Before you buy
This 2002 Chevrolet Tracker has 72 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Suspension Failures.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2002 Chevrolet Tracker Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2002 Chevrolet Tracker trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2002 Chevrolet Tracker Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2002 Chevrolet Tracker 2-DR.Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
CHEVROLET TRACKER 2002 has 72 NHTSA complaints, with suspension failures (16) and structural problems (14) as top issues. Brake system complaints total 12. No recalls were issued. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Tracker
- Model year
- 2002
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 72
- Crash-related complaints
- 11
- Safety recall campaigns
- 0
- Top reported component
- Suspension Failures
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 24
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2002 Chevrolet Tracker problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Suspension Failures
Structural Problems
Brake System
Complaint patterns center on Suspension Failures, Structural Problems, Brake System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2002 Chevrolet Tracker?
The 2002 Tracker may be a budget-friendly option, but its suspension and structural complaints warrant caution. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential, especially for the suspension and brake systems.
Suspension failures and structural problems can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns. Brake system complaints also affect stopping performance.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers seeking an inexpensive compact SUV who are willing to invest in maintenance and inspections.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers wanting a worry-free, low-maintenance vehicle should avoid this year due to the high number of complaints.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2002 Chevrolet Tracker
Inspection Focus
- Inspect suspension components for wear or damage.
- Check for structural rust or corrosion.
- Test brake system for responsiveness and leaks.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect suspension components for wear or damage.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for suspension, structure, and brake repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2002 Chevrolet Tracker, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2002 Chevrolet Tracker shows notable issues in suspension, structure, and brakes. With 16 suspension complaints and 14 structural complaints, buyers should prioritize inspecting these systems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Only the 2002 model year was analyzed, so no comparison to other years is available.
Recall context: With zero recalls, buyers should still check for any open safety campaigns at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Suspension failures account for 16 complaints, the highest count.
- Structural problems total 14 complaints, indicating potential body integrity issues.
- Brake system issues are reported in 12 complaints.
- Suspension Failures: 16 complaints
- Structural Problems: 14 complaints
- Brake System: 12 complaints
Full breakdown
All 2002 Chevrolet Tracker complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Chevrolet Tracker. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension Failures | 16 | 2 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 14 | 2 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 12 | 4 | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 9 | 7 | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 9 | — | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 7 | 2 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2002 Chevrolet Tracker. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The safety airbags exploded and burning my face and the passenger side passenger it was very hard and his arm and the of explosion of the airbags she was spraying and burning the face and was
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET TRACKER EQUIPPED WITH FIRESTONE TIRES, TIRE LINE: AFFINITY TOURING, TIRE SIZE: 205/65/R15, DOT NUMBER: 2R9LDBF. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, SHE HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CON…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET TRACKER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE FRONT END SWERVED AND THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY EXTREME FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTIC…
REAR BRAKES KEEP FAILING, THEY FAILED YESTERDAY FOR THE THIRD TIME IN ABOUT 8,000 MILES. THEY ALSO DISCONTINUED A PART FOR THE REAR BRAKES. CANNOT FIND THE PART ANYWHERE. WAS DRIVING AND HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE LEFT REAR, PULLED OVER AND IT WAS THE BRAKES. HAVE TO PUMP …
AFTER A COLLISION WHERE MY TRACKER HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE AT AROUND 55 MPH ON A HIGHWAY, MY VEHICLE HIT DEAD ON TO THE SIDE OF ANOTHER (T-BONE) AND MY SENSOR SHOULD HAVE TRIGGERED MY AIRBAGS AND DID NOT.
MY MOTHER AND I WAS DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY AND IT SEEMED AS IF THE CAR JUST LUNGED FORWARD SHARPLY AND MADE US SWERVE A LITTLE. I PULLED OVER AND SEEN THAT THE CAR WAS SITTING "OFF" A LITTLE. WE TOWED IT HOME AND MY STEP DAD LOOKED AT IT AND SAID THE CAR HAD RUSTED THROUGH THE…
I'VE HAD TO REPLACE THE O2 SENSORS EVERY 2 YEARS AS THEY ARE DEFECTIVE. I HAVE OWNED THE VEHICLE SINCE 2004 (12 YEARS) SO I'VE REPLACE THE O2 SENSORS ( ALL 3) 6 TIMES. HAS THIS HAPPENED OR BEEN REPORTED BY ANY OTHER OWNERS?
FRONT SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER FOR CHEVY TRACKERIS NOTHING BUT RUST. IT WON'T PASS INSPECTION AND THE GARAGE SAID THERE MUST HAVE NOT BEEN A COATING PUT ON IT FOR IT TO BE RUSTED THROUGH AND FALLING APART.
MY CHEVY TRACKER HAS A BROKEN CROSSMEMBER/SUBFRAME/K-FRAME. FRONT SUSPENSION ARMS ARE MOUNTED TO THIS PIECE, IT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT MOUNTING POINT. IT COMPLETELY BROKE WHILE DRIVING, LUCKILY AT A VERY SLOW SPEED, NO MAJ. INJURY. GM KNOWS THE BAD PART WAS IN EVERY TRACKER/VITARA…
I WAS DRIVING ON A TWO-WAY RESIDENTIAL STREET, JUST PICKED UP OUR TWO YOUNGEST GRANDSON'S FROM SCHOOL, WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE JAMMED, VERY UNEXPECTEDLY, UP IN THE AREA BETWEEN THE ENGINE AND FRAME OF THE TRACKER. THE TRACKER WENT MID AIR, AND THEN ROLLED. CONSUMER HANDWRITI…
PURCHASED A 2002 CHEVY TRACKER ON 4/30/2002. WE'VE HAD SOME MINOR AND SOME MAJOR REPAIRS MADE, IT'S NEVER BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS AND HAS BEEN UP-KEPT. COMING HOME FROM WORK MY HUSBAND NOTICED THE YEAR OLD BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, WAS PULLING, AND STARTED VIBRATING AND SH…
I LOST EVERYTHING. I WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 20 IN LASALLE AND A OLD MAN IN A BMW WAS HIGH BEAMING ME, I SLOWED DOWN AND SWITCHED TO THE RIGE TRUCK LANE. HE SPED UP IN THE MIDDLE LANE AND GAVE ME A HAND SIGNAL TO PULL OVER. I EXITED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND PARKED THE TRUCK. I WENT IN …
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ALL OF A SUDDEN EVERY TIME I PRESSED THE BRAKES MY TRACKER VEERED TO THE RIGHT INTO THE OTHER LAND AND STARTED TO SHAKE TREMENDOUSLY. I COULD NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITH OUT IT CONSTANTLY SHAKING. I HAD IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHO INFORMED ME THE VEHICL…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET TRACKER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT LATER NOTICED THAT THE FRONT SUB FRAME BRACKET WAS FRACTURED DUE TO RUST CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT M…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET TRACKER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED, SHE WAS ADVISED THAT ALL OF THE CROSS MEMBERS WERE CORRODED. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE BUSHINGS, AND THE FRONT AND CENTER CROSS MEMBERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. T…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET TRACKER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVERS SEAT BELT CLIP DID NOT RELEASE FROM HE BUCKLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO USE THE DRIVERS SEATBELT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACT…
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ONE NIGHT WHEN MY RIGHT FRONT TIRE FELT LIKE ITS WAS GOING TO FALL OFF I SLOWED DOWN AND PULLED OFF ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD COULD NOT FIND OUT WHY IT WAS DOING THIS WHEN THE TIRE WAS FINE. SO I DROVE VERY SLOWLY WITH MY CAUTION LIGHTS ON TO AND FROM WORK BEC…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET TRACKER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR AN INSPECTION, WHO NOTICED THAT THE FRONT CROSS MEMBER WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE…
AFTER A YEAR OF REPAIRS INCLUDING MUFFLER SYSTEM, FRONT SWAY BAR, SHIFTER CABLE AND ALTERNATOR, I FINALLY GOT TO DRIVE MY CHEVY TRACKER AND NOTICED IMMEDIATELY A SHAKE (4/12) THAT NIGHT, THE OIL PAN DEVELOPED A LEAK. I FINALLY SAVED UP ENOUGH TO GET THAT FIXED IN 1/13, I STILL NO…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET TRACKER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE NO SCREENS COVERING THE AIR CONDITIONING VENTS. AS A RESULT, A MOUSE ENTERED THE VENTS, CONTAMINATED THE AREA AND CAUSED THE BLOWER MOTOR TO BLOW OUT. THE AIR CONDITIONER STOPPED FUNCTIONING IN RESP…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2002 Chevrolet Tracker.
Safety recalls
2002 Chevrolet Tracker recalls
0 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2002 Chevrolet Tracker. With zero recalls, buyers should still check for any open safety campaigns at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
No NHTSA recalls were found for this model year. Recalls can be added at any time — confirm open-recall status on the exact VIN or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2002 Chevrolet Tracker buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2002 Chevrolet Tracker reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 72 owner complaints, 11 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2002 Tracker may be a budget-friendly option, but its suspension and structural complaints warrant caution. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential, especially for the suspension and brake systems. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Chevrolet Tracker?▾
#1: Suspension Failures (16 complaints). #2: Structural Problems (14 complaints). #3: Brake System (12 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2002 Chevrolet Tracker?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2002 Chevrolet Tracker?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2002 Chevrolet Tracker, NHTSA complaints include 11 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 72 total complaints. 9 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2002 Chevrolet Tracker have any recalls?▾
No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2002 Chevrolet Tracker in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.
Should I buy a 2002 Chevrolet Tracker?▾
The 2002 Tracker may be a budget-friendly option, but its suspension and structural complaints warrant caution. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential, especially for the suspension and brake systems. Suspension failures and structural problems can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns. Brake system complaints also affect stopping performance. Pay extra attention to Suspension Failures during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Tracker reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2002 Chevrolet Tracker based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.