2002 GMC Sierra 3500 problems & reliability
20 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2002 GMC Sierra 3500, alongside 2 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
1 complaint report injuries (1 injured).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes | 4 | 20% |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 3 | 15% |
| Parking Brake | 3 | 15% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 3 | 15% |
| Suspension | 3 | 15% |
| Air Bags | 2 | 10% |
| Fuel System, Diesel | 2 | 10% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 2 | 10% |
| Tires | 2 | 10% |
| Engine | 1 | 5% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
All 14 reported components →Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“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…”
Engine · filed Apr 22, 2016
“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.”
Service Brakes · filed Oct 30, 2015
“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…”
Fuel/propulsion System · filed Jun 30, 2015
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- HYDRAULIC PUMP SHAFT FAILURES
Preliminary Evaluation PE04004 · opened Jan 8, 2004 · closed Apr 30, 2004
Technical service bulletins
158 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2002 GMC Sierra 3500. The 10 most recent:
This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
PIP5601C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 18, 2025
This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
03-06-01-023I · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Dec 18, 2024
This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
03-06-01-023H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 7, 2024
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…
General Communication · Service Campaign · issued Aug 26, 2024
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…
24-NA-141 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 24, 2024
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…
16-NA-383 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 28, 2024
This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
18-NA-099 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 17, 2024
This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and…
24-NA-098 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 6, 2024
This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
10-08-45-001H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 28, 2024
This bulletin advises the technician of possible location of an internal coolant leak from a specific cylinder head and location.
06-06-01-019C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 14, 2024
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2002 GMC Sierra 3500 has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2002 GMC Sierra 3500?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.