VehicleVerdict

2002 GMC Denali problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 28 complaints on file for the 2002 GMC Denali — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

28

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Denali years?

Denali NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted40 complaints1999: 14 complaints2000: 26 complaints2001: 31 complaints2002: 28 complaints2003: 40 complaints2007: 3 complaints2008: 7 complaints2009: 2 complaints2010: 6 complaints2011: 13 complaints2012: 10 complaints2013: 7 complaints2014: 5 complaints2015: 27 complaints
Denali NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Denali years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 GMC Denali problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine621%
Transmission518%
Brakes414%
Airbags27%
Lighting27%
Seat Belts27%
Steering27%
Suspension27%
Other14%
Body & Structure14%
Latches & Locks14%

Does the 2002 GMC Denali have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

02V253000SeatsSeptember 17, 2002 · 558,904 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REARWARD FOLDING HEAD RESTRAINTS ON THE SECOND ROW SEATS, TWO POTENTIAL PINCH POINTS EXIST ON EACH OF THE FOLDING HEAD RESTRAINTS WHEN THE RESTRAINTS ARE FOLDED REARWARD AS THE SEATBACK IS FOLDED DOWN.

Consequence

IF A PERSON WERE TO INSERT THEIR FINGER(S) INTO THE PINCH POINT WHEN THE HEAD RESTRAINT FOLDS, IT COULD TRAP AND PINCH THE FINGER(S) CAUSING INJURY.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL PROTECTIVE COVERS OVER THE PINCH POINTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 8, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE OVERHEATING. DEALER WAS CONTACTED, AND STATED THAT IT WAS NORMAL. THIS HAS OCCURRED OVER FIVE TIMES. OVERHEATING UP TO OVER THE RED SIGN OF OVERHEATING. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, AND STATED THAT THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH ON A CITY STREET, A CLUNKING SOUND WAS HEARD FOLLOWED BY THE TRANSMISSION FAILING TO SHIFT GEARS UPON ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION GEAR TEETH WERE FRACTURED AND WORN. THE DEALER DETERMINED THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 11, 2006

“DT: THE OWNER TURNED LEFT IN TURNING LANE AND APPLIED THE BRAKES AND TRUCK KEPT ON . THE BRAKES HAD BEEN MASHED, AND THEY WOULD NOT STOP. THE BRAKES HAD WORKED UP TO THE POINT BEFORE THE WRECK. THE VEHICLE WAS CONSTANTLY SERVICED. OWNER'S VEHICLE HIT ANOTHER CAR, AND CREATED A THREE CAR PILE UP.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 8, 2005 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE DRIVER HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT. THE VEHICLE JERKED AND VIBRATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *NM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · November 20, 2004

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH ON A CITY STREET, A CLUNKING SOUND WAS HEARD FOLLOWED BY THE TRANSMISSION FAILING TO SHIFT GEARS UPON ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION GEAR TEETH WERE FRACTURED AND WORN. THE DEALER DETERMINED THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · September 11, 2006

2002 GMC Denali — common questions

Is the 2002 GMC Denali reliable?

The record is thin — 28 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2002 Denali problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (6 complaints), transmission (5 complaints), brakes (4 complaints).

Does the 2002 GMC Denali have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 GMC Denali. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 GMC Denali under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which GMC Denali years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Denali years to avoid are 2003, 2001. The cleanest record among Denali years belongs to 2009.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.