VehicleVerdict

2002 GMC Sierra Denali problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 17 complaints on file for the 2002 GMC Sierra 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.

17

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Sierra Denali years?

Sierra Denali NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted46 complaints2002: 17 complaints2004: 15 complaints2005: 5 complaints2006: 5 complaints2007: 2 complaints2008: 21 complaints2009: 8 complaints2010: 12 complaints2011: 40 complaints2012: 15 complaints2013: 10 complaints2014: 19 complaints2015: 24 complaints2016: 42 complaints2017: 15 complaints2018: 26 complaints2019: 46 complaints2020: 10 complaints
Sierra Denali NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sierra Denali years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 GMC Sierra Denali problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1165%
Steering318%
Airbags16%
Electrical System16%
Engine16%

Does the 2002 GMC Sierra Denali have recalls?

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

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

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).

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS SITE AND THIS ACCIDENT HAPPENED IN OCT 2014. I WAS GOING AROUND A CURVE WITH 40 MPH SPEED LIMIT AND I WAS GOING 40 MPH. I STARTED TO BRAKE AS THIS WAS DOWNHILL AND A VERY LARGE TRUCK AND I DID NOT WISH TO INCREASE SPEED AS I FOLLOWED THE CURVE. MY BRAKES DID NOT RESPOND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 5, 2014 · crash

“I DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS SITE AND THIS ACCIDENT HAPPENED IN OCT 2014. I WAS GOING AROUND A CURVE WITH 40 MPH SPEED LIMIT AND I WAS GOING 40 MPH. I STARTED TO BRAKE AS THIS WAS DOWNHILL AND A VERY LARGE TRUCK AND I DID NOT WISH TO INCREASE SPEED AS I FOLLOWED THE CURVE. MY BRAKES DID NOT RESPOND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · October 5, 2014 · crash

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 30, 2010

“I PURCHASED A 2002 GMC SIERRA DENALI IN SEPT 2002 NEW FROM A LOCAL DEALER. I AM THE PRIMARY DRIVER AND DO NOT ABUSE THE VEHICLE. I KEEP ALL THE SERVICE WORK UP ON IT THRU THE SELLING DEALER. THE PROBLEM THAT I HAVE IS THAT THE QUDARSTEER CONTROL MODULE WENT OUT AND I CALLED GM FOR A SERVICE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 20, 2009

“I DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS SITE AND THIS ACCIDENT HAPPENED IN OCT 2014. I WAS GOING AROUND A CURVE WITH 40 MPH SPEED LIMIT AND I WAS GOING 40 MPH. I STARTED TO BRAKE AS THIS WAS DOWNHILL AND A VERY LARGE TRUCK AND I DID NOT WISH TO INCREASE SPEED AS I FOLLOWED THE CURVE. MY BRAKES DID NOT RESPOND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · October 5, 2014 · crash

2002 GMC Sierra Denali — common questions

Is the 2002 GMC Sierra Denali reliable?

The record is thin — 17 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 Sierra Denali problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (11 complaints), steering (3 complaints), airbags (1 complaints).

Does the 2002 GMC Sierra Denali have recalls?

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

Which GMC Sierra Denali years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sierra Denali years to avoid are 2019, 2016, 2011, 2015, 2014. The cleanest record among Sierra Denali years belongs to 2007.

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.