2002 Chevrolet Tahoe: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe: 3 recalls, 449 owner complaints and up to 15 mpg combined.
Recalls
3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 3 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seats Vehicle recall #02V253000 · 2002 · 558,904 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with rearward folding head restraints on the second row seats, two potential pinch points exist on each of the folding head restraints when the restraints are folded rearward as the seatback is folded down.
Why it matters: If a person were to insert their finger(s) into the pinch point when the head restraint folds, it could trap and pinch the finger(s) causing injury.
The fix: Dealers will install protective covers over the pinch points. Owner notification began November 8, 2002.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #03V094000 · 2003 · 3,674 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: This overheating condition can cause the running board to melt or cause a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the wiring harness on these running boards. Owner notification began March 7, 2003.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #05V379000 · 2005 · 1,353,718 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: This can cause increased stopping distances during low-speed brake applications, which could result in a crash.
The fix: 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…
3 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E026000 · 2006 · 61,944 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
The fix: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006.
Fuel system Equipment recall #06E043000 · 2006 · 88,303 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006.
Wheels Equipment recall #07E106000 · 2007 · 130,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Wheel separation can result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Federal-mogul will notify customers and will replace the hub assembly free of charge. The recall began on February 7, 2008. Owners can contact federal-mogul toll-free at 877-489-6659.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 8 mention a fire, 45 injuries and 4 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (90): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (39).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (68): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (20), brake failure / soft pedal (15).
- Steering (40): the most common themes are steering problems (39), noise or vibration (21).
- Tires (37): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (35), leaks (3).
The 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe has 449 owner complaints, ranking #9 of 36 Tahoe model years for complaints (1.6× the average Tahoe year). Complaints peaked in 2014 (52 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 80,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (512 complaints, 5 recalls), 2003 (507 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.8 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 4.8 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 16 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 16 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 14 | Gasoline or E85 |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe, plus 3 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe problems?
Owners have filed 449 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (90), brakes (hydraulic) (68), steering (40).
What gas mileage does the 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe get?
EPA ratings run up to 15 mpg combined (4.8 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.