2002 GMC Yukon Xl Denali problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2002 GMC Yukon Xl Denali sits mid-pack among Yukon Xl Denali years: 35 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 35, with no recalls and 2 closed investigations.
The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 60% of all reports (21 of 35), far ahead of engine at 4.
35
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
2
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2002 compare to other Yukon Xl Denali years?
What are the most common 2002 GMC Yukon Xl Denali problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 21 | 60% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 4 | 11% | — flat |
| Transmission | 2 | 6% | — flat |
| Seats | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 3% | new |
| Suspension | 1 | 3% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 1 | 3% | new |
| Electrical System | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 3% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“AFTER TWO PREVIOUS "REPAIRS" (ONE A RECALL), OUR GMC ABS BRAKES ARE NOW MALFUNCTIONING FOR THE THIRD TIME. THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM ACTIVATES ON DRY PAVEMENT AT SLOW SPEEDS, RESULTING IN A LONGER THAN NORMAL STOPPING DISTANCE. ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS, COLLISIONS HAVE NARROWLY BEEN AVOIDED AS THE ABS…”
“BROKEN/LEAKING BRAKE LINES DUE TO SEVERE UNDERBODY CORROSION: FRAME,BRAKE AND GAS LINES, FRONT SUSPENSION, SPARE TIRE ASSEMBLY, NUTS, BOLTS, EXHAUST PIPES, ETC. ALONG WITH THIS I REPLACED TWO TRANSMISSIONS, ONCE DUE TO RADIATOR FAILURE, FUEL PUMP FAILURE, BRAKE CALIPER FAILURE, A FEW SETS OF REAR…”
“BROKEN/LEAKING BRAKE LINES DUE TO SEVERE UNDERBODY CORROSION: FRAME,BRAKE AND GAS LINES, FRONT SUSPENSION, SPARE TIRE ASSEMBLY, NUTS, BOLTS, EXHAUST PIPES, ETC. ALONG WITH THIS I REPLACED TWO TRANSMISSIONS, ONCE DUE TO RADIATOR FAILURE, FUEL PUMP FAILURE, BRAKE CALIPER FAILURE, A FEW SETS OF REAR…”
“VEHICLE LIGHTING, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT, FLICKERS CONSTANTLY, HAS BEEN TO REPAIR SHOP SEVERAL TIMES, ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY CHECK OUT FINE. NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW AN ANSWER. *TR”
“WE DID NOT NOTICE THE MISSING LATCH SYSTEM FOR CHILD SEATS UNTIL VERY RECENTLY WHEN WE BECAME GRANDPARENTS. OUR SON'S 2001 CHEVY SILVERADO HAS THE SYSTEM AND OUR NEWER 2002 YUKON XL DENALI OWNERS MANUAL STATES CLEARLY THAT THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THE NEW AND IMPROVED LATCH SYSTEM. IT'S NOT…”
2002 GMC Yukon Xl Denali — common questions
Is the 2002 GMC Yukon Xl Denali reliable?
It is close to typical for the Yukon Xl Denali: 35 NHTSA complaints, 0 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.
What are the most common 2002 Yukon Xl Denali problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (21 complaints), engine (4 complaints), transmission (2 complaints).
Does the 2002 GMC Yukon Xl Denali have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2002 GMC Yukon Xl Denali.
Is the 2002 GMC Yukon Xl Denali under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
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.