Faults:
This truck has the infamous GM piston slap that I first started hearing around 50,000 miles.
The transmission has an intermittent shudder between 1st and second gear.
The steering column had a clunk that was repaired under warranty.
The drive line bangs and clunks loudly.
The brake rotors were replaced at 50,000 miles because they were falling apart.
Premature failure of universal joints, (40,000 miles).
Transfer case is very noisy in 4 wheel drive.
The truck is losing antifreeze so I suspect the intake manifold gaskets are failing.
The truck has been recalled for anti lock brake sensors and tailgate support cables.
I also have problems with chassis shake at certain speeds and uneven wear on the front tires.
General Comments:
The truck always starts, has never left me stranded and has lots of power, but with all of the problems, I don't enjoy driving it very much. I would like to get rid of it before some catastrophic failure kills it and costs major money to repair or replace it.
I was told that this model year was the first with 4 wheel disc brakes and those are best avoided.
This vehicle has knocked, clunked, banged and shuddered it's way to 107,000 miles. It is an embarrassment to GM.
I have gotten tired of the dealer and every repair shop telling me, "That's a common problem with these new GM trucks". I have tried to have these problems fixed, but due to the time and money involved have given up and will probably run it until it dies and not buy another one. The smell of anti freeze under the hood tells me that day may not be far off.
This 2002 Silverado has not been a positive ownership experience, compared to my 1991 GMC, this 2002 is a piece of junk.
8th Sep 2009, 11:25
I have a 02 Silverado V8 5.3 liter extended cab, and never had any problems. I haul huge loads with it that are over the limit, and I mud the crap out of it and I have not had a single problem. All my buddies have these trucks too, and they run perfectly fine.