AI Damage2002 GEM NEV: common problems
Owners of the 2002 GEM NEV filed 4 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and service brakes. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 4
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 75% of all complaints
- 2 Service brakes 25% of all complaints
- 3 Structure 25% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 3 complaints (75% of all).
- Service brakes: 1 complaints (25% of all).
- Structure: 1 complaints (25% of all).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Waev, who is the current parent company of Global Electric Motorcars (GEM), has indicated to me that they are no longer responsible for performing NHTSA Recall # 06V-222000.
I have two unrepaired recalls that are still open, however, I can't find a dealer that will complete the recalls on my vehicle.
2002 global electric motorcar with broken frame. Consumer stated that the rear of the frame that holds the rear axle broke in two places. He states other people had the same problem.
Tl contact owns a 2002 gem nev. The contact received recall notice # 06v222000 regarding the electrical system in january 2007. She called the dealer four times to schedule an appointment for the repair. The technician called her back to schedule, but he never called back to confirm.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 15,521 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 42% most complained about).
On average one model year of the NEV has 2 complaints (7 years in the data). This year has 4, above average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2002 GEM NEV?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, service brakes, structure. Total complaints: 4. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: smoke, burning smell, fire (25%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2002 GEM NEV?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2002 GEM NEV from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.