MotorDeets

2002 GMC Sierra 2500: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2002 GMC Sierra 2500: 1 recall, 134 owner complaints.

1vehicle recalls
134owner complaints
10mention a crash
–best combined mpg
2002 GMC Sierra 2500
Photo: Elise240SX · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

1 vehicle recall 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.

Interior lights Vehicle recall #01V220000 · 2001 · 38,863 vehicles

What's wrong: 6l diesel engines fail to comply with requirements of fmvss no. 105, "hydraulic and electric brake systems." these vehicles have a brake system warning light in the instrument cluster that May not illuminate when the brake fluid is low. In addition, when the brake fluid is low, the vehicle May not meet the partial system requirements of fmvss no. 105.

Why it matters: These conditions could result in reduced braking capability, which could lead to a crash.

The fix: Dealers will change the location of a wire connection in the underhood bussed electrical center. Owner notification began July 9, 2001.

3 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Steering Equipment recall #06E010000 · 2006 · 1,360 vehicles

What's wrong: Certain fabtech aftermarket replacement pitman arms, p/nos. Fts71000 and fts71001, installed for use on certain 2001-2006 gm c/k 2500 pick up trucks and sport utility vehicles. The pin located inside the pitman arm can shear off due to a reverse bending fatigue condition, resulting in a total loss of steering control.

Why it matters: Loss of steering control could lead to a vehicle crash with potential injury or death.

The fix: Fabtech will notify owners and replace the pitman and idler arms free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during February 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.

Brakes (air) Equipment recall #06E050000 · 2006 · 6,800 vehicles

What's wrong: Certain federal-mogul national and carquest aftermarket hub assemblies, p/n 515058, sold for use on 2001-2006 general motors 1500 and 2500 4wd trucks. On the subject hub assemblies, the ABS sensor cord departs from the hub assembly at a 90 degree angle. As a result, there is a fit issue with the brake rotor dust shield interfering with the ABS sensor cord. If the hub assembly is installed despite this interference,…

Why it matters: If stopping distance is limited, a vehicle crash could occur.

The fix: Federal-mogul will notify its owners and will either credit the customers account or replace the unit. The recall is expected to begin during June 2006. Owners can contact federal-mogul customer service at 1-800-563-8507 ext 3530.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 8 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.

Brakes (hydraulic)44
Brakes32
Transmission & drivetrain14
Engine & cooling11
Steering9
Fuel system6
Body & structure5
Tires5

What owners describe

The 2002 GMC Sierra 2500 has 134 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 31 Sierra 2500 model years for complaints (2.3× the average Sierra 2500 year). Complaints peaked in 2010 (17 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 8 years old, at a median of 85,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (134 complaints, 2 recalls), 2003 (160 complaints, 0 recalls).

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 GMC Sierra 2500.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2002 GMC Sierra 2500 manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2002 GMC Sierra 2500 manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2002 GMC Sierra 2500 manual

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FAQ

Does the 2002 GMC Sierra 2500 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2002 GMC Sierra 2500, 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 GMC Sierra 2500 problems?

Owners have filed 134 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (44), brakes (32), transmission & drivetrain (14).

Where can I get a 2002 GMC Sierra 2500 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.

Other Sierra 2500 years

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