2002 GMC Sierra Denali: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 13 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes, hydraulic.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Total brake failure. I went to apply my brakes and pedal went right to floor, luckily I had the presents of mind to use emergency brake. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2013
“100% brake failure due to ruptured metal brake line, severe corrosion. All lines require replacement. Gmc notified, no replace parts supported by manufacturer. Truck stopped with use of emergency brake. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jan 2012
“Exhaust manifold bolts break causing emission failure and exhaust leak. The repair bill is up to $1000. Or more. You have to have a garage drill out old bolts and replace. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2010
Show 5 more owner reports
“Tl*the contact owns a 2002 gmc sierra denali. While driving 25 mph and attempting to stop, the contact noticed that the brake pedal extended to the floorboard. The contact pulled over and also noticed that brake fluid was leaking on the driver side. The contact later inspected the vehicle and discovered that the brake lines were corroded. The dealer and the manufacturer had not been notified. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 2010
“Everytime the brakes are applied and the vehicle slows down to under 10 mph, the vehicles ABS system kicks on. I did some research and found that this has been recalled on many gmc models but not the sierra denali I have. I have also found that many others with sierra denalis have had the same issue and it greatly increases stopping distance. Further research into the issue has led me to believe this could be caused by a faulty speed sensor due to the ABS kicking in while stopping at low speed. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2010
“The ABS light came on. Since that time, on two separate occasions while turning at slow speeds, the truck has stalled in an intersection. After reviewing the recall information and calling gm and our dealership, no open recalls apply to the truck. They will of course be happy to charge us and minimum of $101.00 and more to look at the truck and repair the problem. If this is a recall, why does it not apply? *tr”Owner report · Steering · May 2009
“Tl*the contact owns a 2002 gmc sierra denali. The contact noticed that the ABS wheel hub was pulsating, which indicated that the ABS hub sensors had engaged at low speeds. The contact was able to stop the vehicle, but he lost all sense of braking control. He drove home and called the dealer, who informed him that the ABS sensors were dirty and needed to be cleaned or replaced. No repairs have yet been made. NHTSA campaign id number 05v379000 (service brakes, hydraulic:antilock) was related to his year, make, and model vehicle. The failure mileage was 55,000 and current mileage was 56,000. Updated 09/10/08 *bf updated 09/11/08 *jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · May 2008
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 gmc sierra. While driving under 10 mph, and applying the brakes the pedal pulsated and the stopping distance increased. The dealer stated that failure was identical to recall #05v379000. However, the contact was advised that this vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. The failure mileage was 36000. *ak updated 06/06/07 *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 2007
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
How other years compare
Check your exact Sierra Denali by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
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Is the 2002 GMC Sierra Denali reliable?
NHTSA has 13 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2002 GMC Sierra Denali. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic.
Does the 2002 GMC Sierra Denali have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.