2002 Gmc Sierra 3500 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Service Brakes, Hydraulic (2) · Parking Brake (2) · Fuel System, Gasoline (2)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Gmc Sierra 3500 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (158)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Unknown Or Other 2025-07-18 · PIP5601C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this pi communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from tac.
Engine 2024-12-18 · 03-06-01-023I · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
Engine 2024-10-07 · 03-06-01-023H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
Electrical System 2024-08-26 · General Communication · Service Campaign
vehicle wide programming (vwp) is a new process to update software on gm vehicles. it provides the ability via a single selection within techline connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). the updating of modules is com
Power Train 2024-07-24 · 24-NA-141 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
gm is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. the damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. this bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions durin
Fuel/Propulsion System 2024-06-28 · 16-NA-383 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, crank no start, extended crank or misfire, mil with dtcs, and explains how top tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
Showing the 6 most recent of 158 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2016-04-22 · Engine · 120,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2002 gmc sierra 3500. while operating the vehicle, the odor of fuel was noticeable inside the cabin. upon inspection, the contact discovered fuel had leaked from the vehicle onto the ground. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repair…”
2015-10-30 · Unknown Or Other · 101,000 mi“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.…”
2015-06-30 · Fuel/Propulsion System · 85,118 mi“while driving down a very busy street, the engine died. i lost all my power steering and brake. i was very lucky that i was not on a very busy highway. i had it towed to hedrick's chevrolet in clovis ca. it took 2 days for them to check it out. they said when they went to bring it in to the shop it started up and they could not find anything wr…”
2013-07-21 · Suspension · 137,000 mi“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…”
2013-02-11 · Vehicle Speed Control · 154,163 mi“ 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…”
2012-07-12 · Service Brakes“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…”
2011-01-19 · Fuel System, Gasoline · 80,000 mi · 🔥 fire“tl* the contact owns a 2002 gmc sierra 3500. while driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle began to smoke and lose power abnormally. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the fuel filter was replaced. the failure recurred in less than one year. the vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was advised that there were thre…”
2009-01-27 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · 49,100 mi“tl*the contact owns a 2002 gmc sierra 3500. while driving 15 mph, the antilock brake system began to activate in normal weather conditions. as a result, the brakes began to tremble. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, but they were unable to determine the cause of the failure. the vehicle was taken to a local repair shop and a technician state…”
2008-07-01 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · 42,050 mi“my abs brakes prevent my truck from stopping at slow speeds. *tr…”
2007-10-16 · Air Bags:frontal · 78,000 mi · 💥 crash“tl*the contact owns a 2002 gmc 3500. while driving 35 mph, the contact swerved to avoid a deer and struck a concrete wall. none of the air bags in the vehicle deployed. the vehicle was towed from the scene. the contact stated that there was minor damage to the vehicle. a police report was filed. the vehicle has not been inspected. the purcha…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.