Print this page

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
103,210 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2002 Chevrolet Tahoe electrical problems

electrical problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe:

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

2002 Chevrolet Tahoe Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #21

Apr 262019

Tahoe

  • 185,777 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This vehicle was leaking oil from the engine, front and back brakes were faulty, the starter was going bad, the electrical system for the back windows were not in working condition. The vehicle would display sensor lights to have the vehicle engine checked but then after about 2 days it would not show a displaying message it would also effect the audio fuse that allows the audio system to function. The tires were bald on the front driver side and left back passenger side. The seat belts were difficult to enter into latch in order to secure seatbelt.

- Hawthorne, CA, USA

problem #20

Jun 072019

Tahoe

  • miles
Seat caught on fire from wiring underneath.

- Carthage, MO, USA

problem #19

Sep 282016

Tahoe

  • 45,000 miles
During the past seven years, at random intervals ranging from days, months and years, my Tahoe will not start. I have had it checked by a Chevrolet dealer and an independent automotive shop. They are unable to replicate the problem. This happens when I stop the vehicle to get gas, park it to go shopping or to a doctor's office. I never know if it is going to start or not. I fear for the safety of my wife and son when they are operating the Tahoe in case this happens to them. At first, I thought it was just my vehicle. But, researching the internet today, I find that countless others have had this problem with a variety of GM and GMC vehicles -- primarily SUVS and pickup trucks. There are even videos by drivers who have had the same problem as I have experienced: The vehicle will not start. After waiting anywhere from 10 minutes to over an hour and continuously trying, the vehicles will start like nothing was wrong. I've had aaa mechanics whom I've called to tow my Tahoe witness this malady. I firmly believe GM/GMC should issue a recall and repair this problem before something tragic happens to someone who cannot start their vehicle when they are in a dangerous situation such as at night or in an intersection.

- Rolling Hills Estates, CA, USA

problem #18

Mar 282016

Tahoe

  • 220,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Purchased the truck brand new in 2002 and have had nothing but hell from it. We've had several issues, several breakdowns and stranded moments on the highway due to something malfunctioned in the fuel system that even Chevy couldn't figure out. It's been unreliable and given us hell the entire time we've owned it. We've dumped thousands $$ into repairs in the last 15 years. Most recently a new transmission after it went out on us towing a small trailer with a tow package that couldn't tow. We've dumped enough money into this truck to have purchased another truck brand new. On 3/28/16 the truck spontaniously caught fire and burned down while unoccupied and parked in our driveway. To add to the hardship we had just reduced the insurance to liability after carrying full coverage for the past 15 yrs. The truck is a total loss and now we are without transportation!! what happened Chevy?

- Tulsa, OK, USA

problem #17

Jul 012015

Tahoe

  • 180,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe. While driving at 45 mph, the ABS warning light illuminated. The contact applied the brake pedal and heard an abnormal noise. The vehicle was turned off and would not restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.

- Wagner, SC, USA

problem #16

May 062013

Tahoe

  • 120,167 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the key failed to turn to start the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the pass lock failed to work. The failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was able to restart after numerous attempts. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,167.

- Canal Winchester , OH, USA

problem #15

Oct 012005

Tahoe

  • 40,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I am the original owner of a 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe that experienced ABS cut-in at low speeds in dry weather in 2005 and was recalled under campaign 05V379000 / NHTSA action number : PE05020. The cut-in problem has recently returned, with exact same symptoms as before. I called GM as the original recall no longer appears to be in effect, but they do not appear to be willing/able to cover any repairs against that recall despite the corrosion treatment and lubrication obviously not being a permanent fix. Other GM vehicles impacted by the ABS issue and which are still in service will begin to experience similar failures and NHTSA and GM need to recognize the original issue has not been resolved and take action.

- Lexington, OH, USA

problem #14

Jul 172013

Tahoe

  • 205,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the engine could not be started. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the ignition switch was replaced. The contact was made aware of a manufacturer's recall pertaining to the ignition switch, however her VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 205,000.

- Rancho Santo Margarita, CA, USA

problem #13

Apr 162014

Tahoe

  • 175,000 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, the headlights suddenly failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the ignition switch was faulty and malfunctioned. The ignition switch was replaced and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 175,000.

- Teaneck, NJ, USA

problem #12

Apr 012009

Tahoe 8-cyl

  • 88,000 miles
In 2009 my ignition switch would not work.I would try 3 or 4 times to start the car and it would finally start. It occurred driving for about 1 hour over bumpy roads. I had weseloh Chevrolet diagnose it but they couldn't identify the problem. Finally they installed a new ignition switch and charged me 425.oo and it still shuts off. Now I fin D out they knew about this in 2003.my car is unsafe.they installe another defective ignition switch. The dealership is in carlsbad California.their phone number is[xxx] please help. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Carlsbad, CA, USA

problem #11

Mar 072012

Tahoe

  • 80,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times where the technician diagnosed that the ignition was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 80,000 and the current mileage was 104,000.

- Savannah, GA, USA

problem #10

Dec 182013

Tahoe 8-cyl

  • 187,000 miles
TL - the contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that the failure would occur intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure was unable to be replicated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage were 187,000. Rk updated 04/17/14 the consumer stated the ignition cut off while driving. Updated 05/20/14

- Many, LA, USA

problem #9

Jan 012014

Tahoe

  • 46,273 miles
The contact owns a 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that while driving various speeds, the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnosis or repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 46,273.

- Daly City, CA, USA

problem #8

Oct 152013

Tahoe

  • 135,000 miles
It started on Oct. 15, 2013, I went outside O start my truck and it would not start I had to get a jump for it to turn over. It happens everyday. I replaced the battery as well as the starter recently. I have to put it on charge every other night since something in the electrical system is causing it to drain. I have yet to find out what. There is nothing left on at night or when I park it during the day. I am trying to find out if there is a possible wiring issue that is causing something to kick back on & run when it is not started. I have heard other people complaining about the same issue for the same year Tahoe that I have; but there seems to be no one addressing it.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #7

May 182011

Tahoe 8-cyl

  • 118,000 miles
When the A/C fan is turned on..it begins to make a fluttering noise the whole time you are driving.( very loud). I have had to A/C belts to break because of this fluttering. The compressor must be locking up.

- Hillsborough, NC, USA

problem #6

Jun 012010

Tahoe

  • 95,000 miles
Due to the error in the fuel gauge(indicating more fuel than the vehicle had) the vehicle ran out of fuel on the interstate with my entire familty on board. This could have been a serious accident as I was unable to exit the freeway and was not given a low fuel indicator light. This error in fuel level could have resulted in serious injury and I request a oem recall to correct gauge or sensor errors, our fuel gauge is still not displaying accurate readings, we do not trust the gaure anylonger. We have also seen "wild gauge swings/listings" at random intervals

- Wichita, SC, USA

problem #5

Nov 102010

Tahoe 8-cyl

  • 139,000 miles
2002 Chevrolet Tahoe drivers seat heater shocking driver and burning holes through the seat and leather. This occurs whether the heater is turned off or on.

- Longview, TX, USA

problem #4

Jun 132005

Tahoe 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,950 miles
Turned A/C on and heard a rattle then a thumping sound. A/C still worked for two days then the A/C belt broke. This was a brand new belt. Mechanic replaced belt, drove across the street....compressor locks up and breaks the belt. Mechanic contacts GM and finds out that the fan clutch could go out, send a signal to A/C compressor causing to lock up. Replace fan clutch, replaced belt....again noise then belt breakage. The compressor is working then locks up for no reason. Putting in a new compressor, new belt, and the new fan clutch remains.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #3

Mar 012005

Tahoe

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Chevrolet Tahoe 2002, transmission failure. The consumer purchased a vehicle that once had a transmission problem, the consumer was told the transmission problem had been fully corrected. The consumer then found out that the transmission was never fixed and the vehicle has been in the shop for a total of 3 times. Not only was the vehicle slipping, slow to shift and exhibiting a noise when shifting from park to drive, there were other problems such as not being able to turn the key in the ignition, the seat warmed light illuminated when the button was pushed, the speakers were cracking loudly, the A/C light came on by itself, the moon roof rattled and was leaking, the cargo power switch did lock the doors within 5 seconds of the cargo door being closed, the handle on the third row seat fell off, the cigarette lighter was missing, and the rubber stripping on the cargo door was loose.

- San Leandro, CA, USA

problem #2

Dec 062004

Tahoe 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,251 miles
Went to start car so I could pick daughter up from a basketball game (11:30 P.M. on a Friday night) and the truck would not start. It would turn but got no fire to it. The following morning it did the same thing to include the Monday morning. Had it towed to dealer, it started on the first try when the tow truck let it down. They check it out, told me it was my fuel pump. Charged me $645. The following week (Sunday, the same thing occured again and I took it to another dealer on Monday and they checked it out, put it on the machine and no problem was noted by the machine. Service manager suggested that it could be the sensors because about every 300 miles or full tank of gas, it has started doing this. Suggested I bring it in next time when it does not start to see if they can detect the problem. Christmas day, it did not start as we were on our way out of town for a family christmas in another state. It did start the next day (Sunday) and was fine for the week until today (new year's eve). Again, had it towed to the last dealer and they checked it. It did not start the first time but it did the second try. Asked if I pumped the gas while trying to start it. I did not and they checked the vehicle out and again put it on the machine and it did not detect anything wrong. They asked that I make an appt. For Thursday so they keep it over night and see if it will start for them. All dealers were Chevrolet dealers. No additonal parts were placed on teh vehicle. Have steady oil changes, tire rotations and any and all services done in a timely manner. Since Dec 6 (first incident) it has not cranked on me 3 separate times.

- Douglasville, GA, USA

Read the next 1 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?