Jan 15, 2002
Service brakesFiled Nov 17, 2015
BRAKE LINE HAS CORRODED AND RUBBED A HOLE IN THE BRAKE LINE AND LEADED FLUIDED. HAS BEEN REPLACED AND IS RUBBING IN SAME PLACE ON FRAME AGAIN.
Incident Nov 17, 2015
Service brakesFiled Sep 29, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE ACTIVATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
Incident Sep 28, 2015
Service brakesFiled Sep 21, 2015
BRAKE LINE ROTTED OUT RESULTING IN NEAR COLLISION. SECOND FAILURE IN AUG. OF 2015 BOTH EVENTS WERE A NEAR COLLISION . THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN KEPT IN NEAR PERFECT CONDITION AS A HAULER FOR MY TRAILER, NOW FEAR TO USE AS ALL LINES LOOK BAD, SHOULD HAVE BEEN MADE OF A NON COROSSIVE MATERIAL. VEHICLE SPENT MOST OF IT'S LIFE IN VERMONT
Incident Sep 4, 2012
Service brakesFiled Sep 15, 2015
DRIVING IN CLOSE TRAFFIC (BUMPER TO BUMPER) UPHILL ON TWO LANE BRIDGE, BRAKE PEDAL JUST WENT TO THE FLOOR, AND NO BRAKES! FRANTICALLY, I WORKED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO THE TOP OF THE BRIDGE. GOING DOWN THE BRIDGE I COASTED (NO AREA TO PULL OFF), ONCE OFF THE BRIDGE AND SAFE TO PULL OVER I DID SO. NOTHING APPEARED WRONG, SO I TRIED THE BRAKES A NUMBER OF TIMES, AND DECIDED I COULD MAKE THE .5 MILE REST OF WAY HOME. ONCE THERE, I FOUND FLUID LEVEL DOWN OVER HALF WAY. AFTER SEARCHING FOUND HARD BAKE LINE HAD HOLDS IN IT. AFTER SEARCHING MY BRAKE LINES, THEY APPEAR TO ALL BE RUSTED BADLY. IN ALL THE VEHICLES I'VE OWNED, I'VE NEVER HAD BRAKE LINES FAIL LIKE THIS. IN SEARCHING THE WEB SITES I FIND THAT CHEVY MAY HAVE USED INFERIOR METALS FOR THEIR BRAKE LINES DURING THIS TIME FRAME. IF THIS IS TRUE, WHY HAVE THEY NOT TAKEN CARE OF CORRECTING THIS ISSUE? THANKS, CONCERNED.
Incident Sep 13, 2015
Fuel/propulsion systemFiled Sep 14, 2015
THE REAR FUEL TANK STRAP BROKE BY THE BOLT. THE STRAP THEN PIVOTED DOWN ONTO THE DRIVE SHAFT. THE ONLY REASON THE TANK DID NOT HIT THE ROAD IS BECAUSE OF THE STRENGTH OF THE FUEL FILLER HOSES FROM THE GAS CAP.
Incident Sep 4, 2015
Service brakesFiled Sep 13, 2015
MY ANTILOCK BRAKES ARE GOING OFF AT SLOW SPEEDS, ALMOST CAUSING ACCIDENT, GOING ABOUT 4-5 MPH, NEED TO KNOW IF MY VIN IS COVERED IN RECALL
Incident Aug 3, 2015
Service brakesFiled Aug 6, 2015
DRIVING DOWN L STREET IN OMAHA, NEBRASKA APPROACHING 96TH STREET. BRAKE PEDAL GOES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD JUST BEFORE LIGHT AT 96TH ST ON A SLIGHT HILL WHICH ASSISTED VEHICLE STOPPING. THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER WAS LOW. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO YECK'S AUTO IN BELLEVUE, NE. HAD I BEEN FOLLOWING OTHER VEHICLES CLOSELY OR APPROACHED A QUICK CHANGING YELLOW LIGHT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT HAVE STOPPED. YECK'S AUTO HAS SINCE DETERMINED THE BRAKE LINES FAILED. AFTER INTERNET INVESTIGATION YIELDS THAT GM HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS DEFECT. NO WARNING LIGHTS, NO INDICATION OF A PROBLEM. THIS VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED AT BEARDMORE CHEVROLET IN BELLEVUE, NE AT PRESCRIBED INTERVALS SINCE DAY 1. GM SAYING THIS IS NORMAL IS FRANKLY UNACCEPTABLE. HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE NOT BEEN AS LUCKY AS I WAS ON THIS DAY.
Incident Jul 31, 2015
Service brakesCrashFiled Jul 27, 2015
STARTED VEHICLE PUT IN REVERSE TO BACK UP AND WHEN APPLIED BRAKES THEY PEDAL WAS SOFT AND THEN WENT TO FLOOR AND VEHICLE HIT A TREE. BRAKE LINES ARE RUSTED SEVERELY.
Incident Jul 27, 2015
Service brakes, engineFiled Mar 25, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE BRAKES WOULD PULSATE AND INCREASE STOPPING DISTANCE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 07V521000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 05V379000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE CRANK SHAFT SENSOR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE BRAKE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,204. UPDATED 6/8/15*CN UPDATED 10/2/2017*CN
Incident Jun 17, 2008
Service brakesFiled Jan 10, 2015
WENT TO PRESS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO PUT THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. I PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK GOT OUT AND BRAKE FLUID WAS COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE CAR NEAR THE FRONT OF THE DRIVERS DOOR. *TR
Incident Sep 23, 2014
Service brakesFiled Jan 8, 2015
TRAVELING ON A 4-LANE HIGHWAY, 35 MPH, APPROACHING RED LIGHT IN LINE OF HEAVY TRAFFIC. I APPLIED THE BRAKES AND FELT THE PEDAL GO TO THE FLOOR. I STEPPED ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND WAS ABLE TO STOP THE TRUCK BEFORE HITTING THE VEHICLE AHEAD OF ME. SECOND INCIDENT: 2014. TRAVELING DOWN HILL TOWARD STOP SIGN. SAME SEQUENCE OF EVENTS AS ABOVE. I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT CHEV. SUBURBANS SOLD IN NEW ENGLAND HAVE STEEL BRAKE LINES! THIS IS MY 8TH SUBURBAN. FIRST EXPERIENCE WITH RUSTING EVERYWHERE UNDER CHASSIS, ESP. BRAKE LINES. *TR
Incident Jul 27, 2013
Vehicle speed control, electronic stability control (ESC), engineFiled Jan 3, 2015
TRAVELING ON HWY 35 IN DALLAS TEXAS AND MESSAGE APPEARED ON INSTRUMENT CLUSTER "REDUCED POWER MODE". VEHICLE SPEED DROPPED TO 20 MPH (POSTED SPEED WAS 70 MPH). HAD TO HAVE VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP AND A FIX HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. THE DEALER SO FAR HAS CHARGED ME $900 AND IT DID NOT FIX IT.THIS SAME PROBLEMS BEEN POSTED ON GM FORUMS, GM TRUCK FORUMS WITH THESE SAME RESULTS. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OR MAYBE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS FOR THIS ISSUE. IT IS VERY UNSAFE. *TR
Incident Nov 10, 2014
Service brakesFiled Jan 2, 2015
COMING UP TO A STOP LIGHT I NOTICED I NEEDED TO PUSH BRAKE PEDDLE FARTHER DOWN TO STOP. THE SAME FOR EACH STOP AFTER THAT. I KNEW THAT ANOTHER BRAKE LINE HAD FAILED. I HAD TWO REPLACE UNDER HOOD ABOUT A YEAR AGO. THIS ONE IS OVER FRAME MIDWAY BACK. *TR
Incident Jan 1, 2015
NHTSA crash ratings
2002 Chevrolet Suburban 4-DR. w/SAB
- Front, driver
- 4 out of 5 stars
- Front, passenger
- 4 out of 5 stars
- Side, front seat
- Not Rated
- Side, rear seat
- Not Rated
- Rollover
- 3 out of 5 stars
Rated under NHTSA's pre-2011 program, which scored each seat. These stars can't be compared with ratings from 2011 on.
Decode a 2002 Chevrolet Suburban VIN
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