2002 Chevrolet Avalanche Structure Problems
Owners have filed 67 complaints with NHTSA about structure problems on the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche, 15% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 40,963 miles. The words owners use most often: “tailgate cables” (16% of reports).
- 67structure complaints
- 40,963median miles at failure
- 1mention a crash
- 4mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 30%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Tailgate cables: mentioned in 11 of 67 complaints (16%)
At what mileage do structure problems happen?
Based on 38 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 67 complaints, 1 mention a crash, 4 an injury.
Chevrolet Avalanche structure complaints by model year
| Model year | Structure complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Avalanche | 19 | 23% | 59,586 |
| 2012 Avalanche | 2 | 6% | 50,700 |
| 2011 Avalanche | 23 | 18% | 50,000 |
| 2010 Avalanche | 16 | 14% | 52,042 |
| 2009 Avalanche | 8 | 11% | 69,000 |
| 2008 Avalanche | 44 | 17% | 64,000 |
| 2007 Avalanche | 75 | 20% | 75,000 |
| 2006 Avalanche | 1 | 9% | 142,000 |
| 2005 Avalanche | 3 | 4% | 82,293 |
| 2004 Avalanche | 7 | 4% | 9,000 |
| 2003 Avalanche | 9 | 4% | 8,389 |
| 2002 Avalanche | 67 | 15% | 40,963 |
| 2000 Avalanche | 1 | 50% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Structure:body:tailgate:hinge and attachments
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 chevrolet avalanche. The contact stated the brake and fuel lines was rusted and leaking fluid. In addition, the contact stated that the frame was rusted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was…
When we purchased a 2002 chv avalanche, it was equipped with onstar. When everything went digital, we were told by the dealer that they did not have a conv kit for our model. Since we travel, what optons d we have of getting onstar to replace our equipment. We have everythin except the phone, i…
The handles to the bed covers have deteriorated completely off. Not all of them as of this writing but soon they all will fall off at the connection at the side of the bed. The corrosion is happening rapidly. I rarely take them off, so it is not from wear and tear. I do not haul things in the bed…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2002 Chevrolet Avalanches have structure problems?
No. NHTSA has 67 owner complaints about structure for the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche (15% of the 444 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche structure?
Yes: 1 safety recall list structure. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do structure problems start?
The median reported mileage is 40,963 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about structure problems on the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche?
The most frequent phrase is “tailgate cables”, in 11 of 67 complaints.
Other 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche problems
See all 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche problems or structure problems across all Avalanche years.