2002 GMC Yukon XL 1500: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 23 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes.
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 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Early in the morning I start up the truck to warm it up. I put the truck in reverse and as soon as I put the truck in drive the "reduce engine power" light comes on, then the truck goes "limp mode" (not allowing the truck to go no more than 20 mph in motion). I have to restart the truck 5 times for the "reduce engine power" light to turn off. Leaving the "service engine" light on. This problem occurs every morning, no matter hoe long I warm up the truck. I bought this truck 3 years ago from a used car lot, and I didnt start having issues until 1 year ago. Throttle body assembly seems to be the issue with all gm vehicles.”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Mar 2018
“This vehicle has had a long history of needed brake work. Brakes were recently changed again and it still has soft braking as well as pulsating braking. Both of these factors lead to dangerously slow stopping even with practically new parts.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2017
“When braking, the antilock brakes kick in no matter if needed or not. We have had several close calls on both city streets & highways. The car was already recalled and fixed for front wheel speed sensor corrosion, 05v379000, and the same thing is happening again. The sensor was not replaced, just cleaned and put back in. I don't understand how this fixed the problem when the corrosion can come back and did. It was just 30,000 miles later. We have taken it to a dealer and have called gm. We were told the recall is fixed and it will cost us $423.00 per side to fix plus tax. Please help and let us know what to do next.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Dec 2016
Show 7 more owner reports
“I have been notified by 2 mechanics that the my brake lines are rusted/corroded and need to be replaced. I have researched the multiple complaints to gmc regarding this issue. NHTSA has recommended a recall. Despite gmc corporate statements that the fix/replacement of brake lines will cost $500 (parts and labor) the gmc dealer in my area (danvers, ma) has quoted me over $1,200 and claims ignorance to the $500 claim. I believe this repair should be subject to recall and correction by gmc at no cost to me the owner. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2014
“ABS brake module is not hermetically sealed with an o-ring gasket. Because of this moisture can get inside module and damage internal components. Damaged units cause ABS and brake lights in dashboard to light up. *tr failure of ABS brake module can cause ABS brakes to lock up when braking quickly at speeds in excess of 20 mph.”Owner report · Service Brakes · May 2014
“I tried to stop and when I applied the brakes the ABS activated without any reason. The roads were clean and dry. There was not any warning indicator for the ABS brakes, I am told there is a recall for this issue but the dealer says mine was already done. Obviously the fix was not effective if I am experiencing the problem now. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Apr 2014
“While pulling out of driveway, I pushed brake before entering street - pushed all the way down, but had no brake action. Was braking fine day before. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Feb 2013
“I have a 2002 gmc yukon xl. This vehicle that I recently purchased has stalled on two occasions while driving. Both times I was in traffic and had difficulty safely getting off the roadway, as I had no power. I have done a fair amount of research and found that I am 1 of many with this complaint. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2010
“I own a 2002 chevy tahoe, and I'm in charge of servicing three, 2002 and 2003 gmc yukons for my place of employment. The middle row seats in all of these have seatbelt issues. These are extremely expensive to fix or replace and all four vehicles that I deal with have at least one of the shoulder belts in that middle row seat that either wont come out or won't retract. *tr”Owner report · Seat Belts · Apr 2010
“The brakes on my 2002 gmc yukon xl seem to fail at low speed. You press on the brake pedal and it goes to the floor and does not stop. We have had the speed senor replaced, recalled part replaced in 2005. The description sounds exactly like what is happening with my truck. Gmc says it will not replace this part for free,since it has been replaced once before. This part is a very serious safety part, I feel gmc should replace it. Safety first. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Apr 2010
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - 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 Yukon XL 1500 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2002 GMC Yukon XL 1500 reliable?
NHTSA has 23 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2002 GMC Yukon XL 1500. The most complained-about area is service brakes.
Does the 2002 GMC Yukon XL 1500 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.