2002 GMC Yukon Denali: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 29 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 gmc yukon denali. While driving approximately 20 mph, the contact applied the brakes, but the anti lock brakes activated independently. The anti lock brake warning light illuminated. The failure recurred multiple times. The contact independently removed the anti lock brake fuse. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the failure listed in NHTSA campaign number: 05v379000 (service brakes, hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · May 2015
“During routine maintenance on my 2002 yukon denali, heavy rust/corrosion was first identified on the brake line that runs under the radiator. As I followed it back, more rust/corrosion is visible. They are rusting/corroding in exposed as well as protected areas. Concerned for safety and a potential failure I started to investigate, on line, and found that this issue has affected many trucks and suv's in and around my model year. I also found that gm is aware of the issue but has failed to initiate a recall. Vehicles of this size are purchased for large families, towing and hauling heavy loads. All the more reason for gm to recognize the potential danger and act accordingly. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 gmc yukon denali. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 mph, the brakes were depressed and the vehicle failed to slow down until the brake pedal was applied repeatedly. The contact stated that prior to the failure while shifting from park into reverse, the pedal traveled to the floorboard upon engagement. The technician informed the contact that the entire brake and fuel lines were severely corroded. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2013
Show 7 more owner reports
“I was exiting the freeway and started to brake and then the pedal went to the floor. I had the stand on it to slow down enough to keep from hitting the car in front of me. Upon examination of the vehicle I found a ruptured brake line. Further review found all 4 lines 8 inches below the master cylinder and lower seriously corroded. Fluid reservoir was still full of fluid. The line broke out under the carriage, front driver side, just behind the front wheel well. Pictures are available of the corroded lines. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2013
“Rear brake line failed while driving. Car towed to van chevrolet in scottsdale, az. Dealer only replaced one failed line. Approx. 1 year later, front left line failed, again while driving, and was replaced. After inspection all hard brake lines are severely corroded and need replacement. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Nov 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 gmc yukon denali. The contact stated the spare tire separated from the vehicle while driving. The contact examined the vehicle and noticed that the spare tire cable failed to secure the due to corrosion. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current miles were 65,000. Updated 11/03/11*lj updated 11/23/11”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2011
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 gmc yukon denali. The contact stated that while braking, the ABS system would engage and cause the brakes to lock up. The contact stated that this occurs at low speeds and could cause a crash. The contact has not taken the vehicle to a dealer or local mechanic. The contact stated the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The failure mileage was 167,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 2011
“Tl*the contact owns a 2002 gmc yukon denali. While driving at a speed of 5 mph he suddenly lost the power assist in the steering wheel. As pressure was applied to the steering wheel it would break free to turn and then reset itself. The vehicle was taken to the dealership where the contact was informed that the failure could not be reproduced. The current and failure mileages were 74,000. Updated 04-15-10 *bf the consumer stated after having a conversation with gm and the dealer a new power steering pump was ordered. The power steering pump was replaced on april 13th. Updated 05/05/10.*jb”Owner report · Steering · Dec 2009
“Tl* the contact owns a 2002 gmc yukon denali. The contact stated when driving at approximately 3-10 mph and applying the brakes, the anti-lock braking system (ABS) would engage. The dealer advised although there was a recall for the failure (NHTSA campaign id 05v379000: service brakes, hydraulic: antilock), his VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 2009
“Anti-lock brake failure on 2002 yukon denali in michigan. My vehicle is experiencing the problem of the recall. Though my vehicle falls under the recall. Gm is refusing to fix my vehicle because my particular vehicle does not show up in the gm computer system as requiring the recall. Please get gm to put vehicle required by recall in their system. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Electric · Jan 2009
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
CERTAIN POLI-AUTO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES, P/NOS. 11-728, 11-728D, 11-710, 11-419, 11-713, 11-703, 11-704, 11-708P, 11-735, 11-725, 11-726, 11-716 (P&C), 11-721-1, 11-733, 11-729, 11-730, AND 11-732, SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Remedy: POLI-AUTO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE HEADLAMPS AT ITS ORIGINAL PURCHASE PRICE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT POLI-AUTO AT 305-477-1356.
How other years compare
Check your exact Yukon Denali by VIN
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Is the 2002 GMC Yukon Denali reliable?
NHTSA has 29 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2002 GMC Yukon Denali. The most complained-about area is service brakes.
Does the 2002 GMC Yukon Denali have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:headlights. 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.