2002 Gmc Denali problems
Denali is a nameplate used by GMC for its highest trim level on its vehicles. Vehicles with the Denali trim option carry list prices up to 47% higher than base models. Prices range from $38,600 for GMC Terrain to $109,410 for a top-of-the-line Yukon XL Denali (as of 2023).
The Denali nameplate is often used as an insignia or status symbol, and in particular is popular as a less costly alternative to the Cadillac marque. The Yukon Denali line typically represents 40% of Yukon sales in both units and dollars. In 2013 it sold more than 75,558 units of the Denali brand, which accounted for 20% of GMC's sales, making it one of GM's most successful sub-brands.
History
The Denali nameplate started as the top-of-the-line version of the GMC Yukon for the 1999 model year. It was also GM's first attempt to go after sales from the new-for-1998 Lincoln Navigator. At the time of its introduction. General Motors decided to give Cadillac its own luxury SUV so the Denali's exterior was shared with the 1999 Cadillac Escalade, with only the front fascia and lower side body panels differing from the standard Yukon. Although the Yukon was redesigned alongside the Chevrolet Suburban and Chevrolet Tahoe in 2000, the Yukon Denali, Escalade, and Tahoe Limited/Z71 retained their GMT400 base design.
The "Denali" brand was derived from the native Alaskan Athabaskans / Koyukon people's name for the tallest mountain in North America. It is also the name of the Denali National Park and Preserve that surrounds the mountain, as well as Denali State Park.
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Common 2002 Gmc Denali problems
Based on complaints from owners of the GMC Denali 2002, common problems with this car include:
- Vulnerability to Rust and Corrosion: Another significant concern with the 2002 Yukon Denali is that its frame is susceptible to rust and corrosion. This vulnerability can lead to structural integrity issues and affect the overall longevity and safety of the vehicle.
- Excessive Oil Consumption: Excessive oil consumption is a common problem with GMC Yukons, especially for the 2002 model year. While not extreme, this issue can result in the vehicle using more oil than usual, leading to increased maintenance costs and potential engine wear over time. Unfortunately, there are no straightforward solutions to this problem, requiring owners to monitor oil levels closely and be prepared for additional oil consumption.
- Tailgate Light Malfunction: Owners have reported issues with the tailgate light not working properly in GMC Yukons, including the 2002 Denali model. While this is more of a cosmetic problem than a functional one, it can be frustrating for owners. Fixing this issue may involve replacing the entire light fixture, which can be relatively expensive for a minor cosmetic repair.
- Air Conditioning Problems: The 2002 GMC Yukon Denali, like other model years, can experience air conditioning-related issues. A malfunctioning A/C system can lead to discomfort for occupants, especially in hot weather. Problems such as condenser failure, broken lines, leaky compressor lines, and faulty compressors can contribute to ineffective cooling. Additionally, issues with the recirculation feature and heater can further impact the driving experience and cabin comfort.
These common problems with the GMC Denali 2002 highlight the importance of thorough maintenance and potential challenges that owners may face with this particular vehicle model.
2002 Gmc Denali car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Gmc Denali problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Power train problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Exterior lighting problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2002 Gmc Denali vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2002 Gmc Denali complaints
The NHTSA has received 23 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2002 Gmc Denali.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-11-15
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WE OWN A 2002 DENALI, THAT WE BOUGHT USED. THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AROUND NOV. 2008 (APPR. 120,000 MILES) WE HAD THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED BUT THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT AGAIN SHORTLY THEREAFTER (AROUND 150,000). THROUGH CIVIL LITIGATION, WE FOUND OUT THAT THE TRANSMISSION HAD WENT OUT PREVIOUSLY, AT AROUND 70,000 MILES. WE ARE WONDERING IF THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH DENALIS AND IF ANY COMPENSATION IS AVAILABLE. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-04-02
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: FRONT RUNNING LIGHT HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE AND IS OUT AGAIN. MY MECHANIC STATED HE HAS SEEN SEVERAL GMC AUTOS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. IS THERE A RECALL OR REASON? *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-04-10
- VIN: 2GTFK69U321
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 GMC DENALI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VBRAKED VIBRATE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP AND CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE FORWARD A FEW FEET. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD AN INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE AT LOW SPEEDS. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL # 05V379000 FOR THE HYDRAULIC ANTILOCK SERVICE BRAKES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS INDICATOR LIGHT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCE OCCURRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WASS 31,857 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 31,843.
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-09-11
- VIN: 1GKFK66U72J
- Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH ON A CITY STREET, A CLUNKING SOUND WAS HEARD FOLLOWED BY THE TRANSMISSION FAILING TO SHIFT GEARS UPON ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION GEAR TEETH WERE FRACTURED AND WORN. THE DEALER DETERMINED THE GEAR TEETH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. UPDATED 10/6/2006 - THE STABILIZER BECAME WORN. *NM
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-06-21
- VIN: 1GKFK66U12J
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION COOLER, WHICH IS INSIDE THE RADIATOR, CAUSED TRANSMISSION FLUID AND ANTI-FREEZE TO MIX AND FLOW THROUGH ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION. THE TRANSMISSION WAS RUINED AS A RESULT. THE REPAIR INVOLVED REPLACING THE RADIATOR, ALL ENGINE HOSES, REBUILDING THE TRANSMISSION, FLUSHING ENGINE AND REPLACING FLUIDS AT A TOTAL COST OF $3047. THIS VEHICLE HAS HAD EXCEPTIONAL CARE AND ALL MAINTENANCE WAS PERFORMED ON SCHEDULE. THE VEHICLE, A SUV WAS NEVER USED OFF ROAD OR TO PULL A TRAILER, AND HAS 74000 MILES. THERE WAS NO WAY TO PREVENT THE PROBLEM AS THE COOLER IN INSIDE THE RADIATOR AND CANNOT BE SERVICED. THE RESULT OF THIS IS EARLY FAILURE OF THE TRANSMISSION AND THE NEED TO REPLACE SEVERAL ENGINE COMPONENTS THAT WERE IMPACTED. FORTUNATELY THIS WAS DETECTED BEFORE THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND CAUSED A BREAKDOWN OR ACCIDENT. OTHER INCIDENCES OF THIS SAME PROBLEM WERE NOTED UPON INTERNET RESEARCH. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-07-02
- VIN: 1GKEK63U72J
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WE HAD HEARD UNDER THE HOOD LOUD NOISE. MAINLY WHEN WE ACCELERATED THE VEHICLE. AFTER ASSESSING THE NOISE, WE FOUND THAT WE HAD A BROKEN TENSIONER AND IT WAS MAKING THE BELT WEAK. WE CALLED THE DEALER AND REPLACED THE BELT AND THE TENSIONER, FOR A TOTAL OF 3 TIMES. WE ALSO FOUND OUT THROUGH A GMC SOURCE THAT THIS WAS A COMMON THING FOR THIS TYPE OF VEHICLE DUE TO THE FACT THAT GMC HAD NOT PUT A FILTER ON THE COMPRESSOR AND IT WOULD CAUSE IT TO FAIL. IF THERE ARE NO COMPLAINTS THEN THEY WILL NOT DO A RECALL AND THIS SHOULD COST THE CONSUMER AT LEAST $1,500. LAST NIGHT AS MY HUSBAND FOLLOWED ME ON HIS BIKE, THE TENSIONER FAILED AGAIN AND IT THREW THE BELT BEHIND ME ALMOST HITTING MY HUSBAND IN THE HEAD. I CANT IMAGINE WHAT IT WOULD DO TO GLASS OR A PERSONS HEAD AT 65 MPH. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND UNTIL IT RESULTS IN A FATALITY, GMC WILL NOT RECALL THIS. I HAVE ALSO FOUND OUT THAT GMC WILL PAY A WRONGFUL DEATH LAWSUIT AS OPPOSED TO PAYING TO RECALL ALL OF THEIR "PROFESSIONAL GRADE" PRODUCTS. WHAT A SHAME. I REFUSE TO HAVE THIS BELT FLY OFF AND HIT SOMEONE RESULTING IN DEATH. THIS IS A HAZARD AND GMC SHOULD RECALL ALL OF THEM. SINCERELY, KIM BOGGS. *NM
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-07-31
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1GKEK63U52J
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DT: WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH THE CONSUMER WAS SIDE SWIPED AND KNOCKED INTO THE MEDIAN, IN WHICH THE SIDE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. UPDATED 12/27/05. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-08
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1GKEK63U52J
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: DT: THE OWNER TURNED LEFT IN TURNING LANE AND APPLIED THE BRAKES AND TRUCK KEPT ON . THE BRAKES HAD BEEN MASHED, AND THEY WOULD NOT STOP. THE BRAKES HAD WORKED UP TO THE POINT BEFORE THE WRECK. THE VEHICLE WAS CONSTANTLY SERVICED. OWNER'S VEHICLE HIT ANOTHER CAR, AND CREATED A THREE CAR PILE UP. THERE WAS ONE REPORTED INJURY FROM THIS INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE IS IN THE SHOP AT THIS POINT FOR REPAIRS.*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-08-01
- VIN: 1GKEK63U22J
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AND UPON EVERY STOP, THE CONSUMER WOULD HEAR NOISES COMING FROM THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE. TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALER. A FEW WEEKS LATER THE BRAKES FAILED, AND THE CALIPER SPLIT IN HALF. *NM THE NOISE HAD COME FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DUE TO BRAKE FAILURE. BRAKE FLUID WAS FLOWING OUT. THE TEETH WAS FOUND BROKEN OUT OF THE DISC BRAKE. THE 3/4 BY 3/4 INCH HIGH BRACKET EXPERIENCED A "HUMP" INSIDE OF IT WHICH MADE THE WHEEL WOBBLE. ALSO TWO OF THE 4 WHEEL ANTILOCK DISC BRAKES WERE NOT ON THE BACK WHEELS. *SC *JB
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-20
- VIN: 1GKFK66U02J
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE DRIVER HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT. THE VEHICLE JERKED AND VIBRATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *NM
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-07
- VIN: 2GTFK69U921
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: AT 34,000 MILES IT STARTED WITH A SQUEAKING NOISE UNDER THE TRUCK WHEN MOVING. DEALERSHIP COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. NOISE CONTINUED. INDIVIDUAL FOUND THAT THE "PLASTIC PARTS" USED IN THE UNIVERSAL JOINT WERE BROKEN UP INSIDE. REPLACEMENT PARTS CONSISTED OF THE SAME PLASTIC PARTS WHICH ARE IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT NOW AT 62,000 MILES. SERVICE DEPARTMENTS ARE NOT FULLY KNOWLEDGEABLE OF THE DENAHLI SYSTEM OR ITS PARTS AND SPEND MORE TIME ORDERING THE WRONG PARTS. ALSO THE ENGINE HAS CUT OUT ON ME WHILE DRIVING. LUCKLY I WAS TRAVELING AT LESS THAN 15 MILES AN HOUR. ON TOP OF EVERYTHING ELSE TODAY THE MUFFLER HAS A HOLE, THE SIZE OF A NICKLE, RUSTED OUT OF IT AND CONDENSATION WATER SHOOTING EVERYWHERE. THIS TRUCK HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT TROUBLE. HIGH PRICED TRUCK, LOW QUALITY PARTS. REPAIRS ARE IN THE PROCESS. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-07-28
- VIN: 2GTFK69U221
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: BOTH REAR TAILGATE STRAPS SNAPPED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-07-19
- VIN: 2GTFK69U221
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: UPON FIRST START-UP IN THE MORNING THE ENGINE TAPS FOR 10 TO15 SECONDS. THE LENGTH OF TIME AND NOISE LEVEL INCREASES WHEN THE VEHICLE SITS FOR TWO DAYS. IT IS PARKED ON LEVEL GROUND AND THE OIL LEVEL IS GOOD. IT SOUNDS TO ME LIKE A LIFTER IS LEAKING DOWN. SHORTLY AFTER VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, IT WAS BROUGHT BACK BECAUSE OF AN OIL LEAK. THE DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT DISC THAT THE FRONT DIFFERENTIAL CONNECTOR ON THE LEFT SIDE WAS WHERE THE OIL WAS ORIGINATING FROM AND CORRECTED THE LOOSE VENT CONNECTOR. THE DEALER SERVICE INVOICE DOESN'T STATE HOW MUCH FLUID WAS ADDED IF ANY. SERVICE ADVISOR DID NOT KNOW THE ANSWER. *LA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE OVERHEATING. DEALER WAS CONTACTED, AND STATED THAT IT WAS NORMAL. THIS HAS OCCURRED OVER FIVE TIMES. OVERHEATING UP TO OVER THE RED SIGN OF OVERHEATING. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, AND STATED THAT THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING.*AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-02-18
- Crash: 1
- VIN: FULLFILLL
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.*JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-14
- VIN: 2GTFK69U021
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE TAPS LOUDLY UPON STARTUP. THIS METALLIC TAPPING OCCURS AFTER OVERNIGHT PARKING AND ALSO IF SITTING FOR AN HOUR OR SO. WHEN DRIVING COLD ENGINE, VALVE CLATTER OCCURS BEFORE EACH SHIFT OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. EMAIL AND TELEPHONE CORRESPONDENCE WITH GM LEFT ME WITH THEIR OFFER TO PROVIDE EXTENDED WARRANTY ON ENGINE, OF WHICH I DECLINED. PART OF THEIR RESPONSE: WE APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW YOUR CONCERNS WITH YOUR 2002 GMC SIERRA DENALI. WE HAVE EXAMINED REQUEST NUMBER 1-60877406 IN WHICH YOUR ENGINE TAPPING NOISE IS DOCUMENTED WITH THE GMC CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE CENTER AND WE ARE IN AGREEMENT WITH THE POSITION PREVIOUSLY PROVIDED TO YOU. UNDER THE TERMS OF THE NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY, OUR PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY IS TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. SINCE THIS IS CONSIDERED A NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE, THERE IS NO REPAIR NECESSARY. WE ASSURE YOU THAT IT WILL NOT EFFECT THE DRIVABILITY OR SAFETY OF YOUR VEHICLE.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-10-30
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1GKFK66U02J
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: FRONT AXLE, WIRE HARNESS BURNT, WHEEL FENDER BURNT.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-08-23
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CONSUMER HAD TO HIT BRAKES SUDDENLY. REAR SEAT BELTS WERE INOPERATIVE. DIDN'T HOLD CHILD IN PLACE, CHILD LAUNCHED FORWARD, AS A RESULT OF SEATBELT LOOSENING UP INSTEAD OF TIGHTENING. *AK
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ENGINE CHECK LIGHT KEPT COMING ON, HAD VEHICLE CHECKED SEREVAL TIMES. DEALER FINALLY FOUND THAT WATER PUMP HAD BUSTED. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GKEK63062J
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: PASSENGER SEAT BELT LOCKS TIGHT AGAINST PASSENGER--YOU HAVE TO UNBUCKLE THE SEAT BELT IN ORDER TO MOVE FOR WHATEVER REASON
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1GKEK634725
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING UP AND DOWN A SMALL HILL, VEHICLE SWAYS AND STEERING SEEMS LOOSE, ALMOST CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL, DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK *TT
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-04-04
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: FRONT TURN SIGNALS (ABOVE BUMPER) ARE NOT VISIBLE IN DAYLIGHT BECAUSE THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS ARE TOO BRIGHT AND RIGHT NEXT TO TURN SIGNAL BULB (WORSE IF VIEWED ACROSS GRILLE) . NOT VISIBLE IN MIRRORS TO A VEHICLE IN FRONT. MY VEHICLE CHANGED LANES AT SAME TIME TO HER SUV AND SHE RAN OFF ROAD TO AVOID COLLISION. MY VEHICLE IS A TRUCK. NO IMPACT OF VEHICLES /NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED.. GM NEEDS TO LOWER WATTAGE OR AIM THEM DOWN SO THEY DONT BLIND OTHER MOTORISTS. THIS PROBLEM IS AGGRAVATED AT DUSK OR DAWN (THIS INCIDENT).*AK
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-05-01
- VIN: 1GKEK63U61J
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
- Summary: BRAKES CANNOT BE FIXED. EACH TIME CONSUMER TAKES VEHICLE TO DEALER, THEY TELL HER THAT NOTHING IS WRONG. BUT, YET SHE HEARS AIR WHEN APPLYING BRAKES.*AK
2002 Gmc Denali recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2002 Gmc Denali.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
- Summary: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REARWARD FOLDING HEAD RESTRAINTS ON THE SECOND ROW SEATS, TWO POTENTIAL PINCH POINTS EXIST ON EACH OF THE FOLDING HEAD RESTRAINTS WHEN THE RESTRAINTS ARE FOLDED REARWARD AS THE SEATBACK IS FOLDED DOWN.
- Consequence: IF A PERSON WERE TO INSERT THEIR FINGER(S) INTO THE PINCH POINT WHEN THE HEAD RESTRAINT FOLDS, IT COULD TRAP AND PINCH THE FINGER(S) CAUSING INJURY.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL PROTECTIVE COVERS OVER THE PINCH POINTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER 8, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OR CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006.
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