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2002 GMC Denali problems

The most common problem on the 2002 GMC Denali is engine and cooling, typically around 3,200 miles. It has 3.8 times the complaints of a typical Denali model year.

Typical year3.8x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
23
Recalls
1
Service bulletins
95
Worst area
Engine

The worst 2002 GMC Denali problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Engine
    6
  • Transmission
    5
  • Brakes
    4
  • Airbags
    2
  • Lights
    2

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    6
  • Transmission
    5
  • Brakes
    4
  • Airbags
    2
  • Lights
    2
  • Seat belts
    2
  • Steering
    2
  • Suspension
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Locks
    1

Recalls 1

Seats: front assembly: head restraintReported September 17, 2002 · 558,904 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 02V253000 · Recall details

See all 1 recalls for the 2002 GMC Denali

Defect investigations

Parking brake failureOpened December 20, 2005, closed May 31, 2006

Odi's review of complaint data received since the close of ea04-011 revealed no indication that the investigation should be re-opened.more details can be found in the federal register notice enclosed in the dp05-009 public file.odi reserves the right to reopen the investigation in the future should conditions warrant.

DP05009

Technical service bulletins for the 2002 GMC Denali 95

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 95 bulletins for the 2002 GMC Denali

What 2002 GMC Denali owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 1, 2009 · Engine, Transmission · 70,000 miles · WV

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.

Filed Apr 6, 2009 · Lights · SC

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?

Filed Apr 11, 2007 · Brakes · 31,843 miles · MO

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.

Filed Sep 15, 2006 · Suspension, Transmission · 77,600 miles · NC

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.

Filed Jul 16, 2006 · Transmission · 74,030 miles · KS

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.

Filed Jul 3, 2006 · Engine · 48,000 miles · KS

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.

Filed Nov 18, 2005 · Airbags · 25,000 miles · GA · crash · 2 injuries

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.

Filed Jun 13, 2005 · Brakes · 36,000 miles · MD · crash · 1 injury

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.

Filed Jun 2, 2005 · Body, Brakes · NY

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

Filed Jan 13, 2005 · Steering · 45,000 miles · FL

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.

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Questions about the 2002 GMC Denali

Is the 2002 GMC Denali reliable?

Owners have filed 23 complaints about the 2002 GMC Denali, 3.8 times a typical Denali model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 GMC Denali?

Engine and cooling, with 6 complaints, typically around 3,200 miles. Next is transmission (5).

How many recalls does the 2002 GMC Denali have?

1 recall, covering seats.

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