VehicleVerdict

2002 GMC Yukon XL problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2002 GMC Yukon XL sits mid-pack among Yukon XL years: 114 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 78, with 2 recalls and 3 closed investigations.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 38 reports (33% of the total).

114

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

3

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Yukon XL years?

Yukon XL NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted404 complaints1999: 3 complaints2000: 77 complaints2001: 151 complaints2002: 114 complaints2003: 115 complaints2004: 118 complaints2005: 58 complaints2006: 24 complaints2007: 123 complaints2008: 86 complaints2009: 32 complaints2010: 37 complaints2011: 67 complaints2012: 22 complaints2013: 26 complaints2014: 13 complaints2015: 404 complaints2016: 267 complaints2017: 206 complaints2018: 68 complaints2019: 79 complaints2020: 57 complaints2021: 271 complaints2022: 203 complaints2023: 269 complaints2024: 90 complaints2025: 39 complaints2026: 32 complaints
Yukon XL NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Yukon XL years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 GMC Yukon XL problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes3833%
Steering1311%
Engine1211%
Tires & Wheels1110%
Fuel System109%
Transmission98%
Body & Structure44%
Electrical System44%
Visibility & Wipers33%
Suspension33%
Other22%
Latches & Locks22%
Airbags22%
Lighting11%

Does the 2002 GMC Yukon XL have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07E106000Tires & WheelsDecember 17, 2007 · 130,000 units

Defect

CERTAIN FEDERAL-MOGUL REPLACEMENT WHEEL HUB ASSEMBLIES WITH THE BRAND NAMES: NATIONAL, CARQUEST P/NOS. 515020, 515021, 515025, 515053, 515054, 515059, AND 515060, SHIPPED BETWEEN JANUARY 23, 2006, AND DECEMBER 20, 2007, SOLD FOR LIGHT DUTY AND MEDIUM DUTY TRUCKS. THE INBOARD RETENTION NUT USED TO MAINTAIN HUB BEARING ASSEMBLY CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN AN ABS LIGHT INDICATION, NOISE, AND/OR WHEEL SEPARATION.

Consequence

WHEEL SEPARATION CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

FEDERAL-MOGUL WILL NOTIFY CUSTOMERS AND WILL REPLACE THE HUB ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 7, 2008. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FEDERAL-MOGUL TOLL-FREE AT 877-489-6659.

05V379000BrakesAugust 29, 2005 · 1,353,718 units

Defect

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE UNWANTED ANTILOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) ACTIVATION. THIS CONDITION IS MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR IN ENVIRONMENTALLY CORROSIVE AREAS. THIS RECALL WILL BE LAUNCHED IN THE "SALT BELT" STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ONLY.

Consequence

THIS CAN CAUSE INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES DURING LOW-SPEED BRAKE APPLICATIONS, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS ARE TO REMOVE THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR AND THOROUGHLY CLEAN THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR MOUNTING SURFACE ON THE BEARING, APPLY RUST INHIBITOR TO THE CLEANED SURFACE, GREASE THE MOUNTING SURFACE, REINSTALL THE WHEEL SPEED SENSOR, AND CHECK THE PEAK-TO-PEAK OUTPUT VOLTAGE TO ENSURE THE WHEEL SPEED SIGNAL IS WITHIN SPECIFICATIONS. THE RECALL BEGAN SEPTEMBER 22, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TWO YEARS AGO I HAD A SEVER ACCIDENT THAT CAUSE ME TO HIT ANOTHER CAR AND SPIN AROUND. THE GMC DEALER SAID THE CAUSE WAS RUSTED OUT BRAKE LINES. TODAY IT HAPPENED, BUT I WAS LUCK ENOUGH TO BE JUST PULLING INTO MY PARKING SPOT WHEN IT HAPPENED. THE BRAKE LINE MUST HAVE RUSTED OUT AGAIN BECAUSE I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 14, 2016 · crash

“WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY POWER STEERING FAILED. DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT/RIGHT WITHOUT EXCESSIVE FORCE. OWNER CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS 5,000 MILES PASSED THE WARRANTY. HOWEVER, THE DRIVER WAS GIVEN AN OWNER'S…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 12, 2005

“I SWERVED TO MISS A DEER AND I HIT A TREE RUNNING 47 MPH AND MY AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY AND NO ONE CAN TELL ME WHY. MY HUSBAND AND I WERE VERY LUCKY BUT WHY DIDN'T THE AIR BAGS DEPLOY? MY HUSBAND WAS OUT OF WORK FOR 5 MONTHS DUE TO TORN LIGAMENTS IN HIS SHOULDERS AND STILL HAS TO HAVE SURGERY.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 5, 2019 · crash

“FIRESTONE TIRE EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING SPEED LIMIT TOO LAKE HAVASU, AZ, MAY 28, CAUSING ERRATIC CONTROL OF VEHICLE. APPEARS SIDEWALL DISLODGED FROM TIRE AND AND TREAD DISLODGED FROM BASE TIRE FRAMING. TIRE INFO: FIRESTONE WILDERNESS LE - P265/70R16 111S M/S; TUBELESS; OTHER NUMBER ON SIDE OF TIRE:…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · May 28, 2003 · fire

“THE CONSUMER HAD DIFFICULTY FILLING THE GAS TANK. THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE TANK HAD TO BE FILLED SLOWLY. WHEN REACHING ABOUT 3/4 FULL, FUEL LEAKED OUT. CONSUMER CONTACTED GM THEY CLAIMED THERE WAS A BULLETIN OUT REGARDING THE PROBLEM AND THE DEALERSHIP NEVER FIXED THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER FELT GM…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System

2002 GMC Yukon XL — common questions

Is the 2002 GMC Yukon XL reliable?

It is close to typical for the Yukon XL: 114 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 3 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2002 Yukon XL problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (38 complaints), steering (13 complaints), engine (12 complaints).

Does the 2002 GMC Yukon XL have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 GMC Yukon XL. 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 XL under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which GMC Yukon XL years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Yukon XL years to avoid are 2015, 2021, 2023, 2016, 2017, 2022, 2001, 2007, 2004, 2024, 2008, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2013, 2012, 2014. The cleanest record among Yukon XL years belongs to 1999.

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.