2002 GMC Suburban recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Body / structure
What's wrong, in plain English: Body panels, frame, doors, hood, trunk or latches. CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC. THESE UNITS CONTAIN A COURTESY LIGHT OR LIGHTS THAT MIGHT OVERHEAT WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT.
What could happen: THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE RUNNING BOARDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 7, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2002 SUBURBAN.
- Book a repair at any authorized GMC dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 03V094000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-745-6096.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: STRUCTURE
Summary: CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCK, VAN, AND MINI VAN CONVERSIONS EQUIPPED WITH SOUTHERN COMFORT BUILT RUNNING BOARDS THAT CONTAIN CERTAIN COURTESY LIGHTS MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN TECHNOLOGY COMPONENTS, INC. THESE UNITS CONTAIN A COURTESY LIGHT OR LIGHTS THAT MIGHT OVERHEAT WHEN THE WIRE HARNESS IS EXPOSED TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT.
Consequence: THIS OVERHEATING CONDITION CAN CAUSE THE RUNNING BOARD TO MELT OR CAUSE A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS ON THESE RUNNING BOARDS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 7, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT SOUTHERN COMFORT AT 1-800-745-6096.
Notes: CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2002 GMC Suburban owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Fuel system (2), Gasoline (2), Wheels / tires (2), Brakes (1), Electrical system (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (7)
10/04/2014 · Brakes
THE BRAKES FAILED AS I WAS APPROACHING A STOP SIGN. THE BRAKE LINES WERE BADLY RUSTED, MUCH WORSE THAN WOULD BE EXPECTED. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN VERY SERIOUS HAD IT HAPPENED AT A GREATER SPEED! *TR
08/28/2006 · Fuel system
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE HAD A POWER FAILURE WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH. THE IGNITION WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SERVICE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THERE WAS AN IGNITION PROBLEM. ON THE SECOND VISIT, THE INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WITH A FUEL PUMP PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO T…
11/04/2005 · Fuel system
DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING. HE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE FUEL GAUGE WORKED IMPROPERLY. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE STALLING PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY A FUEL PUMP FAILURE. THE FUEL PUMP HAS BEEN REPLACED. *AK UPDATED 05/23/06. *JB
10/17/2005 · Transmission / drivetrain
DT: CONTACT OWNS A 2002 GMC SUBURBAN. WHILE DRIVING AND CHANGING GEARS, AND WHEN PUTTING IT IN REVERSE IT SOUNDS LIKE THE ENGINE IS FALLING OUT. WHILE CHANGING GEARS ITS LIKE A BIG THUD. WHEN CHANGING FROM PARK TO REVERSE IT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS COMING APART. WHEN TURNING THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL RED LIGHT STAYS ON, AND THAT HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE. THE…
12/08/2004 · Airbags · crash
THE AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY WHEN THE CONSUMERS WIFE HIT A BUS AT 40 MPH. THIS RESULTED IN A CONCUSSION. *AK *SC *JB
01/28/2004 · Wheels / tires
WITH LESS THAN 24,000 MILES ON 2002 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN, THERE IS EXTREMELY ABNORMAL WEAR ON TREADS OF FRONT TIRES IN PARTICULAR. LARGE, DEEP AND UNEVEN INDENTATIONS ON THE TREAD, ESPECIALLY FRONT INSIDE OF TIRES. *AK
01/28/2004 · Wheels / tires
WHILE TRAVELING AT ANY SPEED FRONT END VIBRATED. CONSUMER INSPECTED VEHICLE, AND DETERMINED FRONT TIRES WERE UNEVENLY WORN. *AK