2002 GMC Sierra
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Brakes
Brakes leads by volume: 282 of 428 complaints (66%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (9) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed rose from 404 in 2001 to 428 in 2002.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | vs. 2002 Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,450–5,200 | 3,650–5,650 | 3,900–5,200 | 3,900–4,800 | 3,650–4,800 | |
| Combined MPG | 12–18 | 11–17 | 12–16 | 13–16 | 13–17 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 11–15 / 15–21 | 10–15 / 13–20 | 11–15 / 14–19 | 11–14 / 15–19 | 12–16 / 16–19 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 494–741 | 523–808 | 555–741 | 555–684 | 523–684 | |
| Complaints filed | 624 | 404 | 428 | 387 | 412 | |
| Recalls issued | 15 | 12 | 11 | 13 | 15 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 54 | 40 | 41 | 21 | 20 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 3 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 7 | |
| Injuries reported | 27 | 11 | 15 | 14 | 22 | |
| Deaths reported | 2 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 7 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2002 GMC Sierra have?
11 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2002 GMC Sierra?
Brakes: 282 of 428 NHTSA complaints (66%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2002 GMC Sierra get?
EPA rates it 12–16 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2002 GMC Sierra?
EPA estimates $3,900–$5,200 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (13)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 4.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 15 mpg (high) | 19 mpg (high) | 16 mpg (high) | $3,900 (low) | 555 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 5.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 13 mpg | 17 mpg | 15 mpg | $4,150 | 592 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 4.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 14 mpg | 18 mpg | 16 mpg (high) | $3,900 (low) | 555 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 4.8L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 14 mpg | 18 mpg | 15 mpg | $4,150 | 592 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Manual 5-spd | 8 | 4.8L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 14 mpg | 19 mpg (high) | 16 mpg (high) | $3,900 (low) | 555 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 5.3L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD | 13 mpg | 17 mpg | 15 mpg | $4,150 | 592 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 5.3L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 12 mpg | 16 mpg | 14 mpg | $4,450 | 635 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic 4-spd | 6 | 4.3L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 13 mpg | 17 mpg | 15 mpg | $4,150 | 592 g/mi |
| Configuration 9 | Manual 5-spd | 6 | 4.3L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 13 mpg | 16 mpg | 14 mpg | $4,450 | 635 g/mi |
| Configuration 10 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 4.8L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 13 mpg | 16 mpg | 14 mpg | $4,450 | 635 g/mi |
| Configuration 13 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 6.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 11 mpg (low) | 14 mpg (low) | 12 mpg (low) | $5,200 (high) | 741 g/mi (high) |
Show 2 more configurations
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 11 | Manual 5-spd | 8 | 4.8L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 12 mpg | 16 mpg | 14 mpg | $4,450 | 635 g/mi |
| Configuration 12 | Automatic 4-spd | 8 | 5.3L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD | 13 mpg | 16 mpg | 14 mpg | $4,450 | 635 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 28 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 23 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 282 | 30 | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| Steering | 22 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 39 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 14 | 9 | 0 | 9 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 33 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 11 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (11)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS · Campaign 09E025000 · May 11, 2009
Defect: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
WHEELS:HUB · Campaign 07E106000 · Dec 19, 2007
Defect: 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.
Consequence: WHEEL SEPARATION CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: 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.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL · Campaign 07E066000 · Aug 29, 2007
Defect: CERTAIN CEQUENT 90 DEGREE 7-WAY RIGHT ANGLE ADAPTORS SOLD BY DISTRIBUTORS IN TOW PACKAGES FOR AFTERMARKET SALES TO TOW 5TH WHEEL RV TRAVEL TRAILERS. DUE TO INCORRECT WIRING OF THE HARNESS, THE TRAILER LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.
Consequence: IF THE TRAILER LIGHTS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, A VEHICLE CRASH CAN OCCUR.
Remedy: ALL OF THE DEFECTIVE TOW PACKAGES ARE STILL AT THE DISTRIBUTOR LEVEL AND HAVE NOT BEEN SOLD TO ANY CONSUMERS.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR · Campaign 06E050000 · Jun 6, 2006
Defect: 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, THE GAP BETWEEN THE ABS SENSOR AND THE TONE WHEEL MAY BE ALTERED. THIS MAY WEAKEN THE OUTPUT OF THE ABS SENSOR. DIMINISHED OUTPUT COULD RESULT IN AN UNWANTED ABS ACTIVATION AT LOW SPEEDS AND STOPPING DISTANCE COULD BE AFFECTED.
Consequence: IF STOPPING DISTANCE IS LIMITED, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: 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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE · Campaign 06E043000 · May 22, 2006
Defect: 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 CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP · Campaign 05V379000 · Aug 29, 2005
Defect: 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 ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ONLY.
Consequence: THIS CAN CAUSE INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES DURING LOW-SPEED BRAKE APPLICATIONS, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: 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 SIGNAL IS WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 22, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
PARKING BRAKE · Campaign 05V161000 · Apr 22, 2005
Defect: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS AND BUILT WITH EITHER PBR PARKING BRAKE SYSTEMS OR TRW PARKING BRAKE SYSTEMS, THE PARKING BRAKE FRICTION LININGS MAY WEAR TO AN EXTENT WHERE THE PARKING BRAKE CAN BECOME INEFFECTIVE IN IMMOBILIZING A PARKED VEHICLE.
Consequence: IF THE PARKING BRAKE DOES NOT HOLD, UNINTENDED VEHICLE MOVEMENT COULD OCCUR, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A LOW-FORCE SPRING CLIP RETAINER FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A PBR PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM. ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE TRW PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM, DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REDESIGNED PARKING BRAKE CABLE ASSEMBLY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 29, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY · Campaign 04V562000 · Nov 24, 2004
Defect: ON CERTAIN VANS EQUIPPED WITH SURE-LOK WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT SYSTEMS, THE SPROCKET TEETH OF THE RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY IS OUT OF ALIGNMENT.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE WHEELCHAIR MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY SECURED POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURIES TO A WHEELCHAIR OCCUPANT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE WHEELCHAIR SECUREMENT RETRACTORS AS NECESSARY. SURE-LOK WILL HANDLE THE REPAIRS FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT SURE-LOCK AT 1-908-231-1804 OR MOBILITYWORKS AT 1-800-769-8267.
EQUIPMENT · Campaign 04E022000 · Mar 30, 2004
Defect: AFTERMARKET PICKUP TRUCK OVER-THE-RAIL BEDLINERS MANUFACTURED FOR INSTALLATION ON 1999-2004 CHEVROLET SILVERADO AND GMC SIERRA PICKUP TRUCKS. THE TOGGLE WING ASSEMBLY USED TO ATTACH THE BEDLINER TO THE TRUCK BED IS NOT ENGAGING FULLY IN THE STAKE POCKET OF THE PICKUP TRUCK.
Consequence: THE BEDLINER CAN BECOME DETACHED FROM THE PICKUP WHILE IT IS MOTION, POSSIBLY ENDANGERING FOLLOWING MOTORISTS OR PEDESTRIANS.
Remedy: DURAKON WILL ISSUE A PRESS RELEASE IN ATTEMPT TO NOTIFY CUSTOMERS THAT COULD HAVE PURCHASED THE DEFECTIVE BEDLINER. IF YOU PURCHASED EITHER A DURAKON ALLSTAR OF PATRIOT OVERRAIL BEDLINER SINCE AUGUST 1, 2003, FOR 1999 TO 2004 CHEVROLET SILVERADO OR GMC SIERRA TRUCKS, OR PURCHASED ONE OF THESE PICKUP TRUCKS WITH EITHER BRAND BEDLINER ALREADY INSTALLED, YOU SHOULD RETURN TO AN AUTHORIZED DURAKON DEALER SO THAT THE BEDLINER CAN BE INSPECTED AND, IF NECESSARY, REPAIRED WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED TOGGLE WING FASTENING SYSTEM, OR IF REQUIRED, REPLACED WITH A NEW BEDLINER FREE OF CHARGE. PLEASE CALL THE DURAKON HOTLINE AT 1-800-933-4200 TO FIND THE NEAREST AUTHORIZED DURAKON DEALER.
STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS · Campaign 04V129000 · Mar 22, 2004
Defect: ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE GALVANIZED STEEL TAILGATE SUPPORT CABLES THAT RETAIN THE TAILGATE IN THE FULL OPEN (HORIZONTAL) POSITION MAY CORRODE, WEAKEN, AND EVENTUALLY FRACTURE. IF BOTH CABLES FRACTURED, THE TAILGATE WOULD SUDDENLY DROP AND STRIKE THE TOP SURFACE OF THE REAR BUMPER.
Consequence: ANYONE SITTING OR STANDING ON THE HORIZONTAL SURFACE OF THE TAILGATE WHEN BOTH CABLES FRACTURED COULD BE INJURED BY FALLING FROM THE TAILGATE. ON VEHICLES THAT HAVE HAD THE BUMPER REMOVED, THE TAILGATE MAY DROP EVEN LOWER. ADDITIONALLY, IF THERE IS CARGO ON THE TAILGATE THE CARGO MAY FALL OFF IF THE SUPPORT CABLES FRACTURE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CABLES. INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON APRIL 7, 20004. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2004, WHEN REPLACEMENT PARTS WERE AVAILABLE, AND WILL CONTINUE THROUGH OCTOBER 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR VISIT WWW.MYGMLINK.COM, AND ENTER YOUR VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.
Show 1 earlier campaign
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY · Campaign 03V435000 · Oct 29, 2003
Defect: SOME 2WD AND 4WD PICKUP TRUCKS, CONVERTED TO EITHER DEDICATED OR BI-FUEL COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) FUEL USAGE, WERE ASSEMBLED WITH A THROTTLE CABLE THAT CAN CONTACT AND RUB THROUGH THE FLEXIBLE PRESSURIZED FUEL LINE CREATING A PINHOLE LEAK OF NATURAL GAS TO THE ATMOSPHERE.
Consequence: A STRONG ODOR OF NATURAL GAS MAY BE DETECTED FROM INSIDE THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY ACCOMPANIED BY A HISSING NOISE. IF THE NATURAL GAS WERE ACCIDENTALLY IGNITED, SERIOUS INJURY COULD RESULT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL SECURE THE THROTTLE CABLE TO ELIMINATE THE POSSIBILITY OF CONTACT WITH THE CNG FUEL LINE. THE CNG FUEL LINE, THROTTLE CABLE, AND CRUISE CONTROL CABLE ARE ALSO TO BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 11, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.