VehicleVerdict

2002 GMC Yukon Xl 1500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 26 complaints on file for the 2002 GMC Yukon Xl 1500 — 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.

26

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Yukon Xl 1500 years?

Yukon Xl 1500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted87 complaints2000: 19 complaints2001: 33 complaints2002: 26 complaints2003: 87 complaints2004: 46 complaints2005: 33 complaints2006: 6 complaints2007: 85 complaints2008: 27 complaints2009: 14 complaints2010: 9 complaints2011: 16 complaints2012: 6 complaints
Yukon Xl 1500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Yukon Xl 1500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 GMC Yukon Xl 1500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1558%
Electrical System312%
Engine28%
Tires & Wheels28%
Transmission14%
Seat Belts14%
Steering14%
Body & Structure14%

Does the 2002 GMC Yukon Xl 1500 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 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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 22, 2014

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 7, 2018

“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.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 7, 2010

“THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL NEARLY FELL OFF OUR 2002 YUKON 1500 SLT. WE HAD JUST STOPPED TO PAY A TOLL ON THE MAINE TURNPIKE. AS WE DROVE OUT OF THE TOLL BOOTH, MY HUSBAND HAD DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE. A TERRIBLE GRINDING NOISE CAME FROM THE LEFT FRONT END OF OUR CAR. THE ABS LIGHT FLASHED ON.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · August 8, 2009

“THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL NEARLY FELL OFF OUR 2002 YUKON 1500 SLT. WE HAD JUST STOPPED TO PAY A TOLL ON THE MAINE TURNPIKE. AS WE DROVE OUT OF THE TOLL BOOTH, MY HUSBAND HAD DIFFICULTY CONTROLLING THE VEHICLE. A TERRIBLE GRINDING NOISE CAME FROM THE LEFT FRONT END OF OUR CAR. THE ABS LIGHT FLASHED ON.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · August 8, 2009

2002 GMC Yukon Xl 1500 — common questions

Is the 2002 GMC Yukon Xl 1500 reliable?

The record is thin — 26 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 Yukon Xl 1500 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (15 complaints), electrical system (3 complaints), tires & wheels (2 complaints).

Does the 2002 GMC Yukon Xl 1500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 GMC Yukon Xl 1500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which GMC Yukon Xl 1500 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Yukon Xl 1500 years to avoid are 2003, 2007, 2004. The cleanest record among Yukon Xl 1500 years belongs to 2012.

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.