According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado has 2 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Unwanted ABS Activation in Salt-Belt Trucks — NHTSA Recall 05V379 and Brake / Fuel Line Corrosion and Failure (Rust-Belt Steel Lines) ($300-$1,200 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $300 to $1,200. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 1999-2002 Chevrolet Silverado, if you own a 1999-2002 Chevrolet Silverado that has spent its life on salted winter roads, this recall applies to your truck. NHTSA campaign 05V379000 was launched only in the salt-belt states (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 D.C.) because the defect is far more likely to show up where the environment is corrosive. The failure mode is unwanted antilock brake system activation: the ABS cycles when the driver has not lost traction. The consequence GM and NHTSA describe is increased stopping distance during low-speed brake applications, which could lead to a crash — the kind of situation an owner is most likely to meet pulling up to a stop sign or in traffic. The Silverado is one of several pickups and SUVs in the campaign, which totals 1,353,718 vehicles across all of them combined. Repairs started September 22, 2005.
Common Symptoms
ABS engaging unexpectedly during normal low-speed braking
Truck takes longer to stop in low-speed braking situations
How to Fix
Free of charge at any Chevrolet dealer. The dealer pulls the wheel speed sensor out, cleans the sensor's mounting surface on the wheel bearing thoroughly, treats that cleaned surface with rust inhibitor, greases it, refits the sensor, and finally measures the peak-to-peak output voltage to verify the wheel speed signal falls within spec. Run your VIN through nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm whether the work was ever performed on your Silverado, or call Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438.
On the 1999-2007 Chevrolet Silverado, gMT800 Silverados (and the related GM trucks/SUVs) in salt-belt states are widely reported to suffer rusted-through steel brake lines, leading to a sudden brake-fluid leak and loss of pedal/braking. NHTSA investigated ~6 million 1999-2003 GM trucks and SUVs after an owner petition; the agency closed it with no recall, concluding the coated-steel lines corroded at rates similar to peers. NHTSA logged 240 corroded-brake-line complaints for the 2004 Silverado/Sierra and 112 for 2006 alone. GM offered a pre-formed brake-line replacement kit via TSB (13-05-22-001) rather than a recall. Fuel lines on the same trucks rust similarly. Very high real-world demand because it is a safety failure on a hugely common older truck.
Common Symptoms
Soft / sinking brake pedal or pedal goes to floor
Loss of braking / longer stopping distance
Brake-fluid leak on the ground
Low brake fluid warning
Visible rust/scaling or weeping on steel lines
Fuel smell from rusted fuel line
How to Fix
Inspect all steel brake and fuel lines for scaling, pitting and weeping, especially over the rear axle and along the frame. Any line that is rusted, leaking, or that flakes under probing must be replaced — best practice is to replace affected lines (or the full set) with stainless-steel or coated pre-bent lines (GM offered a pre-formed kit). Do not drive a truck with a leaking brake line. Undercoating and washing the underbody after winter driving slows future corrosion.
GM IS RECALLING 857,735 MY 2006-2008 BUICK LUCERNE; CADILLAC DTS; HUMMER H2; MY 2007-2008 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; GMC ACADIA, SIERRA, YUKON, YUKON XL, SATURN OUTLOOK; AND MY 2008 BUICK ENCLAVE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED WIPER WASHER FLUID SYSTEM. A SHORT CIRCUIT ON THE PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE WASHER FLUID HEATER MAY OVERHEAT THE CONTROL-CIRCUIT GROUND WIRE.
Campaign #08V44100028/08/2008
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
K2 MOTOR IS RECALLING 1,921 AFTERMARKET HEADLAMPS OF VARIOUS MODELS SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS ARE MISSING THE AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTOR WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Campaign #08E05000011/08/2008
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.
Campaign #07E06600028/08/2007
WHEELS:HUB
CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.
Campaign #07E10600017/12/2007
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN AAI MOTORSPORTS COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LIST PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
What are the most common Chevrolet Silverado problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Unwanted ABS Activation in Salt-Belt Trucks — NHTSA Recall 05V379, Brake / Fuel Line Corrosion and Failure (Rust-Belt Steel Lines). Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Chevrolet Silverado reliable?
The 2002 Chevrolet Silverado has 2 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Unwanted ABS Activation in Salt-Belt Trucks — NHTSA Recall 05V379 and Brake / Fuel Line Corrosion and Failure (Rust-Belt Steel Lines). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Chevrolet Silverado problems?
Repair costs for known Chevrolet Silverado issues range from $300 to $1,200, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 1999-2002 Chevrolet Silverado Unwanted ABS Activation in Salt-Belt Trucks — NHTSA Recall 05V379?
If you own a 1999-2002 Chevrolet Silverado that has spent its life on salted winter roads, this recall applies to your truck. NHTSA campaign 05V379000 was launched only in the salt-belt states (Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Maine, Michig… Severity: high.
What is the 1999-2007 Chevrolet Silverado Brake / Fuel Line Corrosion and Failure (Rust-Belt Steel Lines)?
GMT800 Silverados (and the related GM trucks/SUVs) in salt-belt states are widely reported to suffer rusted-through steel brake lines, leading to a sudden brake-fluid leak and loss of pedal/braking. NHTSA investigated ~6 million 1999-2003 GM trucks and SUVs after an owner petitio… Repairs typically run $300-$1,200. Severity: high.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
