VehicleVerdict

2002 GMC Yukon Denali problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2002 GMC Yukon Denali sits mid-pack among Yukon Denali years: 31 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 40, with a single recall and 2 closed investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 61% of all reports (19 of 31), far ahead of electrical system at 3.

31

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Yukon Denali years?

Yukon Denali NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted175 complaints1999: 38 complaints2000: 22 complaints2001: 40 complaints2002: 31 complaints2003: 97 complaints2004: 141 complaints2005: 68 complaints2006: 24 complaints2007: 175 complaints2008: 75 complaints2009: 59 complaints2010: 75 complaints2011: 117 complaints2012: 32 complaints2013: 40 complaints2015: 90 complaints2016: 28 complaints2017: 15 complaints2018: 2 complaints2019: 4 complaints
Yukon Denali NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Yukon Denali years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 GMC Yukon Denali problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1961%
Electrical System310%
Airbags310%
Seat Belts13%
Steering13%
Body & Structure13%
Suspension13%
Engine13%
Fuel System13%

Does the 2002 GMC Yukon Denali have recalls?

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

06E025000LightingMarch 21, 2006 · 1,450 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 2, 2009

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 GMC YUKON. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION FAILED AND IT TOOK SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO GET THE IGNITION SWITCH INTO THE START POSITION. THE CONTACT'S PERSONAL MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 1, 2009

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN A FRONTAL IMPACT ACCIDENT AT 50 MPH. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS NOT ILLUMINATING PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD THE CONTACT TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AS A RESULT OF THE ACCIDENT. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 12, 2006 · crash

“CONSUMER NOTICED A NOISE COMING FROM RIGHT REAR OF VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY. DEALER WAS CONTACTED, AND CHANGED THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. NOISE STOPPED FOR A WHILE, BUT RETURNED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“CONSUMER STATED THAT ON ONE OCCASION WHILE COMING TO HER VEHICLE, SHE FOUND HER FIVE YEAR OLD SON DANGLING FROM THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR AT THE TOP OF THE LEFT BACK SEAT DOOR. THE LEFT REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLE WAS UNATTACHED. THE SEAT BELT WAS RETRACTED AND LOCKED IN PLACE WITH THE BELT WRAPPED AROUND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · January 24, 2002

2002 GMC Yukon Denali — common questions

Is the 2002 GMC Yukon Denali reliable?

It is close to typical for the Yukon Denali: 31 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2002 Yukon Denali problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (19 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints), airbags (3 complaints).

Does the 2002 GMC Yukon Denali have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 GMC Yukon 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 Yukon Denali under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which GMC Yukon Denali years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Yukon Denali years to avoid are 2007, 2004, 2011, 2003, 2015, 2010, 2008, 2005. The cleanest record among Yukon Denali years belongs to 2018.

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.