CarBrief

The 2002 Avalanche has 598 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, the highest of any Avalanche model year in the list[1][2]. Brakes are the biggest group, with 290 complaints[3].

598owner complaints[1]
2recalls[2]
13–14MPG combined (EPA)[4]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 598 owner complaints on file for this truck[1]. These are unverified reports, and one complaint can name more than one component. Of the 598, 53 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 47 injuries and 4 deaths[1].

Component group Complaints Crashes Median miles at failure
Brakes[3] 290 23 80,000
Structure[5] 78 2 43,000
Engine[6] 45 0 48,000
Tires[7] 38 1 38,000
Power train[8] 31 0 71,697
Air bags[9] 30 28 81,606
Electrical system[10] 28 1 67,000
Visibility[11] 24 0 41,500

Brakes. This is the largest group, with 290 complaints, 23 crashes and 10 injuries[3]. In the sample of complaints we read, owners describe the ABS failing or the pedal dropping to the floor while braking, and some of those reports end in a crash or rollover. A few others describe a parking brake that failed, a broken brake line or uneven rear brake wear[3].

Structure. NHTSA lists 78 complaints, with a median of 43,000 miles[5]. In the sample we read, owners describe water leaking into the cabin, some saying repeated dealer visits did not stop it. A few describe a fluttering wind noise at highway speed[5].

Engine. There are 45 complaints and none mention a crash[6]. Owners in the sample describe the engine using oil, with dealers running consumption tests. A few describe the truck stalling while driving[6].

Tires. NHTSA lists 38 complaints[7]. In the sample we read, owners describe a spare tire that is a different size from the four main tires and worry it is unsafe to use. Some others describe blowouts or tread separation[7].

Air bags. There are only 30 complaints, but 28 of them mention a crash and 31 injuries are listed[9]. Power train, electrical system and visibility each have 31 complaints or fewer and 1 crash or none[8][10][11].

Recalls

Fuel economy

The EPA lists two ratings, both for a 5.3L 8-cylinder engine with a 4-speed automatic and regular fuel[4][14].

Drive City / highway / combined MPG EPA annual fuel cost
Rear-wheel drive (2WD)[4] 13 / 17 / 14 $4,800
4-wheel drive (4WD)[14] 12 / 15 / 13 $5,150

The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the truck was new. The 4WD version costs more to fuel than the 2WD[4][14].

Safety ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings list a rollover rating of 2 stars for this truck[15].

Engine and size

The EPA lists a 5.3L 8-cylinder engine for both drive types[4][14]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada via NHTSA, converted to inches and pounds, and can differ slightly from US trucks[16][17][18][19].

Variant Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Avalanche 1500 2WD[16] 222 in 79 in 73 in 130 in 5,412 lb
Avalanche 1500 4WD[17] 222 in 79 in 74 in 130 in 5,666 lb
Avalanche 2500 2WD[18] 222 in 79 in 73 in 130 in 5,514 lb
Avalanche 2500 4WD[19] 222 in 79 in 74 in 130 in 5,754 lb

How 2002 compares with other years

2002: 598 complaints, 2 recalls59820022003: 386 complaints, 4 recalls20032004: 309 complaints, 5 recalls20042005: 200 complaints, 4 recalls20052006: 50 complaints, 2 recalls20062007: 490 complaints, 5 recalls20072008: 295 complaints, 4 recalls20082009: 96 complaints, 5 recalls20092010: 117 complaints, 3 recalls20102011: 155 complaints, 5 recalls20112012: 52 complaints, 3 recalls20122013: 111 complaints, 3 recalls2013
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Avalanche model year. The 2002 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20025982
20033864
20043095
20052004
2006502
20074905
20082954
2009965
20101173
20111555
2012523
20131113

The 2002 model year has the most complaints of any Avalanche year in NHTSA's list, 598[2]. The next highest is 2007 with 490, and the lowest is 2006 with 50[2]. From 2009 on, each year lists between 52 and 155 complaints[2].

Recalls are a different picture. The 2002 model year has 2 recalls, tied with 2006 for the fewest, while the other years list 3 to 5[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold, so they show where reports pile up, not how likely a failure is[2].

Should you buy a used 2002 Avalanche?

The 2002 Avalanche has the highest complaint count of any Avalanche year in NHTSA's list, and brakes lead it with 290 complaints[2][3]. Those are unverified reports, but the sample we read includes ABS and brake pedal problems that ended in crashes[3]. The two recalls each describe a dealer fix, and the ABS recall was launched only in listed states, so ask a dealer whether your VIN is covered[12][13]. Fuel economy is rated 13 city MPG for 2WD and 12 for 4WD[4][14]. If you already own one, have the brakes inspected, and if you are buying, get a pre-purchase inspection.

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 2002 Chevy Avalanche?
Brakes have the most complaints at 290[3], followed by structure at 78[5] and engine at 45[6]. In the samples we read, owners describe ABS and brake pedal problems, water leaks, oil use and a mismatched spare tire[3][5][6][7].
Does the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls, one for the wheel speed sensor and unwanted ABS activation (05V379) and one for tailgate support cables (04V129)[12][13][2].
What gas mileage does the 2002 Avalanche get?
The EPA rates the 2WD at 13 city, 17 highway and 14 combined MPG[4]. The 4WD is rated 12 city, 15 highway and 13 combined[14].
Is 2002 a bad year for the Avalanche?
It has the most complaints of any Avalanche year in NHTSA's list, 598 against 490 for 2007[2]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat that as a signal to inspect, not a verdict[2].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 598 owner complaints on file for the 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche (53 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 47 injuries, 4 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet Avalanche model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. 290 complaints name the brakes component group (23 crashes, 0 fires, 10 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. EPA rating for Avalanche 1500 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 13 city / 17 highway / 14 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. 78 complaints name the structure component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 10 injuries, median mileage at failure 43,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 45 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 48,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 38 complaints name the tires component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 38,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 31 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 71,697). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 30 complaints name the air bags component group (28 crashes, 1 fires, 31 injuries, median mileage at failure 81,606). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 28 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 67,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 24 complaints name the visibility component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 41,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. Recall 05V379, filed August 29, 2005: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock / Traction Control / Electronic Limited Slip. NHTSA recall database
  13. Recall 04V129, filed March 17, 2004: Structure › Body › Tailgate › Hinge And Attachments. NHTSA recall database
  14. EPA rating for Avalanche 1500 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 12 city / 15 highway / 13 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  15. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: rollover 2 stars. NHTSA vehicle records
  16. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, AVALANCHE 1500 P/U CREWCAB S/BOX 2WD: length 222 in, width 79 in, height 73 in, wheelbase 130 in, curb weight 5,412 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  17. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, AVALANCHE 1500 P/U CREWCAB S/BOX 4WD: length 222 in, width 79 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 130 in, curb weight 5,666 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  18. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, AVALANCHE 2500 P/UCREWCAB S/BOX 2WD: length 222 in, width 79 in, height 73 in, wheelbase 130 in, curb weight 5,514 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  19. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, AVALANCHE 2500 P/UCREWCAB S/BOX 4WD: length 222 in, width 79 in, height 74 in, wheelbase 130 in, curb weight 5,754 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.