10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
21 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
8 / 0
Average Mileage:
36,337 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 3500:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #59

Jun 052005

Silverado 3500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles
The anti- lock brake system activated at low speeds when there were no slippery conditions. Consumer can hear the ABS when it comes on. It results in extended stopping distance.

- Rome, NY, USA

problem #58

Feb 262005

Silverado 3500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 19,900 miles
Per NHTSA action number PE05-020, I have experienced on more than one occaision the failures described in the aforementioned bulletin. Failures occurred subsequent to dealership's performing the following work under warranty: Replacement of failed front end bearings, seals, pinions and related components. Dealership's position has been one of denial and dismissal of the complaint. Chevrolet only offers reimbursement for repairs if this becomes a recall issue. Because this is a braking issue and a safety issue not only for my family and self, but other motorists, it obviates justification of recall status.

- Superior, WI, USA

problem #57

Mar 012005

Silverado 3500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The consumer stated the ABS failed. The ABS kicked in when it was not needed at low speeds. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle has not been to a service dealer yet. The consumer was waiting to see what happens with the investigation of the ABS system.

- Fulton, NY, USA

problem #56

Nov 152004

Silverado 3500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The cosumer owns a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The problem is the ABS. When getting down to 2-3 mph the ABS comes on, and will almost cause an accident. There is an open NHTSA investigation, PE05020. Parts in the ABS have replaced.

- Oswego, NY, USA

problem #55

Jun 282005

Silverado 3500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 112,000 miles
2002 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, the vehicle brakes and rotors are excessively worn out and corroded to the point of failure, the emergency brake will not stop or hold the vehicle in place, and the consumer has only put 12,000 miles on the vehicle, consumer has contacted the manufacturer. They told consumer that there was no recall on this issue, the manufacturer gave the consumer a service request order # 1-346253-537. There were no other safety issues with the vehicle at this time.

- Hartford, CT, USA

problem #54

May 272005

Silverado 3500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 41,000 miles
2002 Chevrolet Silverado Z71. The anti lock brakes are not working correctly, when the consumer pushed on the brake pedal the vehicle continues to move, the consumer almost hit another vehicle. The consumer had to put the vehicle into park to stop it. The consumer took the vehicle to a garage, and the mechanic ran a diagnostic test on the vehicle, the test came out negative. The brakes failed without warning. The ABS light comes on when the vehicle starts up, but it fails to come on when the ABS brakes fail. This is the only problem with the vehicle. This problem has occurred multiple times. The vehicle is no longer under warranty.

- Colfax, IN, USA

problem #53

Jun 172005

Silverado 3500 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,500 miles
On June 17, 2005, I felt the brake pedal of my 2002 Chevrolet Silverado truck [xxx] pulsate when I came to a stop at the bottom of the exit ramp from I-75. This lasted for a couple of seconds, and the truck took a couple of extra feet to stop. I had a similar problem on my 1998 Chevy lumina several months ago and the ABS warning light came on. That problem cost over $ 500 to repair. The lumina had 49K miles, but the truck only has 18.5K miles. The only thing in common with these two vehicles is that I switch off on driving them, sometimes letting one or the other stay parked for a week or two, depending on what kind of work I am doing. This time, with the Silverado, no ABS or brake warning lights ever came on, so I assumed that the system had just detected some minor sliding of one of the wheels as I was coming to a stop, possibly from some loose gravel or rocks. Later that day, I decided to stop at the local home depot, on my way home from work. When I pulled into a parking spot, I pushed on the brake pedal and could hear the ABS pump (?) working very hard. The brake pedal would not move at all, and the brake system did not seem to be stopping any of the wheels. I only had a fraction of a second to react, so I threw the transmission into reverse. This stopped the forward motion of the truck, and I put it into park, before it could move any more. I ended up stopped about a foot from the rear bumper of the car in the space ahead of me. If a pedestrian had run out in front of me earlier, and I had been unable to stop, they might have been killed. Through all this, none of the ABS, brake, or check engine warning lights ever came on. I do not think that a vehicle with this low mileage should have such a potentially fatal problem, and the ABS components should not corrode, as they did in the lumina, and possibly in the Silverado, if the vehicle is not driven regularly. I am extremely fortunate that no one was injured or killed. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 5

- Flat Rock, MI, USA

problem #52

Mar 152005

Silverado 3500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,957 miles
The exact problem you describe in investigation #PE05-020. I came within inches of hitting a parked car. I spent $266.30 to have the ABS sensors cleaned. This should require a recall: This is a very serious problem.

- West Seneca, NY, USA

problem #51

May 102005

Silverado 3500 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 119,000 miles
At low speeds the ABS kicks in and the vehicle is hard to stop. Usually occurs about 5-10 mph. This problem occurs under all weather and driving conditions. It doesn't matter if the vehicle is turning or going straight. The vehicle has 4 wheel antilock. The owner has not called the dealer yet. Vehicle is regularly serviced but has not been tested yet. No warning light illuminated. A vibration could be felt and heard in the brake pedal.

- Madison Heights, MI, USA

problem #50

Jun 052005

Silverado 3500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,000 miles
Vehicle brakes do not function correctly at low speed. Apparently an ABS malfunction caused by corrosion of an ABS sensor. Vehicle would not stop causing me to run over a curb.

- Lockport, NY, USA

problem #49

May 072005

Silverado 3500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 39,500 miles
The problem began about a month when coming to a stop sign, and after applying brakes extended stopping distance was required, and brakes shuddered. Vehicle was regularly serviced. The ABS light did not come on. Happened in all driving conditions under normal braking conditions. Owner believed they were 4 wheel anti lock brakes. The problem is intermittent, happening about every other time the brakes are applied at slow speeds. At about 5 mph. Dealer stated that the ABS sensors were dirty, and had to be cleaned. Owner replaced the brakes at 30,000 miles, and brakes began to cause problems after the installation of new brakes. ABS sensors failed and was not covered in warranty. Rear rotors replaced at 30,000 miles when being replaced chunks of metal fell off dealer said consumer was lucky to get 30,000 miles out of them.

- North Grandville, NY, USA

problem #48

May 242005

Silverado 3500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 6,950 miles
Dt; problems with ABS brakes. Without warning the brakes kicked in at a low speed, and the truck made a lot of noise and vibrated. Saw a news report on the ABS brakes. Dealer said they have not yet heard from GMC on this problem. Manufacturer said there was no recall.

- Hopedale, MA, USA

problem #47

Feb 122005

Silverado 3500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 33,000 miles
2002 Chevy Silverado. When the consumer applied the brakes, the ABS activated. The ABS activated on dry roads as well. Sometimes when this happened the ABS popped the brake pedal up and the consumer would not be able to stop the truck. Sometimes the consumer had to place the gear into park just to stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who said it was a wheel speed sensor issue. The vehicle has not been repaired.

- Brighton , MI, USA

problem #46

May 132005

Silverado 3500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 49,800 miles
Dt; while driving down the road on dry pavement the consumer attempted to stop the vehicle, but discovered there were no brakes. When the ABS kicked in, the consumer nearly ran into back of another vehicle. The ABS just took over at a low speed, it has been doing this since last Friday. No repair has been done. The consumer called the dealer and informed them of the problem.

- Twin Lake, MI, USA

problem #45

Nov 152004

Silverado 3500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles
Consumer states: The vehicle doesn't stop properly. Checked rotors and found has build-up from corrosion. The brake pads are not contacting the rotors on the rear brakes. Getting progressively worse.

- Buffalo, MO, USA

problem #44

May 122005

Silverado 3500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Dt contact stated that the brakes in his vehicle were not working correctly. When the contact applied the brakes, the anti lock brake system kicked in. When the brakes were applied the vehicle slowed down, but did not completely stop for about 2-3 feet.

- Hilman, MI, USA

problem #43

Nov 012004

Silverado 3500 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The contact is having problem with her ABS brakes she says that when you go to stop and use the brakes you can't use them because they ease up and freeze. When she pushed on the pedal it locked up and made a noise and they will not work. The only thing prior to the failure is the noise that she hears. The vehicle is a four wheel drive. The failure has almost caused quite a few accident's.

- Metamora, MI, USA

problem #42

Apr 012005

Silverado 3500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 17,684 miles
The ABS system, the bearings went out on both side in the front on both tires. Could hear popping on brakes before they failed. They went out while driving. The consumer had brakes repaired and paid out of pocket. They replaced both sides of brakes today.

- Hornell, NY, USA

problem #41

Jul 012004

Silverado 3500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 15,000 miles
ABS brakes are terrible. Took vehicle to the dealer. Had a few close calls, hit someone in the rear end, slowed vehicle down, but didn't stop it. ABS brakes feel spongy, they are not adequate for this truck.

- Gloucester , MA, USA

problem #40

May 092005

Silverado 3500 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles
I am experiencing undesired application of the anti-lock brake system on my 2002 Chevrolet Silverado pick up truck due to faulty wheel hub speed sensors. It started out as a once in a while thing a couple months ago and is now an almost routine occurance on almost every braking. When the ABS applies, the stopping distance is almost doubled. This occurs at speeds below 10mph, which is when you are usually closing the range on whatever you're trying to stop for. Aside from having it checked over by a local Chevrolet dealer, nothing has been done to correct the failure. The cost estimate has ranged from $300 up to over $1,000. I was told the problem was corrosion related due to being kept outside and driven on dirt roads, etc. The truck was purchased from my uncle who drove it on paved roads, kept it in a heated garage, and it has seen only occasional exposure to road salt. It is only in the last year that is has been parked outdoors on a regular basis. I have not done the repairs as I am going to persue it with GM to pay for them since this is a very common problem and is no way related to anything I've done, as well as being out of my budget if the cost becomes excessive.

- Midland, MI, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »